So, you’ve bought your dream truck and now you’re looking to customize it to your needs. There are so many different ways to personalize your truck to fit your style, work requirements, or just plain make it better. But where do you start? There are so many options to choose from that it can be confusing.

General truck accessories 

Step bars

When it comes to custom truck 4X4 modifications, step-bars are some of the common and best aftermarket truck accessories. They make getting into and out of your vehicle easier, and they can add your own aesthetic flair to the vehicle. 

Truck bed covers 

Truck bed covers and liners are intended to protect the bed of your truck from the usual scratches and dents that come from truck use. So, to keep it safe, choose a truck liner or cover that can protect it from damage. You can even get some that provide a warranty. 

Heavy-duty hitches 

Most 4X4 builds come with a hitch that can tow a small-ish trailer. If you’re looking to do any heavy-duty towing, it’s time to add an update hitch to your basket.

Suspension upgrades

When you’re off-roading, you’ll want to avoid low ground clearance or you’ll be in trouble, causing damage to the truck’s undercarriage or engine. Modifying your suspension will let you handle different terrains and also mean you can add new tires. 

Backup camera 

Most new trucks have in-dash backup screens already fitted, but older models are less likely to have this. You can add one yourself - and save yourself a lot of hassle - by opting for a wireless backup camera. 

Floor Liners 

Floor liners are custom built to fit your vehicle, making them a highly prized product. They protect the floor of your vehicle from grit, mud, and other general mess, keeping wear and tear to a minimum in such a head-wearing area. They can help to increase the resale value of your vehicle, making it one of the best aftermarket truck accessories.

Wheelbases 

Depending on your needs - off-roading terrains, for example - there are different wheelbases to choose from. There are no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wheelbases - that’s because some are better for shorter tips, others sizes are better for longer trips that require more comfort. So, consider the wheelbases you go for when completing your custom truck build. 

What are wheelbases? 

First thing’s first, let’s get down to basics. What is a wheelbase? It’s the horizontal distance between the center of the front and rear wheels. 

What wheelbases are best for off-roading? 

As mentioned earlier, there isn’t one perfect wheelbase number to go for. But, if you’re planning on doing a fair bit of off-roading, then a short wheelbase (with a suspension lift and big tires) will set you off in the right way, meaning you’ll be able to get over most obstacles on a trail. Essentially, a short wheelbase is the way to go. 

Why are short wheelbases better for off-roading?

It reduces the likelihood of driving over an obstacle and scraping the bottom of your car, by improving the break-over angle of the vehicle. Additionally, it gives you a better turning radius, which will help you when you’re off-roading, so you can avoid obstacles and improve your maneuvering.

So, if you’re looking at a build package right now, consider some common off-roading wheelbases: 

Wheelbase Range: 80-96 inches

At first glance, you might think this is a pretty short distance - and that’s correct. It’s around one of the shortest wheelbase distances on the market. It’s this short length that actually makes it one of the best for general off-roading, thanks to the break-over angle it will give your vehicle and maneuverability.

Wheelbase 97-108 inches

This is a typical wheelbase distance for mid-sized SUVs. Adding some more length between the two sets of wheels will help you to avoid one of the biggest hazards of off-roading: rolling over. This is because the added distance will make your vehicle less top-heavy.

Wheelbase 108-117 inches

You may recognize this as the most common wheelbase (for off-roading vehicles). It’s a good all-rounder for stability and handling. 

Wheelbase 118+ Inches

For off-roading, anything above 116 inches would be considered large. Wheelbases this length and up make maneuverability hard and will make the overall off-road drive more challenging.

To conclude:

Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of some of the best aftermarket truck accessories on the market right now.