Oftentimes, customers ask us what the best or “must-have” accessories are for pickup trucks. While it all depends on what you are using your vehicle for, our sales experts have observed a certain trend. On that note, we share some of the top aftermarket upgrades that you can consider making to enhance the value and output of your pickup truck.

Pickup trucks are great vehicles, especially if you use them for your business. While they are designed to handle rugged terrains, carry heavy loads, and make mobile businesses more productive, there is an assortment of pickup truck upgrades and accessories that can make your vehicle even better.

6 Excellent Aftermarket Essentials for Your Pickup Truck

Without further ado, here are our top pickup truck accessories:

1. Rear access steps, bars, and protection

Ergonomic rear access is a must for your pickup truck since it makes reaching your business tools much easier. Accessories like running boards offer safety, durability, and utility. The best running boards ensure that you get a great grip. A broad step ensures easy movement in and out of your vehicle.

If you back your vehicle into loading areas frequently, having extra rear protection is also recommended. We advise investing in a shock-absorbing rear bumper-and-step combo. From the old-school oval step bars, to hoop nerf bars and powered running boards, to retractable two-step systems, there is no dearth of options and styles to choose from these days.

2. Tonneau cover

This is an upgrade that will guarantee additional security and provide a superb, sleek look. We reckon a Tonneau cover is a must for every pickup truck. For starters, it will hide any material that you dump in the bed of your truck. Some manufacturers claim that tonneau covers can also improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.

A quality cover will serve you for a long time while adding a classy look to your truck. In terms of styles, you can choose from vinyl tops, soft roll-ups, hard-folding covers, retractable covers, or tri-fold designs.

3. Truck bed storage essentials

High-capacity chests, truck bed organizers, aluminum topside boxes, cabinets, aluminum or steel shelving units, storage bins, crossover truck boxes, and stackable drawers are all the rage in the market (aftermarket) and for good reason. That is because secure storage and functional organization of your business tools, work equipment, and other valuables is a must. Not only do these pickup truck storage solutions ensure that your items stay safe and secure they will also help you organize all your material systematically, ensuring ease of access when you need something quickly.

Storing your tools and equipment in these units also ensures that they do not get damaged (or make a rattling noise) when the vehicle is in motion. If you work with a lot of cables, wires, belts, helmets, or hard hats, setting up utility hooks on any vertical flat surface is also a great option.

4. Cargo racks and roof decks

Just like you have flexible and ergonomic pickup ladder racks, contemporary roof decks or cargo racks can really add handy storage space on top of your pickup truck. These accessories come in various ultralightweight designs and configurations, allowing you to stow a variety of cargo on the top of your truck. Adding secure hooks and ratchet sets would help ensure that material stored in the bed of your truck stay secure always.

5. LED lights

Add LED lighting to the exteriors and interiors of your vehicle improves visibility on both – the outside and the inside. In terms of safety, additional LED lights can help the driver see clearly at night, especially on roads and in parking areas that are not lit well. On the inside, additional lighting is recommended because they illuminate both the cargo area and the center aisle efficiently. Having additional lights can help you access your essential tools and equipment easily when it is dark and even create a conducive environment if you work through the night.

6. Pickup truck bed liner

Well, this one is right up there with the most essential accessories. Without a high-quality bed liner, you will most likely damage the bed of your truck, especially if you are hauling heavy equipment or metal items. In addition to the material you carry, rains and other natural elements can cause corrosion if you have not invested in a good truck bed liner. A bed liner is basically like a carpet for the bed of your truck – the only difference is that this kind of carpet is super tough and very durable while still being easy on your knees. Most contemporary bed liners offer excellent grip as well.

Apart from the accessories mentioned above, you can also look at trending pickup truck accessories like:

    • Tuners
    • Air intakes
    • Roof vents
    • Vent visors
    • Exhaust systems

If you are planning to buy a brand-new pickup truck in 2021, you can get up to $1200 in Upfit Assistance for equipment directly from FORD, Chevy/GMC, Dodge, or Nissan. All you need to do is select the equipment you want from the American Van website before you take the delivery of your vehicle.

You can get in touch with our Sales Department at 800-526-4743 and request a written quote for the American Van equipment of your choice. Once you receive the quote, bring it to your dealer who will then reduce the price of your vehicle (or issue a rebate for the value of the equipment to be applied against the purchase price).