7 Ways to Spruce Up Your Vehicle for Springtime Off-Roading

As the last stings of winter give way to spring, the thought of tailgating, taking adrenaline-filled nature walks, and speeding through muddy trails in the upcoming months will excite just about any road trip junkie. While your truck or SUV might be capable of handling your off-roading plans, you never know what to expect when you are cruising off the beaten path.

You should upgrade your vehicle to ensure that you are prepared, safe, and comfortable when you hit the road. Here are some critical add-ons to prepare your vehicle for off-roading.

Replace your wheels with purpose-built tires for dependable performance throughout your road trip. Tires customized with a deep tread will keep your vehicle on the road whether you are maneuvering through sand, mud, or ice.

You should also rotate your tires before you hit the road. If your truck's tires have not had routine maintenance in a while, now is an excellent time to inflate and rotate them.

Install mudguards to protect your vehicle's paint and trim. Whether you are cruising through the rain or maneuvering off-road terrains, mud flaps will preserve the aesthetics of your truck and minimize trips to the car wash. Mudguards are also an inexpensive way to protect against weather elements that could cause rust and undermine the performance of your vehicle.

Be sure to also mount a front-end bull bar to give your vehicle an enviably rugged look and for extra protection.

Add flared fenders to deflect mud, debris, and rocks from the vehicle's body. Flared fenders will also protect your tires from punctures that can otherwise bring your road trip to an abrupt stop.

Opt for high-profile flared fenders if you have a large vehicle. If this is not your style, choose other configurations such as pocket-style, extended, or low profile flared fenders. Most flared fenders can be painted to blend in perfectly with the rest of your vehicle.

Attach winches to your front bumper if you are traveling with other drivers. Winches will come in handy when you need to help a fellow traveler if they are stuck in the woods or mud. But before you buy a winch, ensure that the front end of your truck is adequately strong to support a winch. You could also purchase winch plates and mounts to make installation easier.

Also, make sure to choose a rope that is compatible with your winch. While steel ropes are sturdy, they are susceptible to rust. Consider synthetic ropes for their light weight and ease of use, but bear in mind that these types of ropes soak up water easily.

Secure your cargo and protect your bed with a tonneau, bed cover, or liner. Look out for bed covers or liners that are stain- and dirt-resistant or upgrade to a custom-built tonneau for added protection. Tonneau covers are resistant to rust and breakage and add to the aesthetics of your truck.

Installing a tonneau also helps to minimize gas usage per mile as open beds assert plenty of air resistance to a fast-traveling vehicle.

Keep the interior of your truck cool and comfortable with sun shields. Sun shields are inexpensive and offer the same benefits as tinted windows. Alternatively, install a rear window louver to add an element of muscle and sophistication to your car. A perfectly installed louver will extend to the decals and trim of your car for extra protection from the sun.

Protect your vehicle's underbelly with a skid plate. Even if you boast a lifted truck, when off-roading, it is inevitable for your car to graze against the terrain. A skid plate will shield some of the vehicle's most sensitive parts — including the drive train, engine pan, and radiator — against potentially dangerous rocks and large debris.

At Diamond Truck Body Manufacturing, we can help you upgrade your vehicle with the right additions to fit your needs and style. Visit our accessory center and browse our extensive selection of truck accessories, or call us to discuss your truck upgrade needs.