There's never a good time for a battery to fail, and modern batteries usually don't give us any warning that they're on the way out. No one wants to be stranded, so when the battery finally goes you'll probably want to install a replacement asap. Learn a few battery facts now, to help you make buying and installation decisions before you're scrambling to get the truck running again.

Full size trucks seem to get all the attention lately, but there are still some good (often overlooked) compact pickup trucks on the market. Nissan has been selling small trucks in the U.S. for over 50 years. I used a 1973 Datsun (the name they chose for the U.S. market back then) in the late 1970s as a shop truck, and while it had none of the modern comforts and frills found on today's pickups, I was amazed at how much fun it was, what it could haul and the beating it could take. Nissan has done a pretty good job of changing with the times, offering the first long bed in a compact truck, the first King Cab in a compact and the first 4-door in a compact. The automaker seems committed to the market and trying to build the kind of truck its customers are looking for.

2011 Nissan Frontier 4x4 Truck Review
Pictures of the 2011 Nissan Frontier Truck

_{Photo © Jason Fogelson}

Toyota is recalling about 51,000 Tundra pickup trucks to inspect the rear drive shaft. Some 2011 Tundra trucks may be fitted with a slip yoke that wasn't properly casted, resulting in a part that's weak and prone to breakage. One failure has occurred, prompting Toyota to bring in all Tundras that could have components associated with the production lot number of the failed part. If your truck is at risk, Toyota might need to replace the rear drive shaft.

Toyota will send out recall letters in May.

More Information
Toyota Customer Experience Center: 1-800-331-4331

I installed a RETRAX retractable bed cover on my 1997 Ford F-150 pickup several years ago. After I sold the truck, I sure missed that cover, and must have talked it up enough, because my wife ordered a replacement for the new pickup. I'm still not sure if she missed the cover too, or if she just didn't want to hear about it anymore.

Installation steps can vary a little depending on your truck bed, but you'll find you don't need much mechanical expertise to install the cover. RETRAX has developed some newer models since my latest cover was installed, but the review and photos still offer a good preview of the product.