Sac AZN On the EDGE

Have never used them, I've found real snow tires to be more than capable of making it through any Canadian winter (too many to count now LOL) that I've faced. Snow chains are old technology that went out years ago. Sorry, that's not much help I know, and for occasional use as the park wardens want, I guess they kinda make sense. Just that "part time snow" has nothing to do with our kind of winters, or for most who decide to go with dedicated snow tires to begin with .

Thanks for your thoughts Scorpio. Buying snow tires is probably more work and cost than necessary for an occasional trip to (or through) the snow. Just curious, what snow tires do you use? Size?

Thanks!

Wow.... no one has any thoughts on this? I can't believe that none of you on this forum doesn't have any experience with snow chains/tires that they can share here. I know from reading posts in this forum that many of you drive through snow... and I'm sure lots more snow than I'll be encountering anytime soon. My trip is in two weeks, your thoughts please!

Thanks

Hi All,

I will be going on a trip to Yosemite soon and I found out that even if you have All Wheel Drive, Four Wheel Drive or snow tires, if chain controls are in effect there you MUST have chains/cables in your possession otherwise the Park Rangers will not allow you to travel through.

So my question for those in the know is this... what do you use or recommend for ocassional travel through snow & ice?

I don't want to pay more than ~$200 a pair if I can help it.

Does anyone have experience with or have knowledge about the Sno Claws by Flex-Trax? http://www.advancedtractionsystems.com/index.html

My tire size is P245/50/R20 and I know they have a model to fit (Sno Claw model # T-33-6-1 for ~$150).

Or maybe these: Security Chain Company Super Z6, SZ435 http://www.amazon.com/Security-Chain-Company-SZ435-Pickups/dp/B000HZDFVY

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

~Sac Azn

If it's that occasional, just stay home until the roads clear.

Here in Atlanta, the whole city is paralyzed if you even say the "S-word." Grocery stores sell out of bread, eggs, and milk almost instantly. I guess Atlantans eat more french toast than I ever realized.

lol, I am a warm weather lover more so than the snow, but I promised my girlfriend that I would take her to Yosemite for Christmas. There, the Park Rangers insist that it is mandatory that chains be in your possession, even if you have a 4x4 and snow tires. Hah, I was thinking well then, I'll just have an empty box and flash that to the rangers, but then it would be just my luck that they make me show them the chains... or put them on.

At least when I go to Lake Tahoe, you can get away with chains if you have 4x4, all wheel drive or snow tires.

Thule K-Summit

Thanks, but OMG.... $450-$500 a pair! I guess I didn't mention that I live in California and travel through snow only a couple of times a year. And even then, chains are not always required. I do like the Thule K-Summit though. Looks so easy to put on! But will the wheels be safe from damage, or will I need to find a way to protect them?

Anyone ever check out chain alternatives like these: http://www.flextrax.com/default.htm ? These are under $200 a pair.

Or maybe Security Chain Company Super Z6, SZ435, Cable Chain for Pickups & SUVs? Only ~ $100 and a lot easier to justify for occasional use.

~SAC

OUCH! And I thought the damage to my wheels were bad! Glad that everyone is OK, but I'm heartbroken for you and your Edge.

By chance, do you (or anyone else) have any recommendations for snow chains/cables for our Edge (20" wheels)?

Thanks,

~SAC

http://www.americanpvd.com/

Ohhhh! Thanks cal3thousand!

Peel that crap off and PVD 'em.

errr, excuse my ignorance, but what do you mean by "PVD" them?

Not unless some company (or Ford themselves) decides to manufacture "hub caps" that would fit.

 

(unfortunately) My best piece of advice is Plasti Dip 'em and rock the blacked out look.

Noooooooo :nonono: ! My beautiful (but fake) chrome wheels can't be fixed?!?!? Somebody say it ain't so !

So is it possible to fix the wheels?

Yeah, I wasn't paying attention and parked too close to the curb and raised a small rash (about 6 inches) on each of my passenger side wheels :heartbreaker:

What can I do to get them repaired?

Thanks guys!

