Top 5 Truck Accessories in the Summer of 2019 Columbus, Ohio

Many families are making the switch from an SUV or minivan to a full-sized truck as their main vehicle. The reason for this trend is that the full-sized trucks in current production have large, roomy extended cabs that accommodate seating an entire family. Trucks are also more durable, beefier and sit higher on the road, so they are safer to drive. The newer full-sized trucks also tend to have full “infotainment” systems designed to keep children engaged and satisfied during long rides.

These new truck owners quickly realize that, unlike other types of passenger cars, trucks need more accessories to make them fully useful to their owners. What follows are five accessories that all truck owners should seriously consider.

Bed liners –

All of that cargo storage space is great, but new truck owners soon realize that they don’t want the groceries and soccer balls flying around in the back of the truck. Also, it is easy to scratch the bed of the truck when, for example, one is keeping their mountain bike in the bed, ready for the next trail ride.

Bed liners both help keep the cargo from sliding around, and they eliminate the issue of scratches in the truck bed. When bed liners first came out, many opted for plastic liners that one installs in the bed. Many people now choose the spray-in bed liners because they will not collect any moisture underneath, and they are more stable of a surface.

Tonneau Covers –

The other thing that truck owners who live anywhere other than a desert will immediately find beneficial is some kind of cover for the truck bed. In snow country, most people add a camper shell to their truck bed because it is no fun to find your cargo buried beneath a blanket of snow.

Some people, though, do not like camper shells because they lose some of their rear visibility on the sides of their truck. In the past, these people had to settle for a tonneau cover that was made of a vinyl material. Vinyl tonneau covers keep the bed contents dry, since it is stretched over the bed rails and tailgate of the truck.

Today, there are hard-sided tonneau covers. Some are aluminum and have three joints that allow the owner to lift one section at a time in order to get to their rear cargo. These can withstand any dumping of snow, unlike the vinyl covers, and are more secure in terms of theft risk.

Tow Hitch –

Many people enjoy camping in trailers. Some people are even saving a bit of money on RV camping trailers and making their own by converting cargo trailers. All of these people need a tow hitch, so they can attach the truck securely and safely to the trailer. Others might need the additional storage space that a trailer can provide and will need one when renting a trailer for a change of residence. Regardless, having your truck equipped with a tow hitch will increase its resale value, if one can ever part with their new toy.

Tie-Downs and Other Cargo Sequestering Devices –

Keeping the cargo towards the tailgate helps speed getting the items in and out and saves one’s back. Aluminum tie-downs can be drilled securely into the truck bed or bed rails and allow one to secure loads like bicycles and motorcycles. A companion purchase is ratcheting tie-down straps. Other cargo sequestering devices include bars that can expand across the width of the bed, keeping items towards the back, or cargo nets. The main idea is to keep your cargo items closer to the rear, where you can easily reach them.

Floor Mats –

Last, but really important, are some floor mats that are thick, stable, durable, and can absorb water and mud for later cleaning with a hose and water at the car wash. Along with floor mats, seat covers will prolong the life and good looks of the seats.

These accessories will all help a new truck owner keep their vehicle clean, scratch free, and the cargo in the bed secure. They will allow for towing a trailer. Most people will find that all five are bare-bones necessities, if they are placing any cargo in their truck bed whatsoever and they don’t live in a dry climate.