MiniTruckCanada.com asked Carson from CarsonExports which insurance companies he’s been able to work with. Here’s his list:

• Aviva
• RBC
• ICPEI
• Co-operators
• The Personal
• Facility underwriters
• Axa

Getting insurance depends a lot on who you talk to on the phone. If you have other companies that you know offer insurance for right hand drive minitrucks and minivans, please let us know.

Click on the links below to see some of the variations available in new Mini Trucks:

SUZUKI CARRY LWB SWB Dump Refrigerated & Freezer Lift Bike Carrier Cab Chassis
DAIHATSU HIJET Truck Dump Lift Refrigerated & Freezer Delivery
HONDA ACTY Truck Dump Lift Refrigerated & Freezer
MITSUBISHI MINICAB Truck Silver Refrigerated Freezer Dump Lift Roar
SUBARU SAMBAR Full Lineup

Even if you’re looking for a used Mini Truck these variations might give you some ideas for customizations of your own truck.

Kevin from Saskatchewan writes to us:

“I am a die hard Saskatchewan Roughrider fan and have done up my 92 Daihatsu to show my Rider Pride!”

For just $24.99 (gasoline engines) you will receive up to 5L of oil, oil filter and change, tire rotation, Fluid top off (brakes, coolant, PS and washer fluid) and a FREE 50 pt mechanical inspection. Price for diesel engines is $44.99 and includes up to 7L of oil. Conditions on oil apply.

If you are not a member of our newsletter and wish to receive the promotional coupon for this deal, please send your email to matt@rightdrive.ca.

Offer ends September 30, 2010.

But wait, there’s more! We are also giving away VIP tickets to Importfest 2010 to qualified buyers. All you have to do is book an oil change between now and September 5th and you are automatically entered. Winners will be chosen at random and will receive an additional ticket for a friend!

Expected delivery date: April 2010

Photo courtesy of Wheels.ca

Our friends at Right Drive were featured in “Driving on the other side of the vehicle” in the Dec 17, 2009 edition of The Toronto Star’s Wheels section.

Mark Toljagic talks about how imported vehicles from Japan are filling the needs of some Canadians faced with limited domestic options. He also discusses some of the issues surrounding the temporary banning of RHD vehicles in Quebec.

Read the entire story at Wheels.ca.

Hondas and Subarus tend to do better in the snow because the rear placement of their engines helps with weight distribution and traction of the rear wheels. Those with Suzukis and Mitsubishis may benefit from loading sand bags, patio stones, cement mix etc. in the bed over the rear axle.

If you’re driving with a load of lumber, firewood or a deer from a hunting excursion, there shouldn’t be any issue.

Please share with all of us what YOU do to help with heavy winter conditions.
Click here to share your tips.

You should always continue regular maintenance of all mechanical and electrical systems of your MiniTruck. But now is the time to check if you have any existing problems. If you do have any issues, it’s only going to get worse with cold weather.

Following is a list of items to check as you are winterizing your MiniTruck.

Protect against rust

If you haven’t already, get your MiniTruck undercoated and rust-proofed or do it yourself. They don’t use salt in Japan so driving in Canada without undercoating and rust-proofing will produce rust quickly.

I’ve used Krown products in the past and seem to be doing their job well. You can do it yourself, or Krown can do it for around $120.

Maintain visibility

Replace the windshield wiper blades if there is damage. You won’t be able to replace just the rubber part of the blade because the size is slightly different than standard North American blades. You’ll need to buy the whole blade, but luckily you can pick new ones up for around $8 ~ $12 from Canadian Tire.

If you bought your MiniTruck in the last year, it may still have summer washer fluid (or in many cases just plain water). Stock up on winter-grade windshield washer fluid and top the washer tank off regularly.

Make sure you keep a snow brush and an ice scraper in the cab.

Cold starts

Clean the battery terminal ends and add distilled water if needed.  Make sure it can hold a proper charge.

If your MiniTruck has a battery that’s older than five years, you’ll probably want to replace it.

Read more about keeping your battery charged during winter here.

A/C

If your MiniTruck has air conditioning, run it at least once a month. The freon lubricates the compressor.

Tip: Running the A/C will speed up window defogging.

Winter traction

Check the air pressure of your tires. Don’t forget the spare.

Make sure you have enough tread depth. If it’s less than 3/16″, it’s time for new tires.

Changing your all-seasons for proper snow tires would be best.

Winter comfort and safety

Check that all lights, heater and defroster are functioning properly. (On some MiniTrucks, the dash vents only blow cold air. Heat only comes from the defroster and floor vents.)

Keep the gas tank as full as possible to prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines. Keep a bottle of gas line anti-freeze.

Check your brakes if you haven’t done so in the last six months.

If you have other tips that MiniTruck owners would find useful, please share below. Thanks.