Whether you use your truck for work, hauling, or everyday purposes, there’s one area of the truck that most people forget about when upgrading their vehicle for safety, convenience, and practical purposes: The bed of the truck. You might wonder what you can possibly do for the bed of your truck other than adding a toolbox, so in this article, we’ll cover why you should think about adding a truck bed cover and how to choose the right one for you.

Why A Cover For Your Truck Bed?

While it is convenient to have an uncovered truck bed, all you have to do is place the item in the bed and enter the cab; how do you feel about exposing your truck bed and its contents to the elements and possible theft? Do you really want snow and rain to damage what you put in your truck bed? You also risk scratches, dents, and rust damage to your bed, not to mention moss, mildew, or mold from excess moisture.

Truck Bed Cap

You’ve more than likely seen truck caps before, and there are many benefits to adding a truck cap. Truck caps are a durable and stylish weatherproof solution that protects your truck bed and any items you may have in your truck bed. Truck caps fit over your truck bed and have an access door, windows, and lighting for you to find what you need. Since your truck bed is now a weatherproof space once you add a truck cap, you can use the bed of your truck as a sleeping space when you go camping without worrying about building a tent or having said tent collapse on you while you sleep.

Truck Bed Lid

A truck lid keeps your cargo as safe and secure as a truck cap and truck cover. A truck lid also protects your truck bed, and what you have in your bed, from the elements, as well as scratches, dents, and rust. If you experience a hailstorm, you won’t have to worry about damage to your truck bed, and you wouldn’t have to worry about broken windows as you would with a truck cap.

Truck Bed Cover

A truck bed cover, or tonneau cover, is essentially like a truck bed lid. The difference with a truck bed cover is that it usually only comes in black, while truck lids and caps are painted to match the color of your truck. There are soft and hard tonneau covers, and the hard tonneau covers have a longer lifespan than the soft as the soft covers are more prone to wear and tear and other damage.

How To Choose The Right One For You

Choosing between a cap, lid, or cover is a matter of preference. You can lock all three to keep your truck and belongings secure, and all three are weatherproofed to keep your truck bed dry and protected. If you plan to carry tall items like furniture or appliances, then a cap is a better choice. Likewise, if you want a place to sleep when you go camping, you can sleep with a lid or cover, but a cap offers more security.

We understand how important it is to protect your truck bed and any valuable items. Trick Trucks offers durable and stylish caps, lids, and covers that provide a seamless fit. Contact Trick Trucks today to choose your new cap, lid, or cover that fits your needs.

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It is important to know that over time, your vehicle can produce a build up of carbon residue. As your motors combusts a million times over, this build up can be found on engine parts that are critical to your vehicle functioning properly. As it piles it, it will put more strain on the vehicle and will cause the engine to run less efficiently. 

All gas stations are required to adhere to a minimum standard set by the government. There are different brands of gasoline that have different levels of additives and detergents. Because of the differences in these mixtures, there are some that are better that can extend the life of your vehicle. These types of mixtures are referred to as “Top Tier” fuel brands. 

Top Tier fuel brands are those who have been tested to leave less deposits of residue than others and help clean it out. Here is a list of just some of the gas stations that carry the Top Tier fuel:

• 76
• CITGO
• Chevron
• Conoco
• Costco
• Exxon
• Fast Fuel
• Kwik Star
• Rutter’s
• Shell
• Sunoco
• Texaco
• Valero

Trick Trucks and Cars has everything you need to start a customization or add parts to your vehicle. Call us with whatever ideas you have in mind for your next project, and we will help set up your car or truck with the right parts and tools. We are happy to provide each and every client with a professional experience. Head over to our website at tricktrucks.com to see what we could do with your vehicle!

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Car/Truck Scene

Let your vehicle get in on the fun this Halloween. If you normally love to decorate your house for those trick-or-treaters, add your car into the mix!. Pop open that trunk and create a really cool scene in the back of your car. A great idea is to grab a few of those pumpkins, fake spiderwebs, and hay bales and set up a unique display. You can even carve or paint the pumpkins for an added touch.

Skeletons, Skeletons, Skeletons

What’s Halloween without a few skeletons? This is where you can really have some decorating fun with your car. A funny thing you could do is set up the skeleton like it’s driving the car. Add a hat and sunglasses. Maybe include a few passengers as well! It is sure to make everyone laugh and applaud your creativity. 

Spiders and Webs

A fun and unique idea is to create a spider and web scene on your car. Pick up a few bags of fake webs from your local store and go to town. Drape them all over your vehicle for a spooky effect. A DIY tip for the spider part is to use black trash bags to cover your car and create spider legs out of material. It will look like one giant spider and the neighbors will be impressed!

