New Mr. Truck feature: Accessory previews

And too, we might not think about it but many of us begin shopping for new(er) tow vehicles. The big three have been hyping us up for months now about new models and options. We find ourselves looking up our old salesman friend at the dealership, and making those midnight strolls through the lot. If we survive the sticker shock, or rather electrocution these days, we have to admit it ... trucks have come a long way. Why, not more than fifteen years ago, we rarely saw half and one ton trucks with automatic transmissions, much less heated leather seats and global positioning systems.

Being in the accessory business I get catalogs and flyers on a daily basis featuring products from companies I have never even heard of. We know the reputations of companies like GM, Ford, and Dodge, but some of the aftermarket companies are still new and unheard of. Now, how many of you will say, "I've got the best truck on the market"? Okay so be it, you're satisfied that you bought the best truck on the market. Hmmmm, a $35,0000.00 truck. Add your hitch, brake control, toolbox, exhaust brake, performance chip, brush guard, and stereo upgrade. What was the price of those adds?!?

Many of us spend as much as 20-25% of the vehicle purchase price on accessories. Did/do you put anywhere near as much time in comparing accessories as you did your vehicle?

Now you have a vehicle that is only 75% covered under a vehicle manufacturers' warranty. Haven't considered that? Please do. And realize that many of the add-on products can be life or death decisions for you, your loved ones (horses and children), and others.

A downhill, mountain grade, a loaded five horse trailer, and brake control failure, makes for a nasty combination. Understood, you figured spending a few bucks less on that brake controller would be alright so you could get that genuine ox's ass seat cover. Who's is in jeopardy now? My point being, all of us should consider the items we add to our vehicles, as much as we consider the vehicle itself. Remember the phrase about, "The weakest link"?

When I was given the opportunity to offer an article to the Morris group, I wanted to make it clear that it was not for personal or business gain. I only wanted to be an unbiased source of information. No bones about it, I make my living selling and installing, accessories, hitches and other products. In most cases I use, or have used, every product I sell. Some products are worth less than the bubble wrap they are packaged in, but their manufacturers have different opinions. More expensive is not always better.

In future articles I'll review some of the more popular add-ons as well as some you may have missed while walking down the aisle of your local accessory store. I'll up-to-date you on specific products for your dream truck or camper/trailer. And the next time you see that shiny, chromy, thing-a-ma-jig advertised in the accessories bible catalog, you'll catch yourself smiling and say ... hum ... "Who do they think they're foolin?".

Customers who arm themselves with good information always wind up with the best product for the best price.

PS: Those ox's hide seat covers rubbed mine raw.

Till next time ...

Kevin