Customized Truck

Customized trucks have a rich history that dates back to the 1900s. From hot rods to monster trucks, people have been modifying their vehicles to suit their needs and style. Today, customized trucks are a popular way to express individuality and showcase creativity. Whether it's a lifted truck with oversized tires or a sleek, low-riding pickup, there's no limit to the possibilities when it comes to customizing your ride.

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The Ultimate Guide To Customizing Your Pickup Truck

posted by Automotive Addicts Contributor
Filed under Automotive, Editorial

Your truck is more than a set of wheels; it’s a reflection of your personality and needs. Customizing your pickup is about tailoring it to your lifestyle, whether for rugged off-road adventures or as a standout on urban roads.

Let’s explore the nuts and bolts of truck personalization, from aftermarket upgrades to performance tuning. This guide is your roadmap to a truck that not only performs but also turns heads.

Understanding The Basics Of Pickup Truck Customization

Customizing a pickup truck is an art as much as it is a science. It’s about blending aesthetics, performance, and utility to suit your unique requirements. For automotive enthusiasts, modification can mean anything from minor cosmetic tweaks to major mechanical overhauls.

There are three primary areas of focus: aesthetic enhancements, performance improvements, and utility-focused modifications. Each serves a different purpose, and understanding this is crucial to making informed choices.

Aesthetic Customizations

When it comes to personalizing your pickup, aesthetic customizations are where you can truly make your mark. Here’s a breakdown of key options to consider:

Paint Jobs And Vinyl Wraps: Transform the look of your truck with a new color or custom design. Whether you opt for a classic paint job or a modern vinyl wrap, these changes can turn your truck into a rolling piece of art. The choices are limitless, from matte finishes to vibrant graphics.
LED Lighting Upgrades: Elevate your truck’s style and functionality with advanced lighting. Swapping out standard bulbs for energy-efficient options modernizes the look of your truck while simultaneously improving nighttime visibility. For additional flair, consider incorporating underglow kits, a type of automotive lighting mounted underneath a vehicle.
Custom Wheels And Tires: Wheels are a game-changer in your truck’s appearance. Upgrading to larger, stylish rims or off-road tires can drastically alter the truck’s profile. Enhancing your ride with custom wheels or a unique spare tire hitch mount from the range of Toyota Tacoma accessories can add both aesthetic appeal and practical utility.

By focusing on these aesthetic aspects, you can create a truck that stands out in both style and presence.

Performance Enhancements

Enhancing the performance of your pickup truck boosts its capabilities and elevates your driving experience. Let’s explore some key upgrades:

Engine Upgrades: Upgrading components like cold air intakes and performance chips can significantly increase horsepower and torque. These modifications improve engine efficiency and response, giving your truck that extra punch for both on-road and off-road performance.
Suspension Modifications: Whether you’re lifting for off-road dominance or lowering for improved street performance, tweaking the suspension is critical. A lifted suspension provides better ground clearance for off-roading, while a lowered setup improves handling and aerodynamics on the streets.
Exhaust System Overhaul: Upgrading the exhaust system isn’t just about getting a deeper growl. A high-quality exhaust system can improve engine performance and efficiency. Along with the improvement in sound, this modification optimizes the way your engine breathes and expels gases.

With these performance enhancements, your pickup truck will not only look the part but also deliver a driving experience that’s tailored to your preferences and needs. However, it’s important to consider the impact of such modifications on fuel efficiency and overall vehicle maintenance.

Utility-Focused Modifications

Utility modifications are all about enhancing the functionality of your pickup truck. Whether it’s for work, recreation, or daily tasks, these upgrades can make a significant difference.

Bed Modifications: Tailoring the truck bed can vastly improve its utility. Options like bed liners protect against scratches and dents, while tonneau covers offer security for your cargo. For those needing more organization, toolboxes and bed dividers are essential.
Towing Enhancements: If you use your truck for towing, consider upgrading the hitch system and adding trailer brakes for better control. Upgrading to towing mirrors can also provide a wider field of vision, making towing safer and more efficient.
Off-Road Adaptations: For off-road enthusiasts, adding features like skid plates, off-road tires, and winches can transform your truck into a rugged explorer. These modifications not only improve the truck’s capability on challenging terrains but also protect it from potential damage.

By focusing on these utility-focused modifications, you can turn your pickup truck into a versatile tool, ready for any task or adventure.