~Sac

Canuck,

My package of goodies just arrived from DI yesterday and I wanted to wash my MF towels with the solution I bought for them, but then it dawned on me... How do I use it? Do I just add the solution into the detergent section of my washer alone or with detergent too? Or maybe I add the MF cleaning solution to the pre-wash section? What do you suggest/

Thanks!

~Sac

Well done, that's a great list of products!

Yup :yup: , thanks to you!

That's awesome Sac! What did you end up purchasing from DI? Btw, George whom is the owner of DI, is absolutely fantastic to deal with. I used to get all of my supplies from him until he stopped shipping to Canada.

Now why in the world would he stop shipping to Canada?

Here is the list of goodies I bought:

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Product Quantity Total Cost

---------------------------------------------------------------------

303 Aerospace Protectant - 16 oz 1 $9.74

Chemical Guys Maxi Suds II - 128 oz 1 $19.49

Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash Cleaning Deterg - 16 oz 1 $6.74

DI Accessories Sheepskin Wash Mitt 1 $7.49

DI Accessories Trigger Spray Bottle - 22 oz 1 $3.74

DI Microfiber Ultra Plush Two Sided Towel - 16" x 16" 4 $17.97

Grit Guard Grit Guard Insert - BLUE 1 $7.49

Lake Country Blue Grout Sponge 1 $4.49

Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Sealant - 16 oz 1 $22.49

Poorboy's World Bold 'n Bright Tire Gel - 16 oz 1 $9.74

Poorboy's World Natty's Red Paste Wax - 8 oz 1 $14.99

Poorboy's World Spray & Wipe (S&W) - 128 oz 1 $24.74

Stoner Invisible Glass - 19 oz 1 $4.49

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Subtotal: $153.60

Shipping: $0.00

Tax: $0.00

Total: $153.60

----------------------------------------------------------------

Mind you, these prices reflect the 25% off from DI's coupon code.

Now to wait for the right weekend with the right temperature to detail my Edge!

~Sac

Thanks to CanuckG35 and all the other people here,

I just pulled the trigger on my first purchase of some REAL cleaning products for my car! I was initially reluctant to make the purchase because I have never spent so much on cleaning products for my car before (my shopping cart was worth just north of $200, which I guess is just "entry level for the pros!), anyway what helped push me over the edge (excuse the pun) and make the purchase was Detailed Image has a sale going on. If you use coupon code "Early25" by midnight (EST) on 11/7/11 you can get 25% off of your entire purchase (no minimum required)! Sorry for the late post on this, but I just made it myself last night,

But fret not, for those that still need to buy stuff from Detailed Image, their sale continues until tomorrow (but at less of a discount). Use code "Early20" for 20% off your purchase until midnight tonight or "Early15" for 15% off for purchases on 11/9/11 up till midnight (EST).

Shipping is free and I am expecting my package by next week Tuesday. I am looking forward in putting that deep, glossy, "wet" shine on my Edge's finish!

Thanks all!

~Sac AZN

I agree the newer paint is more susceptible to rock chips on the front edges - I was really saying there's no need to cover the doors, quarter panels, etc. because they're not likely to get rock chips.

Hi akirby,

You are right, no damage likely from rock chips, but I have seen several photos of examples were the PPF has protected the car from key scratches (from vandals) or even minor run ins with wayward grocery carts or even the occasional dings from careless people opening their car door and dinging the car next to it. There was even a photo of a bumper that collided with a pole, the bumper was severely marred by the paint from the pole, but when the PPF was removed there was no damage visible on the bumper.

~Sac AZN

hmmmm, you guys are probably right and covering the entire car is overkill. I guess my looking back to my old cars and how many times the door panels have been dinged by a rouge grocery cart in the parking lot, or an over enthusiastic child jumping out of their car parked next to mine and flinging their car door open or a knee to waist high garden gnome or fire hydrant suddenly appearing out of no where and attacking my bumper, even the crazy "drunk" that thinks opening his house door by trying to place his key into a quarter panel of my car (ok, so its not a drunk, rather some kook bent on pissing people off by keying cars along the way) has me paranoid.

But that's the point of PPF, right? To PROTECT the paint from things like that as well as potential rock chips. I just wish they had some kind of film for my windshield! OK, I'm partly kidding there, but I have gone through many windshields over the million miles I've driven.

