Truck accessories can really take your truck to the next level in terms of functionality, performance, and comfort. These days, you almost don’t want to buy a truck without getting some of the most common accessories included.
But which accessories are the most important for your truck? That’s ultimately up to you, but most truck owners consider these five accessories to be deal breakers when it comes to buying a truck.
1) Bed Liner
If you’ve ever owned a truck without a bed liner, you know how quickly the unlined bed of a truck can get scratched up. Those nicks and gouges make your truck bed look terrible, to be sure, but that’s not the only reason you want to protect your truck bed. Damage to the paint in the truck bed can cause rust to bloom on the body of your truck, and could significantly shorten the life of your vehicle.
Spray-in bed liners are the best bet. Since they’re customized to each truck, they always fit perfectly. They’re watertight so you don’t have to worry about moisture getting in under the bed liner and causing corrosion. Plus, they last a lot longer than drop-in bed liners.
2) Bed Cover
The ability to haul a large, heavy load is probably the biggest benefit to having a truck, but it can be difficult to protect an uncovered load from the elements. Not to mention, there’s also thieves to worry about.
A bed cover can protect your load, keeping away moisture as well as thieves. Tonneau covers that fold up or retract are the easiest to use – you can fold or retract them easily when you want to load up your truck, and you can even get electric models that retract automatically at the touch of a button. Aluminum covers are the strongest and most secure, which should be a consideration if you’re concerned about thieves rifling through your truck contents. Make sure you get a bed cover that locks for maximum security.
3) Running Boards
Only the very tall can climb into most trucks without the aid of a running board or truck side step. A running board or side step is pretty much a necessity on any large truck, especially if you have children or elderly family members who may need extra help getting in and out of a truck. Truck running boards are fairly easy to attach yourself, but it shouldn’t be too expensive to have them installed. Whether you do it yourself or hire a mechanic, you should make sure you’ve got the type of running boards that attach directly to the frame of the vehicle. These are sturdier and can hold more weight than the kind that just attach to the truck body.
4) Backup Camera
Any new truck or car manufactured for sale in the U.S. after May 2018 is required to have a backup camera for safety. If you’re buying a used truck that’s a little bit older than that, though, you might have to have a backup camera installed.
The good news is that you can have a backup camera installed in any truck, no matter how old it is. Wireless backup cameras are available with large screens that attach to your dash or to your rear-view mirror. If your truck is new enough to have a center screen in the dash, you can have a backup camera connected to the center screen so it functions just as it would if it came factory standard with the truck. Basic backup cameras are affordable, but for a little more money, you can get one with additional features, like a larger viewing screen and tow assist to help you hitch up to trailers and boats.
5) Tow Hitch
A tow hitch is a must if you plan to do any towing at all. Even if you don’t intend to tow anything, having a tow hitch installed can bump up the resale value of your truck.
Tow hitches are regulated, and each tow hitch on the market should be clearly labeled with the information users need to know, including how much weight the tow hitch is rated to pull. You shouldn’t install a tow hitch yourself unless you know what you’re doing, but it shouldn’t take long for a mechanic to install one for you. A fully installed tow package should cost about $400 to $600.
If you’re buying a truck, you need to make sure you get the right accessories. Truck accessories aren’t just for fun – they can make a huge difference to the functionality and comfort of your truck. Get the right truck accessories for your lifestyle, so you can get everything you need out of your truck.
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