Top Truck-Accessory Picks for Holiday Gift Giving

Your presents will be requested under the Christmas tree when you offer up these sweet work truck additions — and a bonus scale model for display.
Top Truck-Accessory Picks for Holiday Gift Giving
Scale-model trucks

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It’s the holiday season. And like most people you’ve probably been wondering what to buy for that special someone on your gift list. If they own, drive or just like trucks, we have a few ideas that might save the day.

A blast of air

If you’re looking for something with flare as well as practicality, give Truck Lungs a look. Basically, they’re powder-coated nerf bars filled with compressed air. Customizable step plates are available. Finished in a semi-gloss black (other colors available), the onboard air system mounts like any other running board. Primarily designed for pickup trucks, they can be built for any-size vehicle. Made to power air tools and pneumatic jacks, remove dust and inflate tires, air capacity ranges from about 8 to 14 gallons at 200 psi. Each kit comes with a fill adapter that works with any air compressor. A small 12-volt compressor, mounted under the truck, is available to automatically fill the lungs.

Tanks are 3.5 inches in diameter and have a wall thickness of 0.12 inches. Mounting brackets are made of 1/4-inch steel. Pricing begins at $750. Delivery typically takes two to three weeks and gift certificates are available. www.trucklungs.com.

See and be seen          

For those late nights and early mornings, Maxxima offers a 1.8-inch round LED auxiliary emergency warning light with amber clear lens. The light is brighter and uses about 10 percent less energy than a standard halogen.

Distributed by Virgo Fleet Supplies, the light features 17 selectable flash patterns, synchronized/alternating flash, control module, chrome bezel, flange and gasket. It sells for $59.95.

To keep your truck showroom sharp, Virgo also offers Mojo paint protectant and Mojo metal polish. Both come in a 12-ounce bottle and sell for $20. It is a polymer-based formula designed to clean, polish and protect. The metal polish is formulated for chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass. www.virgofleet.com.

Keep it clean

Winter slop dragged into the cab can make it a challenge to keep a truck clean. All-weather floor mats from WeatherTech feature deeply sculpted channels designed to trap water, road salt, mud and sand. They’re engineered to prevent curling and cracking in subzero weather. The mats also have anti-skid ridges to prevent shifting and come with a protective, nonstick finish for easy cleanup. Available in black, tan and gray for select-model trucks, the mats sell for $54.95.

For even greater protection, WeatherTech offers laser-measured FloorLiners. Made of a high-density material, the liners feature a rigid core for extra strength and tactile feel. The grippy underside is designed to reduce movement. Channels carry fluid and debris away from shoes and clothing. Available for select vehicles, the laser liners sell for $109.95, depending on vehicle configuration. www.weathertech.com.

Get organized

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to find something in a cluttered cab. It gets even worse when you set that cup of coffee on the dash and it spills on your work orders. Raney’s Truck Parts offers the V-Truck custom dashboard system in a variety of colors for Freightliner, Kenworth, International, Volvo, Sterling, Western Star and
Mack trucks.

The removable shelving ($139.95) mounts on your dashboard, providing added space for your phone, pens and laptop. It even serves as a portable travel table when you stop for lunch. The shelving comes with gray and black carpet and chrome finish or in all black. Mounting hardware is included. www.raneystruckparts.com/dashboard-shelves.

Give it a rest

Long days on the road can lead to sore elbows and shoulders — especially if your truck doesn’t have an armrest. The RoadPro padded armrest from Pickup Specialties is a moveable pad that can used with the window up or down. The armrest installs in seconds with no tools or glue and is completely adjustable — simply slide it forward or back. Available in dark gray, light gray, tan and black, the armrest sells for $19.95 and fits most pickups, vans and semis. www.pickupspecialties.com/truck_and_car_padded_arm_rests.htm.

Stay connected

Making its debut at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, Rand McNally’s OverDryve dashboard tablet is a great technology update for older vehicles. The tablet provides hands-free calling and texting (phone required), and enables you to navigate to your next destination and receive collision warnings. Features include magnetic mount; 7-inch, high-definition screen; and Bluetooth wireless technology. Options include wireless backup camera, driving-habit analytics, vehicle diagnostics and tire pressure monitoring. Base price: $399. www.myoverdryve.com.

Scale-model trucks

Let’s start with a new vacuum truck. Not the full-size version, although that would be an awesome gift, but a 1/34th scale model — true in detail right down to the hoses, pumps and graphics.

Bob Scribner of Granite State Collectibles in Rindge, New Hampshire, has built model trucks since 1989. He got the idea by paging through a friend’s copy of Pumper magazine. With over 50 different cabs available, he requires a series of close-up photos of your rig, showing every possible angle. Delivery takes four to five weeks, so you might have to leave a card under the tree saying it’s on the way.

Portable restroom trucks are $175 and up; vacuum trucks are $229 and up. Graphics average about $35.

Scribner airbrushes each vehicle, using authentic automotive paint. Vacuum trucks are about 12 inches long and portable restroom trucks are about 8 inches long. All have real rubber wheels. He also has “toy” septic pump trucks with Kenworth, Navistar, Freightliner or Peterbilt cabs for $28 each. www.granitestatecollectibles.com.

STUFF THE SACK

Hopefully, you’ve found an item or two that will bring a smile to the trucker on your gift list this holiday season.



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