Covers also help protect against theft, weather

Whether you're hauling for work or for play, it's important to protect all the gear that goes into your truck bed. Truck owners frequently use their vehicles to haul all kinds of cargo that could potentially be damaged or stolen.

"People invest a lot of time and money into the equipment they use," said Peter May of Lund International. "Keeping it securely in your vehicle ensures it will work to its full potential and eliminates worry."

One inexpensive, yet effective, way to protect your gear is with a tonneau cover. Assuming you have installed a bed liner for basic protection, adding a tonneau cover will help protect the gear that goes into the bed, protecting it from debris and moisture. Whether hinged, roll-up, tri-fold or with snap closures, they protect your gear from extreme elements, not to mention keeping everything safe from theft. Out of sight is out of mind. If something isn't visible, it's much less likely to be stolen.

When you're hauling work tools, furniture or equipment for hunting, fishing or camping, cover the side rails and tailgate to help keep them safe from the wear and tear of loading and unloading.

If you are frequently loading ATVs, lawnmowers or other motorized equipment, a folding aluminum ramp is the way to go. With an extruded hole surface for a solid grip and raised edges to help keep tires safely on the ramp, it's the safest, easiest way to load the vehicles. Ramps also eliminate the need for a trailer, saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Taking your ATV along for hunting, camping or mending fences typically means you need to carry other equipment with you. ATV boxes mounted to your vehicle help to keep it all in place, free from the damaging elements and locked up safe. Binoculars, ammunition, a GPS unit, a two-way radio, tools and anything else that needs to stay clean and dry fits easily in the box.

With plenty of secure storage for work and play, you can put your mind at ease wherever you are and no matter what you're using your truck for.