Truck upgrades and customizations after you have bought one are pretty popular. Most are very well made and look just about as cool as a vehicle can get right off the showroom floor. But like anything worth investing in, you can personalize a truck to suit your needs, utilities, and comfort.
It’s All About the Engine, Right?
When it comes to truck mods, you would be forgiven for thinking it’s all about engine performance. Sure, that helps, and engine tuning is a big part of it. There are also other essential parts, such as installing a Redhead steering box, braking upgrades, and intake systems. But there are also other elements to upgrading your truck that you may not have thought of. It is trendy to upgrade the lighting and storage systems and even apply wraps!
The Most Common Enhancements
Now, before you go wrapping your car with the patterns you always wanted or installing enough LED lights to glow up Central Park, there are some standard enhancements that most people choose. These are chosen based on individual needs for performance and style:
- Turbo kits are often installed to upgrade the truck’s engine power and capabilities.
- LED headlights and extra lighting systems add a touch of style and convenience.
- Lift kits raise the height of the truck, helping with off-roading, and they look awesome!
- Additional accessories increase the overall comfort of your truck’s cabin.
Depending on what you want from a truck upgrade, think about the priority of the installation. If you want to see what your pride and joy can actually do in the wild, a lift kit is more essential than a neon wrap! But if you just want to show off your baby, some styling suits you best.
Air intake truck upgrades
The air intake is an essential part of a vehicle’s performance. Cooler air helps stabilize the engine temperature and increases performance. With an air intake upgrade, you can get between 5 and 20 horsepower increases depending on the quality. Additionally, an air intake doesn’t cost a lot of money versus performance, which is why it is typically one of the first things to be enhanced. Those extra horses could really help you out of a very challenging situation!
The exhaust system
Aftermarket exhaust systems are another trendy choice for getting more power from your truck. A quality exhaust system helps the engine run more efficiently and can increase the horsepower. The main aim of the exhaust is to vent hot carbon-rich air. When it does this, there is more room for colder air to circulate throughout the system. And a cooler engine system is a reliable one! This is also one of the easiest upgrades you or a trained mechanic can make!
Upgrades to the suspension
Do you want to be comfortable when off-roading, or do you want to be bouncing around like a Jack-in-the-Box? The suspension is a major player when it comes to comfort, and getting this right means the difference between enjoying the ride or a very sore behind! However, the suspension is more than that. A good quality suspension, tuned correctly, gives you greater control over the vehicle. It can also raise the height of the truck to stay clear of any obstacles.
Fitting Your Truck for Custom Style
Now that the major technical upgrades are out of the way, let’s move on to the style! It has to be said that trucks just look cool. Whether you agree with them or not, there’s something about their imposing presence that means you can’t look away. And many truck owners don’t even bother with off-roading. Some are truck enthusiasts purely for the style! You can customize your truck pretty much like any other type of vehicle, but with many more options than you think.
Truck upgrades include wraps
One of the most versatile and striking upgrades you can make to a truck or any other vehicle is wraps. Wraps are pre-printed adhesive vinyls that a professional (or even yourself) can apply to a truck. These are a cost-effective alternative to expensive artistic paint jobs. But pay attention:
- There are different types of vinyl, so ask about the best for your truck.
- Consider how durable and rugged your wrap needs to be if you plan on off-roading.
- Consider the finish. Gloss looks great on a Lamborghini, but matte might suit your truck.
- Carefully consider the colors as you want them to match with the existing paint color.
- Go out of your way to find the best wrap installers available in your local area.
- Ask for the best brands, such as Avery Dennison, as some are better than others.
- Take your time when choosing a wrap, and ensure you have a clear vision.
A wrap costs money to apply, so make sure you are happy with the one you choose, or you will waste money and time. Consider the colors and how they fit with what you want and the existing paint. But don’t forget about the finish either. Matte and gloss look very different from each other.
Wheel and tire upgrades
Tires are vital for extra grip on and off the road. But they aren’t made equally. They can get pretty expensive, and finding a sweet spot between what you need and how they look can take a while. Consider the traction you need versus terrain, the weight of loads your truck carries, and the braking capabilities. On the style front, you can install unique rims and wheels. Trending options include rims with spinners, carbon fiber-finished wheels, and even rims with LED lights!
Custom lighting rigs
Further to LED lights, there are tons of ways you can upgrade the lighting on your truck these days. Because of LEDs, you can choose from stylish patterns and even color-changing lights that can be controlled via your smartphone. However, there are some standard lighting rigs that most truck owners typically install. These LEDs are for safer off-roading and Lightforce Rok flood lighting. But no matter which you choose, any type adds something extra to the style!
What About the Interior?
Exterior mods are excellent and can really add something to your truck. But you will spend most of the time inside, so why not make that unique, too? The interior of your truck also deserves some love and can make it the truck you always dreamed of. The style inside is just as essential and even helps keep your vehicle clean and hygienic. Additional mods can also help you make the most of the space available to you with extra truck storage solutions.
Truck upgrades for storage
Trucks are big. We can all agree on that. Maybe you love off-roading with your car, and that’s fine. Whether you do or don’t, there is something you may not be taking advantage of, and that’s the tons of space you get with a truck. The cabin might be a small part of the overall size, and that leaves loads of space at the back. One survey found that 87% of people use their trucks for shopping and errands. The extra space means you can buy anything you need for the family!
Popular changes for convenience
As if the extra space isn’t enough, there are other very convenient upgrades you can make to your truck. These will help with the style, too, but offer flexible options when it comes to getting the best use of your vehicle. Some of the best installations you can make are as follows:
- Tailor-made floor mats will keep dirt and debris at bay, ensuring a cleaner cabin.
- Running boards and step bars make it easier to get in and out while adding style.
- Hitches and towing equipment will help with vehicle recovery when off-roading.
- Bed liners, covers, and boxes help make better use of the extra trailer space.
Whether you go off-roading or not, your vehicle will get dirty inside and out. Floor mats will catch debris and muck, so you can easily remove them and wash them off. And how about some help getting in and out? Running boards and steps make this easier, and your back will thank you!
Mods for Off-Roading
Trucks are made for various reasons. But the power, height, and drivetrain make it suitable for going off-road! Off-roading is a popular hobby, and you may not have even thought about it before owning a truck. There are some essential mods you will need before doing so. Skid plates and armor will protect the underside of the truck from rocks and debris. You will need a recovery at some point, and winches will help with this. And don’t forget about tire upgrades!
Summary
Ait intakes, an aftermarket exhaust system, and improved suspension are common and much-needed truck upgrades if you plan to go off-road or add some flavor to your vehicle. Custom styling such as vinyl wraps, wheel and tire upgrades, and custom lighting are trendy exterior upgrades. However, you can also enhance the interior of your truck. Floor mats will help keep it clean, while bed liners and boxes help you make better use of the extra storage.
