Top 11 Pickup Truck Accessories

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Build and maintain a better and more valuable truck with these indispensable accessories.

Whether you are buying a brand new truck or have been driving your around for years, there is always room to make your vehicle just that much more useful or enjoyable to operate. No manufacturer can know your exact needs ahead of time, and you may not even be aware of just how many valuable accessories there are out here for trucks these days. Below are our personal picks for the most useful truck accessories.

Truck Covers

Outside of the actual miles you put on your truck, the environment is going to take the most considerable toll on your vehicle’s longevity. Rain damage, sun damage, the passing cat or bird leaving their marks, all of these things will diminish the appearance and durability of the exterior of your truck. Even in indoor parking lots, you are susceptible to a myriad of dings and scratches. With a truck cover, you can prevent 99% of these incidents and significantly increase the beauty and resale value of your truck.

Benefits:

• Shields paint from fading and scratches
• Keeps the truck clean and ready to drive
• Protects against rust and weather damage

Types to Consider:

• Lightweight covers for indoor storage
• Heavy-duty covers for outdoor use

Truck Bed Covers (Tonneau Cover)

A reliable truck bed cover will, of course, protect the bed of your truck from the elements, but will also provide a significant boost in security and functionality for those who work or operate out of their trucks regularly. Many truck bed covers offer extra shelving, locks, and compartments for your tools with a truck bed tool box (decked tool box) -letting you keep your cab cluster free without worrying about theft. Simply by keeping all of your belongings obscured you are provided an added layer of protection.

Popular Options:

• Soft roll-up covers for flexibility (gator truck bed covers)
• Hard folding covers for added security (bakflip bed cover)
• Retractable covers for ease of use (retrax bed cover)

Image Attribution: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Tonneau_on_pickup_truck.JPG

LED Light Bars

LED light bars are ideal for nighttime driving, off-roading adventures, or jobsites with poor lighting. They provide bright, energy-efficient illumination while being durable enough to withstand tough conditions. For truck owners who need maximum visibility, LED light bars are an essential upgrade.

Advantages:

• Bright, energy-efficient lighting
• Perfect for nighttime adventures
• Easy to mount on the roof or grille

Truck Caps / Camper Shells

Just with the other accessories that we covered that shield your truck bed, a camper shell will prevent a large amount of the wear and tear caused by mother nature. This helps your truck last longer in both value and functionality. The added advantage of camper shell is the amount of space it gives you to operate within the truck bed. You can store a tool chest, a large number of shelves, or a couple of beds in the space provided.

Benefits:

• Protects cargo from weather and theft
• Adds a sleek, customized look
• Converts your truck bed into a sleeping or camping area

Features to Consider:

• Fiberglass for a durable, stylish finish
• Aluminum for lightweight utility
• Custom windows and ventilation for comfort

Bedliner

This is so useful most trucks come standard with a drop in bedliner that protects your truck from scratches and dings and helps to stop your items from slipping all over the place. Drop in bedliners can be replaced and are preferred if you are looking to keep value as high as possible -they can be easily removed and replaced. Just make sure with drop-ins you remove them and check for rust from time to time. Spray in bed liner will protect your truck from rust and dirt but are almost always permanent.

Types of Bed Liners:

• Spray-on liners for a seamless, rugged finish
• Drop-in liners for quick installation

Why It Matters: A durable bed liner extends the life of your truck and enhances resale value.

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Running Boards or Side Steps

Running boards make it easier to lift things in and out of the truck (including yourself). This can prevent injuries and the wear and tear to your joints, like the knees. Make sure you attach the running boards to the frames to ensure strength and prevent damaging the body of your truck. Some of the newer trucks have retractable running boards that extend when you open the door.

Benefits:

• Improved accessibility
• Adds style to your truck’s appearance
• Protects your truck’s exterior from dirt and debris

All-Weather Floor Mats

Your truck is expected to work as hard as you are, and that means getting dirty from time to time. Prepping for this ahead of time can go a long way in keeping the core of your vehicle in tip-top shape. All-Weather floor mats for trucks can replace your carpet mats (put them aside and wait until you plan to sell to put them back in) and are much easier to get dirt and grime out of. This is an investment both in saving you time and worry.

Benefits:

• Easy to clean
• Custom-fit options available for most truck models
• Protects against spills and stains

Top Picks: Brands like WeatherTech and Husky Liners offer great options.

Truck Tool Boxes

A locking toolbox for your truck helps you to keep the clutter out of your cab, prevent break-ins, and helps to make you more efficient on a job site (like a weather guard tool box). It should be one of your first purchases if you work out of your truck. There are many versions adapted to a wide array of needs and specializations out there.

Features to Look For:

• Lockable compartments
• Weather-resistant materials
• Easy installation

Pro Tip: Aluminum toolboxes are lightweight yet strong, making them a solid choice.

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Tailgate Assists

This is another accessory that is so useful it comes standard on many trucks today. Just like electric windows, you are not really sure just how much more convenient something is until you have tried it a few times. Most will simply cushion the fall of the tailgate making sure you don’t jar the vehicle.

Benefits:

• Reduces strain on your tailgate
• Easy to install
• Adds convenience for daily use

Seat Covers for Trucks

Seat covers are especially beneficial for truck owners who use their vehicles for outdoor activities, work, or family trips. They act as a barrier against mud, grease, and pet hair, making cleanup a breeze while maintaining the resale value of your truck. Plus, with so many styles and materials available, seat covers let you customize the interior to match your personality.

Options to Consider:

• Waterproof covers for outdoor enthusiasts
• Leather covers for a premium feel
• Camo or sporty designs for added style

Dash Cam

A dash cam is an excellent safety accessory that records your drives, providing evidence in case of accidents or disputes. Modern dash cams come with features like GPS, night vision, and parking mode. They also allow you to document scenic drives or worksite activity, making them a versatile tool for personal and professional use.

Benefits:

• Protects you in insurance claims
• Monitors parking incidents
• Captures scenic road trips

Look For: High-definition recording and a wide field of view for the best results.

Upgrading your truck with any of these truck accessories can make a world of difference in its functionality, appearance, and longevity. From practical add-ons like tonneau covers and floor mats to stylish upgrades like custom seat covers and LED light bars, these accessories ensure your truck is ready for anything.

Whether you’re a workhorse driver, an off-road enthusiast, or someone who just loves their truck, these must-have accessories are the perfect place to start!