~Sac AZN

I'm curious to know what the professional detailers feel about PPF (paint protection film) like "Clear-Bra" and similar products. I have a Platinum White Edge and am concerned about any section of my car covered by it yellowing (over time) and how obvious it will become on the parts of the car that does not have the PPF on it. I think PPF makes good sense because it protects my car's finish, but is it worth the cost (I plan to have it professionally applied as opposed to DIY)? I have estimates to have most of my car protected for between $3700-$4200 (covers complete front bumper, FULL hood, both outside mirris, all FOUR doors, complete rear bumper, headlights and fenders).

Should I still need to be as meticulous with washing the car as I would without the PPF? Would the products you recommend for a car with PPF be any different?

I apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section, but I do want to get the opinions from the pros.

Thanks guys, I am amazed at the level of knowledge and patience you share on this forum.

~Sac AZN

Shane, we should really have a phone conversation about Duragloss. Their products are inexpensive, and work amazingly well. The owners are the most down to earth people you could ever meet and are both PHD Chemists. Eshine had DG 501 for 50% off a few weeks ago too. Here are just a few of their products you really, really should try:

DG 105 sealant

DG 601 Polish Bonding Agent

DG 951 Aquawax

DG 671 Swirl Remover (an amazing All in One product)

DG 501 (it is listed as a Marine Polish, but it's an amazing paint cleaner, not quite as strong correction as 671 but has great protection all on its own too)

DG 901 soap

 

Try those and you will be in love with the DG line. Honest to God, anyone I have ever sent their way has fallen in love with their line. I have stuck with it for years for a reason: it works well and is very reasonably priced! PM me for my phone # if you want to yack.

Hi Richy,

Are the items you suggested compatible with using on PPF (Clear-Bra type material)? Would I need to use as many (or more), or maybe just different products on that? Does it matter what brand of PPF I have or would that be pretty much all the same?

Thanks!

~M

Don't want to jump CanuckG35's answer, but with such a new car you might not need much of a polish. If Claybar is necessary, than a light polish might be in order after to take car of micro marring.

 

 

Unless you have lots of marring, I would Wash and Spot clay, dry, polish as necessary, then seal. If you don't want to use a sealant, you can glaze and wax or just wax.

Thanks cal3thousand.

The finish on my car still looks like I just got it from the showroom floor, so I guess I can easily skip the initial steps.But do you know what the compound & glaze is all about? If the car's finish is still in pretty decent shape and I have already put on an initial sealant (dealership), should I just wait another year or so before doing it again?

~SacAZN

Hi CanuckG35,

I have been trying to find a reputable professional detailer to perform this magic on my new 2011 Platinum White Edge Limited and I have noticed that most of them does all the work in ONE day (generally 6-8 hours). That said, you have said that the order of detailing should be 1) WASH, 2) DRY, 3) CLAY, 4) POLISH and 5) SEAL. however some of the detailers I have been looking at does it like this" 1) Clay, 2) Compound (if needed), 3) Polish, 4) Glaze, 5) Paint Sealant, 6) Carnuba wax.

What is the compound & glaze part of the job entail? Also, if I recollect properly, you recommend that the car be allowed to sit for 24 hours before the final procedure is done. How will skipping that part and doing it all in one day effect the final finish?

Lastly, what is a fair price range to detail a vehicle like our Edge?

Thanks so much for your invaluable information!

Sac AZN

That looks like a pretty good rack, but I've never heard of that company.

 

From what I've been told, the swing-aways are better for trucks with beds as they get completely out of the way of a downward folding tailgate. With an upward folding gate, the swing-away will still work, but if you are in a tight parking space or a carport, you may have clearance issues swinging it out.

 

Having said that, this rack seems to articulate, solving that issue mostly. I say this because the Edge doesn't need too much room to open the gate due to it's good pivot point.

 

If you haven't seen it yet, check out the review I did for another rack I bought: Inno Bike Rack

 

It touches on some points that might be worth it for you to think about including tailgate contact and hitch mounting and wobble and visibility.

