Truck Accessories

[mhailey]

I just bought a new Ford F-150 and I'm looking for recommendations for the "can't do without" accessories. What do you recommend? Tool box? Bed liner? Clear bra? What do you think is/are the best accessorie(s)?

[ArgusP2]

How about this:
http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/4618/photojt.jpg

[Robulous78]

LoL Angel,

I have to say a bedliner and toolbox are must haves as far as I am concerned on a truck...

Rino liner is cool, but doesn't provide impact protection for the truck body the same way the plastic bedliners do... I don't know how tough you plan on being on it... but I would definitely have one or the other...

If your in the woods they make deer signals to scare deer off the road... I think they make the same for Moose... If your a hunter or a redneck a gun rack is useful/cool...

http://www.stoelrivesworldofemployment.com/gun%20rack.jpg

If you wanna go crazy you could throw some bigger tires or a lift kit... but more practically a wench is pretty useful, again if your in the country, I assume your not getting a truck for in the city after all... Warn makes decent priced wenches...

if your a fisherman you can get rod holders on the front, if you go through bushes you can get a bush bar... you can get a rack for luggage or ladders on top of the cab... you can get a bed cap or a bed cover and make it look like an SUV... its really all up to the money you want to spend and the practicality of when your likely to need it...

[Fordman4ever]

What year F-150? I put a leveling kit and 33inch tires on mine. I also rhino lined the rocker panels and wheel wells to protect it from rocks and road salt. Get a K&N air filter(NOT A COLD AIR INTAKE) just a stock replacement filter. Run the best motor oil you can find. I used royal purple. I also used royal purple 70/140 rear end fluid. Ford came out with a tech order saying to replace the 70/90 that comes stock in the rear ends. If you have the money, get a brush guard and a winch. you will really appreciate it when you need it. Also, always carry a tow rope/strap that can handle at least 15K pounds. If you're gonna do a bed liner, get a spray in bed liner. Get rid of the stock exhaust, its super restrictive. If nothing else, replace the muffler. The stock one is almost 3 feet long and adds way too much back pressure. I'm sure I'll think of something else. hopefully this helps more than confuses.

[maninblack]

Trade it in for a Dodge. Best thing you can do.

[Sailchaser]

Window vent covers are the Best

[SvilleKid]

Step bars (Nerf bars) sure make it easier to get in and out, especially if you have older parents that can't step as high as they used to. Ditto on the K&N filter, and getting rid of the stock exhaust (unless the truck is brand new, and the warranty is in force). Carpet floor mats, if it lacks mats. Road salt isn't an issue in the south, but I use "spray-can" undercoating on all my vehicles, which is cheaper than the dealer applied product, and just as good (just make sure underside is clean and dry before you spray.) If not a new truck, you might consider a stereo and speaker update, including a head unit with multiple input ports, including USB.

[Robulous78]

Trade it in for a Dodge. Best thing you can do.

:lr :lr haha I have a dodge and was biting my tongue... :lr

[Fordman4ever]

Here's mine.

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m626/Earl_McCoy/20120910_193207-1.jpg

[Robulous78]

You can do amazing things with em thats for sure
http://image.4wheeloffroad.com/f/31551118/131_1102_01_o+131_1102_february_2011_drivelines_of f_road_news+baja_1000_ford_f150_ecoboost_torture_t est_side_shot.jpg

[big_jaygee]

Trade it in for a Dodge. Best thing you can do.

:tpd:


:lr :lr haha I have a dodge and was biting my tongue... :lr

X2 :lr

[big_jaygee]

all kidding aside.... nerf bars are a must, brush guard, at the very least a tow strap and/or winch, and a bed liner. :tu

[CigarSquid]

I used to have on '08. I now have a '99.

First thing is always, tint.. Blacked out.

Level kit with some decent meaty tires. I added a new head unit and subs soon to follow.

