Category: Truck Accessories
Hitches first started as an accessory purely for trailer pullers and have since been adopted by nearly everyone who owns a vehicle. Nowadays there are hitches for every situation, making finding the right one for your needs fairly difficult. Luckily, TSA Custom Car & Truck is here with a list of the different types of Reno hitches and the jobs they perform. While this list may not cover all the hitches out there, it does cover the most common and frequently used types on the market.
For all your Reno hitches and Carson City hitches needs, contact TSA Custom Car & Truck today.
Rear Receiver Hitch
The most common and easily recognizable hitch is the rear receiver hitch. Although most commonly used to tow trailers, the rear receiver hitch has a wide range of applications, thanks to its square receiver tube. A wide variety of things can be inserted into a rear receiver hitch making it very versatile.
Generally, a rear receiver hitch lands on a 5 class scale system from 1 being light duty and 5 being super heavy duty. The receiver tube can come in 3 primary sizes, 11/4” x 11/4”, 2” x 2”, or 21/2” x 21/2”. Usually, a hitch’s class goes up along with the size of the receiver tube, although in some cases this is not true, so always do a double check to be safe.
Front Mount Hitch
Much like a rear hitch, a front mount hitch bolts to the frame of the vehicle. You can use a front mount winch for a variety of applications. With a front mount hitch, you can insert a winch, hook up a snow plow, reverse park a trailer, or insert a cargo carrier.
Front mount hitches do not use the same rating scale, so check to make sure your hitch is rated for the appropriate task you’ll be using it for.
5th Wheel Hitch
A 5th wheel hitch is used to pull large campers, trailers, and car haulers. Unlike the previous hitches, a 5th wheel hitch mounts to the bed of a truck over the rear axle. Furthermore, the coupling device is attached to the hitch and not the object you’re pulling. You attach the kingpin from your trailer to the hitch and secure it with the hitch’s jaw.
A major feature of most 5th wheel hitches is their pivot mechanism, allowing your haul to contour with the road and absorb bumps better.
Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck hitch is a less intrusive version of the 5th wheel hitch. It still mounts to the bed of the pickup truck but takes up significantly less space – giving you full use of your bed. Typically, a gooseneck hitch is used for towing livestock, large flatbeds, and both commercial and industrial trailers.
Pintle Hitch
The pintle hitch’s hooking system consists of two parts – the pintle and the lunette. The pintle is attached to the vehicle either directly to the frame or to a mount that slides into a receiver hitch. The lunette is a ring that is attached to whatever you are hauling. These hitches gain pretty good weight ratings at the expense of being a bit noisier.
You’ll commonly find pintle hitches used for construction.
Bumper Hitch
A bumper hitch is a simple attachment that provides a square receiver tube for a vehicle. Because the hitch is attached directly to the bumper it can’t pull much weight, so it’s more useful for lighter jobs.
Weight Distribution Hitch
A weight distribution hitch does just that, distribute weight. These types of hitches spread weight that’s usually consolidated on the tongue across your whole vehicle and what you’re hauling, making them very useful with camping RVs. Long rods called “spring rods” in the hitch move the weight across the whole vehicle, allowing for easier steering.
TSA Custom Car & Truck carries all the top Reno hitches and Carson City hitches in the Northern Nevada area. Contact us today so we can get you started on choosing the right car and truck accessories in Reno, Carson City, and Tahoe!
If you are looking to ditch your truck’s OEM factory headlights, you may be overwhelmed by the number of different custom accessories for trucks and headlight options to choose from.
Generally, custom headlights are grouped into 3 main groups: Halo-style, Euro-style, and Projector-style. Unfortunately, there can be confusion between what a custom headlight is referred to as. For example, just because a headlight is one kind does not necessarily mean it doesn’t have the features of another. A Halo styled headlight can also have LED bulbs or projector lights. So which custom headlight is right for you?
Ultimately, your choice in headlight comes down to your own personal preferences in custom accessories for trucks. What you may find stylish may not be what others find stylish, and with so many custom options it can be overwhelming. You can always come into TSA Custom Truck Accessories or contact us and our staff will help you narrow down the list of custom lighting or other custom accessories for trucks.
To help you understand the variety of custom headlights, we’ve explained the basics of the 4 main groups below. Remember that features can crossover from headlight groups, so if you like aspects of 2 or more groups then there is a custom headlight out there that fits the bill.
