Hidden Gems: Used Truck Features You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you are like most drivers, when buying a used pickup truck, you will probably focus on the most obvious things like price, cab style, and engine type. Depending on your needs, you may want one for work that will emphasize towing and hauling capabilities for your job in Cypress. Others may want one that gives you solid fuel economy so you won’t burn too much gasoline commuting. Then there are those who are into off-roading and want a rugged truck with an advanced 4X4 that can stand up to a ride around Little Cypress Creek Preserve. But there are other things you probably didn’t think you should consider when looking for used trucks for sale near Cypress.

At Parkway Chevrolet, our sales team will help you find the hidden gems when you are looking to buy a used pickup truck. We have the large selection you need to find exactly what you are looking for, with some really nice extra features that will improve your enjoyment of your next used pickup truck. These features will undoubtedly enhance your driving experience, so consider them when exploring our pre-owned selection.

Built-In Bed Liners

Many automakers include a bedliner in the payload beds of their pickup trucks as a factory-installed feature. It is easy to overlook a built-in bedliner as it just appears to be part of the payload bed. However, choosing a used pickup truck with a built-in bedliner will protect your payload bed from scratches, dents, rust, and corrosion. This will help it last longer and stand up better to the elements. They are also easier to clean and can even help reduce your cargo from moving around when you accelerate or brake.

Power Outlets

If you are planning to use your truck for work around Cypress, at least part of the time, then having power outlets is a must. These will allow you to plug your power tools in when working remotely or at a site that lacks electricity. Being able to use the electrical power from your truck will make getting the job done safer and easier.

Payload Bed Lighting

Like the power outlets, payload bed lighting is something you might not notice when buying a used truck. However, this feature will let you work in low-light conditions or even at night. If you plan to go camping just outside of town, it will be good to be able to turn the lights on in your payload bed so you can get to your gear.

Tie-Down Straps and Anchors

If you are planning to do a lot of hauling with your used truck, then you might want to make sure the one you are considering has enough anchors in the payload bed. Tie-down straps and anchors let you safely secure whatever cargo you are planning to carry in your truck. Some things may fall out if they are not properly secured, while with longer loads where you have to leave your payload gate down, you risk having your belongings slide out. While most trucks do have a number of anchors in the bed, they do not have the same amount. You should definitely check on this when you are looking at used trucks.

Underseat Storage

Many automakers have added compartments under the rear seats on models that have crew cabs, extended cabs, and other cab styles with a second row of seats. This can come in handy to store valuables, as you may have things in your payload that are accessible to greedy hands if you aren’t able to lock a bed cover. In addition, that under seat storage can be used to store small luggage and a first aid kit. Honda went further on its Ridgeline truck, adding a lockable, waterproof compartment under the rear part of the payload bed on some models. This adds additional safe storage for you.

Bed Covers

Sometimes you are hauling things that you do not want to get damaged by the elements. Other times, you may have valuables that you want to secure. Finding a used truck with a bed cover will help in this regard. This will run the length of the payload, and will lock into the tailgate. This will prevent any potential robber from stealing your things. It will also keep your belongings dry inside your truck’s payload bed.

Electronic Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control

With all of the latest active driver assistance features getting all the press, it is easy to overlook two key features that may help you avoid a collision as much as all of the cameras, sensors, and radars from those more famous systems. Electronic Stability Control can be crucial, especially in inclement weather. When you have to make a quick maneuver, you may find it hard to control your truck. This is especially true if you have bought a used full-size or heavy-duty pickup.

With Electronic Stability Control, the system’s computer will adjust the engine and brakes on your truck automatically as it senses that you are losing control. This provides the stability you need to keep your truck centered on the road, avoiding skids and spinouts. The Trailer Sway Control works in a similar fashion, except this is utilized when you are carrying a trailer.

Specialized Tailgate Systems

A number of leading brands have come up with specialized tailgates that are now showing up on used trucks as well. These innovations allow you to use your truck’s tailgate in many different ways, beyond just lowering to get access to whatever cargo you are hauling.

Ford introduced its StepGate system in 2009, which was redesigned in 2015. This provides a nifty little step when you fold down the Ford truck’s tailgate, so loading and unloading cargo from the payload bed will be easier. GMC took things a step further in 2019 with the MultiPro Tailgate. Originally offered on the Sierra 1500 model, you can now find this on most Sierra and Chevy Silverado pickup trucks. This offers six different functions including a step, an extender for longer loads, and workbench for job sites. This is something that can come in handy when you are out on a shopping trip. Loading all of those things you bought will be much easier if you have a used Chevy, GMC, or Ford truck with an innovative tailgate.

Trailer Hitches

One of the biggest reasons why Cypress drivers choose a used pickup truck is to tow trailers. However, not all used trucks have a hitch and wiring, or may be limited on the type of hitch that comes with the truck. When buying a used pickup truck, it is crucial that you find one with the proper hitch equipment, and an adequate amount of trailering capability for whatever you are planning to tow. Whether you need a pickup truck to tow equipment for work or just want to tow a boat or camper for your free time, getting the right kind of hitch is vital.

Trailering Cameras and Assist Systems

An increasing number of automakers are offering technology to make trailering safer and easier. While Ford has the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Chevy offers the Advanced Trailering System. You can find such systems on many used trucks. One of the most difficult tasks for many drivers is hitching a trailer. It can be a real challenge lining up the trailer and the hitch. These systems make it easier to accomplish this task. The cameras will give you a view of the trailer and the hitch, and will provide guidance so you can line everything up, saving time and heartburn in the process.

Many of the more advanced systems offer trailer view cameras. These will show you the view on the side of the trailer, making it safer to change lanes when towing. They may show a view inside the trailer so you can check on your cargo, which is always a plus when transporting livestock. Chevy even offers a Transparent Trailer view when towing, so you can see behind your truck as if the trailer wasn’t there. Each of these systems is available on some used trucks and is sure to be a feature you will appreciate.

Getting the Most Out of Your Used Truck

There are so many features on your used truck that you may not even be aware you have. But they are often those things that you are glad you have when you realize how much they can help. This is why you need to determine how you plan to use your truck in your busy life in Cypress, so you can better choose one that has all of these great hidden features. In this way, you can find a used truck that is a diamond in the rough with all of these hidden gems.