In November 2019, the Speciality Equipment Market Association show (SEMA) was held in Las Vegas. If you’ve been into overlanding and off-roading for a while, you’d be aware that SEMA is the largest auto accessories and off-road gear event of the year. And we’re here to tell you that this year is one of the biggest yet, with an incredible range of overland gear, truck bed storage and other off-road products debuted.
Gear Junkie blogger Bryon Dorrwas in attendance, and today we’ll be looking at a few of his favourite finds. If you’re keen to get your truck kitted out with the latest and greatest and take your adventures to the next level, you won’t want to miss this. Here are some of the hottest truck accessories found at SEMA 2019.
When you head off road, roughing it is all part of the fun. But that doesn’t mean you should have to endure a bone jarring, bouncy ride caused by poor suspension and low-quality shocks. Icon Vehicle Dynamics have been leading the way in steel off-road shocks for some time now, and their latest announcement of the 2.5 aluminium series shocks is a real game changer for a few reasons.
Not only does aluminium construction offer significant weight savings, users will also enjoy better heat dissipation, improved corrosion resistance thanks to anodizing and Cerakote coatings, AND a much stronger shock body for improved durability and performance. Icon Vehicle Dynamics have also moved away from a two-piece steel shock body design in favour of a single piece aluminium shock body. And the best part? The price remains the same as current steel offerings.
Team Thoughts: If you value ride comfort, these shocks would be a great addition to your truck or ute. They’ll also help to prevent the equipment in your DECKED box from sliding around. Slated for release in early 2020, keep an eye out at your local Aussie vehicle accessories store if you’re interested.
Sound familiar? The Yakima LockNLoad platform rack system has been available down under for a while now, and it’s a pretty common sight on 4WD’s and utes around your local trails and campgrounds. Built tough for any adventure, the LockNLoad system is a great way to utilise your roof space for extra storage. Use it your way – carry bikes, load up with recovery tracks and jerry cans or use it to carry your boat or surfboard. With a range of accessory mounts available, the possibilities are endless.
Team Thoughts: We’re excited to see this popular system introduced into the USA market. The Yakima LockNLoad Platform now comes in more sizes and suits a wider range of vehicles, and it’s a proven 4x4 roof rack system that will hold up to just about anything. If you need a truck roof rack system, this is the one to get.
Those who take off-roading seriously have long favoured Dometic as their fridge brand of choice. At SEMA 2019, Dometic introduced an update to their CFX 3 series. In short, you can expect the following:
- 40, 50 and 65 models replaced by the new 45 and 55IM models
- New Tech: Updated models now feature digital control panels, extra features and the ability to be controlled via a Bluetooth phone app. Using your smartphone, you can keep an eye on your fridge/freezer performance.
- 55IM features a built-in icemaker – no more stopping off for a bag of ice!
Team Thoughts: New tech features are very handy and increase the practicality of your Dometic fridge. If you’re looking for a new truck fridge, check out the Dometic 55IM. It only takes a few hours to produce two trays of ice, and it does so without altering the refrigeration temperature. Ice and reliable cooling in a single portable package, now that’s a winning combination!
Every truck needs a recovery ring, and this one will get you out of trouble with ease. No need for big and bulky pulley/snatch block systems when small and lightweight options such as this exist. You won’t face any rope retention issues with this one, and nor will the winch line fall out of the ring as it features six silicone rope retention fingers around the circumference.
Team Thoughts: This recovery ring addresses a lot of the issues and weaknesses the off-road community have been dealing with for years. A great option which won’t break the bank at a retail price of $110 USD. It is available to purchase now.
- Introducing the DECKED Truck Bed Storage Toolbox
DECKED was also in attendance at SEMA 2019, and we unveiled our new concept product: The DECKED Truck-Bed Toolbox.
You already know about the benefits of installing pickup truck drawers (AKA ute drawers), but until now there hasn’t been a replacement for metal pickup truck toolboxes. Our new toolbox is a world first, as it features a built-in ladder and robust security features to help you get the most out of work and play.
Here’s an overview of the features:
- Durable Build – HDPE and PP construction means toolbox dents and dings are a thing of the past, and our box will withstand even the toughest of environments. Thought a plastic tool box for pickup truck could never work? Think again.
- Waterproof – Completely watertight, no risk of corrosion.
- Bombproof and Secure –This is the world’s first easily accessible bombproof toolbox. Your tools will be safe and sound all year round, no more fretting over potential tool theft.
- Bluetooth Locking Mechanism –Lock your toolbox using the solar powered Bluetooth locking mechanism.
- Inbuilt Ladder – We’ve solved your toolbox access concerns by installing a small, flip out ladder. Simply open the toolbox and the ladder pops out, giving you easy access and full sight of your tools. This also makes it easy to load gear onto your roof racks or truck bed rack.
Our truck bed toolbox will be released by the end of 2020. It’s robust, practical and ideal for hardworking tradies, adventurers and those who need the best truck security money can buy.
Let the Pictures Tell the Story
This is only a short selection of some of our favourite truck accessories found at SEMA 2019. With more than 2500 exhibitors and around 2000 new products launched, it would be impossible to cover them all. A picture tells a thousand words, so head over to the DECKED USA website for a comprehensive image gallery from SEMA 2019and further information on the latest pickup truck accessories.
It’s safe to say that a great truck bed management system paired with quality accessories will make a massive improvement to the practicality and enjoyment of your vehicle. This year is shaping up to be an exciting one for 4x4 enthusiasts in Australia, with plenty of aftermarket products set to hit our shores over the coming months. Stay tuned to DECKED Australia for further updates and news on all things trucks and utes!