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WD-40 renews partnership with Habitat for Humanity

by | Feb 8, 2021 | 0 comments

WD-40 renews partnership with Habitat for Humanity

An ad image of the WD-40 and Habitat for Humanity fundraiser

BY MARK MAYNARD

Lift a hammer, lift a life with WD-40 as it partners with Habitat for Humanity International. For every 12-ounce can of WD-40 Smart Straw sold at participating Lowe’s Home Improvement stores, the San Diego-based maker of multi-purpose lubricants will donate 50 cents to the grassroots Christian housing organization.

The effort marks the second year in which WD-40 Brand is supporting Habitat for Humanity.

Through April 30, 2021, WD-40 will donate up to $50,000 to assist the global nonprofit housing group in creating safe and affordable housing.

A Place To Call Home

Having a place to call home means more now than ever — and WD-40 Brand is helping to make that happen for families across the globe, Erin Bala, director of brand management and innovation at WD-40 Co., said in a statement.

“WD-40 Company values making things better than they are today with its products and through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity,” said Bala. “Throughout the pandemic, Habitat for Humanity has continued to advocate for housing solutions that will allow more people to gain access to affordable housing and we’re proud to help the organization achieve its goals.”

The need for affordable housing has never been greater and the continued support of WD-40 Co. will help communities become stronger and more resilient, said Julie Laird Davis, VP of corporate and cause marketing partnerships at Habitat for Humanity International.

“In 2021, we will continue to support communities around the world by helping families build and improve their homes,” she said.

Lowe’s also has been a long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity, including the Women Build initiative and other programs and advocacy work. As a continuation of the partnership, 100 percent of all donations made through Lowe’s “Be the Change” campaign from January 2021 to March 31, 2021, will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International.

About WD-40 Brand

For nearly 70 years, WD-40 Multi-Use Product, America’s No. 1 multi-purpose lubricant, has helped users stop squeaks, remove grease and grime, penetrate stuck parts and displace moisture. And a line of specialist products consists of lubricants, penetrants, greases, cleaners and degreasers and rust-management solutions.

The WD-40 brand is also well-known for such products as 3-IN-ONE, X-14, 2000 Flushes, Carpet Fresh, Spot Shot and Lava soap.

Learn more about WD-40 Brand at wd40.com  and Habitat for Humanity at Habitat.org.

2022 Nissan Frontier Pickup Overview

by | Feb 4, 2021 | 0 comments

2022 Nissan Frontier Pickup Overview

Third-generation 2022 Nissan Frontier is about the same size as before and with a standard V-6 powertrain

A front view of the2022 Nissan Frontier

2022 Frontier midsize pickup has been completely redesigned and re-engineered. (Photos courtesy of Nissan)

By MARK MAYNARD

Nissan just released details today on the 2022 Pathfinder SUV and Frontier midsize pickup.

As said senior VP for Global Design for Nissan Motor Co. Alfonso Albaisa in the video presentation: “The Frontier has been around for a while.”

It had become the elder of midsize pickups, with the second-gen model on sale since 2005.

The interior of the new Frontier pickup

Standard Zero-gravity front seats.

The new Nissan Frontier is about the same size as before but a complete re-engineering with some exterior styling cues from Nissan’s full-size Titan pickup. Look for its “brutally vertical face” and interlocking-style grille.

It will debut with a simplified build order. There is one powertrain choice of a V-6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. As before, there will be rear- or four-wheel drive. And there will be two body-style configurations of King Cab and Crew cab, in short- or long-wheelbase lengths.

The AroundView camera system in the Nissan Frontier

The AroundView camera system includes an off-road front view.

Pricing was not announced today, but don’t expect it to be far off from the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, or Toyota Tacoma. Find Nissan pricing here.

Frontier fundamentals

An overhead view of the Frontier bed

King or Crew Cab body styles.

The driver area

With a digital dashboard.

Nissan Frontier Powertrain

  • 310-hp, direct-injected 3.8-liter V-6; 281-lb.-ft. torque;
  • 9-speed automatic transmission with 7-position drive mode, with tow mode;
  • 4WD with high and low gearing transfer case;
  • Top payload: 1,610 pounds – 2WD

The back seat Dimensions

  • Standard wheelbase (SWB): 210.2 in.;
  • Overall length: 210.2 in. SWB; 224.2-in, LWB;
  • Width: 73 in.

Bed

  • Length: 59.5 in. for SWB Crew Cab S/SV; 58.9 inches for PRO model; 73.3 in. – LWB Crew Cab and standard King Cab
  • Width: 61.4 in. (at C-Channel);
  • Depth: 19.4 in.

