Back in the day, a work truck’s job was to haul and tow. Durability was the primary requirement and interiors were Spartan. But in today’s highly connected world, the role of the work truck has changed.
Work trucks have become mobile offices with specialized storage spaces and enhanced connectivity.
In the process, interiors have become upscale and versatile. The truck that hauls payloads of gravel by day takes the family to dinner at night.
Living Rooms on Wheels
2018 Ram Limited Tungsten Edition
Leather professional 10-pocket leather tool pouch
Ram recently announced the addition of a Tungsten Edition to its 1500 line-up. The new edition provides upholstery inspired by Italian design, wood trim, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen for connectivity. Not to be outdone is Nissan’s newest Titan full-size pickup, with zero gravity seats, remote engine start, laptop storage, and Nissan Connect with mobile apps and navigation.
The image at the top of this page shows how you can fold down the Titan’s rear seatback to create a handy desk. Both automakers offer locked exterior storage systems that keep valuable tools secure in the truck bed.
You don’t need to buy one of these new premium trucks to enter the fast-paced Millennial-dominated world. There are new accessories available on eBay to update your old-school work truck, beginning with improving interior storage.
Portable storage units for the center console or under-seat areas allow you to stash everything from laptops to Big Gulps.
Consider mounting a tool pouch to the inside of the door for organizing a few tools, as well as notebooks, pens, small tablets, or cell phones. If you have kids riding in the back seat, seatback organizers that latch onto the front seats keep their toys within reach and neatly organized.
Custom seat covers are an easy solution to worn out upholstery, with options ranging from leather to micro-suede, tweed, velour, or protective blankets. Make sure the seat covers are airbag safe, to maintain the integrity of the car’s passive safety system.
And of course, every truck needs a locking toolbox in the cargo bed for securely storing tools, fishing gear, and hunting equipment—without cluttering up the interior.
Stay Connected
DC dual-socket power adapter/charger splitter with two USB ports
Add some USB outlets with adapters that plug into the vehicle’s 12-volt power outlets for recharging cell phones, tablets, and computers on the go. A dedicated phone holder will keep your cell phone within reach, with less likelihood of it ending up under the seat after a hard stop.
If your car isn’t equipped with Wi-Fi, you can either use your cell phone as a modem or invest in an adapter.
Self-contained mobile hotspots such as Verizon’s MiFi plug into a 12-volt power point, but also contain batteries for use outside the car.
There are also Wi-Fi adapters that plug into your car’s OBD2 port: the port for connecting the scanner for on-board diagnostics. Wireless modem and router units such as Autonet Mobile are more expensive and require some installation work, but have the advantage of stronger cell and Wi-Fi signals.
See Toyota Automatic Cars and Trucks 4WD Drive Type for sale on eBay.
