Importance of Accurate Measurements When Selecting Truck Accessories

If you’re a newbie pickup owner, you might get overwhelmed by the wide range of aftermarket products available for your truck. You can start from the basics, such as putting in some products to protect your truck.

But before purchasing any product, do you know the exact measurements of your truck parts?

Why do accurate measurements matter?

Measurements are vital when it comes to truck accessories. It is crucial to select the proper add-ons that will fit your vehicle. When choosing aftermarket products for your vehicle, always double-check if the product’s dimensions will match your truck parts' measurements before committing to purchase.

Various truck accessories can help you upgrade your vehicle's functionality, appearance, and performance. However, you might pick the wrong one if you don’t know the precise measurements of the application.

When you measure the parts of your truck, it requires great attention to detail to ensure precise fitment. Failure to do so will result in items falling off while you’re driving. It can also potentially cause damage to the accessories you have installed and affect your vehicle’s safety when traveling at varying speeds.

Measuring the truck bed

Let’s use tonneau covers as an example. It is a popular truck accessory that you can combine with other implements. Without the proper measurements, you will have difficulty selecting a suitable cover. Truck beds come in various sizes, depending on the year, make, and model.

You cannot find a truck bed cover that says "universal fit." In case you have found one, there’s a big chance that it will not fit precisely onto your truck bed—it might be too long or too short. Tonneau covers do not come in universal sizes because they are designed in specific sizes to fit particular trucks. Choosing a cover according to your vehicle’s specifications will help you get the right one.

If you are looking for a cover that will snugly fit the truck bed, measuring the length and width is best. Don't forget to take note of the height as well, especially if you are planning to put a bed rail or toolbox. This information is necessary to find a reliable tonneau cover and other truck accessories you can combine with them.

For starters, use a tape measure that’s 10-foot or longer. Don’t forget to write down the measurements using a pen and paper or record them using your smartphone. Here are some tips for measuring the following:

For the length: Use the tape measure from the inner side of the front bulkhead to the inner side of the tailgate. Keep the tape measure level and straight to maintain accuracy.

For the height: Measure the tailgate height by starting from the bottom to the top of the truck bed.

For the width: Position the tape measure right at the inner edge of the sidewall, or what is usually called a "bulkhead." Keep the measuring tool straight, then extend it to the opposite side of the inner edge.

Some pickups may have wheel wells that protrude into the sides of the bed. If you are trying to lay something flat onto the truck bed, you must include the measurement between the inner sides of the wheel wells.

Truck accessories that require accurate measurements

When buying a truck, most buyers consider its bed length. Truck buyers usually look at the bed size because it helps determine the capacity and space to put some cargo.

Getting the accurate dimensions of your truck bed can also help you compare the price of different tonneau covers. With the help of precise truck bed and cab measurements, you’re more likely to find one that fits your budget. Online stores like 4WheelOnline can help catalog various brands and products using the configurator. It will index different products based on the specifications you input.

Here are the truck accessories that require precise measurements to ensure fitment.

• Tonneau covers

Tonneau covers are designed to fit particular bed sizes and lengths, so you must provide the correct dimensions to guarantee a perfect fit. Truck beds have three categories: short, standard, and long.

A short bed length is usually 5-feet 8 inches. The average standard-sized bed is 6-feet 5 inches long, while the long beds are typically 8 feet long. Not all pickup truck models have the same bed length. Depending on the manufacturer, the sizes of the truck beds may differ by a few inches.

• Bed mats and liners

Truck mats and liners for the bed work the same way as the cabin’s floor liners and mats. Installing truck bed protection products will maintain the smooth paint finish, especially if you plan to resell your vehicle.

Bed mats and liners also keep the truck bed protected from scratches and UV rays that causes the paint to fade. If you often load items on the truck bed, the mats will protect the surface. If the cargo you put has sharp corners, it may scratch the surface and damage the truck’s bed. If you still have no tonneau cover, the liners make the bed surface watertight to prevent corrosion.

• Bed rails

The metal poles of the truck bed rails stretch across the length of the bed’s sidings. This truck accessory requires precise measurement, so you must ensure that the bolts are aligned to the sidings of the bed. The rails also support kayaks and small boats you want to transport using your vehicle.

• Truck steps

The truck steps can be categorized into different types such as nerf bars, running boards, and hitch steps. They are also called step bars by some truck owners. Truck steps require a specific length to fit seamlessly onto the vehicle.

If the nerf bars or running boards you chose are too long, they can rub against the tires. If too short, the bolts will not fit onto the frame. For the hitch step, precise dimension is crucial to fit the receiver hitch.

Truck steps can benefit drivers and passengers who lose their balance quickly. You don’t have to worry about slipping off since most products have an anti-slip surface. They also serve as support when climbing up or down the truck bed.

• Truck rack

Truck racks protect the rear windshield from damage. If road accidents happen, the items that extend above the cab on the truck bed can hit the back of the cab. The truck rack shields the glass from breakage.

A truck rack is also beneficial for contractors and commercial purposes. You can stack things in different levels using this truck accessory. It also increases the cargo space because you can haul longer items that would not usually fit on the truck’s bed. Instead of opening the tailgate, the rack allows you to store longer items above the cab. Just make sure to securely tie the things to the rack to avoid them from sliding or falling off during transport.

Measure: the best way to be sure

Checking the exact measurements before buying the truck accessories for your truck is necessary to prevent mistakes. Product return and exchange can sometimes be difficult, and it could be a hassle if you need to finish the mod as soon as possible.

Whether you want to purchase any truck accessories mentioned in this article, the correct measurements will guarantee a perfect fit.