The 7 Best Mods For Your F-150 Work Truck
Have an F-150 and want to upgrade your trusty truck into a workhorse that'll trample any job that comes your way? Well, check out our list of the parts you can add to accomplish just that.
1. Upgrade the tow hitch
If you did not happen to order a tow hitch when you bought your F-150, or if you bought your truck used, then you should really get your hands on one. Before you start searching through listings for what to get, just know that it should be a Class IV hitch. One of these is strong enough to haul a boat or a dual axle trailer that happens to be loaded up with all sorts of heavy duty equipment you'll need while on a job. This is a great mod that will serve you on and off the clock for whatever you need to haul with you that is too big or heavy for the bed. If you're in the market for something rugged and sturdy as hell may we suggest the Draw-Tite Round Tube Max-Frame Receiver that can handle up to 6,000 lbs and carry weight up to 12,000 lbs. These hitches are custom made according to each model year and manufacturer so you can rest assured that this not an ill-fitting broad stroke part that will cause headaches for you on the road.
2. Tougher floor mats
This is the only mod we have on the list for the interior but it will pay you back in dividends should you choose to use your truck during off hours also. Rubberized floor mats will not only improve the usability of your truck but also the interior aesthetics with a cool matte look to them. The one's pictures are WeatherTech DigitalFit FloorLiner mats that are laser measured to fit perfectly. You can even opt for a single full-width model or two individual mats for the driver and passenger sides. There are grooves and channels that will carry fluids and any errant bits to lower reservoirs so they won't get into your way while driving.
3. Nerf and Bull Bars
The nerf bars is another mod that will make getting into and out of the truck that much easier. With these installed the side of your seats won't get worn away so fast since you'll be essentially "sitting" directly into the seat as you enter. Height deprived individuals, shorter people, and kids will see the nerf bar as a God sent gift that will save them from getting running starts in order to get into your truck. These can be purchased in varying shapes and designs to fit whatever setup you have on your truck.
The bull bar up front will serve as a security guard from bumps, knocks, and any errant wheeled objects. On top of saving the front of your truck, it will also add some spice with a capable attitude your F-150 will wear proudly.
4. Bed steps
Bed steps are on this list because let's face it, you do not want to use any extra energy to haul yourself into out of your truck after a hard working day in the field. On top of that, that extra height can give you some much-needed leverage if you need to adjust something in your bed or hovering atop your truck. The one pictured is a single step that is retractable so it's only there when you need it and not when you don't.
5. Bed Liner and Tailgate Liner
If you want something affordable, durable and not as permanent as spray-in bed liners then liners are the way to go. These pieces, one for the bed and the other for the tailgate, will protect your truck from scratches, dings and errant fluid spills of paint to and from any job sites. Installation of these are pretty easy and the peace of mind you'll have knowing what is in the back of the truck won't come back to bite you in the butt is priceless.
6. Retractable Aluminum Tonneau Cover
Okay so we covered keeping your truck safe from the things you put on the back of it but now we'll cover how to keep those things safe from theft. In case you did not know, people will totally walk up to work sites and just grab tools that are unattended. It is a crime of convenience and it really sucks. So in the spirit of keeping what's yours in your possession may we suggest a really cool looking and sturdy aluminum tonneau cover. The Peragon aluminum cover is made right here in the USA and works perfectly with the mod that's next up in our slideshow. The cover is easy to install and use as it folds in a way that allows you to get to everything on the bed as there is no space taken up by a roller. The cover can be ordered in sleek black, white, or you can have it painted to custom match your truck. Options available for the cover are a dual-deadbolt lock and a tailgate seal kit to keep out water.
7. Sliding Truck Rack
If you have an F-150 and worry that the shortened bed is going to keep you back from doing your job the right way then rest assured that there is a fix to the length problem. A sliding truck rack will help you to carry sheets goods, lumber, ladders, kayaks and whatever else you can think of that's long and unwieldy. However, the one made by TracRac SR is compatible with the Peragon Aluminum Tonneau cover from the last slide.
Your Ford truck was built tough from the factory, but with these upgrades you've built it to outlast and outwork the best of them out there. Some of these items are on the pricey side but you'll get your monies worth out of them from the day to day strain they'll stand up to when you're out putting food on the table. Happy trucking everyone!
For help with servicing your truck, check out the how to section of Ford-Trucks.com