Just the other day, some OnAllCylinders staff members were out to lunch, and we spotted a relatively new Chevy Silverado 1500 rumble into the parking lot of the restaurant.

By itself, it’s just your run-of-the-mill pickup. But this one had several key style enhancements: tonneau cover, step bars, chrome exhaust tips, window visors, custom fuel cap.

In short, the truck was beautiful.

So with some fresh inspiration, we put together this list of seven truck accessories that we hope provides some food for thought on the ways in which some relatively simple add-ons can enhance your truck-driving experience in all driving conditions.

And have you looking pretty spectacular in the process.

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Story Summary Overview

  • Exterior style upgrades are a great way to upgrade the appearance of your truck
  • We offer 7 relatively easy and affordable ways to upgrade your truck’s style
  • Floor Liners
  • Floor Mats
  • Tonneau Cover
  • Bug Screen/Deflector
  • Bed Liner
  • Windshield Visor
  • Step Bars

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7 Great Truck Styling Upgrades

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1. Floor Liners

3d xpider kagu truck floor liner set
(Image/3d MAXPider)

A cost-effective way to prolong the life of your truck’s carpeting, floor liners are typically made from rubbers and flexible plastics to give your interior the all-weather protection you want. Available for the front and back seat floors, liners feature high outer walls to contain water, dirt, spills, mud, and more from damaging your carpet.

2. Floor Mats

vintage 1977 Ford Bronco floormats
We spotted these vintage floor mats in this incredibly clean, custom Bronco. (Image/OnAllCylinders)

Functionally, floor mats are not significantly different than floor liners. But they are a different option for your truck’s floor-protection needs. Maybe you like the look better. In addition to prolonging the life of your truck’s carpeting, floor mats can enhance the look of your vehicle. Add floor mats. Your interior will thank you.

3. Bed Liner

pickup truck bed with spray-on bedliner
The Summit Racing folks used spray-on bed liner in their Ram 2500 project a while back. (Image/Summit Racing)

Whether you’re looking for a drop-in plastic bed liner, carpet, or spray-on foam, there are several truck bed lining options that can provide the look and protection you seek. Whether you’re pulling some light landscaping duty, or just want to cover up some unsightly scratches, a new bed liner is a great way to spruce up your rig this spring.

4. Tonneau Cover

custom pontiac trans am pickup truck, rear bed
A Trans Am Truck??? Yes! See this amazing tribute build here. (Image/OnAllCylinders)

Short of the perfect set of wheels and tires, does any truck accessory add more to a truck than a rockin’ tonneau cover? We think not. From rigid tri-folds to soft roll ups, tonneau covers are great for keeping your cargo dry, protecting your bed, or simply hiding any unsightliness. No matter what state your bed is in, adding a tonneau cover to your truck is never a bad idea.

5. Step Bars

turbomac hd2 wheels on 2021 chevy Silverado
You can see the rest of the Summit Racing Project S71 Silverado here. (Image/Summit Racing)

Much like tonneau covers, step bars serve the dual purpose of improving your truck’s looks while offering a practical application—an aid in climbing into a lofty cab and sure footing for most any weather condition. But even if weather and lifted cabs aren’t concerns, the mere fact that will make your truck look awesome is reason enough to consider adding them.

6. Window Visor

Image/Summit Racing

Window visors are an excellent solution for those interested in keeping fresh air circulating in their cab in all weather conditions. Window visors bring a subtle styling to your truck and are a pretty inexpensive upgrade. Chrome, tinted, or painted, side window visors are a breeze to install and will enhance your ride no matter what you’re driving, or where you’re driving it.

7. Bug Guard/Bug Deflector

red ford ranger sport truck
(Image/OnAllCylinders)

It’s a simple thing—a bug guard. Also called a hood shield or bug deflector, these relatively inexpensive little strips protect your truck’s hood and windshield from bugs, rocks, and other debris. The really fantastic part is they somehow improve the look of your front end while doing so. So no matter what you call them—bug guards, bug deflectors, or hood shields—get one.

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Want even more great truck upgrade ideas? Click here.

Author: Matt Griswold

After a 10-year newspaper journalism career, Matt Griswold spent another decade writing about the automotive aftermarket and motorsports. He was part of the original OnAllCylinders editorial team when it launched in 2012.