Euro Headlights
A “Euro” style headlight refers to a style of housing of headlights. Euro headlights have been around since the 50’s, but they entered the U.S. in 80’s, where they grew to become fairly common. In their original inception, Euro-style headlights were nothing more than a basic flush covering of glass over the bulbs. Now, Euro headlights have become more complex. Many feature high-tech compositions and have ditched the 90’s frosted glass look with clear glass.
Traditional European-style Chevy Silverado headlights. Notice how the entire headlight is encased in a glass material
Unlike typical factory headlight housing, which is bland and simple, Euro headlights can feature stylish arrangements of lights, reflectors, and multi-faceted mirrors, all inside a black or chrome base. Some custom Euro headlights can also have a “smoked” lenses, which creates a more tinted (but also potential illegal) headlight.
Modern Euro-style headlights have gotten more complex and stylish. These crystal Spyder headlights use mirrors to add a sleek design.
Euro style headlights can also feature any number of bulbs, such as LED, Halogen, or HID bulbs. Some can even have halo lights.
Halo Headlights
Over the last several years “halo” headlights have risen in popularity. And why wouldn’t they? These stylish and sleek custom lights add a certain modern sharpness to the entire vehicle.
To break it down, halo lights feature rings of light circled around a headlamp bulb. The halo ring bulbs can use simple incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs, or even CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lighting tubes), though incandescent bulbs usually lead to inconsistent illumination from the entire ring.
With multiple halo lights and a little wiring, you can customize how and when your halo lights illuminate. Single or multiple lights can turn on for headlights, running lights, turn signals, or even parking lights.
It’s important to note that most halo light assemblies also feature projector headlights as well, but will almost always be referred to as halo headlights when together.
Unique Halo Lights
Halo lights don’t only come in a perfectly circular pattern. Some halo lights feature unique designs such as:
U-Bar headlights feature a rounded U-shaped halo light. Some variations have the U-bar rotated at different angles.
Many modern halo lights contor the halo light along the edge or bezel of the headlight frame. These can be more expensive with less options depending on the vehicle.
Certain halo lights let the driver change the color of the lights, allowing for a more customized experience. Unfortunately, this may lead to some street legality issues.
Projector Headlights
Around the same time Euro headlights started receiving some visual tweaks, many manufacturers were experimenting with multi-faceted projector beam bulbs. Projector bulbs use an elliptical reflector to focus the light towards a single focal point rather than scattering light in all directions. Furthermore, they are built to aim light more rightward and away from oncoming drivers. Essentially, projector lights offer a more focused beam of light than OEM lights.
With the upgrade in technology comes a decrease in the overall size of the bulb itself. This means that the actual bulb takes up less space in the overall headlight assembly, freeing up room for more artistic headlight designs.
Finding the perfect custom headlight or custom accessories for trucks doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little bit of research and time, you can find the perfect set of headlights for your vehicle. For more questions about custom truck headlights or other Reno custom truck accessories we have to offer, contact TSA Custom Car and Truck.
In Reno, we pride ourself on our trucks. Whether you need your truck to be decked out for hauling tools and supplies, or fitted for conquering the muddy trails of the Sierra outback. Here is a list of the top 8 custom Reno truck accessories you should have.
At TSA Custom Car & Truck, we have all the custom accessories for trucks and cars to make your car your dream car a reality.
CALL US TODAY: 775-883-0477
Paint Protection
If you use your truck to the fullest, then you probably get more than a little mud on it. Paint protection is the perfect Reno truck accessory for someone who wants to wear their work without it leaving a mark.
Air Intake
Increase the performance of your truck with cold air intakes. This accessory allows dense, cold air to enter the engine. Because cold air is dense, the combustions it makes is larger and more powerful. A more powerful combustion means a more powerful truck.
Exhausts Systems
Just like cold air intakes, performance exhausts provide the power. Normal factory exhausts are bent, meaning air and gas have a harder time escaping. Many aftermarket truck accessories are better constructed to allow much more air and gas to escape. Your truck will run better than ever before.
Running Boards
Your truck isn’t complete without a pair of running boards. TSA Custom Car and Truck has a large inventory of running boards, including nerf, steps, and automatic folding boards. Make your life easier with the perfect running boards for you.
Driving/Fog Lamps
Keep those dark nights bright when traveling through Reno and the Sierras with driving/fog lamps. We’ll install them and make sure they will brighten up your drive.
Splash Guards
Your truck isn’t ready for mudding without some splash guards. Keep your paint protected from rocks and gravel as you tear through the mud, and look good doing it too.
