RON HAZELTON:
You know, when it comes to versatility, well, there’s nothing like a pick-up. It can be hardworking or hard playing depending on how you equip it. One of the beauties of a pick-up is the open bed. Now for jobs like this, you wouldn’t want anything else. But sometimes, having a secure weather-tight Tonneau cover is a terrific option. This one, a truck bed cover from a company called UnderCover, is light weight, to be installed or removed in a couple of minutes, and is lockable. The maker says it’s strong enough to support a hockey team. Well, we didn’t have one of those, but our crew is not exactly a bunch of lightweights. UnderCover has also introduced the swingcase. A lockable, removable utility case that pivots out for easy access, then nests securely out of the way against the side of the bed. Now if you want to keep your options open, consider a retractable Tonneau cover. The access roll-up from Agricover unfolds when you need it, and can be secured by locking the tailgate. Then folds back up out of the way when you want an open bed. From Roll-N-Lock comes this version. The cover unrolls from a housing outed near the cab, and has its own built-in lock. When it’s not needed, it retracts fully into the housing. Now something nice about this one cover is that is can be partially closed, allowing you to haul taller objects while keeping the rest of the bed undercover. For all around good looks, combined with utility, it’s hard to top this Fiberglass Truck Cap from Leer. Everything from its automotive type lie to the low profile styling and trimless finished edges give it a sleek look that blends beautifully with the truck. Built to order, it’s custom fitted and custom painted for an exact match. When it comes to security, functionality and maximum cargo space, a truck cap delivers it all, and this one from Century is a great example. It sets the standard for accessibility. Made of aluminum, the caps one piece side doors open revealing tool boxes inside. The double walk-in doors in the rear make it easy to load and unload large or bulky items. Each cap is custom built can color matched to the truck. Now if you want to make your pick-up look like a luxury SUV, then this Royal series of truck caps, also from Century, is something to consider. To complete the luxury SUV look, combine the cap with this – the BedRug Liner from Wise Industries. Made of polypropylene, it provides complete scratch, dent and rust protection for the truck bed, while cushioning and protecting sensitive cargo. The compound curved rear door, and dark tinted curved side windows, combine to give the Century Royal a sleek contemporary look.
Sometimes you want a cap, sometimes you don’t. Here’s where the softopper retractable collapsible camper shell comes in. Or should I say up, or down. When you need your bed protected, it’s there, and when you need the extra head or cargo room it’s gone. The exterior grade, woven fabric with its PVC coating stands up to snow, rain, sunlight and mildew. If it’s fun you’re after, a pick-up will never let you down. The Hitch-Mounted Freedom Grill goes where you go, and it’s the perfect companion for tailgating, camping, or portable cookouts anywhere. All it takes to turn any pick-up into a campsite on wheels is this Napier Deluxe Sports III truck tent. It attaches to the truck bed, and comes complete with its own air mattress. There’s plenty of cross-ventilation here, and ample room to sleep comfortably well up off the ground. For the larger family, there’s the Napier full-size tent, designed for a pick-up that has a cap or shell. When you think about all the places a truck like this can take you, it’s possible to pitch camp just about anywhere.
So no matter how hard you have to work, or how much you like to play, well, a pick-up is there for you every step of the way.
