Loading zone: maximize your work truck with these great aftermarket features

Tools of the Trade, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Katy Tomasulo

When was the last Lime you took a close look inside your pickup truck? I mean, really looked? How about the truck bed? If you're like a lot of us, it's probably not a pretty sight. Papers strewn among loose nails, power tools tossed carelessly on the seat, compressors scraping the bed as they slide back and forth with the carves in the road.

If this is your reality, it's time to get organized. And with all of the accessories on the market for every make and model of pickup, there's really no excuse. Whether you need a simple truck box or want to upgrade to a service body or a new bed, there are styles and solutions to suit every need and taste.

What's more, manufacturers are cranking out materials that are more durable than ever, while at the same time making your truck look streamlined and professional. So before you go reaching under the passenger seat in search of your pneumatic nailer or shake your head at the nicks and dents on your tailgate, consider upfitting your pickup with storage and add-ons that can keep your tools and your truck lasting for the long haul.

* WESTIN The company has retooled its Ultimate Bull Bar for a tighter, more customized fit and increased ground clearance. Designed to contour to the lines of each specific truck model, the Bull Bar offers full-size trucks extra grille protection. It is available in 3inch stainless steel tubing with a chrome-plated finish or 3-inch hot-rolled steel with a black semi-gloss powdercoat finish: skid plates Come in lightly brushed stainless steel. 800-345-8476. www.westinautomotive.com. Circle #205

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* WISE INDUSTRIES BedRug bed liners are now available for 2003 Chevy/GMC short- and long-bed pickup trucks. The bed liner, which is crafted in polypropylene fiber bonded to water-resistant, closed-cell polypropylene foam, is die-cut and molded to fit the bed and installs with hook-and-loop fasteners. It can withstand oil, grease, chemicals, and acids, and is resistant to stains, lading, and mildew. 800-462-8435. www.bedrug.com. Circle #206

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* A.R.E. The company has introduced a line of caps and bed covers for the 2004 Ford F150, including LSII fiberglass tonneau covers (shown) for F-150 short-bed, long-bed, step-side, and Super Crew models; the Z-Series cap; and the value line cab high cap. The caps and lids are custom built and painted for each customer. 800-649-4273. www.4are.com. Circle #207

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* SYSTEM ONE The Heavy Work Contractor Package for the I.T.S. series truck rack includes a variety of the company's aluminum racking components, including Pick-Up Truss for front-to-rear stability. Pick-Up Trak that distributes weight and protects side walls, and Extension Beams for rigid support of longer loads. The rack's Mid Crossmember is adjustable for short ladder storage and the Rear Crossmember is removable; anti-wear inserts protect ladders and prevent noise. A variety of stainless steel and aluminum hooks provide storage and/or tie-down points. In addition, the package features the company's new Work Winch easy-to-install tie-downs. 800-627-9783. www.ladderracks.com. Circle #208

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* DOWNEY PRODUCTS Designed to work with trucks with in-bed toolboxes, the SST tonneau cover is built on a standard frame and then cut down to fit the measurement from the edge of the toolbox to the tailgate. The SST can be used for most import and domestic pickups from 1973 to present. It features a heavy-duty black anodized aluminum frame and is available in 11 colors. 800-736-1610. www.downey products.com. Circle #209

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* J&J ENTERPRISES Designed for 1999 to current Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty Cab and Chassis pickups, the Master Box Bed features a full 9-foot box from bulkhead to tailgate, free of interior wheel wells. The bed conversion includes stainless steel bed rail caps, mud flaps, and stainless steel drop-step bumper, It can accommodate any fifth wheel assembly and gooseneck hitch. Options include Double-J storage boxes, spare-tire mount, a 55-gallon spare fuel tank and toolbox combination assembly, and Victory Tailgate, a V-notched rear gate for quick hitch-up. 800-367-4961. www.j-jent.com Circle #212

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* PACE EDWARDS The Contractor's Rig System includes strong, rustproof aluminum trusses that can support up to 1,250 pounds, aluminum extension beams for rigid support of longer loads, a removable rear cross member with adjustable handles, and a PVC low-friction insert for smooth cargo loading. Four Work Winches also are included. The unit can be installed without drilling. 888-640-5902. www.pace edwards.com. Circle #210

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* RISE TRUCK INDUSTRIES Rise Lift mechanically raises truck caps to 6 feet off the truck bed, allowing for easier access to payloads. The unit, which is powered by twin DC electric motors, rises to full height in less than 30 seconds. It can lift up to 300 pounds and operates via a built-in key mechanism or a remote wireless device that works from up to 25 feet away. 866-699-7473. www.risetruck.com. Circle #211