Safety And Maintenance Considerations

Customizing your pickup truck brings excitement, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety and maintenance. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

Adherence To Safety Standards: Ensure that all customizations comply with safety regulations. Modifications, especially to the suspension, lighting, and engine, should not compromise the vehicle’s safety. Using high-quality parts and professional installation is imperative for maintaining reliability and safety.
Regular Maintenance Of Custom Parts: Custom parts may have different maintenance needs compared to standard ones. Regular checks are vital, particularly for performance parts that might wear faster. Pay attention to proper maintenance to keep your truck in top condition.
Legal Compliance: Be aware of local laws regarding vehicle modifications. This includes regulations on emissions, noise levels, and equipment such as lights and tires. Ensuring that your truck is street-legal helps avoid fines and keeps your truck compliant.

The longevity and safety of your customized truck greatly depend on these considerations. Consistent maintenance and strict adherence to established standards are key to keeping your truck reliable and enjoyable for all your journeys.

Final Thoughts

Customizing your pickup truck is more than a series of modifications; it’s a personal endeavor that reflects your unique style and needs. Each decision, from aesthetic changes to performance enhancements, shapes your truck into something that goes beyond a mere vehicle. It becomes a distinct representation of who you are and what you value.

As you modify your truck, it evolves with you, meeting your changing needs and preferences. Each upgrade, whether for style, power, or practicality, not only enhances your truck but also enriches your overall driving experience.

Virtual Truck Customization – Build Your Perfect Truck Online

Wouldn’t it be so much easier if you could design your own pickup truck, review the model from all angles possible, and then decide to purchase it?

Fortunately, there are many dealers that have good websites for pickup truck customization.

These companies have their own websites with neat, clutter-free, responsive dashboards that provide you with limitless customization options that include wheels, suspension, tire, color, and other accessories.

If you make any mistakes along the way, simply reset and start over, or undo to restore your custom vehicle in seconds.

Some online tools also let you save your version of the truck to come back at a later time and make further changes. This ease of customization makes it possible to purchase your favorite pickup trucks that fit your personality profile.

Most websites also provide you with a free quote directly from a dealer near you at no surcharge, or obligation. There are many websites that let you do this, but we’ve rounded 10 of the very best in the business.

This post was originally written in April of 2019, but it has been updated with current information.

1. Automobiles.honda.com

Honda is an industry giant with several years of experience building automobiles. Their website provides a surprisingly effective tool that lets you customize cars to your heart’s content.

Since we want to customize pickup trucks, you’ll have to scroll down to reveal the Minivan & Truck section.

Choose the 2019 Ridgeline model that is currently faring at an MSRP of $29,990 and hit “BUILD”.

This will take you to a page that contains several different versions of Ridgeline, including RTL-T and RTL-E. Once again click on “Build” when you’ve decided which model to choose.

The next page will allow you to choose various customization options such as exterior color, powertrain, interior color, wheels, exterior and interior accessories, and electronic accessories.

Once you’ve finalized all the options, hit “View Your Build Summary”. This will reveal the total price of the pickup truck, which is a total of the base price plus any additional accessories you selected.

2. Interactivegarage.com

Interactive Garage wastes zero time in taking you into the meat of the matter. The website looks simple enough at first glance, you’re asked to choose the year, make and model of the pickup truck and then hit Search.

We went with 2018, Ford, and F-250 Super Duty, then asked to choose a sub-model.

The next page will overwhelm you with options. Every part of the pickup truck can be customized, from the front bumper to the cargo racks – the choice is entirely up to you.

Once you’ve selected an option, the interactive menu updates the pickup truck in real time to reflect the new changes. Towards, the bottom, you’ll be shown a rough estimate of the subtotal of your accessories.

Once you’re satisfied with your options, go ahead and click “Email Vehicle Build” to receive an email containing further details about making a possible purchase, including access to suitable retailers in your area.

3. Ultrawheel.com

Ultra Wheel updates its database with new vendors, vehicles, features, and accessories. Their home page will show you a range of options, mostly catering to off-road and sports vehicles.

But you’ll want to scroll down to reach their neat dashboard called “ICONFIGURATOR”. Without wasting any more of your time, ultrawheels will ask you to fill in important details such as the year, make and model of the car.

Once you’ve selected your favorite vehicle, you’ll be given a fairly minimal layout where you can choose the color of your car and wheels. All available trucks have trucks and cars on the options will have different customization options.