Custom Wheels
Half the fun about upgrading your truck is making it feel like your own. Custom accessories for trucks like custom wheels are undoubtedly the first accessory all truck owners will upgrade. At TSA Custom Car and Truck, we carry a wide range of brands from American Eagle Wheel Corporation, Mickey Thompson, Large Rim Group, Fuel, ProComp, and Wheel Pros.
Custom Tires
You can’t just have custom wheels without our custom tires. Some of our premier brands include Toyo, Nitto, Firestone, Dunlop, and BF Goodrich, just to name a few. Once you have your tires picked out we’ll mount and balance them too.
See our full list of custom Reno truck accessories. Or, give us a call and we’ll help you get the part you want. TSA Custom Care and Truck has a vast selection of custom accessories for trucks and cars, contact us today!
CALL US TODAY: 775-883-0477
The Right Truck Parts for the Right Tow Job
It doesn’t take a truck enthusiast to know that towing is a huge deal. Whether you consider yourself a truck expert, or just a towing novice, knowing what you’ll need streamlines the task at hand. TSA has the ultimate selection of truck parts in the Reno and Carson City area. We have made a list comprising of all the towing products you’ll need, novice or not.
Cabover Tie Downs – Security and Stability
If you are looking to haul a camper, securing it with a cabover tie down will keep your camper steady and secure. There are two kinds of tie downs that can achieve this, bed-mounted and frame-mounted. Bed-mounted tie downs are cheaper, but over time their mediocre durability will wear down and even damage your truck bed. On the other hand, frame-mounted tie downs are both durable and strong, giving your truck the most stable foundation.
TSA carries a wide variety of camper tie downs including popular products such as TRUE Frame-mounted tie downs and FastGun turnbuckles.
Hitches – Something you should get attached to
When it comes to towing, a good hitch is vital to the success of your job. Whether it be towing your ATVs or motorbikes out to the desert, your RV up to the Sierras, your boat out to the lake, or just hauling some building materials back home for a project, you’ll need a hitch that can pull its weight (literally!)
TSA Custom Car and Truck has a full selection of hitches ranging from Super Hitch to B&W Trailer Hitches. Ready to get hitched? Get your’s here!
Tow Bars should be on the front of your mind, and your truck
While a hitch is attached to the back of the car for towing, a tow bar is attached to the front of the vehicle or trailer being towed. And just like a hitch, a tow bar is just as important. TSA is the premier stop for all truck parts Reno.
Find something you need to check off your list? TSA will help you find the right truck part or custom accessories for trucks with our knowledgeable employees and extensive database.
Call us today: 775.883.0477
You may be overwhelmed by the number of camper shells out there. With all the kinds of models out there, trying to whittle down the options is time-consuming and difficult. If you are interested in custom accessories for trucks, TSA Custom Car and Truck has compiled a list of different A.R.E. camper shells and their distinct features.
CALL US TODAY: 775-883-0477
Want more space? The TW series is the option for you.
The TW series offers the most capacity out of any kind of simple shell. The extra space provided by the TW series creates the perfect space for storage and hauling. Speaking of hauling, the TW’s aerodynamically-sloped roof directs airflow over any trailer, camper, or boat, which reduces drag and makes hauling easier.
The ToolMaster camper shells are the ultimate tool for the job
Complete with a fiberglass shell, the ToolMaster Series is the perfect companion for any job. The shell’s side cabinets keep finding that perfect socket wrench from becoming harder than the job itself. Furthermore, the heavy-duty cabinet doors will keep your tools protected from the weathering and dust of your travels. The ToolMaster Series also features a stylish commercial-grade ladder rack that’ll support you just as much as the ladder itself.
Durability and security – the DCU Series
The ultimate combination of durability and security, the DCU series features 3 different thicknesses of of aluminum skin (.035, .063, and .063 diamond-plated). Also, DCU Series shells are built around a welded construction frame that creates a rugged, yet durable camper. And unlike other camper shells, the DCU Series are locked with BOLT One-Key technology, giving you the safest way to store your belongings.
You may be looking for more convenience out of your camper shell. Why not? After all, more convenience is always better. Unique to the DCU Series, the Diamond Edition DCU features full-length side doors that easily allow you to load and unload anything you want from your truck.
Check out TSA’s full line product line of A.R.E. Camper Shells here. TSA also offers other custom accessories for trucks as well.
Featured Product
XPEL Paint Protection Film
A rugged eight mil (.008") clear urethane plastic employing a clear-coat finish for maximum shine. This durable material has been used successfully for years by the military, various auto manufacturers, and NASCAR race teams in rock chip prone areas with incredible results.