Category: Truck News & Info

In the world of aftermarket customizations, there’s nothing quite like fresh tint for your truck. While it might not seem like a big deal, failing to follow your local tint laws can result in costly fines and tickets. After all, if you’re gonna get a ticket, it might as well be for something more worthwhile, right? But before you commit to a tint upgrade, you should understand what laws apply in your state. Let’s look at what tint laws are and the 2021 window tint laws by state.

Why Tint Your Windows?

Think tint is only a decorative upgrade? Think again. Tinted windows help keep your interiors as good as new. As the sun beats down on your vehicle day after day, your interior plastics are completely exposed to harmful UV rays. This constant UV exposure will accelerate the degradation and decoloring of the plastics in your vehicle interior.

Ever sat down on a scalding leather seat or burnt your hand on a scorching seatbelt fastener? Sounds like tint might be just the thing you need. Tint also helps to keep your vehicle cooler when you’re not using it. Blocking out the sun’s rays isn’t just a matter of keeping your vehicle interior looking brand new, it also helps keep it just a little bit cooler. 

Tinting your windows also adds another level of security and privacy to your vehicle. Oftentimes, thieves will target vehicles without tint. Why? Because it’s easier for them to see what’s inside. While it isn’t generally recommended to leave your valuables in plain sight, it happens sometimes. Tint can help keep your vehicle safe by obscuring the interior of your vehicle from plain sight. 

What are Tint Laws?

Tint laws are put into effect by local governments as a way of regulating the opacity of your tint. These laws are primarily safety oriented. If you’ve ever been in a vehicle with crazy dark tint on it, then you know that it can really kill your visibility in low-light situations (i.e., night driving).

The opacity of tint determines how much light is allowed through. This opacity is called the Visible Light Transmission – a.k.a. VLT. The VLT of a certain tint is expressed in a percentage (%). This percentage number represents what percentage of visible light that the tint allows through. The higher the percentage, the lighter your tint will be. 

Each state regulates what the VLT of your tint can be, depending on which window you place it on. Generally, most states require a higher VLT on your front windows and windshield. Local laws will also regulate where you can place your tint, specifically when it comes to tinting your windshield. 

2021 Tint Laws by State

Wading through tint laws can be messy (and time-consuming). That’s why we rounded up the latest updates on 2021 tint laws by state. However, keep in mind that this list is ever-changing. When in doubt, consult your local laws for the most current updates to ensure you meet all applicable tint laws in your local area. 

Data courtesy of WindowTintLaws.US

Tint can do you a world of wonders. So, what are you waiting for? Do yourself (and your truck) a favor and schedule your upgraded tint today. Just make sure to understand the specifics before you make a final decision on what VLT you settle on.

Hunting season has finally made its return. But the question now is: is your truck ready? When it comes to getting the job done, you need to have the right tools and accessories. Heading off-road? All-day expeditions planned? From gun racks to brush guards, snag the best truck accessories for hunting season to make your (hunting) life so much easier. 

Day Maker Floodlight

Unfortunately, we humans have pretty crap eyesight when it’s dark out. You can’t hit a target that you can’t see, so the right lighting equipment is essential for your hunting trips. With this 5” x 2” LED Utility Floodlight, you won’t be left fumbling in the dark.

This handy floodlight can operate on 12v or 24v systems and provides up to 950 brilliant, effective lumens. It’s corrosion-resistant aluminum housing means that it will last season after season (after season). 

Gun Rack

No self-respecting hunter would fail to incorporate a gun rack into their vehicle. You gotta have somewhere to store the precious cargo, right? There’s a whole host of options available if you’re in the market for a truck gun rack. There are both interior and exterior options – and even some that integrate into the bed of your truck. But this under-seat storage option by DU-HA is one of our favorite picks.

Because honestly, what else do you actually use that space under your seats for? This hand storage solution takes care of that age-old waste of space and provides a safe and secure place to store your guns and bows. 

Tire Table

After a long day on the trail, you probably just want to enjoy your catch and chill out. Sure, you could hang out in your cabin (or bed), but this tire table will take your post-hunting relaxing to the next level. 