Whether you’re into Halloween decorations or any other type of custom ideas, Trick Trucks can help! Trick Trucks and Cars is a factory authorized dealer that offers a full line of accessories and parts for all types of vehicles. We pride ourselves on providing superior installations for our clients and can assist with any repair you may need. Anything we sell, we can also install. Head over to our website tricktrucks.com to check out all the services we provide.            

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Car Battery

The first thing you will want to look at is your car battery. It is in good measure to do a routine check of the cables and connections to make sure they are tightened properly and sturdy. Over time the battery and other parts under the hood get dirt built up from the elements. This can cause corrosion and that will only cause bigger problems for you and your vehicle. If it happens that your car battery has removable caps, you will want to check the water every now and again and refill the distilled water if necessary.

Headlights

As cars and trucks get older, the headlights start to age with the vehicle as well. That means they start to turn foggy or fuzzy, and a lot of that has to do with cars being parked outside. This is something that is very important to do a check on as headlights are a contributor to your safety and effectiveness of you driving your vehicle. There are multiple kits out there that encompass an entire cleaning for your headlights and they are relatively inexpensive as well. It is a low cost that is very beneficial for you. 

Tires

Good maintenance practices and responsible driving can positively extend the life of your tires. Now is the time to start checking the tread on your tires to make sure it is up to a safe level for the winter. Tread is what helps the tires grasp onto the road, and if they are wearing or bald, it makes it much more dangerous as your car can slip or slide down the road. 

Trick Trucks has over 40 years of experience in customizations and we dedicate our time to giving our customers their dream vehicle. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICKor visit us online. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

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You also then get to thinking what if I could fix this myself? How much would it cost? While getting parts yourself tends to be more cost effective, if you aren’t familiar with such repairs, it could not end well for your vehicle. So where is the happy medium of when to fix the vehicle yourself or send it to a professional? 

Oil Change

Vehicles roughly need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. That is a lot of oil changes and you probably have lost count if you have your car routinely maintained. This is definitely one of those repairs you can learn to do on your own to save a trip and roughly $80 dollars or so per oil change if you were to take it to a professional. All that is needed is to take off the oil cap that’s located under the hood, then unscrew the bolt to the oil pan, and then grab a bucket. Let the excess oil drain into the bucket, put the bolt back on, and then add 4 quarts of new oil. Be warned though — it’s a bit messy! 

Transmission Fluid

Dirty or clogged transmission fluid is usually the culprit when your vehicle struggles to catch its gears. Because of how the car’s system operates, it is important to keep this working properly. While a changing of fluid may sound easy like an oil change, this process is a lot more involved. It takes a little more skill and precision, but it is definitely not an impossible task if you do have the expertise. This is one of those repairs that may be better suited to take to someone who has years of experience. While you may not be too happy in paying a little more for this repair, you will know it will be fixed right, as doing on your own could create potential damage or problems. 

Radiator Fluid

Replacing the radiator fluid is on the same level as a regular oil change. The process is similar as the fluid will need to be drained out from underneath the vehicle into a bucket. If you want to skip the trip to the shop, go ahead and tackle this one on your own if you’re up to it! You will just need to make sure you take the proper procedures to dispose of waste as it is toxic. 

Come to see us at Trick Trucks and Cars if you need any parts for your vehicle! We are happy to make sure your truck is in great condition and is looking fresh all year round. We have over forty years of experience, so there is nothing we haven’t seen. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICK or visit us online. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

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Take It to the Floor

A great way to create a new look for your car is to add floor mats. Vehicle brands have different types of floor mats you can add to spice up your car or truck. Some more out-of-the-box brands like MINI have a bunch of neon or different pattern designs to choose from. This also is a beneficial addition to your vehicle as it will preserve the floor underneath and you may be able to fit them in your next vehicle. 

Grill Inserts 

The front of a car or truck is what people first notice about a vehicle. Front-end styling is a great customization under $100 that will make a lasting impression. Mesh and billet inserts can be added to the original grille, making for an easy upgrade. Popular in Jeeps and trucks, they also can be customized for other brands. 

The Center of it All

We’re talking steering wheels. Whether your style is a pink fuzzy cover with rhinestones, or maybe you want to go more sporty and a racing-style cover, steering wheels covers can make a unique change for your vehicle. They are a great way to tailor the look to who you are as a driver.

