No matter which vehicle you choose to drive, there are always accessories and customizations available to pick from. Some are meant to function with the vehicle's intended use. Some are to offer protection to your investment and pride and joy. Some are to add character and make a statement. And then there are those just for plain fun...

Trucks especially have many customizations to consider. If your truck is going to be a workhorse, there are many customizations to choose from that will assist in getting the job done. If your truck is just for fun and enjoyment, there are other types of customization to fulfill that need. And then there are those that will serve both purposes of a workhorse truck or a truck for recreation use and fun.

Some customizations are better overall to be factory installed. But if you have owned your pickup truck for a while and want to add some character or its use has changed, there are aftermarket options available that can be installed in most situations. Read below for 15 Must-Have Customizations For Your Pickup Truck.

15 Bed Liner

A bed liner is a great customization if you plan on using your truck's bed for hauling and carrying. It will offer protection to the paint on the truck bed, as well as offering protection to the actual bed itself.

There are four types of bed liners on the market to choose from. Spray-on, drop-in, bed rug, and bed mat. The choice in bed liner type will be dependent on the use and budget.

14 Tonneau Cover

There are a few factors to consider when selecting a tonneau cover, such as; What kind of access is required into the truck bed? How much security do you want? And what is the budget?

The two types of covers to pick from are soft and hard tonneau covers. Then within the two types, there are different styles for truck bed access that roll up, fold up, retract, or are a hatch style on hinges. They all offer a sleek clean look to the truck.

13 Canopy

A truck canopy is great for protecting the truck bed and cargo in it that is larger in size. They are functional for camping, turning the truck bed into a tent and getting out of the elements.

Truck canopies are typically lockable, offering security as well. They are typically made from fiberglass or aluminum, with the aluminum ones being used more in commercial applications.

12 Headache Rack

The main purpose of the headache rack is safety-related. It stops any cargo from breaking through the trucks back cab window on sudden stops or during loading of the truck bed. This, in turn, protects the occupants in the truck cab as well. The headache rack is attached to the truck bed right in front of the back window.

11 Towing Package

Whether towing trailers for work or for fun, a towing package will be required. Towing packages consist of the hitch platform, trailer towing wiring harness, and cooling for the engine and transmission.

If a truck comes from the factory with a towing package supplied, it will also typically have upgrades to the suspension, brakes, and drivetrain. And of course towing packages are available to put on after the factory. It might just be a bit more of a challenge to complete any extra upgrades.

10 Trailer Brake Controller

A trailer brake controller assists with the slowing and stopping of the trailer when towing. As brakes are applied in the truck, a message is sent from the trailer brake controller, situated in the cab, to activate the brakes on the trailer.

It is important to select the correct controller for the weight of your trailer. Also, check the laws in your area as to what weight of trailer the brake controller becomes a requirement.

9 Towing Mirrors

Towing mirrors are an important safety component when towing a trailer. They extend out farther and allow the driver a larger visual area all along the side of the trailer and to the back corners.

Although they serve the same purpose, there are many different styles and types. It is a law in many areas to have towing mirrors when towing, so check before heading out.

8 Backup Camera

A backup camera is another great customization and safety feature for the driver being able to see what is right behind the truck. And what a great assistant when backing up to hitch up a trailer.

The most convenient and aesthetically pleasing, is when the backup camera is factory installed. Aftermarket ones are possible, although trickier with getting the wiring run, and hidden, to the display screen in the cab.

7 Side Steps Or Running Boards

Side steps or running boards are a customization that provides two purposes. First, They function in being a helping step up into a taller truck. Secondly, they are a snazzy addition to the look of the truck.

Side steps, sometimes known as nerf bars, are tubular steel pipes that provide a stepping point at the doors. Running boards have a stepping surface that runs the entire length.

6 Bigger Wheels

If you plan on off-roading or just want your truck to stand out...or stand above the crowd...bigger wheels are the way to go. Whether it is a larger street tire or a gnarly, aggressive off-road tire, your truck will turn heads.

Take into consideration that increased wheel size may affect speedometer and odometer readings and overall handling. And depending how much higher you want your truck, a leveling kit or full suspension lift kit may be in order as well.

5 Flashy Mags

Along with bigger wheels, flashy mags are an eye-catching and head-turning way to customize your truck. There is a vast selection of styles, colors, sizes, finishes, and materials to consider with your budget. Prices reflect specialty finishes, materials, and custom builds.

4 Mudflaps

If protecting your trucks paint from flying rocks or debris from the tires is a concern, then mudflaps are a must-have customization. The mudflap will deflect the objects down, instead of up and along the side of the truck body. And if you are towing a trailer, the rear mudflaps will decrease the chances of the rocks and debris hitting and damaging the trailer.

3 Remote Start

If you live in a place that gets bitterly cold winters, imagine going out to your vehicle and it is already toasty warm and ready to drive away. No more rock hard, frozen seats, and shivering while your truck warms up. There are numerous remote starts to pick from that are suitable for certain vehicles and applications.

2 Tailgate Step

A tailgate step is a handy little helper if you need to get right up into the bed of your truck. There are many versions available with some attaching right to the tailgate and some attach to the bumper, off to the side of the tailgate. Some factory installed tailgate steps are integrated right into the tailgate as well.

1 Floor Liners

Sometimes new vehicles come with floor mats, and sometimes they do not. These are typically a fabric mat matching the vehicle's interior floor color. To further protect your trucks cab floor, there are heavier duty rubber floor liners available. They will keep the interior safe from dirt and moisture brought in on shoes... and possibly a spilled coffee. The floor liners also allow for easier cleaning of the interior floor on detailing days.