The urge to bedazzle a new vehicle is inevitable, like a dog lifting its leg on a fire hydrant, but accessory trends tend to come and go. For example, the popularity of truck nuts appears to have gone soft, at least north of the Mason-Dixon line. Either the average new truck owner is more confident in his masculinity, or he’s spending his money on more functional features. If you’re buying a new truck, you have plenty of ways to put your mark on it, whether you’d prefer to roll some dealer accessories into your new 72-month loan, or cash in those AutoZone rewards that have been burning a hole in your pocket. Here are five popular and practical add-ons for your new truck.
Bed Liner
You get one chance to protect the factory-sealed perfection of your new truck, which is why bed liners are such popular dealership upsells. When you’re ordering a new truck, you can typically add a spray-in bed liner, which is a rugged, textured coating applied while the truck is being built. Some dealerships will offer this on-site for vehicles already on the lot, as well as a variety of molded rubber or plastic options that simply drop in and secure into place. Looking to upgrade a truck you already have? There are tons of choices for aftermarket bed liners.
Husky offers a selection of different bed liners to choose from depending on your truck year, make, model and bed length.
Cargo Management
I’m not a truck owner, or a lesbian, but I’ve never met a carabiner I didn’t like. I’ve been known to buy colorful anodized Nite-Izes, available in all shapes and sizes, to meet the free shipping threshold at Sierra; when I buy a new bag or backpack, it automatically gets upgraded with a coordinating clip or three from my stash. No, I never lose my keys, thanks for asking. Even if carabiners aren’t your particular thing, there are so many fun cargo management options out there, at all price points. There are locking safes that can be bolted into the bed, and boxes that tuck under the seats. Want to thread some straps through those D-rings implanted in the tailgate? You have a choice of Velcro, bungee, heavy-duty webbing with ratchets… come to think of it, I might need a truck, after all.
Every truck owner has at least one set of rachet straps and they always need 1 or 4 more.
Trailer And Hitch Upgrades
Most new trucks come from the factory with a hitch receiver; lots of dealers add the factory towing package because that can add $1,000 or more to the bottom line, depending on the truck model and the package specs. If you plan to tow, you’ll need, at the very least, the ball mount and ball. (See? You get to buy a ball, after all.) With lightweight towing duties, you’ll probably be fine with the properly-sized ball (as recommended by your owner’s manual) and factory wiring, but you can get as fancy as your budget allows, with height-adjustable hitches, weight distribution hitches to prevent swaying, app-compatible trailer brakes, and camera systems that allow you to keep an eye on your load. Don’t plan to tow? There are hitch receiver covers that add a step up to the bed.
There’s a big difference between having a peaceful towing experience and fighting to stay on the road. A good weight distribution hitch is worth the money.
First Aid Kit
It’s not sexy… but neither is gangrene. Buy a damn first aid kit for every damn vehicle you own, and learn how to use it. Even the most seasoned off-road pros encounter catastrophes from time to time, and considering how much you probably spent on your new truck, the most comprehensive first aid kit you can buy is pocket change, in comparison. This one, from My Medic, comes in a stylish bag made of tactical material in a choice of four colors with “versatile straps for easy mounting and storing.” Okay, that gets my blood rushing.
THE First Aid kit to have for every possible situation. This kit will even make doctors jealous.
Winch
It’s safe to assume most truck owners would prefer a wench to do their dirty work, but a winch is really the way to go. Winches also have the advantage of being legal, ethical, and well worth the money. If you’re planning to take your truck off pavement, a winch is must-have equipment in case you or a companion get stuck, though first-timers should practice proper recovery procedures before getting cocky. Some winch kits are designed for discretion for those who prefer a clean look, but it must be said that a big, bulky cable reel looks far more badass than truck nuts.
Warn Industries is well known for building the best winches in the world.
