Truck Accessories can enhance the utility and appearance of your vehicle. Depending on the type and quality of accessory you choose, they can also boost resale value. Protect your truck from the elements with mud flaps or install a bug deflector to keep flying insects from marring your paint job. A spray-on bed liner is another valuable truck accessory that will protect your cargo and your truck from scratches and dents.
LED Light Bars
Light bars are a must-have for those who want to improve their truck’s visibility and make it more adaptable in various situations. Whether you’re a commuter driving in the dark to your rural home or you’re helping out the community in emergency response situations, a high-quality LED light bar will help you see the path ahead of you and the obstacles around you. The best LED lights are programmable, so you can choose different colors and patterns depending on the situation. You can even get a multi-color model to make your vehicle stand out in the dark and keep other drivers safe!
You can mount your LED light bar on the front of your truck for a more direct lighting or in the rear bumper for reversing and working in the back of your vehicle. Some models have a built-in flasher or strobe feature that can be used in emergency situations. Make sure to choose a model with opaque covers for when you’re driving on the highway to prevent other drivers from being blinded by your flashing lights!
What Are the Benefits of an LED Light Bar?
LED stands for “Light-Emitting Diode.” The light produced by these diodes is bright and offers a wide spectrum of colors. They’re also energy efficient and can produce a lot of light with minimal power consumption. This is why many truck drivers prefer LED light bars for their versatility and durability over the long haul.
Another reason why many truck owners invest in an LED light bar is that it can be a lot easier to spot obstacles and road hazards at night. A good quality light bar can illuminate a large swath of the road, making it easier to see sharp curves, gravel or rocks in your path, or even deer that may be lurking in the brush.
There are plenty of ways to install an LED light bar on your truck, so you can customize it to fit the needs of your unique situation. You can choose a curved or slim design, or you can opt for an off-road style with an integrated heat sink to ensure your LED light bar stays cool and durable in extreme conditions. Some LED light bars come with both spot and flood beam patterns to give you more flexibility in the environments you’re operating in, such as for off-roading or camping.
Coatings & Liners
The pickup truck is a workhorse, capable of hauling large loads and driving over rugged terrain. However, that also means it can take a beating in the bed from impact damage and abrasion. Adding a liner to your truck can help protect it from these hazards, making it a safer and more reliable vehicle for hauling loads.
Spray-on bed liners are custom fitted to the exact dimensions of your truck. This means they can be installed without any extra labor costs, unlike pre-fabricated liners that may not fit correctly and could leave the driver to deal with costly returns or repairs. These liners are also made to be durable and look great, no matter how much abuse they see on the job. This is a feature that is also appreciated by customers who use their trucks for personal projects and who want to keep their truck looking its best for the long term.
A liner can also be applied to other parts of your vehicle, not just the bed. This includes bumpers and wheel wells, both of which are subject to considerable abuse in industrial environments. In these cases, liners can provide protection from debris and abrasions while also acting as a shock absorber to prevent damage to your vehicles and equipment. This is especially important for equipment that isn’t easy to replace, such as industrial machinery or heavy equipment.
The sciences behind concrete degradation are well-known, and bare concrete can break down far before it is expected to do so. Protective coatings can stop the breakdown before it starts and keep your concrete in better shape. The same science applies to other vehicles and equipment that are exposed to constant major abuse. The addition of a liner can save your vehicle or equipment a significant amount of money over time by extending its useful life.
Beyond these advantages, protective coatings can also offer additional safety features for workers in harsh industrial environments. For example, non-skid options for liners can help reduce accidents and injuries by providing traction on slippery surfaces. In addition, the ability to clean equipment more quickly and easily can reduce downtime and ensure that workers can return to their jobs in a more efficient manner.
Bed Liner
Whether you’re a weekend warrior hauling equipment or an everyday driver transporting tools and materials to the jobsite, a bed liner protects your cargo and reduces maintenance time. Investing in this accessory also boosts resale value if you plan on selling your truck down the road, as people are willing to pay more for well-maintained vehicles.
Most commonly made of rubber or a carpet-like material, these mats lie directly in the bed to create a barrier that shields your truck’s painted surface from dings and dents. They’re a quick and easy DIY option, typically costing less than $100.
A popular alternative is a spray-on liner. These products are sprayed on to the bed and offer chemical-resistant protection. They’re often easier to install for DIYers, and you can choose from a wide range of colors. However, they may require a little more work to get into the corners and seams of your truck. The downside is that they aren’t as durable as a drop-in liner.
Another benefit of a spray-on liner is that it’s resistant to UV, scratches, stains, corrosion, and extreme weather conditions. Some of these products can even deaden noise and vibrations, so you don’t have to worry about your tool boxes and other equipment rolling around in the bed.
While some manufacturers produce bed liners that are designed to fit specific truck models, others are more versatile and can be used with most short-box pickups. Regardless of which type you choose, make sure you test it on your specific vehicle to ensure a perfect fit.
Before applying any bed liner, make sure your truck is squeaky clean. Skip the wax setting at the quarter car wash, and find a shady spot to let your truck dry completely. The paint needs a dry, clean surface to bond with the bed liner.
If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting bed liner, consider a polyurethane or polyurea spray. These products can be purchased at most NAPA Auto Parts locations and are easy to apply with a standard air compressor and spray painter. Some of these liners are said to be up to eight times tougher than a drop-in liner and will provide a smooth, textured surface that resists shifting cargo and prevents rust. If you’re unsure of which product is right for you, ask the experts at your local NAPA store.
