Pickup Options You Can’t Live Without
Gone are the days when trucks were just rudimentary work vehicles. Today, SUVs and pickups come with almost all of the technology, safety equipment and powerful engines once limited to luxury cars and crossovers. While most trucks come with fairly complete factory-standard equipment, there’s always room for more. In fact, there are some things you don’t want to forget when making your next purchase.
To minimize distractions while driving, an infotainment system with voice recognition will allow you to request your favourite songs verbally. Children on board will be quieter if you add a rear-seat entertainment system, or an integrated WiFi hotspot, now available on most GM products, to connect all of the family’s portable devices.
To squeeze into shopping centre parking spaces more easily, a rear back-up camera and sensor are essential, even though they can never replace good judgement. Some automakers even offer a 360-degree surround view that uses cameras installed at each extremity and on the rearview mirrors. Some back-up cameras also offer a downward view so that you can align your car to hook up a trailer hitch. One more must-have item is a power liftgate that activates when you swing your foot under the bumper; it’s always handy when you’ve got your arms full.
When buying a pickup, a bed liner will protect against damage and even rust if it’s installed or sprayed on at purchase. A removable bed extender and ramps can help make it easier to load your all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile. And finally, to facilitate access to your pickup’s bed, Ford makes a clever foldable step that tucks away in the tailgate.
