Trail Ridge Truck Accessories

Welcome to Trail Ridge Truck Accessories, your trusted partner for keeping your truck in top condition. We understand that owning a truck means facing unique challenges, from wear and tear on your bed to the need for specialized lighting. This article addresses some common problems truck owners encounter and offers practical solutions, drawing on our years of experience in the industry.

Problem: Rusting Truck Bed – Prevention and Repair

One of the most prevalent issues we see is rust in truck beds. Exposure to the elements, road salt, and dropped cargo can all contribute to corrosion. Early detection is key to preventing extensive damage.

Solution: Addressing Existing Rust

If you've already spotted rust, don't panic! It's often treatable, especially if caught early. Here's a basic process:

Preparation: Thoroughly clean the affected area. Use a wire brush or grinder to remove loose rust and paint. For heavier rust, consider using a rust converter product.
Rust Conversion: Apply a rust converter. These products chemically react with the rust, turning it into a stable, paintable surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Safety Tip: Wear gloves and eye protection when working with chemicals.
Priming: Once the converter is dry, apply a rust-inhibiting primer. This provides a protective base layer for your topcoat.
Painting: Choose a durable truck bed paint or coating. Several options are available, from spray-on bed liners to specialized paints designed for heavy use. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Tools Needed: Wire brush, grinder (optional), rust converter, rust-inhibiting primer, truck bed paint, sandpaper, masking tape, safety glasses, gloves.

Approximate Repair Cost: DIY materials can range from $50 to $200, depending on the severity of the rust and the quality of the products used. Professional rust repair can cost significantly more, depending on the extent of the damage, from $300 to $1000 or more. Consider bringing your truck by Trail Ridge for a quote. We can assess the damage and give you an honest estimate.

Prevention: Avoiding Rust in the First Place

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some proactive steps you can take:

Regular Cleaning: Wash your truck bed regularly, especially after exposure to road salt or harsh weather.
Bed Liner: Invest in a quality bed liner. Spray-in liners offer excellent protection and prevent cargo from directly contacting the metal. Drop-in liners are a more affordable option, but can sometimes trap moisture underneath.
Protective Coatings: Apply a rust-inhibiting coating to the underside of your truck bed. This is especially important in areas with heavy road salt use.
Prompt Repairs: Address any scratches or dings in the paint immediately. These can expose the metal to the elements and lead to rust.

Problem: Dim or Malfunctioning Truck Bed Lighting

Poor lighting in your truck bed can make it difficult and unsafe to load or unload cargo, especially at night. This is a common complaint we hear, and thankfully, it's usually easy to fix.

Solution: Upgrading or Repairing Your Lighting

Several factors can contribute to dim or malfunctioning truck bed lighting:

Burnt-Out Bulbs: This is the most obvious and easiest to fix. Check your bulbs and replace any that are burnt out. Consider upgrading to LED bulbs for brighter, more efficient lighting.
Corroded Connections: Check the wiring and connections for corrosion. Clean any corroded terminals with a wire brush or electrical contact cleaner.
Faulty Wiring: Damaged or frayed wiring can also cause lighting problems. Inspect the wiring harness for any visible damage and repair or replace it as needed.
Faulty Switch: The switch that controls your truck bed lights may be faulty. Test the switch with a multimeter to ensure it's working properly.

Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, pliers, wire stripper/crimper, electrical contact cleaner, multimeter, replacement bulbs (consider LEDs).

Approximate Repair Cost: Replacing bulbs is very inexpensive, typically under $20. Cleaning corroded connections and repairing wiring might cost between $20 and $50 in parts. Replacing a faulty switch could range from $30 to $100. If you're uncomfortable working with electrical systems, professional installation and repair might cost between $80 and $200, depending on the complexity of the problem.

Upgrade Options: Enhancing Your Truck Bed Lighting

Beyond simply fixing the problem, consider upgrading your truck bed lighting for improved functionality and safety. Here are a few options:

LED Strip Lights: These versatile lights can be easily installed along the sides or top of your truck bed, providing ample illumination.
Bed-Mounted Lights: These lights are specifically designed for truck beds and offer focused, bright light.
Third Brake Light Cargo Light: Some aftermarket third brake lights include integrated cargo lights that can be easily activated with a switch.

Problem: Damaged or Worn-Out Tailgate

The tailgate is a critical component of your truck bed, and it's often subjected to heavy use and abuse. Dents, scratches, and even complete tailgate failures are common problems.

Solution: Tailgate Repair or Replacement

The best course of action depends on the extent of the damage:

Minor Dents and Scratches: These can often be repaired with body filler and paint. However, for a seamless finish, professional bodywork is recommended.
Moderate Damage: More significant dents and bends might require more extensive bodywork or even partial panel replacement.
Severe Damage or Failure: If the tailgate is severely damaged or completely broken, replacement is usually the best option.

Tools Needed: For minor repairs: Body filler, sandpaper, primer, paint, masking tape. For replacement: Socket set, wrenches, possibly a helper to lift the tailgate.

Approximate Repair Cost: Minor dent and scratch repair can range from $100 to $300. More extensive bodywork can cost upwards of $500. A new tailgate can range from $200 to $1000 or more, depending on the make, model, and features (e.g., power locking, integrated step). Labor costs for professional installation can add another $100 to $300. Trail Ridge Truck Accessories can source high-quality replacement tailgates and offer professional installation services.

Prevention: Protecting Your Tailgate

Minimize tailgate damage by following these tips:

Use a Tailgate Protector: A tailgate protector can shield the top edge of your tailgate from scratches and dents.
Avoid Overloading: Don't overload your tailgate. Exceeding its weight capacity can cause damage to the hinges and support structure.
Secure Cargo Properly: Properly secure all cargo to prevent it from shifting and impacting the tailgate.
Consider a Tailgate Assist: A tailgate assist system can make it easier and safer to lower and raise your tailgate, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

We hope this guide has been helpful. At Trail Ridge Truck Accessories, we're committed to providing our customers with the best products and services to keep their trucks running smoothly. If you have any questions or need assistance with any of these repairs, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help!