Pickup trucks are all about functionality. They’re workhorses that go beyond any SUV or sedan. Therefore, it is important to invest in the right accessories for pickup trucks that add to its performance and increase its longevity. Also, as any motor enthusiast will tell you, the joy in owning a pickup truck comes mainly from the cool customizations that can be added.
This article lists six awesome accessories for pickup trucks that will make your ride all the more satisfying.
1. Running boards
While larger and higher-riding pickups are useful for gravelly roads with more obstacles, it can be quite a challenge for more petite passengers to climb up into the pickup truck. Adding a running board would make access more convenient and comfortable.
Remember to select boards that attach to the frame of your truck and not underneath the body as they are much sturdier. Also, be wary of chrome running boards as they have a high risk of corrosion. You can also invest in articulated running boards that activate automatically once the door of the truck opens. These spring up from underneath the pickup truck and extend as much as six inches. However, they can be slightly expensive.
2. Bedliner
Nowadays, truck manufacturers add bed liners to the set of in-built accessories for pickup trucks. If not already present, you can install one separately. Bedliners are a thin sheet of plastic that covers the bed area of the pickup truck. It helps prevent scratches, dents, and stains caused by the heavy cargo the pickup truck usually hauls. Moreover, it gives traction, preventing you from slipping if you’re standing inside the truck. Bedliners can be either the spray-in type or the drop-in kind.
3. Tonneau covers
While an open-bed space is useful for hauling larger cargo, it’s good to have a tonneau cover to protect it. Tonneau covers can be the folding type or the roll-away type. The folding-type tonneau covers might get in the way while loading or unloading vehicles. Whereas the roll-away covers connect to the electrical system and can be easily locked or opened with the help of a key fob.
4. Toolbox
Locking tool boxes come in various sizes and are usually attached to the bed of your vehicle. One of the most practical accessories for pickup trucks, they store away all your tools in a single, safe place. Powder-coated steel tool boxes offer better protection from rust and corrosion, while a diamond-plate tool box gives you better traction if you were to stand on it.
5. Lights
When it comes to accessories for pickup trucks, lighting cannot be ignored. As pickup trucks are often driven day and night, and sometimes in really foggy weather, it is best to install some LED lights. Running lights help improve visibility, and adding a high-mounted light in the back of the truck can help you keep a check in the darkness.
6. Tie downs
Tie downs are accessories for pickup trucks that prevent the larger cargo from getting displaced. They are made with fabric of industrial-grade strength and attach to tie-down hooks that are near the bed of the truck. Tie-downs contain ratchets that allow them to tighten, thereby securing your cargo.