Weighing just 10 pounds, this bad boy easily attaches to your tire with a specially designed set of arms. It can hold up to 50 pounds and even has retractable legs that you can use if you need extra stability. Grab your chair, pull up a seat, and get the most out of your hunting adventures.

HD Seat Covers

Torn between that hunting life and keeping the inside of your truck spic and span? You’re not alone. After all, your truck is part of your family and it deserves to be treated like one! That’s why investing in a quality pair of heavy-duty seat covers is just what your hunting season demands.

Carhartt is famous for making gear that can handle all the abuse you throw at it. So, it only makes sense that investing a little change into Carhartt jackets for your seats is well worth it. You can find that custom fit you’re after because many of the major automotive brands have partnered with Carhartt to design a seat cover customized for your truck. These Carhartt seat covers will keep your seats squeaky clean, no matter what kind of hunting ick you drag into the cabin with you.

Brush Guard

We’ve talked about interior hunting accessories for your truck, but don’t forget about that precious exterior. That’s why this Black Horse brush guard has made the list of our favorite must-have hunting accessories for your truck.  When you’re rolling around off-road, the last thing you want is to damage the front end of your truck. 

A brush guard will let you focus on other things when you’re rolling around in the mud – like not getting stuck. You’ve gotta protect those precious internals (and headlights), and a brush guard has your back (er, front).  The Black Horse Classic Grille Guard is one of our favorites because it’s DIY friendly with its bolt-on installation and comes in a heavy-duty black powder-coated finish.

Choosing accessories for your truck is about more than just utility – it’s about customizing your truck to make it function exactly how you need it to perform. If hunting is your thing, then you’re in luck because there are virtually endless accessory options to make your hunting life easier. It’s time for you to go snag the best truck accessories for hunting season and get your hunt on.

Let’s talk lift kits. Large or small, there’s a kit out there for everyone. Looking to squeeze in some larger tires? Lift it! Need some additional ground clearance? Lift it! Just want to do it for the heck of it? We’re here to tell you to lift it! But are lift kits as straightforward as they seem? For the most part, yes. But there are details that you should understand before you settle on lifting your ride. In addition to lift kits, you might also want to consider adding pickup headache racks and other accessories for extra protection. You can consider this the lift kit 101 breakdown to help you understand everything you need to know before committing to a lift kit.

Pick Your Flavor

Not all lift kits are created equally. That’s not to say that one is better than the other – it’s more like a variety of flavors. Sure, you like strawberry, but what about butter pecan? It really all comes down to what you use your truck for. There are three main types of lift kits: leveling, coil-overs, and dropdown. Each comes with its own set of lift specs – and price tag.

Leveling kits take advantage of your factory components. These kits are the most cost-effective and they’re usually the easiest to install. But the small price tag does mean that you get smaller gains when it comes to this kind of lift kit. With a leveling lift kit, you might gain an extra inch or two, but your ride will stay plusher. While that might not be great for off-roading, this might be a good option for you if you’re just using your vehicle to get to and from work every day.

Coil-overs are another beast entirely. While they’re a bit pricier, you’ll get more out of them. With coil overs, you can get an extra two to three inches of lift. But lift isn’t the only benefit you’ll get from coil-overs. Because of the way they integrate into your suspension system, they can provide extra control as you’re rolling your way around the hills or through mud puddles.

And if you’re looking for more than three inches, then you just might want to opt for a drop-down lift. When you hit that three to six-inch lift range, keep in mind that your pickup is going to ride a little different. The higher you go with your lift, the trickier things can get. If you don’t upgrade your suspension too (think shocks and struts), then your ride can get a little rough. And hauling can get tricky, too.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. When it comes to installing method, there are a few different options: a body lift or a suspension lift. A body lift literally raises the body of your vehicle off the frame. These kinds of kits consist of spacers to increase the distance between your truck body and the tires. A suspension lift kit creates lift by increasing the height of your suspension ride. This can not only help you fit a beefier set of tires on your rig, but it can also help give you a better off-road ride.