Trim levels

  • King Cab: S, SV – 2WD or 4WD;
  • Crew Cab: S, SV – 2WD or 4WD;
  • PRO-X (2WD only), PRO-4X (4WD only)
  • Crew Cab long wheelbase: SV 2WD, SV 4WD

Frame and suspension

  • Heavy-duty fully boxed ladder frame;
  • Double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers; overslung rear multi-leaf with a solid axle;
  • 6,720-lb. maximum tow capacity;
  • 16- or 17-inch wheel packages with tires sizes of 265/70R16, 265/65R17 or 265/70R17

Safety features

  • 8 airbags
  • Standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning;
  • Optional Traffic Sign Recognition and Nissan Safety Shield 360 on every trim

Other details

Around view monitor with an off-road front view; an optional 9-inch display screen; 4-liter center console capacity; Zero-gravity front seats; electric power steering; digital dashboard; head-up display; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional wireless versions.

A side view of the new Frontier

The new Nissan Frontier is about the same size as before.

Airstream Flying Cloud a Freewheeling Home Office

by | Feb 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Airstream Flying Cloud a Freewheeling Home Office

2021 Flying Cloud Office charts new course for travel lifestyle and work on the road

The Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office

Pricing for the Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office starts at $107,500. (Photos courtesy of Airstream)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Airstream, the iconic maker of the so-called “silver bullet” travel trailers, had circled its wagons during the coronavirus pandemic, which shifted the entire travel landscape.

Spurred by feedback from owners already working remotely from the comfort of their RV, Airstream rethought the traditional floor plan for one of its most popular travel trailers, the Flying Cloud, introduced in 1949.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office space

Three windows in the office provide maximum light and views. 

The re-imagined format was just announced for the Flying Cloud 30FB Office. The rear corner sleeping area was redesigned as a dedicated office space for a “work from anywhere” option.

The 30FB Office is made for charting a course into the new reality of how we play, work, learn and live while traveling, Bob Wheeler, Airstream President and CEO, said in a statement.

Sliding drawers and storage cubbies provide organization. A pop-up USB/AC power outlet is supported by the 1000-watt inverter.

“We know that the work landscape will forever be changed by the pandemic,” said Wheeler. “We learned a lot — not only about the necessity of connectivity and options for increased power, but about the joy of closing your laptop and stepping out onto the trail.”

The dedicated workspace includes a supportive office chair that slides into a recessed groove on the edge of the desk. The space can easily convert into a sleeping or relaxing area for one, as needed. Sliding drawers and storage cubbies provide organization, while a privacy divider and black-out curtains provide a measure of privacy while doing video calls on the road.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office with black-out curtains

Black out-curtains and a privacy divider provide a muted video environment.

And the Flying Cloud 30FB Office preserves all the amenities and refinement expected of an Airstream. It retains a queen bed, plus a bench and convertible dinette, providing sleeping space for up to six.

Three windows give the office space a nearly panoramic view, while blackout curtains allow users to control light for video calls, or even block the window views for better concentration.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office bathroom

The bathroom includes a shower, sink and toilet.

Standard features, such as Airstream Connected are pre-wired for easy bundling of dealer-installed upgrades, like Airstream Power Plus and the Solar Package, for owners to stay connected — and stay off the grid and working for longer.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office main living area

The 30-foot-long Flying Cloud has an interior height of 6 feet, 7.5 inches.

Floor plan innovations include:

  • Desk with sliding drawer storage and additional storage cubbies;
  • An office chair that i secured with a strap during travel;
  • Several USB ports are located throughout the desk area;
  • Pop-up USB/AC outlet supported by the 1000-watt power inverter;
  • Pull-out table for more workspace and it slides out of sight when not in use;
  • Access to the satellite TV/HDMI outlets from onboard Blu-Ray DVD player;
  • Privacy divider;
  • Two desk grommets for organizing cables or mounting monitors;
  • Overhead storage cabinets with dry-erase surfaces and under-mount LED lights.

The queen-size bed has a memory foam mattress.

The Flying Cloud has evolved since its introduction in 1949, but it’s always been a popular option for families and couples, Justin Humphreys, Airstream VP of Sales said in the statement.

“This new unit makes a small change to an already excellent floor plan, and it transforms the way you can use your Airstream,” Humphreys said. “It gives you even more flexibility to get outdoors, spend time with family and stay connected to your work.”

The dinette can be converted to a sleep space, allowing up to six for overnights.

The Flying Cloud 30FB Office has a base weight of 6,757 pounds and a maximum trailer capacity (GVWR) of 8,800 pounds. The trailer is intended to be pulled by a range of SUVs and pickups, Airstream says.

Pricing starts at $107,500.

Airstream Flying Cloud Specifications

Exterior length: 30 feet, 10 inches

Exterior width: 8 feet, 5.5 inches

Interior width: 8 feet, 1 inch

Exterior Height with A/C: 9 feet, 9 inches Interior Height with A/C: 6 feet, 7.5 inches

Fresh-water tank: 52 gallons

Gray-water tank: 42 gallons

Black-water tank: 35 gallons

Refrigerator: 2-way, 8 cubic feet

Oven: LP gas

Information: Airstream.com.