Audio

If you really want to jam out, a lot of times a stock audio unit just simply will not do for us enthusiasts. Additional sound equipment can get rather pricey, but there still are ways to improve your audio and not spend a fortune. Consider looking into a new set of speakers or a subwoofer that will enhance your listening experience without getting too expensive. 

Window Tint

Often one of the first customizations people go for on their vehicles is window tint. Going to an authorized dealer or trusted shop, window tint may run a few hundred dollars depending on the level. Now if you have a steady hand, you can find the right film to take on this project yourself. The only caveat with this customization is to make sure you are abiding by Maryland’s law of the level of tint for safety purposes.

Need help with one of the projects above or perhaps something bigger? Trick Trucks and Cars is a great place to add customizations to your vehicle. Check out our list of brands we carry to accessorize your vehicle or grab some inspiration from us for those more involved projects. We have over 40 years of experience in customizations and dedicate our time to giving our customers their dream vehicle. Call us today at 1-866-60-TRICK (87425) to bring your visions to reality.

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With the summer months quickly approaching, we recognize more and more truck owners will be looking to outfit their trucks with a ladder racks for all the upcoming warm weather activities. To help them make the right decision, we have compiled a guide to help drivers choose the right ladder racks for them, whether that be the weekender or the traditional ladder rack.

Traditional Ladder Rack

Traditional ladder racks have an over-cab design that provides secure storage for ladders and other large cargo items while freeing up space in the truck bed. This is a great choice for truck owners that plan on regularly using their vehicle to transport large items, both for work and personal life.

Given the overhead design, a traditional ladder rack allows for an increased load capacity of up to 1,000 pounds. Plus, many traditional ladder racks have a removable rear crossbar to allow drivers to easily load large items in the truck bed. However, if you already have items loaded onto the ladder rack, it might prove difficult to load tall items into the truck bed.

The ladder rack itself is not adjustable, but the tie downs and end caps can easily be adjusted to secure any and all types or sizes of cargo.

Weekender Ladder Rack

A weekender ladder rack is the perfect solution for drivers who have the occasional need to carry ladders, kayaks, bikes, home renovation materials, or other long materials. While traditional racks cover the entirety of the truck bed, weekender racks only cover one side of the bed.

Drivers can choose to install their ladder rack on the driver’s side or passenger side of the vehicle. However, the best part about a weekender is the ability to easily install and uninstall the rack when it is not being used. This easy installation process also means it can easily be switched from side to side if needed.

Many weekender ladder racks offer an adjustable load bar, meaning drivers can make the rack bigger or smaller to accommodate different sized ladders and objects. Since this product is only half the size as a traditional ladder rack, the maximum load capacity is only an average of 250 pounds.

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your Vehicle Care Questions

If you want an upgrade, then come to see us at Trick Trucks. We are happy to make sure your truck is in great condition and is looking fresh all year round. We have over forty years of experience, so there is nothing we haven’t seen. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICKor visit us online. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

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Weight Capacity

Your vehicle’s weight capacity depends on what you are driving. You’ll also need to think about what you’re trying to tow because if you don’t calculate the weight capacity correctly, you’ll make the experience much more complicated than it needs to be. You’ll find that the classes of trailer hitch are arranged based on their weight capacity, as such:

1. For class 1, you can haul up to 2,000 pounds. This capacity is suitable for smaller cars and family sedans.
2. For class 2, you can haul up to 3,500 pounds. This capacity is fine for minivans and crossover vehicles.
3. For class 3, you can haul up to 8,000 pounds. This capacity is acceptable for mid-sized trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
4. For class 4, you can haul up to an astonishing 10,000 pounds. At this capacity, you will need a behemoth vehicle, either a full-sized truck or an SUV.
5. For class 5, you can haul more than 10,000 pounds. This capacity is where the big boys play, so you’re going to need a juggernaut vehicle to pull all of that cargo. Full-sized trucks and commercial long-haul trucks are your best bets.

Weight Balance

Weight balance is just as important as weight capacity. When you have the right weight balance, you can be sure that your trailer hitch is up to the task. Balancing the weight of your payload makes it easier to transport, and you can avoid unfortunate accidents while out on the highway.

Towing Capability

Once you’ve chosen your trailer hitch and balanced it correctly, there’s one more decision to make. That decision rests on the towing capability of your vehicle. Read your driver’s manual or ask the manufacturer or dealer for more details so you can make sure that all of these considerations are dealt with before you get on the open road this summer.