When you’re done click on Dealer Location to be taken to a list of retailers if you’re interested in going through with the purchase.

While UltraWheels doesn’t contain a whole bunch of options, it is ideal if you don’t want to be overwhelmed.

4. Fuel Off Road

Fuel Off Road is an internet dealer that specializes in selling wheels and tires. As such their range of customization options are fairly limited to wheel selection.

But there are a diverse number of pickup trucks to choose from, and the best part is that once you’re done, you can hit “save” to get a screenshot of the pickup truck.

If you’re interested in going through with the purchase, head on over to “DEALERS”, on the top menu of the page, and enter your postal code to find the nearest dealers new you.

In this regard, Fuel Off-Road shares the same characteristics as Ultra Wheels, limited with their array of options, but effective.

5. 3DTuning.com

3Dtuning is by far one of the most comprehensive car configurators on the internet, going into the very nitty-gritty details of the engine itself.

When you’re on their home page, hit Truck Configurator, click Start on the next pop up menu. The configuration menu will take a few seconds to load, but it’s worth the wait.

Once there, you’ll be presented with a massive list of options including front brake, rear wheel, rear brake, tires, front bumper, rear bumper, tail lights, etc.

Once you’re done customizing, and it will take time, hit the small floppy disk on the bottom right corner to save your car or share with your friends on social media.

6. 3mskins.com

3mskins is another website that features tons of options to let you tinker around with your dream pickup truck without costing you a penny.

On the homepage, select your vehicle, which will be selected by default to Wrap Film Series 1080, a pickup truck. The customization menu has a few options that are limited to car paint jobs.

The paint menu itself is quite exhaustive, covering all car paint types including gloss, matte, satin, and even carbon fiber. Once you’re done, hit “I’M DONE”.

Here comes the important part, on the next menu you’ll be asked to enter your postal code to be taken to the nearest authorized dealer if you’re interested in finalizing a purchase.

7. Autobytel

Autobytel does not have a fancy dashboard powered by iConfigurator, instead, it has its own in-house dashboard menu that manages to do its job while being clutter free. They have a fairly large range of models to choose from.

Once you’ve selected your choice of pickup trucks, you’ll be asked to select a trim from a range of available options with their prices attached for reference.

Next, you can customize the exterior and interior in different colors. The next menu will require you to go over your preference of options such as engine type, transmissions, wheels, safety groups, etc.

What’s different about Autobytel is that you can only pick from models that are already available. This is by no means a bad thing because all the options you see on the list are as real as it can get.

Once you’re satisfied, hit “Get Pricing” to receive a free price quote. You will be asked to fill in your contact info though.

8. International Trucks

This website is powered by iConfigurator’s responsive menu system that lets you play around with the pickup truck without costing you a penny. Choose international trucks only if you’re in heavy logistics that require the use of big trucks.

These are not your average pickup trucks, they’re geared towards large businesses.

From among the impressive range of options include vocation, door mirrors, door handle finish, wheels, bumper style, bumper finish, etc. Towards the end, you’ll be asked to fill your contact details to receive information about truck dealers near you.

9. gmfleet.com

GMfleet has access to vehicles from General Motors only, and they will ask you for your zip code from the get-go before giving you control over configuration options. Once there, you will be given a list of options such as configuration, drive type, and engine.

When you’re done, hit Next Step: trims. This will take you to a limited list of options. Next in line are colors, the availability of which depends strictly on the make and model of your pickup truck.

Click on Next Step: Packages to choose different features such as the air intake system and chrome tailgate handle, these also depend on the make and model of your car.

The customization options are fairly impressive, allowing you to play around with the interiors, wheels, and accessories before finally taking you to the summary menu.

You can start over with customization options or contact a Fleet Rep if you’re interested in going through with the purchase.

10. poki.com

And here’s something to pass the time with, poki.com has a bunch of online games to play, these include 18 Wheels Driver 5. It’s a fairly fun game to play, giving you control of a heavy duty truck.

You will be asked to choose your favorite color before starting the game. Use the direction buttons to control the movement of the truck, press spacebar for the handbrake.

In Closing

We hope you find what you're looking for in this list! Did we miss anything? If you know about a great pickup truck configuration website that's not on that list, leave us a comment and let us know!

And before you go, be sure to check out these other guides that might be of interest:

How To Customize A Car Online [4 Popular Brands]

What Is The Most Expensive Pickup Truck?

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