We live in a world today that is replete with smart devices everywhere you see. From our homes and offices to malls and airports – smart tech is really taking over and making things easier and quicker than ever before. So, why shouldn’t your vehicle also jump on the bandwagon? While most fleet managers and commercial vehicle owners are always on the lookout for aftermarket accessories that can make everyday business smoother, 2024 is the year to look beyond traditional outfitting.
Let us discuss why investing in smart technology for your vehicle makes sense. And we aren’t restricting ourselves to smart digital tech either – we believe that anything that makes your job a tad easier and unburdens you from doing stuff manually is “smart.”
We will also provide you with our top recommendations in this category. Read on!
Why you should invest in smart accessories for your vehicle
Like we mentioned above, it is important to look at upfits as accessories that make your life easier. This may mean investing in digital technology or physical additions to your vehicle that help you go about your daily business in a far more productive manner, minimizing the need to do things manually.
From a commercial vehicles point of view, smart accessories refer to any items that add value to everyday business and enable your workers and drivers to be more efficient.
While you might have already considered additions such as floor mats, padlocks, toolboxes, and shelving units for your commercial van or pickup truck, there are a few other accessories that might transform your vehicle into a smart vehicle.
5 amazing truck and van accessories that you must buy in 2024
Now that we have established the need for these relatively offbeat-yet-important accessories, let us get down to business. We asked the experts here at American Van about their top picks for 2024 and here is the list they came up with:
1. Compact power inverters
Having a compact, low-interference, and high-efficiency modified sine wave DC/AC inverter in your truck or van is a must. A small-sized-yet-powerful inverter can be connected through the 12V cigarette lighter socket. This Samlex 100 watt inverter, for instance, comes with a three-prong outlet and a 12-amp USB charging port and is fan-cooled. With a universal protection circuit, this inverter is not only compact and lightweight but also safe and super-easy to install. When your vehicle is out on the road or at a jobsite, it is critical that your driver and employees never have to worry about charging their work essentials like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Having a compact inverter like this one handy can easily solve this common challenge.
2. Backup cameras
Whether you prefer a wired one or a wireless one, having a backup camera on your vehicle is a no-brainer in today’s day and age. Not only does a backup cam help your driver navigate better while trying to reverse or park the vehicle, but it also minimizes blind spots. Our team has picked Rear View Safety’s surface mount backup camera as one of the best that you can get as an aftermarket accessory. Built with high-grade zinc plated steel, this color CCD camera gives you a comprehensive viewing angle of 130 degrees. Its 18 infrared illuminators help you see up to 50 feet behind the vehicle even when it is super-dark, thanks to its built-in night vision capabilities. The foam around the camera lens makes sure that you don’t get that typical glare from the infrareds. Its high IP69K rating makes it highly resistant to high-pressure power washing, extreme weathers, and heavy rain or snowfall. Add to that the fact that the camera has a solid 20G vibration rating and aircraft grade cable connections and you have yourself a winner.
And as if that wasn’t enough, there is more! This camera system includes a built-in mic, an adjustable sunshade, an auto iris sensor, and a 2.5 mm sharp lens that captures and delivers crystal clear footage of what is behind you, no matter what time of the day it is.
3. Clip-on monitor to replace your rearview mirror
Get that perfect 16:9 viewing ratio with this easy-to-install 7” rear view monitor from Rear View Safety – the best in the business. The monitor’s sleek seven inch LCD screen clamps onto your rear view mirror, thus saving you the space that a typical camera monitor might take up on your dashboard. With adjustable gridlines that help you navigate your large vehicle easily, this clip-on monitor also features a built-in speaker. Its on-screen touch button controls and a remote (included with the product), this is by far the smartest investment you can make if you do not have a backup camera system in place in your pickup truck or van.
4. Cargo area lights
Having a well-lit cargo area is a must, especially if you have a mobile workshop or tend to take projects that involve working post sunset. And while there are options galore when it comes to choosing lights for your work van, our top pick happens to be this set of premium LED aluminum housing cargo lights. With the Orizon LED strip light which leverages the latest tech, these lights generate greater luminosity without drawing too much power. Available in a set of 12 or 24, these lights come with a convenient rocker switch, making them extremely easy to use. The product’s robust construction and excellent output makes it the ideal choice for large work vans.
5. Hydraulic tarping systems
You already know how stringent the laws around tarping are in the United States (along with the undeniable risks involved with not having the right system in place), so why settle for anything less than the best? Our team has picked two universal tarping systems by Pulltarps as the final picks for this list.
Pulltarps X-Pando™ Universal Fit Tarping System (for dump trucks)
Pulltarps Core™ Universal Fit Tarping System (for pickup trucks)
Both products are carefully designed to help you carry your loads safely. They offer the highest level of convenience and automation, and come with all the essential tools and accessories that you will need for assembling and installing them.
So, there you have it – five aftermarket accessories that are “smart” in the real sense of the term! We also offer a wide range of other truck and van accessories, including:
- Transit Connect ladder racks
- Sprinter van accessories
- RAM Accessories
- Shelving and storage units
- Van partitions and bulkheads
- Mobile office solutions
- Racks and holders
- Roof vents
- Vehicle security accessories
Check out these products online at the American Van website and take your pick today.