I wouldn't do any bra unless you do that clear paint one like you mentioned. Tool box and bed liner yes!

Mine now has a camper.. So I do not need both.

Loved this site, http://www.fordf150.net/ for when I had mine.

[MurphysLaw]

Two words: Truck Nutz :lr :lr :lr

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lp10zxhuGc1qkq631o1_400.jpg

[mhailey]

How about this:
http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/4618/photojt.jpg

Best suggestion right out of the shoot!!

I bought a 2013, so extreme modification that would void the warranty are not in my future for 3 years or 36000 miles (5 year 100,000 mile power train). I like the bed liner, spray in maybe with a nice rubber mat to avoid dents, and the fishing rod holder (fly fishing so I will have to check those out). We go camping and skiing quite a bit.

I'm not really liking those tonneau covers as it just seems to defeat the purpose of having a truck. I would love a toolbox that could double as a cooler.

I've tried the K&N filters before and wrecked my Mass Airflow Sensor on my pathfinder with it. Kind of makes my a little scared of the K&N filters.

I will say my daughters love this truck!!

[Fordman4ever]

I ran a K&N in my 5.4 from day one, never had any issues. It never threw any codes or caused any type of malfunctions.

[Fordman4ever]

Loved this site, http://www.fordf150.net/ for when I had mine.

I used this site a lot also. Check out the Gotts mod. its an air intake modification that supposed to open up the air flow without having to add a "cold" air intake.

[SvilleKid]

I ran a K&N in my 5.4 from day one, never had any issues. It never threw any codes or caused any type of malfunctions.

I'll second this experience. I have K&N filters in all my vehicles (including my 1995 Pathfinder and our daughter's 2001 Pathfinder. I've never had an issue, but I'm careful to not overdo the "oil" when I clean and recharge them. I have a 1997 F150 5.4 with 250,000 miles, which has had a K&N filter since I purchased it in 1998. No issues at all.

[joeobx]

Matt, I have a 11' that looks like your twin. I had spray in liner, got a Truxcedo cover that I like as it will roll all the way up to the window. I have a friend that has a Backfilp that he swears by, it's a hard cover that folds up in three pieces and can be stood up for full bed access. I also got the cargo extender from ford and really glad I did. It's a little pricey but unlike the old style it will fold out of the way to the sides.

[mhailey]

Matt, I have a 11' that looks like your twin. I had spray in liner, got a Truxcedo cover that I like as it will roll all the way up to the window. I have a friend that has a Backfilp that he swears by, it's a hard cover that folds up in three pieces and can be stood up for full bed access. I also got the cargo extender from ford and really glad I did. It's a little pricey but unlike the old style it will fold out of the way to the sides.

OH, Bed extender. Good call. I work downtown, so I purchased the 5.5 foot bed to navigate the garage. However I spend a great deal of time in the mountains so a truck was a natural purchase for me. It would be nice to have a little more room in the bed of the truck to haul the proverbial crud.

Surprisingly my MPG has not really suffered as compared to my old 2001 Pathfinder. I was getting about 18 MPG with the pathfinder, and about 17 with this truck. I will have to wait until more miles are put on this truck to have a set determination on my average MPG though.

Regarding the K&N filters, do you guys realize a noticeable increase in power/MPG? If they are so good, why are they not installed as standard, or given as an option through the dealer? Like I said, my one experience wrecked my MAFS, and I have not looked into the filters since. Maybe they have gotten better since then. And it was not my fault or a pre-existing condition, as I never reached the point of requiring a "recharge/re-oil" of the filter, and the car ran great until 2 weeks after installation of the filter. The Nissan Tech said it was a known issue with the Nissan MAFS and K&N filters.

I will have to check out the Truxcedo.

