What do summers with your pickup truck look like? Do you have more time for off-roading off the beaten path, or are you hauling more cargo for work or vacation? The summer months allow you to grab those truck accessories you need.

Whether you need a tonneau cover or LED lights to illuminate the way while camping, the right pickup truck accessories can make your summer travels even easier. Below are our picks for the five aftermarket accessories to use for your truck this summer.

Also, note that some products may only fit with specific car models. So, be sure to check product descriptions to confirm.

Get Yourself Some Mud Flaps or Floor Liners

Are you planning to do some off-roading this summer? If so, this is the perfect time to replace well-worn truck accessories that need an upgrade like mud flaps and floor liners.

Some heavy-duty Gatorback mud flaps can help you deflect that debris from your fender wells and help you move through muddy terrain.

The WeatherTech No-Drill Mud Flaps are a great option here. With a 4.4 out of five rating, a no-drill installation, and a quick-turn fastening system, these mud flaps are an excellent way to protect your fender wells and get out on the road.

Another option to look at is the Husky Front and Rear Mud Guards. These mudguards are customized, easy to install, and are touted to provide durable protection on those off-roading travels. Both options offer heavy-duty protection against debris as you're traversing less traveled areas.

In addition to protecting the exterior, it also helps to have a way to preserve the interior space. Floor liners help to prevent moisture, dirt, and grime from your vehicle flooring. The WeatherTech DigitalFit Front and Rear Floor Liners are rugged enough to handle the elements and accurately fit your truck's floors. Measurements for these liners are taken with a laser so they are flush with your seats to prevent materials from making their way under them. These liners can also carry any fluid and debris to a lower reservoir.

If you want to get your front and rear floor liners together, the Rugged Ridge All Terrain Floor Liner Kit is a viable choice. These liners include raised nibs to help them stay in place and fit with the specific measurements of your interior floor area. The liner's deep tread technology adequately holds moisture and debris.

The right mud flaps and floor liners can prevent dirt and water from impacting your off-roading experience. The right products in these categories can help you maintain your vehicle's long-term health.

Protect Your Truck Bed with a Tonneau Cover

Whether you're hauling cargo for work or play, the right tonneau cover can be an essential component for your truck. There are a variety of tonneau truck cover types to choose from.

Soft tonneau roll-up covers can provide some protection from the elements and be an inexpensive option for protecting your truck cargo.

Alternatively, hard tonneau covers can offer additional security while offering more complete protection against moisture, especially if the cover is flush with your pickup truck and can be locked. You can even invest in retractable covers that can be accessed and engaged with the push of a button.

The UnderCover ELITE Smooth Tonneau Cover is an excellent hinged hard tonneau cover option. It uses UV-protected material and includes an LED lighting system to help you retrieve what you need, even at night. It also has a double seal system to ward off the elements.

Another great option from our inventory is the Smittybilt Bed Guard Folding Tonneau Cover. At half the price of the previous option, it comes with water-resistant material and is also UV-protected. It only requires a 20-minute installation and includes a fiberglass surface flush with the truck.

Purchasing the right tonneau cover is essential for securing any cargo in your truck bed. For other tonneau cover options, be sure to check out our inventory.

Install Some Cool LED Light Bars

Whether off-roading or traveling through the backroads, you need to ensure others can see you and that you're illuminating dimly lit areas. Resultingly, the right LED bars can be a fitting addition to your aftermarket truck accessories list.

If you want to add one of these to your truck, check out the various Rigid Industries Radiance LED Light Bars. These LED bars come in many backlight colors, including white, red, and amber. These lights can be independently controlled, have over a 50,000-hour lifespan, and come in a durable polycarbonate lens. With a range of price points, you will likely find an LED light bar that suits your needs and pocket.

Three Tips for Researching the Right Truck Accessories

Summer is a great time to see what you need to upgrade so you can find the type of truck accessories that promote a safe and effective off-roading experience.

However, before you start to make your selections and buy one of our picks above, make sure that you're doing your research to get the best product for you. Here are some tips to ensure you find the right pickup truck accessories:

• Take a look at reviews - Hearing how others faired with an item can help you determine if it's the best fit for you. Also, some reviewers may even mention critical aspects not mentioned in descriptions, like installation steps or how the product has worked over time.
• Have a budget in mind - Always know how much you want to spend before you shop for an item. That'll help you only search for items within your specified budget.
• Know what features are important to you - Are you more concerned with durability than aesthetics? Do you want a mixture of price and quality? Know what you're looking for regarding the products you're selecting.

The 4 Wheel Parts team is here to help you find the aftermarket accessories to improve your summer off-roading and truck transportation. Take a look at our inventory to find the right pickup truck accessories for you.