Get Your Vehicle Ready for Summer with Help from Trick Tricks

Does your ride need servicing or some new accessories? Trick Trucks is happy to service your vehicle and make sure your truck is in great shape all year long! With over forty years of experience servicing trucks, we have the expertise and equipment you need. Contact Trick Trucks online or by calling 1-866-60-TRICK. Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube. We have several locations in Maryland (Kensington, Edgewater, Waldorf, Frederick, Lexington Park, and Lanham), two in Virginia (Winchester and Chantilly), and one each in West Virginia (Martinsburg), and Delaware (Millsboro)!

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Before going on your next adventure this spring, consider getting a front grille guard. After all, you never know what could happen out there, especially when you’re trying to not get lost in the woods. But whether you’re setting out on a road trip to escape the lingering cold or just want to go mud running, here are a few reasons you should get a front grille guard.

They Complement Other Upgrades

When you have a front grille guard installed, it won’t interfere with the function of the other features you have on your truck. In fact, it can even complement other add-ons you have installed, such as a hook for towing. If you are worried about keeping your engine and radiator safe, then that’s not a problem either.  

Protection During an Accident

No matter where you’re going or where you’ve been, you want to make sure both your truck and your passengers can survive an accident. Accidents are frightening enough on their own, but without a front grille guard, they could be much worse. Keep in mind that any protection will only make a difference at low speeds and low impact situations. You might come away with some scratches and gouges on the paint job, but that can easily be remedied. In high-speed impacts, however, the grille will not help. So think twice before revving the engine to attempt to jump over that boulder you encounter down a forest path.

Along with possible collisions with inanimate objects, you’ll also want to watch out for crashes with woodland animals – and not just deer, either. Depending on where you go, you might also run into moose. To see these creatures better, you might need to increase the amount of lighting you have mounted on your truck.

Improved Lighting

You’re probably still going to be out after dark. And when you are, you’ll need to have good lighting. Luckily, when you have a front grille guard in place, you can add more lights to guide your way – whether you need to see through fog, rain, or trees.

Enhanced Aesthetic

Even though a front grille guard provides plenty of benefits for the physical integrity of your truck, don’t forget about how you can also use one to make your truck look tougher. You just need to find the right finish for it.

Get Your Truck Ready for Spring with Help from Trick Tricks

Does your ride need servicing or some new accessories? Trick Trucks is happy to service your vehicle and make sure your truck is in great shape all year long! With over forty years of experience servicing trucks, we have the expertise and equipment you need. Contact Trick Trucks online or by calling 1-866-60-TRICK. Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.

The post Why Might You Need a Front Grille Guard for Your Truck? appeared first on Trick Trucks.

Halloween has officially come and gone, and now that it’s November, the fall is almost over. That means winter is on its way, and it’s never too early to start preparing both yourself and your vehicle. When you’ve got the right winter tires, you won’t be slipping, sliding, and skidding down those snowdrift-covered roads anymore. Here is some vital information on the ins and outs of choosing winter tires.  

What Exactly Are Winter Tires?

What sets winter tires apart from tires for any other time of the year? You might think that your standard tires will be able to withstand the freezing effects of the cold and slushy roads you’ll be traversing. However, this isn’t the case.

Winter tires are designed with the season’s nasty weather in mind. Dealing with adverse conditions such as subzero temperatures, slick roadways, and spots of black ice get much easier when you equip your automobile with these special tires. Crashing and spinning are two situations you don’t want to find yourself in, so these tires improve traction for your car or truck, no matter how fast you are going. Just remember – in wintry weather, it’s best to go as slowly and carefully as you can.

Studded or Studless?

The next question you may have might be “what’s the difference between studded and studless tires?” If that is indeed on your mind, then you should rest easy; the answer is quite simple. The classic choice for dealing with winter driving conditions is to use studded tires. These tires carry metal studs on the treads. Different tire manufacturers will use different size studs in their designs, but one thing they all have in common is their ability to punch through ice and snow and grip these surfaces. However, studded tires are heavily regulated, and in some states, they might even be illegal.

Your only option might be to choose studless tires. These tires have a new kind of rubber that is more resistant to the cold outside. The treads on these tires are also much deeper, allowing them to gain better traction.

In the Meantime

In the meantime, just remember that storage is key. If you decide to switch back and forth between winter tires and all-year tires, be sure to store the winter tires once you no longer need them – this technique will help your tires last longer. Accessories such as snow chains, traction mats, and even snowplows might be your options if you can’t find the winter tires that you want.

Winter Tires and More From Trick Tricks

Does your car or truck need servicing or some new accessories? Trick Trucks is happy to service your vehicle and make sure your truck is in great shape all year long! With over forty years of experience servicing trucks, we have the expertise and equipment you need. Contact Trick Trucks online or by calling 1-866-60-TRICK. To find out more about our services and trucks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.

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