The Fine Print

Like many of the other aftermarket modifications we’ve talked about before, we wouldn’t be doing you any favors by leaving out the fine print. 

We’ve talked about warranty woes from aftermarket modifications before. Like the diesel delete kits, lift kits might also void the factory warranty on your truck. This might not be an issue if you have an older or high mile model, but for new trucks, this might be a deal-breaker. Auto manufactures can be touchy about modifying their beloved projects, so keep in mind that adding a leveling, coil-over, or drop-down lift kit might have warranty implications.

There can also be legal restrictions on how much lift you can add to your truck. Some (but not all) states have regulations. Before you cough up a chunk of change for your new lift kit, you should check to see if there are any legal regulations in your neck of the woods. 

Installing a lift kit usually isn’t the hardest part of the process – picking one is. But hopefully, this quick and dirty breakdown gave you everything you need to know before committing to a lift kit. So go forth, with your lift kit 101 understanding, and find that perfect match for you and your truck. And if you’re looking for other ways to trick out your ride, consider getting a pickup headache rack for your truck from Magnum Truck Racks!

In the market for a new truck? If you’ve started exploring your options, you probably know that there’s a load of specs you should look at before you make your final decision, including pickup headache racks. But how do they add up? Let’s take a look at a detailed light-duty truck comparison of the Ford F150, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevy Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra.

2020 Ford F150

• Engine Options: 3.3L V6, 2.7L Ecoboost V6, 3.5L Ecoboost V6, 3.0L PowerStroke© V6, HighOutput 3.5L Ecoboost V6, and 5.0L V8
• Transmission: 6 and 10-speed automatic
• Total Horsepower: 250 – 450 hp
• Torque: 265 to 400 lb.-ft.
• Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 – 12,100 lbs
• Tongue weight capacity: 800 – 1,320 lbs

The ever-reliable 2020 F150 brings six different engine options to the table in 2020. Trying to figure out which one is best for you? Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what you’re going to be using your truck for to narrow it down. Looking for more torque for towing? Try opting for the High-Output 3.5L Ecoboost, which gets a whopping 510 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM. You can find the whole list of 2020 F150 towing specs here. And, while you’re at it, you might as well add some accessories to keep your shiny new truck in tip-top shape. Make your towing life easier with a protective headache rack.

2020 GMC Sierra 1500

• Engine Options: 3.0L I6 Turbo Diesel, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8 
• Transmission: 8 and 10-speed automatic transmission
• Total Horsepower: 277 hp – 420 hp
• Torque: 383 – 460 lb.-ft.
• Fuel Economy: 15 mpg City / 26 mpg Highway
• Towing Capacity: 7,400 – 9,600 lb.
• Tongue weight capacity: 700 lbs.

Although the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 doesn’t have the same range of engine options as the F150, its performance is just as noteworthy. Depending on which engine setup you go for, this beast can tow up to 9,600 pounds, which is no small feat for a light-duty truck. The beefy 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine hits 460 lb.-ft. of torque at 1500 RPM. Looking to find your perfect match? You can find all of the specs for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 here.

2020 Chevy Silverado 1500

• Engine Options: 2.7 Turbo V4, 4.3L V6, 3.0L I6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2.L V8
• Transmission: 6, 8, or 10-speed automatic
• Total Horsepower: 277 – 420 hp
• Torque: 305 – 460 lb.-ft.
• Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
• Towing Capacity: 7300 – 13,400 lbs.
• Tongue weight capacity: up to 1,250 lbs, depending on GVWR

Chevy makes one of the most widely-recognized pickup trucks available. Like its competitors, the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 comes in a wide array of engine options. And the torque specs are no joke. The 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbo diesel racks up a whopping 460 lb.-ft. of torque at only 1500 rpm. Need more info? You can find all the detailed specs for the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 here.

