Picking the 4X4 Accessories You Need
Off road 4X4 SUVs and trucks are designed to be improved and accessorized, but both have different benefits, different prices, and different values. It just depends on what you want. This guide helps you choose 4X4 SUV and truck accessories you really need, and even offers tips how to install them.
For the purposes of this article, let’s say you have the 4X4 you want for off road adventures–or for on road races–and just want to improve the ride with the accessories. Accessories are more than perks, as they can add value and life to any 4X4.
First let’s look at hitches for more basic 4X4 accessories. Hitches are designed used for towing different types of items, such as boats, trailers, and other vehicles. There are two types of hitches, weight carrying and weight distributing hitches. Weight carrying hitches are generally used for small to medium sized loads such as small boats, while distributing hitches are designed for your bigger loads. The most common is the weight carrying, but some do use the weight distributing hitches.
Now let’s go over a less functional 4X4 accessory, the storage and organization of your vehicle. This is a broader choice of accessories, but shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re planning a vacation or boating trip. All 4X4 owners need safe, dry, and dust proof storage options, so a storage box is a good choice. You also might want to look into lids and tonneaus.
Another more functional 4X4 accessory, the body lift kit, can add true value to your 4X4. Some say a body lift kit is the most important 4X4 accessory. A body lift kit is affordable and allows you to run larger tires on the vehicle.
There are some specifics to be noted when choosing 4X4 accessories like the body lift kit. The general rule of thumb is that you should start small and work your way up. For example, if you want a 3″ or 4″ body lift, you actually might want to start smaller. Why? The bigger you go,the more problems you run into. Start smaller than a 3″ to 4″ body lift kit, and then gradually improve your 4X4 by going for bigger accessories.
Choosing a body lift kit 4X4 accessory also includes choosing how you plan to install it. While many can do it themselves, most use mechanics as installing a body lift kit can be tough and take a long time. However you might be able to do it yourself and save some money for other 4X4 accessories. Maybe the mechanic tries to charge you too much, or doesn’t do it correctly. It depends on your skill level and familiarity with body lift kits, but most find the right mechanic for these type of installations and save the headache.
There are many 4X4 accessories beyond this too, from bumpers, to campers, tents, and other exterior protection. But for the basic 4X4, a, hitch, storage box, and body lift kit make the ride more enjoyable.