[chippewastud79]

I would consider http://www.linex.com/ over Rhino :2

I have the XTang Trifecta cover, cost $400 and can only be opened if the tailgate is unlocked. If you are looking for primo covers, I would suggest the Bak Roll-X. :tu

[SvilleKid]

OH, Bed extender. Good call. I work downtown, so I purchased the 5.5 foot bed to navigate the garage. However I spend a great deal of time in the mountains so a truck was a natural purchase for me. It would be nice to have a little more room in the bed of the truck to haul the proverbial crud.

Surprisingly my MPG has not really suffered as compared to my old 2001 Pathfinder. I was getting about 18 MPG with the pathfinder, and about 17 with this truck. I will have to wait until more miles are put on this truck to have a set determination on my average MPG though.

Regarding the K&N filters, do you guys realize a noticeable increase in power/MPG? If they are so good, why are they not installed as standard, or given as an option through the dealer? Like I said, my one experience wrecked my MAFS, and I have not looked into the filters since. Maybe they have gotten better since then. And it was not my fault or a pre-existing condition, as I never reached the point of requiring a "recharge/re-oil" of the filter, and the car ran great until 2 weeks after installation of the filter. The Nissan Tech said it was a known issue with the Nissan MAFS and K&N filters.

I will have to check out the Truxcedo.

Matt.... I have used K&N filters for 30+ years. They were a must on my SS Chevelle in the 1980's. The Pathfinders DO have issues with them, but that is more due to how the Mass Air Sensor is set-up, which allows easier catching of particles that can accumulate. I had a 2001 Pathfinder (Daughter has it now) for 10 years, with no issues, but I kept the sensor cleaned on a regular basis. The claim by Nissan is that the "oil" used to charged the filters accumulates on the MAFS and causes the sensor to build-up with gunk which damages it. The 2001 (and the 1995) Pathfinders I (and daughter) have just haven't suffered this problem. However, I am aware that the 2001's have multiple electronic issues that have a dozen possible causes, including bad MAFSs, with a lot of "part hanging" going on to try and fix the problems. Our 2001 is currently having performance issues, and the list of possibilities, including MAFS. But no consensus as to what of a dozen possible causes is correct. And ZERO help from the diagnosis, with no codes showing!!! Summary... Pathfinders, especially the 2001's had issues, so I wouldn't assume the K&N filter as a cause or a negative for your F150. Three F150s in our family (1997, 2005 and 2008), all with over 100,000 miles each on K&N filters with zero problems. Go for it.

The reason it's not offered stock? Cost. Paper filters are 25% of the cost of K&N filters. Given the cheap cost of the recharge system for K&N, and the ability to recharge 5-6 filters, overall, the cost of K&N is lower than paper filters. With naturally aspired engines, the increased airflow of K&N was a definite HP boost. I'm not sure how much additional HP they add on fuel injected engines. K&N says it is a plus, but is that just marketing? The cold air induction system is supposed to be a decent HP boost. But the cost just doesn't make sense to me.

[mhailey]

Matt.... I have used K&N filters for 30+ years. They were a must on my SS Chevelle in the 1980's. The Pathfinders DO have issues with them, but that is more due to how the Mass Air Sensor is set-up, which allows easier catching of particles that can accumulate. I had a 2001 Pathfinder (Daughter has it now) for 10 years, with no issues, but I kept the sensor cleaned on a regular basis. The claim by Nissan is that the "oil" used to charged the filters accumulates on the MAFS and causes the sensor to build-up with gunk which damages it. The 2001 (and the 1995) Pathfinders I (and daughter) have just haven't suffered this problem. However, I am aware that the 2001's have multiple electronic issues that have a dozen possible causes, including bad MAFSs, with a lot of "part hanging" going on to try and fix the problems. Our 2001 is currently having performance issues, and the list of possibilities, including MAFS. But no consensus as to what of a dozen possible causes is correct. And ZERO help from the diagnosis, with no codes showing!!! Summary... Pathfinders, especially the 2001's had issues, so I wouldn't assume the K&N filter as a cause or a negative for your F150. Three F150s in our family (1997, 2005 and 2008), all with over 100,000 miles each on K&N filters with zero problems. Go for it.

