5 Truck Accessories You Should Never Buy From the…

5 Truck Accessories You Should Never Buy From the Dealer

If you’ve ever bought a new truck, you’ve probably been offered a list of “must-have” extras before driving off the lot. From bed liners to window tint, dealerships know how to upsell, and they charge far more than these items are actually worth. The truth is, many truck accessories can be purchased elsewhere for half the cost, often with better quality and warranties. Dealers count on excitement and convenience to boost profits through overpriced add-ons. Before you say yes to those shiny upgrades, here are five accessories you should never buy from the dealer.

1. Bed Liners That Cost Triple the Retail Price

Bed liners are one of the most common add-ons dealerships push because they’re easy to install and highly profitable. What most buyers don’t know is that a spray-in liner sold by a dealer can cost up to $1,000 more than what a local shop would charge. Many aftermarket companies, like Line-X or Rhino, offer better materials and workmanship for significantly less. Plus, if you ever need a touch-up or recoat, those shops usually honor lifetime warranties. If you want to protect your truck bed, skip the dealer’s inflated price and go straight to a trusted truck accessories retailer.

2. Floor Mats and “Protection Packages”

Dealers love bundling simple items like floor mats, mud flaps, and door sill plates into what they call a “protection package.” It sounds appealing, but in reality, these kits are just standard truck accessories marked up hundreds of dollars. You can find custom-fit floor mats from brands like WeatherTech or Husky at auto parts stores for a fraction of the price. These aftermarket options are often higher quality and designed specifically for your truck model. Don’t let the dealer charge premium prices for basic accessories you can easily install yourself in ten minutes.

3. Chrome Trim and Appearance Upgrades

Nothing boosts a dealer’s profit margin like shiny chrome accents or blackout kits. These visual upgrades are some of the most overpriced truck accessories on the market, with dealer markups reaching 300%. Even worse, many are cheaply applied and prone to peeling after a few months. By ordering your trim or custom emblems online, you’ll get access to more durable finishes and endless style options. Appearance upgrades should reflect your personality, not your dealer’s bottom line.

4. Bed Covers and Tonneau Tops

A sleek bed cover can enhance your truck’s appearance and protect your cargo, but buying one from a dealer is a costly mistake. Dealers often charge $2,000 or more for hard folding covers that cost less than $900 at specialty truck accessories shops. Aftermarket options come in multiple materials (aluminum, fiberglass, or soft vinyl) and can be installed in under an hour. Many online retailers even provide installation guides and lifetime warranties. You’ll save big and still get professional-grade quality by shopping outside the dealership.

5. Running Boards and Step Bars

Running boards and side steps are another popular upsell, often added to “complete the look” of your new truck. But these truck accessories can add hundreds, sometimes thousands, to your dealer invoice. The same exact parts can usually be bought online or at a local parts store for much less, with greater customization choices. Aftermarket options from brands like Westin or N-Fab often use better corrosion-resistant materials. Unless you enjoy overpaying for convenience, get your step bars elsewhere and keep that extra cash for fuel or upgrades that actually matter.

The Smart Way to Customize Your Truck

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to personalize your ride, but buying truck accessories from the dealer almost always means paying a premium for convenience. With a little research, you can find high-quality aftermarket options that perform better, look sharper, and cost significantly less. Many accessories are easy to install at home, and local auto shops often provide installation for a minimal fee. When you buy smart, you can upgrade your truck without wrecking your wallet. In the end, knowing where to shop is what separates savvy truck owners from those stuck paying dealership prices.

Have you ever been hit with outrageous accessory prices at a dealership? Which truck accessories do you always buy elsewhere? Share your experience in the comments!