Truck accessories can really improve the functionality of your truck, and make it more comfortable and easier to use at the same time. Every truck owner needs to kit out their truck with at least some accessories, to maximize the usefulness of their vehicle. But what accessories do you need?
Some truck accessories, like running boards and bed liners, can be useful for every truck owner. However, others, like tool boxes or bed extenders, might only be useful to those who use their trucks for work, or haul a lot of large cargo. The right accessories for your truck will depend on how you use the vehicle. Here are some of the most popular and most useful truck accessories, and who should use them.
Bed Extenders
A truck bed extender can sure come in handy when you’ve got a large load to haul. You can get bed extenders that fold down over your lowered tailgate to add two or three feet to your cargo space. You can buy bed extenders that attach to your tow hitch and create support for hauling long items, like kayaks, long pieces of PVC pipe, or lumber. You can even buy bed extenders that attach above the bed, giving you more vertical cargo space. Get a bed extender if you haul large loads often, or if you have a crew cab truck with a short bed.
Running Boards
Unless you’re really tall, you’ll need running boards just to be able to climb up into your truck easily. Your passengers will appreciate them too – especially your smaller passengers. Get the kind of running boards that attach to the truck frame – those are sturdier and will hold more weight than running boards that attach to the truck body. If you have more money to spend on something really nice, you can get electronic running boards that fold out when you open the door of your truck.
Tow Kit
If you plan to tow anything at all, you’ll definitely need a tow kit. Even if you don’t plan to do any towing, consider installing a tow kit anyway – it’ll come in handy if you decide you do need to tow something, of course, but it can also make a truck easier to resell when you’re ready to upgrade to a newer vehicle. Tow hitches are regulated, so any tow kit you buy should be clearly labeled with its strength and tow capacity. Whether or not you decide to buy a tow kit, grab some tow straps – they’ll be useful if you ever need to pull someone out of a ditch, for example.
Tool Boxes
If you use your truck for work or simply like to keep your tools handy, you need a locking tool box in the bed of your truck to keep them organized and safe. You can buy large locking tool boxes that extend across the entire width of the bed, or you can get smaller ones that fit snugly along the wall of the truck bed, even arching up over the wheel well to make the most of the available space.
Maybe you have other, smaller valuables that you want to keep safe in your truck but don’t necessarily want to throw into a tool box with all your tools and truck parts. Buy a locking console box to put into the center console inside your truck’s cab. That way, you can lock up your phone, wallet, jewelry, and other valuables you may have with you on the road.
Bed Liner
A bed liner is one of those accessories that you simply mustn’t do without. Not having a bed liner means that everything you toss into your truck bed will scratch the paint, leaving your truck body vulnerable to rust. A bed liner also protects against dents and cracks in the truck bed.
You should get a spray-in liner – they’re preferable because they don’t allow moisture, debris, and dirt to get under the bed liner, like a drop-in liner can. They’re also the sturdiest, longest-lasting option for bed liners. Have one installed at the dealership before you take your new truck home.
If you drive a truck, you need the right truck accessories to add functionality and style to your truck. Choose the accessories that match your lifestyle and how you use your truck, so you can haul the loads you need to haul, make your passengers more comfortable, and get more out of your truck.
