How Much Does It Cost To Stretch A Truck?

How Much Does It Cost To Stretch A Truck: We know how it is when it comes to getting accurate figures, or maybe an estimate on the internet around the cost of products — but we want to assure you that you’re in the right place. How Much Does It Cost To Stretch A Truck? If that sounds like a question you’ll ask, or something close, then keep reading as we disclose to you how much it costs.

How Much Does It Cost To Stretch A Truck?

Rails to stretch the truck will cost about $50/foot per rail. Plus you’ll need a sleeve to reinforce the spliced area. The insert sleeves cost about the same per foot. 

Things To Consider When Buying A Truck Bed Rail

There are a good number of features and alterable options you need to understand. Can you show us a truck owner that wouldn’t want to have their vehicle stay scratch-free? We don’t think you can. For you to get that exact thing you want, you really don’t need to spend a lot.

1. Setting Money Parameters

Money is the place at which most people look. There are a couple of budgets that people — a lot of people — need to fit into. However, you can find in the market great bed rails that go for as low as $70 – $80. If there are best truck bed rails that go for over $100, they’re likely to be worth the exact thing you need.

But, ensure that you don’t spend any dime more than $150 on a single bed rail. You’ll completely be getting ripped off. Also note that, even if your eyes find something that fits this price range, it doesn’t — in any way — meaning that you’ve found the right choice. You need to look at the stake holes and make sure that they align — and also, you must ensure that the stylish design matches your vehicle.

2. Getting The Right Measurements

Not all the trucks you see out there are created equal. Depending on the nature of your truck, it’s imperative that you take note of the exact dimensions of your truck bed. This way, there’ll be no need to reorder or cut bed rails because you must have gotten it correctly the very first time.

3. Figuring Out Your Style

Every one of the truck owners out there has their personal and unique style. There are some who have the intention of beefing up their vehicle — while as for others, they desire to ensure their truck looks sleek and smooth. The material used in manufacturing a bed rail goes a long way in having a connection with your style. Some are manufactured using stainless steel, while others are made from ABS plastic and aluminum.

If you’re seriously looking for that reliable protection, we recommend that you stick with either aluminum or even other metal rail caps. Also, anything that’s coated with powder will have a lot of protection from corrosion, damage, and/or rust.

4. Other Nuts & Bolts

If really we’re honest with ourselves, people desire that things be easy — and they come to them naturally. Do you want an easy installation of those bed rails you just purchased? Some products and brands can see that you’re catered for in this particular way, but some may want extra grease or even professional installation. For the purpose of easy mounting, some models make use of 3M tape — tape that makes mounting an amazing task. And, there are other models — models that require that you use your hand to install screws, if not with hand, you can as well achieving “installing screws” with a drill.

The choice is completely yours to make, but you must ensure that you’re in the know of what you’re up against before you go ahead to make the decision. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending your money to order something and end up experiencing difficulty trying to install it. If you look very well in the market, you’ll definitely find models that have rails — rails that help in tying down equipment. If this feature is something you’re interested in, you may want to put into consideration looking for something that works for your lifestyle — and even you.

Lastly, make sure you spend a lot of time on your “decision making.” Don’t just blindly rush into it, then end up hoping for the best. Work so hard upfront as you go over the buying process, so the installation of bed rails will make things pretty easy.

5. Brand & Manufacturer

When it comes to choosing the right truck bed rail, the role the brand plays is extremely vital. If you want to see your brand new truck bed rail last you for a long period of time, it’s best to purchase from a reputable manufacturer. They offer products that are of premium quality — and are made of pretty high-grade materials. They as well make sure that you’re provided the best of aftersales customer service — that’s if you get any problem with your truck rails, in the future. These various reputable manufacturers have been in existence for a long time.

If this is your very first time purchasing a truck bed rail and you really don’t want to cause any disappointment for yourself, then your pick should be among those brands that have established a solid reputation in the market.

6. Warranty

Most of the manufacturers out there offer a warranty in order to ensure that their customers have peace of mind and encourage them to have confidence while ordering. Don’t take the decision of buying a truck bed rail without a warranty. And if that reputable company gives a lifetime warranty, check if it is limited — and if that’s it — know its limitations. People often commend those companies that offer their customers a warranty. Normally, you would want to invest your money into a brand that’s willing to replace the defective parts and give you the needed assistance whenever your item gets damaged.

7. Measurement

There’s another factor you need to consider is “measurement.” You do not want to spend money and your time, too, searching for a truck bed rail only to end up buying the one that does not fit your vehicle. There’s a high chance that the manufacturer will provide a chart that contains the sizes. Also, the manufacturer will determine the various models with which the truck bed rails are compatible. That way, you won’t have the need to waste your time conducting the “examining” process on a potential item that does not in any way fit your truck.

For you to be on the safer side, before you go into any automotive shop to pick up a truck bed rail, ensure you know the exact dimensions and measurements of the truck bed. It’s picked out as the only way you can choose the truck bed rails — the ones that will not only fit your truck properly but will also serve you for a long time. You can as well avoid the hassle involved in reordering in case the wrong measurements are what you end up with.

Bonus: Style Preference

What’s your style? You know your style, right? Knowing your style means that you’d have to choose the best truck bed rails. Among truck owners, you’ll see different styles. Some will want to beef up their trucks while others may want to keep it elegant and simple. Knowing the exact thing you really want will make it a lot easier for you to pin down what you must invest. The placement mustn’t be awkward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Do Truckers Drivers Stretch Their Trucks?

This increased radius goes a long way in improving the ability to maximize your weight allowance on the steering axle.

Are All Semi Frames The Same Width?

A “dually” rear-end measures approximately eight inches wider than a standard chassis/cab rear-end. All standard truck frames will measure 34-1/2 inches outside-to-outside, so that all aftermarket cargo beds, wrecker-bodies, flats, fifth-wheels, etc., will fit any make of truck, even semi-trucks.

How Long Does It Cost To Shorten A Frame?

I think a lot of the cost will depend on how much work you want to do upfront. If you strip the truck to the bare frame and take it to someone, I wouldn’t expect to pay more than $200-$300. If you drive the truck in with the bed on and expect to drive out, I would expect about $600-$800.

Can A Truck Frame Be Extended?

No, but it does increase the likelihood of bending the frame, even with “normal” loads. That’s why you cut the frame “/” or “”, overlap, fish-plate and in some cases double frame (at least reinforce if extending more than 24″ or so).

How Much Does It Cost To Stretch A Truck – Conclusion

As a recap of the response we gave to the question — How Much Does It Cost To Stretch A Truck? — we stated that:

Rails to stretch the truck will cost about $50/foot per rail. Plus you’ll need a sleeve to reinforce the spliced area. The insert sleeves cost about the same per foot. 

Thanks for reading.

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