While pickup trucks don't lend themselves to modifications like other cars, there is quite a lot of room to change and personalize them. Pickup mods can range from cosmetic choices like stickers or such to full body modifications. There is a risk of altering a car too much means causing some damage, especially with a tough pickup. But some mods are good in improving a pickup both in performance and aid in maintaining its long-term value.
Thanks to modern conveniences, many mods are affordable and can be easily installed without much trouble. Others can be more complex, and sadly, some mods are easy because they don't help the truck too much. While some may believe a mod can help, it's damaging to the automobile and shows how tricky it can be. Here are our choices for the five mods that should be used to support a truck and five to stay away from, as not all are beneficial.
10 Stay Away From: Tailgate Nets
Keeping stuff inside the bed secure is well and good. A tailgate net is not the way to do it. The thinking is that the open-air holes aid in the car handling faster on the road. The reality is that plastic netting is not the best method with heavy materials as it's way too easy for it to snap or the mesh to come loose and drop everything out the back.
There are far better ways to keep the contents in the bed than a net better suited for playing badminton.
9 Get: Sound Deadening
Even the best pickups tend to make a lot of noise, which can distract both the driver and those around him. Sound deadening materials have been picking up steam as an underrated but convenient way to lower the engines' volume and create a smoother ride.
There is the drawback that it can be more expensive than other mods but worth it for a quieter journey without the engine road blocking out thoughts.
8 Stay Away From: Giant Exhausts
Unless one actually owns a big rig cab, there is no reason to have massive exhaust pipes sticking out of the roof. Yet some pickup owners want to craft colossal exhaust pipes, often ending with cans or caps straight out of a cartoon.
It looks idiotic as well as damages the truck's performance from suspension to resale value. Not to mention that it's far too much a strain on the engines and a waste of gas, so going big means you might as well just stay home.
7 Get: Tonneau Cover
Most pickup truck owners are proud of the open air beds (the key reason the Lincoln Blackwood failed was how terrible the trunk looked). But no one wants their cargo affected by a sudden rainstorm or overexposed to the open air on the road.
That's why a Tonneau cover is a must-have for most owners. It's simple to install yet the plastic covering enough to protect any valuables in the cargo bed. This easy cover can save any damage on the road.
6 Stay Away From: Smoke Switches
Also known as "rolling coal," it's easy to see this mod by how it billows out so much smoke, one would think the cab is on fire. The obvious problem is how it's terrible for the environment, not to mention other drivers on the road.
But it's also damaging to the truck as the particular exhaust needed to make it work wastes too much fuel, meaning extra costs to gas up. There's also the tiny detail it's illegal in some states, so the costs of putting this in aren't worth the trouble.
5 Get: Lift Kit
A pickup is designed to handle harsh environments, from muddy roads to forests or even shallow rivers. That is a risk to the undercarriage, which is why a lift kit is essential. One has to be careful not to raise it too high, but going even a couple of inches higher can save a lot of wear and tear on the truck's undercarriage, which aids the long-term performance.
It's surprisingly easy to use such kits, and while it can hurt the resale value, it also means the truck handles much better over the years.
4 Stay Away From: Chrome
For some bizarre reason, modders think chrome makes any car look fantastic. Nine times out of ten, they are very wrong. But chrome on a pickup isn't just making it look uglier on the road. Weighing down a vehicle meant for major hauling is not a good idea as the chrome puts unneeded weight on the frame and can hurt performance.
It also makes the car easier to get damaged in a crash rather than protection. Chrome may sound good in theory but should be stayed away from in practice.
3 Get: Heavy-Duty Hitch
A key purpose of a pickup is to do some great hauling. Most modern pickups are capable of loads of nearly half a ton or more, but a few might need help. That's why investing in a heavy-duty hitch is a great idea, especially for those expecting a lot of towing.
Many are quite affordable and easy to install yet capable of some impressive hauling strength. A great hitch can allow a simple pickup to haul a boat or SUV and aid in big jobs.
2 Stay Away From: Oversized Rims
Messing with a truck's tires can be tricky. All-wheel tires are recommended for any pickup, but some owners go too far with tires either too small (which is dangerous) or oversized and flashy rims. That may be fun for a sports car but not a pickup, which requires good balance.
Try taking a truck with oversized tires on a dirt road and see what happens. Better yet, don't, as the damage to the suspension can be significant. Bigger is not better when it comes to truck tires.
1 Get: Step Bar
Even if an owner doesn't want to lift the truck too much, a step bar is still a good idea. It aids in getting into the cab if it's a bit raised and can be an asset when loading as well. It can also aid in balancing the truck with heavy loads and handle better on long hauls.
While some bars can be obtrusive, others can be folded right under the truck for more comfortable use. If a lift is planned, then a step bar should go with it as a great mod to aid the truck's use.
Sources: Autowise.com, jalopnik.com, autotrader.com, motor1.com