One of the first choices you will face when purchasing your next vehicle is—new or used? Each decision comes with its own set of pros and cons, like how new vehicles can be decked out with upgrades and packages and used ones can’t. However, with some simple at-home upgrades and modifications, you can have your dream used truck for a fraction of the price of a new one. If you are looking for used trucks for sale near Colonie, don’t be discouraged by what a truck doesn’t offer; be encouraged by what it can offer you with your own accessories, upgrades, and modifications.
Not only is modifying your truck a great way to make it exactly what you want, but it is also a way to have some fun along the way. Many upgrades don’t require extensive automotive knowledge, which means almost anyone can do them. Truck bed accessories are one of the easiest ways to customize your used truck and get the most use out of its defining feature. Ultimately, customizing your used truck should be a fun experience that gets you closer to having the truck of your dreams. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few easy truck bed accessories you can add at home to upgrade your used Chevy truck.
Truck Bed Covers
A truck bed cover, or tonneau cover, can be one of the easiest places to start when upgrading your Chevy truck. They come in an assortment of styles, prices, and qualities and can even be found online through stores like Amazon. Amazon even lets you save your vehicle’s information and will let you know if the parts you are looking at fit your truck. Living in an area like Colonie, you may face some harsh winters, so adding coverage to your truck bed will help you protect not only your cargo but the condition of your truck bed.
Soft tonneau covers are one of the most inexpensive bed cover options and can come in roll-up or snap-on styles. For a few hundred dollars, you can get an easy-to-use cover for your truck bed. Of course, due to its soft flexibility, it won’t offer tons of strength or support, so it’s important to know what purpose the bed cover is for before deciding which kind to get.
Folding tonneau covers are a great choice and one of the most popular options. Typically made of hard plastic, these come in several foldable panels that hinge to the truck. This allows better protection for cargo in the truck bed, and with its foldable panels, it can be opened a little or a lot, depending on what you need. Retractable bed covers offer a similar convenience, but rather than folding, they retract. They can be soft or hard and can be manual or electric, depending on how much you are willing to spend and what your needs are.
Hardshell tonneau covers are the most expensive and can be found in a variety of styles as well. A fiberglass cover is an excellent option as it can be painted to match the body color of the truck, and it is excellent protection for the contents in the bed. For a slightly cheaper version, hinged covers are always an option. The downside of hinged covers is that it’s pretty much a case of all or nothing when accessing cargo, and these, too, can be made of softer materials, reducing their effectiveness.
Alternative Truck Bed Toppers
Not all truck bed accessories are tonneau covers, and they can offer a wide selection of uses. Soft toppers are one option to consider if space is your concern. Soft toppers are typically made of vinyl, so while flexible, they are sturdy, and rather than sitting flush with the truck bed, they often are flush with the cab’s roof, acting like a sort of trunk. Soft toppers are great for those who want more covered storage on their truck.
If you are exploring one of the many biking trails in Colonie and want to safely transport your bike, a soft topper could be just the thing. Provided with coverage and secure storage, your bike will be protected even if the weather changes. Better yet, pack up a picnic and a few collapsing chairs and take in the views of the Mohawk river. With the right accessories, your used truck can transport you to endless fun.
Truck caps are similar to soft toppers, but these are made of hard materials. These can offer unique storage solutions, with extra cubbies and compartments for tools, materials, and so on. If you are looking to turn your truck into a work truck, a bed cap could be precisely what you are looking for. Unfortunately, bed caps can impair visibility, so keep that in mind.
For the adventurer, a less common option is a camper shell. Not intended for everyday use, camper shells can turn your truck bed into a portable campsite. Large, small, soft, and hard, they come in a variety of options, prices, and qualities and allow you to turn your truck into an actual getaway vehicle.
Truck Bed Extenders
One of the most common types of bed extenders are tailgate extenders. Again, these can be found easily online and are easy to install. A common variety is the U-shaped extender that snaps into the bed. These can be removed entirely or be fitted to rotate back into the bed for storage. Bed extenders can give you several extra feet of cargo space.
Hitch extenders are another option, adding six or more feet to the back. These are often used for rec equipment or other oversized items that need to be carried rather than smaller items in the truck bed. They can often hold hundreds of pounds and are an excellent option for taking your raft or kayak for some peaceful water fun on the Mohawk river.
Storage Systems
Are you looking to stow some tools or organize for a camping trip in the Adirondacks? Well, you are in luck because there are what seems like endless storage solutions for most truck styles and configurations. Whether you are looking for something small and simple or need something big and complicated, there are options available to you.
Swinging truck cases are a solid option for storing valuables or smaller tools without taking up too much room. Swing cases swing out for easy access and swing in for even easier storage. Many of these boxes offer secure locking features and have multiple compartments for organizing your goods.
Cargo slings are a cost-effective option for storage, but don’t expect any security with this type of system. Slings are as they sound, consisting of an open-topped soft material type of basket that can help secure some items in the truck bed but won’t keep them safe from evil-doers. If protection is what you are looking for, consider a storage case. These remain in place and offer secure storage like the swing cases but are typically bigger and more permanent.
Dividers for your truck bed could fall under storage systems, offering a way to partition off cargo. Truck bed racks are another option, providing suspended cargo room for larger items or even cargo bags. Soft cargo bags are great for moving, vacationing, or camping. The options are just as unique as the trucks on the road, offering solutions for almost any problem.
Deck Out Your Truck
Whether you are looking for esthetically pleasing accessories or functional accessories, there is probably a product out there for you. Bed lights, liners, camping mattresses—the list goes on. Many of us spend more time in our vehicles than we do at home, so it only makes sense that there are so many ways to customize them. Investing in your used truck will provide you with the vehicle you want and need at an affordable cost. Make your used Chevy truck everything you want it to be, then go out and go out and find adventure in Colonie.
