In the world of vehicle modification, it’s often the big-ticket items that steal the show. Nothing grabs attention quite like a lift kit, wheels, tires, bumpers, and so on. The bigger and bolder a build, the more impressive, right?
The thing is, while these sweeping changes to your rig look great and certainly have functional purposes (in theory, at least), they’re expensive and don’t necessarily make the most profound difference in the everyday livability of your vehicle.
That’s why I usually like to start with small, meaningful changes (even if there’s overlap with the big, exciting stuff). Often, the basic accessories and modifications are what make the biggest difference in the usability of your truck (or Jeep or whatever).
When Hanna and I purchased our new 2022 Ford F-250 last September, my mind was racing with possibilities. There are few things as exciting as a clean slate, and that’s exactly what this truck is. So, I started planning out aspects of the build, starting with some minor but impactful additions. Check out a handful of my favorites (so far) below!
Essential Exterior Basics
In my experience, it’s much easier to make subtle changes to the interior of a vehicle than it is to the exterior. Most of the additions to the exterior are massive and costly. Lights, bumpers, tires, and the like are all big, expensive purchases.
Still, I wanted to include a couple of somewhat reasonable exterior changes that we’ve made to the truck so far. They may be basic, but they make a heck of a difference.
Window Tint
Yes, I know that window tint could fall under the “interior” category, but I need you to give me a break—my list of basic exterior changes is a little anemic.
In the past, I’ve either bought a used vehicle that already had window tint or been too cheap to shell out the cash (it can be expensive) to have them tinted. With the sheer size of the F-250, it felt like I had no choice this time but to bite the bullet and get the daggum fishbowl of a truck tinted.
Boy, am I glad I did. The difference is night and day (almost literally). The heat reduction is noticeable, the glare is not nearly as bad (curse you, Florida sun), and the privacy factor is a nice bonus. On the exterior, the look is enhanced more than I ever could have imagined. It’s almost like the nerdy girl in the movie let her hair down and took off her glasses—you know, suddenly she’s hot?
Okay, that’s a weird comparison. What I’m trying to say is tinting the windows completely changed the way the truck looks. It’s incredible!
BuiltRight Industries Stubby Antenna
Coming from the world of Jeeps, everyone and their mother swaps out the goofy factory antenna for something stubby or novelty. I always spurned this trend—not because I’m a contrarian but because I thought the tall, thin antenna complemented the utilitarian look of the Jeep.
With the Ford F-250 Tremor, I felt the complete opposite. The tall, whip-like antenna had to go. It looked out of place on a modern truck, especially when there are two fin antennas on the roof. So, I bought a stubby antenna from BuiltRight Industries.
It’s minimalist and not terribly exciting, but I kind of like that. As a bonus, it’s made in the United States by a small business. Until we got the windows tinted, Hanna actually claimed this was her favorite change to the truck.
Integral Interior Additions
Now, we move to the interior of the truck. This feels a bit like entering the bedroom on an episode of Cribs. I feel compelled to say, “This is where the magic happens.” I wish you could see me visibly cringe as I typed that. Oh, well.
The primary impact of basic changes to the truck can be seen in the cab of the vehicle. We’ve made a myriad of additions that make daily life a bit better and more convenient. Over time, these small differences add up.
Console Safe
The unfortunate reality of owning a vehicle (especially a nice one) is that you become a target. There is always the possibility of a break-in, especially if you travel frequently and spend a lot of your time on the road. Ask us how we know.
Any amount of additional security and peace of mind we can generate is beneficial. There are a handful of safe options available for the F-250 platform, which is phenomenal news for others like us who value security and theft deterrence.
We went with the factory safe (though I do think some aftermarket options are likely superior). It installs easily, and while someone could find their way in, it is secure enough to offer some resistance. Overall, we’re happy with it and use it frequently.
It also provides a flat surface within the console, which can be paired nicely with an organizational tray for quick access items.
BuiltRight Dash Panel
Coming from the world of Jeeps where mounting solutions for your phones and various other devices are a dime a dozen, I was a bit shocked by the lack of options available for the F-250. Being someone who prefers to support American small businesses, the possibilities that tickled my fancy were even more limited.
Thankfully, BuiltRight Industries makes wonderful products that check the majority of my boxes. The dash panel is no exception, giving Ford Super Duty owners a grid surface above the radio that is perfect for mounting your favorite device holders. Installation was a breeze, the product is aesthetically pleasing, and the functionality is exactly what I was looking for.
Invictus Off Road Hybrid MOLLE Panels
I ran Invictus Off Road products on my Jeep Wrangler and both Jeep Gladiators. The quality is impressive, they make tremendous use of otherwise dead space, and Dave (the owner) makes some truly amazing goods right here in the USA.
The Hybrid MOLLE Panels are a fantastic example of Dave’s ingenuity, and I can’t wait to see what else he comes out with for the Super Duty. He’s a great guy, and I’ll support just about everything he does if I can. Be sure to check out my blog and video review of these seat-back MOLLE panels and grab a set for yourself with code RITW!
Microfiber Cloths
This might not be a modification or accessory, and it’s certainly not vehicle-specific, but let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. I keep a handful of microfiber cloths in the truck at all times because they’re small, versatile, and far better than alternatives (like paper towels). I use them to clean dust off the dash, remove fingerprints from the touchscreen, and clean up messes that Hanna definitely didn’t make. Toss a few of these in your rig; I promise you won’t regret it.
Blue Ridge Overland Gear Accessories
The cab of the 2022 Ford F250 is loaded with nooks and crannies that are begging to be utilized, especially in the world of gear-obsessed overlanders. While I’m a bit more minimalist than many of my backcountry brethren, I’ve found that Blue Ridge Overland Gear makes a boatload of high-quality bags, pouches, and accessories that fit perfectly.
Everything from BROG is made in America, and you can tell. They’ve been doing this for a while, and their substantial product catalog is a testament to how in tune they are with the overland market. I already have and utilize several pouches from then and will inevitably buy more.
So, there you have it—a handful of my favorite minor modifications to our F-250. While basic, these changes have enhanced our experience with the truck as a daily driver and home base on expeditions. I have plans to make a few more little tweaks, but for now, I’m very happy with the state of the build.
Do you have any small accessories and modifications that you swear by? If so, let me know in the comments. I’d love to spend our hard-earned money on more truck stuff—just don’t tell Hanna!
-RW