Equipping Your Work Vehicle

As we’re getting ready to head into the New Year, it’s a good time to take stock of your tools and equipment, ensuring that they are in good working order and helping you get the job done. One of the biggest investments is, of course, your transportation. Take a little time to go over your workhorse. Notice if any accessories (racks, storage boxes, etc.) are needed or looking worn. Assess your truck’s reliability over the last year.
 

 
Ford – America’s truck leader – today pulls off the wraps of a new F-Series Super Duty Limited that sets new luxury standards for high-end heavy-duty truckers.Photo courtesy of Ford
 
If it is, in fact, time to look into replacing your vehicle, there are some great new 2018 models on the market. From Chevy’s Silverado 1500 and Colorado; to Ford’s Super Duty Limited; to Ram’s 1500, 2500 or 3500 / Promaster or Promaster City, there’s a work vehicle out there that will fit your needs.

That said, if your truck is in great shape and has many more happy years on the road, there are numerous after-market accessories — from racks and storage, to toolboxes and cargo stabilizing bars — that will make your job easier on you and your truck. Here are a few you might want to consider:

Weather Guard and Decked offer easy access, pull-out storage systems so you don’t have to crawl in and out of your truck or van, increasing productivity. These systems also provide greater protection of valuable tools from break-ins and weather.

 
Photo courtesy of Decked
The Ironton Truck Service Step is an adjustable truck step that wraps over a tire, providing a no-slip step for loading roof racks. The step is fully assembled and is extremely easy to install, with the ability to adjust to tire depth and step height.

Photo courtesy of Northern Tool + Equipment 

The Detail K2 TFR150 Flip Rack provides valuable flexibility, combining the protection and security of a headache rack with the utility of an elevated ladder rack. With just a flip up and back of the crossbar, the rack enables the ability to carry items that require extra length, including ladders, extension poles and scaffolds.

Photo courtesy of Detail K2

Keep your paint buckets from sliding around. Heininger’s HitchMate Cargo Stabilizer Bar adjusts easily and features a heavy-duty ratcheting system that adjusts and expands. It’s ideal for short outings across town, as well as longer, high-speed trip.

Photo courtesy of HitchMate by Heininger

DeeZee Truck Tool Boxes take the hassle out of your everyday routines by manufacturing superior lockable storage boxes to fit your needs. The company’s Blue Label (Commercial-grade) Series Single Lid Crossover — made of heavy-gauge, Brite-Tread aluminum — is designed to outlast the daily hardships of commercial use.

Photo courtesy of Dee Zee 

Designed for tradesmen and available in hundreds of configurations, Ranger Design Storage Systems for work vans combine the strength and rigidity of aluminum extrusions with a laminated shelf base, creating storage that is strong, quiet and durable, while not taking up too much space or weight. VanTech manufactures top-quality, commercial roof-rack systems and accessories for vans and trucks in aluminum, steel and stainless steel.

Photo courtesy of Ranger Design

Mobile Office makes working on the go easier with mobile office solutions products for vans and trucks. These systems — that may include laptop mounts, truck consoles and truck organizers — help you enjoy greater productivity by transforming your vehicle into a high-performing workspace.

Photo courtesy of Mobile Office

TruckOffice also provides state-of-the-art storage solutions that give you a range of options for the secure storage of your laptop, as well as manage and organize important paperwork right in the cab of your truck.

Photo courtesy of TruckOffice

If you want to see even more options for after-market accessories for your vehicle, consider attending The Work Truck Show, March 6-9, 2018, in Indianapolis.