 

 

BTW, you need a 2" hitch rack if you have the factory Class II Tow Pkg.

 

Do you have the dimensions on this thing? It seems like the bike will be fairly close to the car on this rack.

 

 

 

EDIT: just thought about something else, if you are planning to store it somewhere while not in use, make sure you have room for it (unless it folds up smaller)

 

and it looks like this rack might not have anti-sway strapping to keep the bikes from moving and contacting each other.

 

do the arms fold down?

I believe that the arms are REMOVABLE. Personally I like the idea of folding arms, but oh well.... You also bring up another good point, STORAGE of the rack when not in use! My garage looks almost as bad as those "hoarders" depicted on the Discovery channel! So where I plan to put the darn thing when not in use is a good question! I think I smell a Garage Sale happening in the near future....

Another question for you regarding security.... how does your bike rack prevent a thief from removing the rack from the hitch?

Just read some of the Amazon reviews and saw one that would get me to do more research:

 

My boyfriend loves this bike rack so much more than the latch on he had. His only complaint is that the bikes are really close together on the rack if you have 3 or 4.

 

However my complaints are long...

 

My first complaint is it is very hard to fit a girls or woman's style bike on this rack, it takes extra effort to get it on where the men's style just glides right on. My second complaint is with a 4 bike load it makes it top heavy and the whole thing hits on the street. We drove from Colorado to Oregon with 2 bikes on it and it was still heavy enough to hit in driveways and such unless you drive though them at an angle, which is sometimes impossible to do. I do love that it attaches to the hitch and it swings out so you can still open the back of the car. But even that is a pain, because the heaviness of the bikes you can't unscrew the knob to let it swing out. You literally have to push the bikes back and hold them to take the weight off so you can unscrew it to swing out. I can't do that on my own, which is very inconvenient.

I also noticed that a 4 bike version of my 3 Bike rack is going for nearly $300 and the 2 Bike version is $260! I would highly recommend the one I got and it should be at REI's outlet for $160 still.

Thanks cal3thousand!

You and I must have been reading the reviews at the same time! Your review of the bike rack you purchased is very comprehensive. But I am wondering, is it necessary to fold down your rack (even just the 5-10 degrees) or will the cargo gate still open? Also regarding securing the bikes with the locking cable, do you think it is good enough for the job? Is the cable included with the rack?

Man, thanks for tipping me off to the fact that its a 2" receiver hitch.... I was getting ready to order the smaller one! That said, there is an REI near where I live, I think I'll pay them a visit this weekend to check out the rack you recommend!

Thanks,

~M

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has any additional information on this bike carrier I am interested in (more than what is already contained in the description). It is the Heininger 2250 Advantage Sportsrack glideAWAY and can be seen at this link: http://www.bestpricebuygardenhose.com/heininger-2250-advantage-1-25

Having never used my Edge's tow package, let alone a receiver hitch, I am not sure what size hitch I would need and if I would need anything else to mount this rack to the Edge. I like the design and the fact that the Cargo door can still easily be opened all the way by simply gliding the rack out of the way. Do any of you see a problem with this design that I'm not aware of?

For under $200, seems like a pretty decent bike rack option!

Thanks in advance for any constructive comments.

I have a 2011 Edge SEL, thought it had a built in alarm but found it does not, just keyless entry.. Anybody had one installed after the purchase through the dealer for use with the keyless entry?

The dealer installed an alarm in my 2011 Edge Limited. When I picked up my car, I discovered it was the "basic" alarm system. I need to schedule an appointment to have that corrected. What are you interested in about it? When I have the work done I can fill you in.

Like what Imac2190 said, I believe that it is because your climate control is set to automatic (auto). Mine is set that way and when the car is turned on the fans immediately come on too, blowing warm or cool air (depending on the ambient temperature). After a few minutes of driving and the car can sense your interior's temperature, the fan speed (and temp) quickly adjusts accordingly. It has been pretty warm here in Sacramento so my system blows out fast and cool air. But during the mornings and I am driving out of the garage, even though the fan comes on and starts blowing air, it quickly slows down since the temperature difference is negligible. I have my temperature set at 72 degrees (F).