best truck accessories

In the third quarter of 2017, a whopping 271 million vehicles were in operation in the United States. Of that, 15.3% of the largest vehicle segment are pickup trucks.

So, yes, people in the U.S. do love their pickup trucks, with them being the top vehicle choice in 42 of the 50 states. In fact, a Chevrolet study found that 27% of truck drivers even name their rides!

If you’ve recently joined this group of truck lovers and owners, you’re likely happy with your truck, as is. But there are many ways to boost its looks and performance.

The best truck accessories make your ride look way cooler and keep it safe from the elements. They also protect factory-installed parts, like the paint job and carpets. There are also aftermarket products that can prevent criminals from stealing your stuff.

Keep reading to learn about the best pick up truck accessories to start with!

Bed Liners

All the equipment, tools, and supplies you load on your truck bed can scratch the paint or leave dents on it. Truck bed liners exist to protect the inner side of a truck bed from such damages.

These protective products can also make your bed’s surface skid-resistant. You won’t have to worry about your stuff slipping and sliding all over.

There are two main bed liner types: The “drop-in” and the “spray-on/in” liners.

Drop-in bed liners are much like floor mats, wherein you only have to “drop” it on the bed’s surface. Think of these as a shell that goes over the bed. They’re often made from plastic, are removable, and cost less than the spray-on/in type.

The main drawback is that they’re not as aesthetic, so it may not go that well with your awesome truck. Also, because they’re removable, water and dirt can go under or seep through the material. This can lead to rust and corrosion, which can be an expensive mess.

Spray-in/on bed liners, although more expensive, are far more visually appealing. You’ll find them in more styles and colors, so you’re sure to find one that best suits your truck.

They’re also superb when it comes to durability, so you won’t have to replace them for a long time. Their texture, which is “rougher” and more like rubber, is more skid-preventive too.  

You also don’t have to worry about gaps between the liner and the bed where water and debris can get trapped. That’s because its application requires direct spraying on the bed’s inner-sides. So, it goes on like paint, which means fewer risks of rust and corrosion.

Unsure how spray-in/on bed liners look like? You can learn more here.

Floor Liners

Americans eat 20% of their meals in their vehicles. If you treat your truck like a dining room, then you likely spill food and drinks on its factory carpets. There’s also the mud, dirt, debris, and grease they get exposed to every day.

While you can wash and vacuum your carpets, wouldn’t it be nice if you can prevent the mess in the first place? You can definitely do that, by installing floor liners. With these, you can protect your from-the-factory truck carpeting.

Plus, they’re easier to remove and clean than taking out the entire carpet. You only have to beat out the dust or hose the liners down with water.

You’ll also find these pickup truck accessories in various designs and colors. That makes it easy to find some that will complement your truck’s interiors.

Nerf Bars

Want to upgrade your truck’s wheels and suspension to make it an awesome off-road vehicle? If so, then you need nerf bars in your trucker’s life. In fact, these popular mods can benefit all truck and SUV owners, including passengers.

First, they make getting in and out easy since a lot of trucks are too tall or high. They serve as an extra step, reducing the effort needed to climb in and out of the vehicle. They also make loading and unloading easier and safer for kids and the elderly.

Think about it. If someone was to slip while getting in or out of the truck, they likely will grab on to the car seat covers. That pressure and tension could lead to rips and tears.

So, yes, nerf bars are practical and also a safety mod to your truck. But their sleek and shiny looks also make them some of the best cool truck accessories out there!

Tonneau Covers

Without a truck bed cover, you’d have to stow precious or delicate cargo inside your truck. In fact, you’d need to keep your stuff inside to keep them safe from pilferage. Either way, that means they’d consume space that a person can use to go on a road trip with you!

Tonneau covers are aftermarket mods that protect truck beds from inclement weather. They help winterize your vehicle, protect the truck bed and cargo from the sun’s UV rays, and of course, keep them dry.

These covers come in fiberglass, ABS polymer, and vinyl among other material types. There’s also a style for everyone, including roll-up, sliding, folding, and retractable covers. You’d even find high impact fiberglass lids that offer exceptional protection and security.

Locking Toolbox

Top truck accessories should make your ride cool and in tip-top condition. A locking toolbox, which you fit in and fix on the bed, excels in both areas. These toolboxes are large enough to hold and safeguard equipment and automotive tools.

You should always have your toolkit with you, so you can diagnose and repair car issues wherever you are. But if you don’t have a tonneau cover yet, a locking toolbox offers a safe and secure storage space for your gear.

Some of these boxes go on tracks to and fro the tailgate, so you can slide it with ease. This means you don’t have to keep climbing up the bed to get access to whatever you need from the toolbox.

As for styles and designs, diamond plates are the best-looking and most durable. They’re some of the most expensive though, so be sure to check out those with chrome finishes too. These are cheaper, although they’re more prone to rusting and corrosion.

Invest in the Best Truck Accessories Now

The best truck accessories don’t have to cost an arm and leg. Make sure you do your homework though and read as many reviews as you can. Compare their prices, so you can figure out which accessory brands offer the best bang for your buck.

Speaking of the coolest car accessories, you may want to read up on these coolest car tech and features!