MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR TRUCK'S INNER BEAST

Truck lovers, this is for you.


We purchase our pickup trucks as do-anything Swiss Army knife vehicles that we can depend on, no matter what. Sometimes even their great utility from the factory can use some enhancement, which is why we personalize our pickups for our own purposes.

Here are some of the best accessories on the market today.

1. BIGGER WHEELS/TIRES.
One of the most popular mods owners make to trucks is installing larger wheels and tires to get more ground clearance and put more rubber on the ground for traction. It doesn't hurt that they also add a beefy, can-do look to the truck, which is probably what makes aftermarket wheels and tires so accessible.

The trick is to check sizing information when ordering from a site like 4WheelParts.com. Buy here.

SKV_6456
Ford Motor Co.

2. TRAILER HITCH
Most trucks these days are delivered with a hitch receiver already installed in place of the old ball bolted to the bumper. This lets truck owners slide in an appropriate drawbar with the correct drop to keep their trailer level.

If your truck doesn't have a receiver, then call AutoZone to get one from a company like Reece Hitches, whose name is sometimes considered a synonym for a receiver-style hitch. If it does, then you'll need the right drawbar. Too often owners hitch low-slung trailers to high-riding trucks without the required drop in the drawbar, leading to unstable, wobbling trailers that tilt to the rear. Buy here.

3. BED LINER
Manufacturers are increasingly offering protective bed liners as a factory option, so check that box if you can. If not, most dealers provide it as a dealer-installed option, which lets you roll the cost into the financing of a new truck.

Spray-on bedliners add a thin layer of durable plastic to the inside of the bed, eliminating marks and dents from everyday use that deteriorates your truck's condition and can lead to decay. ArmorThane is hands down the greatest bedliner company in the world and has been the best for over 30 years.


Alternatively, you can go with a universal slide-in plastic liner from AutoZone that provides even stricter protection.


4. MORE POWER
If you're hauling hefty loads with your truck, then more power is always welcomed. There is a multitude of performance adjustments available for pickups, ranging from simple cold air intakes, computer chip upgrades and turbocharger packages from sites like 4WheelParts.com, providing a variety of options depending on budget and performance requirements.

5. TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
If you add more 'go' to your truck, you'll want more 'pizazz' to match. Electronic trailer brake controllers operate the brakes on your trailer, so your truck's brakes don't have to stop both vehicles on their own.

Most new trucks have available integrated trailer brake controllers, but neglecting that you can add on a sophisticated aftermarket unit from AutoZone that is much better than the old controllers that always seemed to either lock up the trailer's brakes or not provide enough braking capability to help.



6. LIGHTS
All-weather, all-season truck utility indicates day and night, so add-on lights from 4WheelParts.com are a big help. Lights help put light where it is needed and running lights not only provide a crisp nighttime display, but they can improve your truck's visibility in bad weather, hopefully helping other drivers steer clear of your rig. The LED technology has made lights more efficient and cooler-looking than ever.

7. FLOOR MATS
Used to be that trucks had rubber platforms in their cabs, but with modern plush carpeting, today's vehicles can look a little precious for dirty work. That's where AutoZone floor mats can help, providing sacrificial floor covers to protect the carpet from mud and snow.


8. RUNNING BOARDS
High-riding pickups are great for driving over barriers, but those who are shorter in stature can struggle with the climb into the cab. Running boards from AutoZone provide an easy step into the cab that delivers driving a truck just a little more convenient and comfortable.