Customizing Your Truck on a Small Budget

One of the great parts about owning a pick-up is making it your own. Sure, you can settle for the standard, from the factory, features, but what fun is that? No one is going to be pointing at your factory truck, as you roll past, admiring its basic features.

If you want to turn heads with your pick-up, you need to customize it. And customizing is expensive, right?

Well, not necessarily.

Customizing your truck doesn’t have to mean shelling out a ton of cash. There are some easy, and budget-friendly modifications you can make to your factory truck, that will turn heads, and give it some details that reflect your sense of style.

Of course, if you aren’t working on a budget, the sky’s the limit with the options for customizing your pick-up. However, if you’re like most people, the nine ideas in this article are easy first steps to getting a truck you can be proud of.

Headlights

Ditch the factory headlights, and upgrade your headlights. Headlight conversion kits are an easy, do-it-yourself way to switch up the look of your truck. If your truck is older, consider switching your headlights to new, brighter LED lights.

These not only look sleek but will provide better vision for night-time driving. Maybe you don’t want to be so obvious; headlight covers are also a great option.

Smoked or blacked-out headlight covers will allow you to see at night, but give your truck a stealthy and sleek look.

Many aftermarket headlight cover kits can be purchased for around $100-$140, which means that your truck can get a quick refresh, and you don’t have to worry about how your wallet is going to feel.

There is one thing to remember about headlights and that is safety. Make sure that your headlights won’t impact your ability to drive safely. And make sure that any modifications that you make to your headlights comply with any applicable state and local laws.

Sound System

Factory sound systems can be lame.

They usually leave a lot to be desired when it comes to sound quality and options. This is, even more, the case if your truck was produced more than 15 years ago. Factory sound systems in newer trucks come with things like navigation, phone connect and hands-free options.

If you don’t have these in your truck now, you might want to take the leap and upgrade.

For just a couple of hundred dollars, you can add a sound system with a touchscreen display and navigation that will sync with your phone and your favorite music apps.

If you aren’t comfortable installing on your own, look for deals that include free installation.

Exhaust

A custom exhaust is a modification you can make to your truck that has benefits beyond just looks. Upgrading your exhaust can improve your truck's performance, engine sound, and fuel economy. It is also a good way to do something good for the environment.

Today’s aftermarket exhaust kits can significantly reduce the emissions from your truck, so you can look great and do your part to help our planet.

Of course, exhaust kits can run the gamut from really simple and inexpensive modifications to your tailpipe, or they can be extensive upgrades that completely overhaul the exhaust system. For the most budget-friendly option, consider an exhaust tip. That will add a little bling to your truck, without putting a big dent in your wallet, or time in your weekend.

Lift Kit

A bit more on the pricey side, but still reasonable if you’re on a budget is a lift kit. Lift kits start around $60 and go up from there.

Nothing makes your truck stand out like a lift kit. Let’s be real about what a lift kit means though, especially when you’re working on a budget…

You’re not likely to get a “budget-friendly” lift kit that raises your truck several inches. Big lifts require not only a lift kit but will also require modifications to your truck’s suspension. These together, probably aren’t an option if you are on a tight budget.

However, you can do a small lift, of a few inches without needing to make other modifications to your truck or spend a ton of cash. Budget-friendly lift kits will maintain your truck’s existing suspension, but give you added ground clearance, or allow you to invest in larger tires or rims.

Undercar and Accent Lighting

Lighting is a great do-it-yourself, budget-friendly option for customizing your truck. Your truck will definitely stand out at night. Add the color-changing effect to the mix and your truck will look like it’s ready to take off into space. Underbody rock light kits start at around $110. LED halo lights for your headlights begin at about $130 and go up from there.

Out of your budget? Interior lighting will allow you to add LED light through the interior of your truck. Interior lighting strips are a bargain for the effect they produce. When combined with tinted windows and a great sound system, your truck goes from being just a way to get around town, to a party on wheels.

Accent lighting ranges from simple, under-dash lighting, to kits that will allow you to add lighting to doors, under seats, and through the dash. Pretty much anywhere. The combinations are almost endless.

Wheels and Tires

Yes, custom wheels and tires are generally a hefty expense when it comes to upgrading your truck. But did you know you can find brand-new Rough Country wheels for under $60 a piece?

If you’ve just added a substantial lift kit and suspension modifications to your truck, don’t skimp on the wheels and tires, it will make them look like an afterthought. However, if you simply want to step away from the factory options, you can get great wheels and tires and still meet your budget.

Wheels are one of those features that are easy to find for reasonable prices if you do your research. Many manufacturers will significantly reduce the price of aftermarket wheels when they come out with new versions so look for clearance sales, rebates and discount codes.

To keep the price down on your tires, make sure you buy wheels that take a standard-sized tire. Unique-sized tires will cost you more, so plan before you buy, so you save money over the long run.

For the best deals, look for private individuals who are selling wheels and tires that they’re switching from. This is a great way to get new wheels and tires for minimal cost.

However, beware of shady characters. A set of wheels and tires are one of the easiest things to steal off a truck and you don’t want to be accused of receiving stolen property.

Wheel Spacers

If you’ve ever seen a pickup truck or Jeep with tires sticking out from the truck’s wheel wells, most likely it’s because wheel spacers have been installed. Wheel spacers are thick aluminum rings that vary in size and are used to move the wheels away from a truck’s body.

Aftermarket wheels typically consider this spacing and are built with appropriate offsets and backspacing. If the truck has the original wheels on, but larger tires and/or a lifted suspension, wheel spacers are used to achieve the same effect.

Wheel spacers are not expensive and usually run between $50-130 for a set of two spacers. They are pretty easy to install using the same tools it takes to remove and replace wheels and tires.

Note: You must use a torque wrench and tighten them to factory specs, for them to be used safely.

Trim and Dress-up Accessories

If you're looking to refresh the look of your truck without making any major changes, consider adding some stylish accessories. A few well-chosen pieces can completely transform the appearance of your vehicle, without going overboard.

One popular option is chrome truck parts. These accents can add a touch of sophistication and class to your truck, making it stand out from the crowd. Tail light guards are another great way to add some personality to your truck, while also protecting your taillights from damage.

If you're on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options available. You can find dress-up accessories in a variety of styles. Once you've found the pieces you like, installation is usually quick and easy.

So, if you're looking for a way to give your truck a unique and stylish look, consider adding some exterior trim accessories. With a little effort, you can easily transform your truck into a head-turner.

In Conclusion

These are quick and simple ways to start your truck customization, even on a low budget. Customizing your truck doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of cash. Even with the smallest budget, you can make modifications that will take your truck from plain and unremarkable, to a show-stopper.