Trucks are so popular these days that even people who don’t need their off-roading capabilities are driving them home from dealership lots.
Statista reports that 12.4 million light trucks were sold in the U.S. last year, up 13.7% from the previous year.
While you have the right to get behind the steering wheels of whatever vehicle you want, there’s something to be said for choosing the right one rather than spending more than necessary to keep up with a trend.
Buying a New Truck Can Be a Costly Transaction
MotorTrend says people can find pickup trucks for south of $40,000. But based on the trims the majority tend to favor, they’re more likely to spend $50,000 to $60,000. Are you willing to pay that amount for a vehicle with features you don’t need and won’t use?
For some consumers, the answer is an unapologetic “Yes.” Maybe you’re among them and want to sit high above other vehicles in your brand-new truck.
Truck Owners Love Their Add-On Accessories
You might notice that many truck owners equip their vehicles with accessories. Some of these aftermarket accessories are winners—products you can’t imagine living without. But others are money-wasting products that offer little, if any, tangible benefits. With that said, avoid these 15 truck accessories if you value your money.
Tailgate Light Bars
There’s no denying it. Tailgate light bars are cool and look great on a pickup truck. But here’s the thing. In most cases, they don’t offer any real functional benefit. On the other hand, the premium price may be worth it if you live in a rural environment or do a lot of off-roading. Otherwise, it’s simply a cool accessory you probably don’t need.
Chrome Trim Kits
Another truck accessory that’s often a waste of money is a chrome trim kit. Sure, it might up the aesthetics a bit. But considering they may discolor, peel, or bubble over time, it’s likely not the best investment. And, besides, they don’t contribute to performance in any way.
Stick-On Hood Scoops
If you desire a hood scoop, invest in a real one. This could mean getting your current hood modified. But a stick-in hood scoop is tacky and won’t offer any functional value. It could trap dirt, debris, and water, damaging your paint job.
Plastic Wind Deflectors
Another pickup truck add-on accessory that isn’t worth your money is a plastic wind deflector. Considering how easily they can break or crack and the minimal—if any—aerodynamic improvement they afford, you’re better off keeping your money in your wallet.
Drop-In Bed Liners
While drop-in bed liners are more cost-effective than spray-in bed liners, the former is vastly inferior.
First, aesthetics plummet with a drop-in bed liner as it’s an obvious add-on. Second, a drop-in bed liner won’t completely protect the truck bed. It might trap moisture and cause rust that may jeopardize your truck bed.
Off-Brand Lift Kits
When done right, a lift kit can literally elevate your truck’s functionality. From capably navigating off-road terrain to comfortably working under your vehicle without requiring a jack, lift kits can be a game-changer. But, and there’s often a but, you shouldn’t cut costs.
Avoid cheap, low-quality, off-brand lift kits. Otherwise, suspension durability and ride quality could suffer.
Cheap Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers are a great addition to any truck. A good tonneau cover will be a game-changer if you need a safe place to store tools and materials or a secure location to safeguard equipment from the elements.
But the operative word is “good.” Avoid cheap, low-quality tonneau covers that leak, break down quickly, and offer poor truck bed security.
Universal Floor Mats
Universal floor mats seem like a good idea at first. But the fact that they’re “universal” is code for “this won’t fit your vehicle unless you use a pair of scissors.”
Your arts and crafts skills better be good since you’ll need to trim a little here and cut a little there to get the floor mats to fit decently. Spending more on a premium set of floor mats designed for your vehicle is better.
Exhaust Tips
Fancy getting exhaust tips for your truck? Exhaust tips are something you add to the end of the exhaust system to alter its sound and look. Depending on what you’re looking for, they can be a worthwhile investment. Some people love the more powerful sound, for instance.
But it’s the sort of pickup truck accessory you can likely do without. Exhaust tips are like a party trick that quickly loses its allure.
Inexpensive LED Light Bars
Like tailgate lights, LED light bars are cool—there’s no denying that. But a cheap set will likely leave you disappointed. They won’t last long or perform well for their short life span.
Loose Fitting Seat Covers
Seat covers are a great addition to any vehicle. But resist the urge to buy the universal variety. While they’ll do the job more or less, they’ll drag down the interior aesthetic of your pickup truck.
You’re better off ordering seat covers that fit your vehicle model and trim. Yes, custom-fit seat covers will cost more than universal seat covers. But the proper fit will be worth it.
Cheap Truck Bed Toolboxes
A toolbox for your truck bed can be essential. In addition to storing tools, you can use it as extra storage space for just about anything. But here’s the thing. Buying a cheap plastic truck bed toolbox is like throwing away your money. It won’t hold up well to the elements or have much structural integrity, and you may have to replace it in short order.
Universal Mud Flaps
Here’s that word “universal” again. By now, you probably realize that “universal” products are cheaper than “customized” products…and for good reason.
If you buy universal mud flaps, you’ll have to trim them to fit your specific truck. That’ll reduce the aesthetic appeal of your mud flaps. You’re better off getting the right ones that look like they came with your vehicle out of the factory.
Fake Vents or Intakes
Among the more strange truck accessories are fake vents and intakes. They’re purely aesthetic and offer zero functionality. Why spend money on something that doesn’t deliver performance benefits and looks fake and tacky?
Inexpensive Running Boards
Running boards can be great for getting in and out of a pickup truck. But make sure to purchase high-quality brands. Low-quality options might rust prematurely or fail to support as much weight as higher-quality ones. If you need running boards, stick with reputable brands known for quality.
Steer Clear of These Truck Accessories
If you don’t like burning your money, avoid these 15 truck accessories. They don’t offer the best bang for your buck, and you should demand more for your hard-earned money.
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