Choosing the Right Work Truck Accessories

Customize Your Work Truck for Optimized Performance

Pickup trucks are one of the most popular vehicles in the United States, and for many they're more than a way to get from A to B – their pickup truck is a mobile office. Spending your 9 to 5 in your truck means it needs to be tailored to your job with the right accessories and truck parts, inside and out. It's in these customizations that the rugged power of the all-American pickup comes together with the comfort and efficiency you need to get the job done.

Truck Wheels and Tires

You're on the job rain, snow or shine – often far beyond where the pavement ends. A robust set of truck wheels and tires is a must, but they have to be the right type for the task at hand. Larger, heavier tires often mean adding a suspension lift, upgrading axles and brakes and installing performance parts to handle the extra load.

Under 33" Tires

All terrain tires under 33-inches can give your truck the extra traction it needs without dragging down its performance (or emptying your wallet). If your work truck sees more on- than off-road action, tires with a smaller height might be the right way to go.

If you stay under 33-inches, there's generally no need for a suspension lift and you're not likely to snap a stock axle trying to turn monster tires. Your truck will still be able to power through snowy highways and muddy back roads, but it will do it without gulping down your fuel and leeching your torque.

Over 33" Tires

If you tackle tougher terrain, you'll need to step it up a bit. If you regularly drive rough, rocky or otherwise extreme terrain, aim for tires at least 35-inches in diameter. At that size, they can pull you through all but the most difficult environments. Tires larger than 37-inches call for some additional upgrades, but they are well worth it as you build a stronger, more capable vehicle.

The more intense the road (or lack thereof) you travel, the larger tires you will need - especially in rocky terrain. If you live in a muddy, sloppy part of the world, you'll need a more aggressive tread design than if your area tends to be drier, with hard-packed earth.

Wheels

Aside from making sure they're the right fit for your new truck tires, the big consideration in choosing the right wheels is whether you need steel or alloy. Steel tires are great for more hardcore off-roading because they're durable enough to withstand constant impacts. Alloy wheels, on the other hand, are lightweight and stronger than steel, making them a good choice for towing.

Truck Bed Accessories

One of the top reasons to own a pickup truck is the storage available in the truck bed. Perhaps your truck is an integral part of your moving business, maybe you take it on landscaping jobs, or construction, or it's how you get around your farm or any number of other things. No matter what you load into it, having the right truck bed accessories can save you a lot of time – and your time is money.

Step one is making sure your truck bed and its cargo are protected from each other and the elements, which means having the right bed liner and storage system. A quality spray-in liner will protect your truck bed from scrapes and the weather, but installing a drop-in bed liner can offer weather protection as well as defense from scratches and dents while providing a slip-free surface so fragile cargo doesn't slide around. Another option to keep your cargo safe is a good organization system, whether that means a rail-to-rail toolbox or a complete truck bed organizer like DECKED.

Additional accessories like tailgate cap protectors, cargo straps and anchors, side rails and cab protectors can help protect your truck from damage and hold cargo in place. The addition of a tonneau cover will keep your cargo safe and secure and could save you gas money by reducing drag. Another bed accessory to consider for your work truck is a set of cargo area lights to help you navigate those early starts and late nights.

Towing Accessories

Pickup trucks are built for hauling. They're designed with maximum power and torque for towing trailers, campers, boats and smaller vehicles. The weight of the truck you own is the primary determiner in how much weight you can haul, but the right accessories are key to towing safely and efficiently.

4 Wheel Parts offers a wide variety of towing and tow hitch accessories, from locks to receivers. Towing hitches range from class I to IV, from 2,000 lbs GTW (gross trailer weight) to 9,000 and it's vital to your safety and the safety of those who share the road with you that you are equipped with the appropriate hitch. If you aren't sure which one is right for your needs, consult with one of our in-store experts or give us a call at 877-474-4821 and we'll be glad to help you.

Also make sure you're equipped with the right receiver for the task at hand. If you tow a variety of trailers, a receiver caddy can come in handy for securely storing whichever ones you aren't using.

Lighting and Exterior

Equipping your truck with the right exterior accessories is important to safety and can help your work day run smoother. Investing in a few quality lighting sets can have a big impact, from fog lights for driving and towing in inclement weather to light bars and work lamps for improved visibility at night. If you tow a lot of cargo or take on difficult terrain, make sure to protect that lighting investment with light guards.

A few other exteriors to consider are a quality set of running boards, especially if your truck is lifted, and a heavy-duty winch if you traverse extreme terrain. The right mud flaps and splash guards are also a necessity, especially in wetter climates, and some armor like fender flares and bumpers can help keep your truck in top condition. Many bumpers, such as those produced by Fab Fours, are equipped with brush guards to protect your OEM lights.

Interior Accessories

Having the right interior accessories in your working truck is about more than comfort – it's about protecting your office space from the elements. First and foremost, you need a durable set of floor mats and liners. All weather liners and mats can protect your truck from snow and mud as well as cargo, four-legged friends and spills.

Seat covers can also go a long way to preserving the interior of your truck as well as adding comfort and style. If you're looking to really add a personal flair to the interior, consider getting your dash components a custom hydro dipped paint job.