The reason it's not offered stock? Cost. Paper filters are 25% of the cost of K&N filters. Given the cheap cost of the recharge system for K&N, and the ability to recharge 5-6 filters, overall, the cost of K&N is lower than paper filters. With naturally aspired engines, the increased airflow of K&N was a definite HP boost. I'm not sure how much additional HP they add on fuel injected engines. K&N says it is a plus, but is that just marketing? The cold air induction system is supposed to be a decent HP boost. But the cost just doesn't make sense to me.

Great information sir!! Thank you for your reply.

[mhailey]

I would consider http://www.linex.com/ over Rhino :2

I have the XTang Trifecta cover, cost $400 and can only be opened if the tailgate is unlocked. If you are looking for primo covers, I would suggest the Bak Roll-X. :tu


Why would you prefer Linex over Rhino? I thought they would be roughly equal.

[Perpmor]

Step bars (Nerf bars) sure make it easier to get in and out, especially if you have older parents that can't step as high as they used to. Ditto on the K&N filter, and getting rid of the stock exhaust (unless the truck is brand new, and the warranty is in force). Carpet floor mats, if it lacks mats. Road salt isn't an issue in the south, but I use "spray-can" undercoating on all my vehicles, which is cheaper than the dealer applied product, and just as good (just make sure underside is clean and dry before you spray.) If not a new truck, you might consider a stereo and speaker update, including a head unit with multiple input ports, including USB.
Yes getting new sound system is major update and it creates a different environment. I recently got bose speakers to boost sound quality.

[sikk50]

Every time I buy a new truck my upgrades go as follows: tint > exhaust > intake > wheels/tires/lift > stereo.

I just bought a new silverado last week, had the windows tinted the next day. Exhaust and intake are in a shopping cart online waiting for payday. Everything after that can wait a while.

[Genetic Defect]

Trade it in for a Dodge. Best thing you can do.

Ford..fixed or repaired dodge.

[Genetic Defect]

I would consider http://www.linex.com/ over Rhino :2

I have the XTang Trifecta cover, cost $400 and can only be opened if the tailgate is unlocked. If you are looking for primo covers, I would suggest the Bak Roll-X. :tu

Had linex in my last truck and too recommend that.

[Perpmor]

Yes getting new sound system is major update and it creates a different environment. I recently got bose speakers (http://www.robustbuy.com/microphone-speakers-speakers-c-317_603_635.html) to boost sound quality.
Stereo system is one of the essential updates of truck

[jcruse64]

Every time I buy a new truck my upgrades go as follows: tint > exhaust > intake > wheels/tires/lift > stereo.

I just bought a new silverado last week, had the windows tinted the next day. Exhaust and intake are in a shopping cart online waiting for payday. Everything after that can wait a while.

What do you like for an exhaust upgrade? I've picked up a '93 Ram W150 that I'm going to work up for my hunt/fish rig. Besides a susp lift, I'm definitely upgrading the exhaust on this 360. Not really wanting it especially loud, but definitely want it breathing well. I'm thinking of a true dual/double cat exhaust, with 2.5" pipe, new headers, and Thrush mufflers.

While I'm asking, what kind of lift do you like, and did you install yourself?

Thanks,

Joe

[Fordman4ever]

instead of true dual, try using an X-pipe set up. you still get the dual exhaust look with a much better sound and better exhaust gas evacuation.

[kydsid]

If you want a bed mat go to tractor supply and get a horse stall mat. $40 and much cheaper than any other option.

[kydsid]

If you want a bed mat go to tractor supply and get a horse stall mat. $40 and much cheaper than any other option.

For the non-country folk here is what a horse stall mat looks like. They are 6x4 so I cut the end, split in half and epoxied to the sides for wheel well coverage.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8461756665_8f24f6426e_z.jpg