2020 Dodge Ram 1500

• Engine Options: 3.6L V6, 5.7 V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel V6
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Total Horsepower: 260 – 395 hp
• Torque: 269 – 480 lb.-ft
• Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
• Towing Capacity: up to 12,750 lbs. 
• Tongue weight capacity: up to 1100 lbs.

Say hello to the 2020 Dodge Ram – a pickup that’s built to do the hard work for you while you ride in style and comfort. Depending on which setup you go for, this baby can tow up to 12,750 pounds of fun. With an average of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, you’ll get more smiles per mile. Want to learn more about the 2020 Dodge Ram? Check out the spec list here for all the details (or here for towing info).

2020 Toyota Tundra

• Engine Options: 5.7L V8
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Total Horsepower: 381 hp
• Torque: 401 lb.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm
• Fuel Economy: 13 mpg city
• Towing Capacity: 9,400 – 10,200 lbs.
• Tongue weight capacity: up to 1,080 lbs.

Last but not least, we present the 2020 Toyota Tundra. The Toyota Tundra has stood the test of time. In fact, it’s been around the longest. But don’t let that fool you, because the 2020 Tundra is packed full of modern conveniences and off-road ruggedness. Toyota has simplified the engine lineup with only one engine/transmission combination available for 2020. With Toyota’s infamous 5.7L V8, you’ll get up to 381 hp and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm (which is more than some of its competitors can say). Discover more about the trim packages and accessories here.

Buying a new vehicle can be a real pain. Finding the right truck for you is about more than just price. You need to make sure your truck can keep up with you. Because let’s be honest – it sucks when your truck keeps holding you back. From off-road adventures to hauling, you’re sure to find the perfect match for you in this roundup of the all-new 2020 in our light-duty truck comparison. But do yourself just one favor: once you bring your new baby home, invest in some stylish, protective gear to keep her looking as good as the day you met.

When you’re looking for accessories for your diesel truck, only the best will do. From lighting to brush guards, there’s something for every diesel enthusiast. So many somethings that the decision can feel overwhelming with the wide range of accessories available for your baby. That’s why we put together a quick and dirty list of the 5 must-have accessories for your diesel truck.

Headache Rack

If you’re looking for an accessory that gets the best of both worlds, then you should be eyeballing a new headache rack. With these suckers, you get the best of function and style. Headache racks are an absolute must-have accessory if you’re a regular hauler. Sure, headache racks give you some extra protection but wait, there’s more!

Headache racks can really amp up the style of your truck. They come in a variety of styles and finishes, so you’re sure to find one that tickles your fancy. Might we suggest this bad boy? A low-profile rack can be a great option to get that aggressive styling you’ve been looking for.

The best part about headache racks? Depending on which model you opt for, they can also provide another mounting surface for all those accessories on your wish list. That means less drilling when you want to install your other accessories.

Brush Guard

We can’t talk styling without talking about brush guards. A brush guard falls into the same function/style category as the headache rack. Not only do you get that more aggressive styling, but you also get the benefit of added front-end protection.

A brush guard can be a lifesaver if you’re often tooling around in high-traffic areas. Whether it’s a collision with a vehicle or a deer, a brush guard can mean the difference between your truck being totaled out or a simple fender-bender.

With the wide variety of options available, you can find a brush guard that fits your budget. Whether your splurge on something like this or opt for a more budget-friendly option like this, you can’t go wrong with a brush guard.

Exhaust

Brush guard? Check! Headache Rack? Check! Lightbar? Check! But something still seems like it’s missing. Nobody likes an aggressive-looking diesel truck that sounds like a Prius. That’s why it might be time you invested in an amped-up growl with a new exhaust kit.

Installing an upgraded exhaust kit doesn’t have to be complicated – which is great news for newbies and DIYers, because you probably won’t need to cough up the change for professional installation.

We recommend getting rid of those pesky mufflers. Who needs ‘em anyway? To really get that growl out of your beast, opt for one of these cost-effective muffler delete pipes.

Lift Kit

Now that you’ve got that muffler delete pipe installed, it’s time to move on to the next accessory. Enter: a lift kit. Ranging from a couple of inches, up to 6.5”, you’ll be able to find the perfect kit for your truck.

Lift kits are a great way to really make your diesel truck stand out from the crowd – literally.

Is there such a thing as too lifted? We don’t think so. It all comes down to how much you want to spend. You should keep in mind that installing a lift kit isn’t for everyone. While we generally recommend that you have a professional do it for you, you can DIY if you’re feeling confident enough in your technical know-how.

Wheels

While this last one may seem like a no brainer, many truck owners underestimate the power of a good set of beefy wheels.

While some accessories have limited options, there are so many wheel variations out there that we couldn’t even begin to count. Wheels are a great way to personalize your truck and set it apart from the rest of the diesels out there.

But wheels aren’t just about the looks. From hauling to off-roading, wheels and tires can make a huge performance difference. Make sure you review the specs and get the tire that will perform best for you. Street tires are WAY different than all-terrain tires, so it’s important to look at the utility of your wheels and tires before you make the final cut.

Picking out aftermarket accessories for your diesel truck is one of the best parts about being a diesel owner. From styling to performance, there’s no shortage of options out there for you to choose from. Next time you’re ready to add another accessory to your toy, consider these must-have diesel truck accessory options to get the most bang for your buck.

Riding in the back of a pickup truck can feel liberating. It can conjure up memories of your nostalgic childhood, as you rode in the back of the family pickup. But with the changes in vehicle safety laws, you might be wondering if it’s legal to ride in the truck bed these days. Although it may seem unimaginable now, there was a time where wearing a seatbelt was merely a suggestion. Let’s take a look at some of the details on laws that prohibit (or permit) riding in the back of a pickup truck.

State by State Case

The easy answer to your question is that it depends. While 31 states place some regulation on passengers riding in the bed of a truck, there are still 20 states that have no legal regulation. You won’t need to worry about legal restrictions on riding in the back of a pickup truck if you’re in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia or Wyoming.

However, for the remaining 30 states, you’ll need to make sure you check the legal requirements for each state. Some states only have regulations on the age requirements of passengers who ride in the back of a pickup truck. Others (like Arkansas, Utah, and New Jersey) prohibit passengers from riding in the back of a truck altogether. If you’re ever in doubt, do a simple internet search to see what the legal restrictions are for riding in the back of a pickup truck.

Risky Business

It’s also important to remember this caveat – just because something is legal, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Riding in the back of a pickup truck can fall under this umbrella.

Opting to ride in the back of a pickup truck comes with some safety tradeoffs. For example, passengers in the bed of a truck don’t have the security of interior safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags, though truck bed rails can be installed for better handholds within the truck bed. In the case of a collision or sudden stop, passengers in the bed of a truck are at a much higher risk of injury. While joyriding in the bed of a truck can seem like fun, it can become dangerous very quickly. This is especially true if the driver is not paying attention or traveling at speeds that can jeopardize the lives of the passengers in the bed.

At the end of the day, it really comes down to which state you’re in. As you can see, the laws vary from state to state, and many states don’t have any restrictions on riding in the back of a pickup truck. While riding in the bed can bring back nostalgic memories, it’s important to consider the potential risk factors before you go for a trip down the street or off-roading on a trail.

TRUCK Headache Racks: What Are They Good For?

If you’re someone who is always looking for aftermarket upgrades for your truck, then chances are that you’ve ventured into the world of headache racks. And if you’re new to the towing scene, then you might also be curious about what the benefits of headache racks are. Well, you’re in luck because we’re here to walk you through what headache racks are good for.

Safety, Safety, Safety!

One of the primary purposes of a headache rack is to protect the cab (and the passengers inside) from injury if your cargo breaks loose if you need to make a sudden stop while hauling. Also known as truck racks, headache racks can provide a peace of mind if you’re a frequent hauler.

But there’s more than just one safety benefit to installing a headache rack. Headache racks increase your visibility from the rear when you opt for a model that has extra brake lights, such as this one. This can be especially important if you’re hauling bulky loads that block some of the visibility to your other taillights. Plus, with distracted drivers all around us, it doesn’t hurt to bump up your visibility to the max.

Style for Days

Headache racks aren’t just functional – they definitely amp up the style of your beloved truck, too. Love to go kayaking or on outdoor adventures that require the equipment? A headache rack doesn’t just provide a handy place to tie down your gear, they can give your truck that outdoorsy, off-road vibe that you’ve always been wanting,

If you’re looking for a rack that has the best of the function and style worlds, try opting for something like the standard high visibility truck rack. If you’re looking to take your off-road style to the next level, try adding some beefy bed rails or even an LED light bar.

Keep It Cool

Ah, summertime. The days when you park your truck for 10 minutes while you run into the store then return to a boiling hot cab. Nothing like the sizzle of your skin as you sink down into that scalding seat…

Did you know that a headache rack may be able to help with this little sunny situation? Headache racks can also be good for keeping those harsh rays out of your cab. To maximize this benefit, try opting for a more solid or slatted style, like this one. The louvers will help reduce the number of harmful UV rays that can blast into your cab while it’s parked.

The many benefits of installing a headache rack on your truck are undeniable. It’s safe to say that many people might assume that headache racks are just for frequent haulers. But this clearly isn’t the case.

Whether you use your truck for work or play, a headache rack boasts not only safety benefits but also several useful functions. Plus, if you’re looking to add a little pizazz to your truck, headache racks are also a great option to amp up your style. So, what are you waiting for? Go treat yourself to the perfect headache rack today.

Headache Racks: Team Universal or Team Custom?

Are you looking to upgrade your truck with a headache rack? Wanna know a pro tip? Not all headache racks are created the same. Sure, some headache racks are made to universally fit different makes and models of trucks. But what’s the compromise? Should you opt for a custom headache rack instead? Let’s dive into the specifics and explore the world of universal and customized headache racks.

Team Universal: One Size Fits All

So maybe you’re looking for your first headache rack and you’re wondering if a versatile headache rack is the way to go. The good news is that there are many universal headache racks available. But what exactly is a universal headache rack? Because they’re, well, universal, universal headache racks are made to fit different truck body types.

Before you take the plunge, we should explore why a universal rack might be a good fit for you.

There are a few upsides to opting for a universal headache rack. For one, they’re typically quite a bit cheaper than a custom rack. This means that a universal rack may be a better fit for your budget. One of the other pros to universal headache racks is that they are generally easier to install.

If you’re wanting to check out some universal headache rack options, just do a quick search and you’ll see that there are many companies that offer a wide selection of versatile options.

Team Custom: Make it Personal

Unlike versatile racks, custom fit headache racks are designed to conform to the specific dimensional requirements of certain makes and models of trucks. If you’ve got a ’13 Dodge Cummins, a rack that’s designed for a ’99 Ford F-150 isn’t going to work for you.

But custom headache racks do come with some serious advantages. While custom-fit headache racks may require a bit more oomph (and a few more tools) to install, it comes with increased durability. Some of the most durable and heavy-duty headache racks are custom-fit headache racks.

What’s the best part about a custom rack? All of the accessory options. Universal racks are typically limited in which accessories are compatible. However, once you’ve decided on which custom rack you want, you can really start to go crazy with more aftermarket additions. You can personalize your custom headache rack with a virtually endless selection of compatible accessories.

If you’re anything like us, then your truck works as hard as it plays. So, you might have a toolbox installed in your bed. Not all universal racks can accommodate aftermarket accessories. Sure, we may be biased, but we think that a custom rack just gives your truck more edge than a universal rack can.

To make your life easier, Magnum uses a series of drop-down menus to make sure you get the right custom rack for your truck. Simply choose your make and model to find the custom rack you need. Betcha didn’t think it would be that easy, did ya? We’re here to tell you that finding the perfect custom rack shouldn’t be difficult.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to take the plunge and invest in a headache rack? Whether you opt for a universal or a custom-fit rack, you should do a bit of research into your options and weigh the pros and cons of each style.