12 Must-Have Truck Accessories to Upgrade Your Old Vehicle

This selection of 12 truck accessories offers practical and technologically advanced solutions that improve efficiency and safety, keeping pace with the latest features found in high-end pickups.

Triple-Ball Trailer Hitch.This truck accessory may not be technologically advanced, but it is highly innovative. Rather than carrying a set of hitches with common ball sizes in your truck, this hitch is adjustable and includes a ball for all three common sizes (1-7/8 inch, 2 inch, and 2-5/16 inch). The hitch is designed to fit into a 2-inch receiver and has weight ratings that correspond to the size of the ball.
Wireless Back-Up Camera.In-dash backup screens are fairly standard these days, but if your older truck is not equipped with one, you can add a wireless back-up camera that displays through your phone or tablet. Many models are available: the one shown here uses rechargeable batteries and mounts directly to your rear license plate frame. You will need to download an accompanying app, but the installation of this water-resistant device is quick and easy.
GPS Speedometer and Trip Mileage Gauge.Engine-based speedometers can be inaccurate enough to risk a ticket, if you can even see and read them at all. This heads-up display GPS-based speedometer mounts to your dash with a 4-1/2-inch-wide screen and large, high-visibility numbers that allow you to keep your eyes on the road. It can be recalibrated if necessary and has several additional useful features, including recording trip time and mileage to assist with billing and reimbursement, lighter plug-in, so no batteries are needed, and an over-speed alert.
Ionic Air Purifier.From time to time, you may need to give a client or customer a ride in your truck. A little evergreen air freshener dangling from your rear-view mirror is not up to the challenge of masking the odor of work, your dog, and the sandwich you had for lunch. Fortunately, a high-tech accessory is available to help. The ionic air purifier shown here fits into a cupholder and plugs into a lighter port. It works the same way as a home ionic purifier, sending negative ion particles into the air to help purify it. It even has dual USB charging ports.
Long Cord Adapter Splitter.Many two- or three-socket 12V splitters for lighter ports are available. They all reduce clutter and expand capacity. But things can get pretty cluttered around the console with all those devices plugged in. The solution is to look for a splitter with an extension cord. You will find many ranging from one to three sockets and with cords anywhere from 3 to 14 feet. Use this to recharge tools in the back seat or even give the crew access to a plug-in phone charger while you drive.
No-Drill Mud Flaps.A few years ago, WeatherTech introduced aftermarket mud flaps that can be installed without the need to drill into the fender or any other part of your truck. The advantage, of course, is that you do not penetrate the metal and finish in a very vulnerable area of your truck body. But they are also fast and easy to install using the original equipment bolts in the truck (you also do not need to remove the tire or even jack up the truck). Because they are custom-designed, you need to order a set that is specific to the make and model of your truck, which is easy to do online.
Hands-Free Bluetooth Speaker.If you do not have the ability to make or take calls hands-free in your truck, consider investing in a Bluetooth speaker. Not only is it the safest way to drive and talk, it is also required by law in many states. Look for a speaker that can be mounted inside the cab and is out of the way, especially if you spend a lot of time in your truck and take frequent calls. There are many options available, including ones that cling to your sun visor. The higher-quality speakers have sound quality that far exceeds that of your phone or even an earpiece.
Console Security.If you transport valuable items in your truck, security is always a concern. To alleviate your worries, you may want to invest in an aftermarket lockbox that mounts inside the console of your truck. You can search online for options that match your truck make, model, and year, or inquire at your truck dealership. For example, the Tuffy model is designed for 2010-to-current Dodge Rams.
Bluetooth Adapter for Cassette.If you are driving an older truck, you may be interested in this Bluetooth adapter that can plug into your cassette deck. This will allow you to connect your phone or other Bluetooth device to your truck’s sound system.
Tonneau Cover Lights.Even when your tonneau cover is fully closed, you can still find your way around your truck bed with these simple peel-and-stick LED light strips that run on AA batteries. While you do need to turn them on with a small switch, they will automatically shut off after five minutes. The manufacturer recommends using one strip under each bed rail.
The Truck Fridge.This thermoelectric refrigerator doubles as a heater and can be plugged into standard AC outlets indoors or into your lighter port adapter for DC power. Although it is not large, holding only a six-pack, it is useful for keeping items cool or warm. The device bounces heat between the two compartments, depending on whether you are in heating or cooling mode.
OSHA-Approved First Aid Kit.While a first aid kit may not be the most exciting truck accessory, it is an important one to have. Some kits, such as the ones seen here, meet the guidelines set out by OSHA and ANSI, and if you employ a crew, it is essential to have one. Even if you work alone, a well-equipped first aid kit could be a lifesaver.