Turning Your Truck Into a Workhorse: Four Areas to Address

Today’s best trucks certainly have a bit more flair and/or lipstick than they did in the ’40s. To be fair, they are serving a variety of purposes, oftentimes with MUCH better fuel mileage these days. But what if we could make our pretty trucks into the absolute utility trucks we need them to be?

Upgrade Your Storage

But wait, you proclaim, my crew cab has got plenty of storage! Right?

Oftentimes, when we are transporting cargo in our truck’s bed, it’ll move around, slide all over the place, and use more space than it needs to.

How to Add More Storage

One of the easiest ways to add practical storage is a Decked Drawer System, which is both a storage solution and an organization solution. These things go hand in hand and, when combined, save you time.

Sure that sounded a bit “sales-y” but it’s the facts that matter. The Decked system allows you to carry and organize your tools or other cargo easily. Once you install the system into your truck bed, you can continue to use the flat top as you would normally use your truck bed.

What Trucks Does it Fit?

All of them! Ok, maybe not all but most trucks. This drawer system doesn’t just fit new trucks, but older trucks too. The F-150 continues to be one of the best sellers on the market and a lot of people choose to go with a Ford truck bed organizer to help with storage.

Enhance Towing Capabilities

So you bought a truck that didn’t come with a tow package? No problem!

There are an array of different types of hitches you find. First things first, what weight CAN your truck tow and WHAT weight are you looking to tow? Are you looking to tow a small aluminum trailer or a massive dump trailer capable of carrying 14,000lbs?

These questions are important to get answered before you go tossing on a new tow hitch. If you are unsure, look up your make and model’s tow ratings.

Picking the Right Hitch for the Job

These are the most common tow classes and their capacities. You can also find more information on choosing the right hitch at CURT.

Beef Up Safety

I’m sure there have been many times or none at all, where you needed a set of jumper cables and they weren’t in your truck. As the saying goes, “it’s better to have and not need it, than to need it and not have it”.

Check out these safety items you NEED to ensure you are equipped with the items required to ensure you and anyone around you are safe. These items are readily available at your local auto parts store.

Fire Extinguisher
Tool Kit/Flashlight
Extra Fluids
Navigation System/Road Atlas
Jumper Cables/Jump Starter
Flares/Reflective Triangles/Reflective Vests
Food/Water/Change of Clothes
Personal Protective Equipment/Spill Response Kits

Install a Back Rack

A back rack is a roof or bed-mounted frame that is usually made from steel or aluminum. Installing a back rack onto your truck can provide a variety of benefits. They will protect any tools or cargo from breaking the rear window of your truck. In addition to adding protection, back racks are great for mounting accessories such as lights or toolboxes without drilling into your truck.

Back racks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs as seen below.

Where to Buy

You can find all of the above and more styles on the BackRack website.

Most late-model cars and trucks come with factory-equipped security systems. Generally, unless you opt for premium technology packages, these systems are relatively limited to a basic audible unit tied door locks and the starter.

OEM security systems have sure come a long way since the ’90s, but they generally aren’t much more than a basic deterrent. Factory systems often don’t react to window breakage, for example.

As keyless vehicle theft has been on the rise over the past few years, it is wise to take preventive measures to help prevent theft or break-in.

Aftermarket systems can with a variety of cool features such as these: