The winch is probably one of the most underrated yet highly-useful accessories needed by your off-roading vehicle. That’s because during times of trouble, like when you get stuck in a sand dune or in soft dirt, this accessory can be a real vehicle (and life) saver.

What Is It?

The winch is essentially a mechanical device which you can use to “pull in” or “let out” an object. It usually comes with a cable or wire, and is commonly used by tow trucks.

Why Do You Need It?

As I’ve said before, in case you or your off-roading companions get stuck somewhere, you can use your winch to reel in your companion’s truck, or he can use his to pull your truck out of a troublesome spot.

Where Do You Install It?

Most off-roading Jeeps and trucks have winches installed on their front bumper. Though you can also spot a number of vehicles with winches on their rear bumpers. I guess it depends on where you need your winch to be.

Where Can You Get It?

Online stores usually carry various types of winches. So if you’re after variety, shop online. But if you need the winch right away and can’t wait a few days or a week to get it, then head on to your local auto shop.

How Much?

Well, if you’re just after a replacement winch cable hook, you can get one for less than $20, shipping not included. But if you want the actual winch (electrical; with cable lines and hooks), then prepare to spend up to $1,846, shipping included. That’s one of the more expensive brands–but the good thing about these pricier winches is that they come with approximately a year’s worth of warranty coverage.

Brands, Brands, Brands:

Some brands you may want to check out include Warn, Mile Marker, Aries, Body Armor, Rugged Ridge, and Superwinch!

The great thing about off-roading accessories is how most of them are both functional and aesthetic. These accessories usually help improve not just your car’s performance and safety, they can also give your truck a rugged look. A great example of a stylish and functional off-roading accessory is the grille guard.

What Is It?

Grille guards are accessories designed to be mounted on the front end of your truck. They help boost your truck’s protection against impact damage. When off-road driving, road debris have a tendency to shoot up when your tires pass through them. Grille guards prevent damage on your vehicle’s front end by fortifying your grille assembly and front bumper. Most grille guards are made of heavy-duty steel for extra-durability. When buying a grille guard, we suggest that you go for steel instead of plastic or any other material. But if you want added protection against rust, stainless steel is an even better choice—though it’s usually the pricier option too.

Why Do You Need It?

Added protection for your off-roading vehicle. Better protection means less replacements needed the next time you conduct a tune-up.

Where Do You Install It?

Grille guards, depending on your vehicle type, are usually mounted either under your bumper or on the bumper itself.

Where Can You Get It?

Again, online or from your local parts store/dealer. When buying online, make sure you buy your grille guards from reputable online auto part stores.

How Much?

Prepare to spend anywhere between $325 and $1,112 when buying online. Remember, check the shipping costs, right?

Brands, Brands, Brands:

Brands you may encounter when looking for this product include: Warn, Smittybilt, Aries, Rampage, Westin, and Go Rhino.

Any off-roading fanatic can tell you that having a lowered front end is bad news for your off-roading vehicle. Aside from being a major eyesore, you also run the risk of bad auto performance. Mostly because your off-roading vehicle requires the right approach angle and clearance for better driving.

Now, if after years of use, you realize that your truck is starting to look uneven, in the way that its front end is starting to slope downwards, then you’re in need for a leveling kit.

What Is It?

A leveling kit is a cheap but effective solution for lowered truck front ends. As you can already guess from its name, this kit is designed to let you lift up your lowered front end to make it level with the rest of your truck.

Most leveling kits come with a specialized system that allows it to readjust your front end’s height without affecting your suspension performance.

Why Do You Need It?

Unlike the nerf bars, this one, actually passes as a “need”. That’s because having a lowered front end can accelerate front-end wear. Plus it affects your vehicle’s drivability and ride quality.

Where Do You Need To Install It?

Well, you’ll be working mostly with your chassis, so you may need some assistance from a professional, particularly during the alignment process.

Where Can You Get It?

Online and from your trusty local garage. Though, if you want to get things cheap, we suggest that you conduct your research online for the right leveling kit, and you shop for this part from a local auto parts store. Though, if your local shop doesn’t carry the leveling kit you want (or the one your ride requires), we suggest you look for a reputable online store for your truck’s leveling needs.

How Much?

Again, it depends on what type of leveling kit you’re after. Expect to pay anywhere between $45 and $730. Caution: read the fine print. Sometimes the offerings from one site may be pricier than from another, but usually these sites include the core price and shipping price, that’s why the product looks so expensive at first glance.

Brands, Brands, Brands:

Some brands that sell leveling kits include Trailmaster, Air Lift, Rancho, Firestone, and Eibach.

*Note: Less on style and more on function this time around. Plus actual price range/s!

Let’s face it. Not all of us can afford separate vehicles that are for “off-road use only”. Sometimes, your off-roading machine is also your family car that gets you and your folks or kiddos to town, or out of it during road trips.

If you engage in rock-crawling, then chances are, you’ve got a heightened ride in your hands. Whether it’s custom heightened for a single inch or several inches, you can expect vertically-challenged folks (petite people or kids) to have difficulties entering or exiting your truck. Good thing you’ve got durable nerf bars on the market to solve this problem.

What Is It?

A nerf bar is a type of front bumper guard, typically made of steel tubes. You usually use a pair to flank the sides of your ride. Most nerf bars have a chrome-plated finish for an added aesthetic boost. To get the best nerf bars for your truck, we suggest that you get one that comes with a rubber, no-slip section. That way, even if it rains, your passengers won’t have a nasty stumble when entering or exiting your vehicle.

Why Do You Need It?

Well, you might not really need this accessory per se, but it does pay to own a pair. Mainly because it makes exiting or entering your cabin a lot easier, faster, and safer. (Especially when it’s pouring outside)

Where Do You Install It?

You usually mount your nerf bars on a horizontal cross bar at the side of your ride. Following the line of your side fenders and right below your auto doors.

Where Can You Get It?

Local auto shops should carry quality nerf bars. Although the internet gives you more variety and greater discounts if you find a good online auto parts store or dealer.

How Much?

Depends on the type of nerf bar you purchase and the type of car you drive. If you’re driving a mid-sized car, it’s bound to be cheaper than nerf bars for a massive truck. For durable and good quality ones, prepare to spend as little as $65 (base price, not including shipping) to as much as $1,321.00. The more expensive ones usually include all the hardware and warranty you need to protect this investment.