Pick-up trucks

For the Love of Pick-up Trucks

Not a lot of things top the charts, statistics, moods and whims of American buyers for more than just a few months, never mind for years, yet the Ford F-150 has been the top selling pick-up truck for 43 years. The appeal includes its full size, usefulness, reliability and towing capabilities mingled with style, comfort, luxury and technology. Pickup trucks in general are kind of an American icon, like apple pie, Johnny Cash, cowboy boots and Route 66. There are not so many of them in other countries, by far, and of the top 25 vehicles sold in 2020, according to caranddriver.com, the top three are pickup trucks: Ford F-150, followed by Chevrolet’s Silverado and the Ram pickup. Two more pickups grace the list of the top 25, and there’s one van, nine

Text by Joanne M. Anderson

SUVs and 10 cars. The accessories for pick-up trucks can add a lot of protection and convenience. According to pickuptrucks. com, the top 10 most popular add-ons are [in order from number 1 to 10]:

 Heavy-duty trailer hitch  Satellite radio  Running boards  Fog lamps  Custom floor mats  Spray-on bedliner  Custom wheels  Tailgate protector  iPod/MP3 connectivity  Wheel splash guards

The Fleming family in Blacksburg likes the side steps, aka

Photo by Caleb White @_caleb_white_

running boards, on their red 2016 Ram sport. “It makes it much easier to get in and out of the truck, especially for shorter people, elderly folks and when parked on a hill,” states Kristie Fleming. “And it adds protection from rock chips being thrown up as well as protects from bushes and rocks rubbing on the finish when you find yourself off pavement.” Surprisingly, tonneau covers were not on the above list, but they are very popular to protect whatever you place into the truck bed, which, of course, has a bed liner before you put anything in it. Bed liners come in a custom fit for many models; the full bed liner goes up the sides and over the wheel wells, while a simple one only lines the floor of the truck bed. Mats are useful for just the floor part, and there are several tailgate

mats as well. There are spray-on liners, too, for both the professional job and the home do-it-yourselfer. The Flemings, who also have a 2004 Ram 1500 sport, prefer the sprayon liner which not only protects the bed, but also reduces things sliding around. “The drop in bed liners can collect debris under them and corrode the paint,” explains Brett Fleming. The folks at B&K Truck Accessories in Christiansburg relate that most people seem to prefer the spray-on bed liner. They also concur with number one of the list above. They sell – and install – lots of trailer hitches, along with bed or tonneau covers. In fact, they install all the accessories they sell plus electronics installation and welding. Kristie touts the soft tonneau cover because it is easier to roll up and take off when hauling large things. It is, however, a bit less secure. “It’s great for protecting cargo from the weather,” she relates. “I love it for travel. As a mom, I tell everyone to grab a laundry basket and all your stuff must fit in it. Then I take one extra basket for odds and ends like towels, sunscreen and supplies.” Seat covers also may not have made the top 10, but the Flemings are fans of the Bartact ones (www.bartact. com). “They provide protection with lots of storage in my Jeep,” Kristie says. “And they preserve the seats for re-sale value. The brake controller is a great safety add-on for towing our UTVs (universal terrain vehicles) and just as useful for those hauling horses, a camper, boat or tiny home. In fact, it saved us one day when our brakes failed.” There’s a testimonial that means something. There is a combination of pick-up truck accessories for aesthetics [custom wheels and fun floor mats, for example], pleasure [upgraded sound and connection], protection [bed liners] and practicality [running boards and trailer hitches]. Locking tool boxes are invaluable for HVAC and other technicians and veterinarians who make house calls. Bed lights might be a musthave if you’re fumbling often in the dark back there. The truck fridge might not be necessary, but a tow rope, emergency kit and basic first aid supplies could be useful.

Whatever you do, enjoy having a pick-up truck, with or without myriad accessories, and expect your car owner pals to enjoy having a friend with a pickup truck.