Have you ever had trouble getting at the gear that's stowed at the front of a truck bed? Bestop's side-mounted TrekStep makes the bed easier to reach, and can also facilitate getting tools out of bed-mounted toolboxes. It works on half-, 3/4-, and one-ton trucks. It'll extend and retract with the push of your foot, and can hold up to 400 pounds. About $300; contact your local Bestop dealer.
Extang's EnCore tonneau cover is the first three-panel folding hard cover that has both an opening front panel and a rear fold-up design. This makes it easier to store and retrieve cargo. Its SecureShut system has a heavy-duty rear latch that locks the cover at the tailgate, and there's a separate latch and lock at the front. The sealed tonneau is made of UV-resistant materials and has rubber corners and a powdercoated frame. $889.
If you already use B&W products, PullRite's SuperRail mounting kit converts the B&W for use with PullRite's automatic SuperGlide sliding fifth-wheel hitches for shortbed trucks. The SuperGlide automatically moves the trailer away from the cab while making turns, allowing up to 90-degree turning without stopping or slowing down, and returns the hitch and trailer to the safe towing position over the truck axle when the turn is completed. $775.
This versatile tool drew a lot of attention at the show. Clamp the pliers on to the item you want pulled, and slide the 2-pound hammer quickly along the slide bolt to the end, creating a pulling force. It's a heavy-duty vice grip with a slide hammer attached. It can also be used as traditional locking pliers. $40.
Rugged Ridge Dual Battery Relay Kit
Whether you've added a winch, air compressor, or extra lux accessories for long stretches on the road, it might be time to install a second battery in your rig. Rugged Ridge's dual-battery relay kit will let you properly and safely wire two batteries to the vehicle's electrical system, and manage battery use. $190.
Optima Batteries Digital 1200 Battery Charger
Controlled by a microprocessor, this digital battery charger charges, conditions, and maintains 12-volt AGM and flooded batteries. It can also recover deeply discharged batteries and is said to extend battery life. The charger has a three-color LCD display for charging, maintaining, and fault mode. You can select charge profiles by battery type, and there's even a USB input for you to charge an iPad, smartphone, or camera. Price unavailable.
The Hi-Lift jack has been the ultimate trail recovery device for off-roaders for decades. Responding to suggestions on how to make its product better, the company has made a new base. It has a serrated edge on one side, making it easier to dig into soft, uneven surfaces, and there's a through-hole where you can put the jack when storing it. $50.
The BOLT series of locks "learns" your truck's key the first time you turn it, and stays secure from that point on. When you put in the key, the lock's spring-loaded plate tumblers move until they match your key. Shown here is a replacement toolbox lock retrofit latch kit, but there are applications for hitch receivers, tailgates, cables, and trailer spare tires. Locks are weatherproof and made of automotive-grade stainless steel. $41.
Warn has created this clever product based on its long history of winch expertise. There are two versions of this hoist, one with a cord and one that's cordless. The PullzAll is a portable lifting and pulling tool that can lug up to 1000 pounds. You can use the cordless 24-volt version to control the unit from inside your truck. You can carry lumber, pull pipe, or even transport a trophy after a day of hunting. It includes two rechargeable battery packs and a charger. $500.
Dynatrac Free Spin Hd Hub Conversion
We don't like to admit it, but all trucks have weak links. This is an area where the aftermarket can be tremendously helpful. Dynatrac's hub conversion line was expanded to include a kit for 2009-and-newer Dodge 2500/3500 Heavy-Duty trucks. It's said to use more durable components than OE and improve fuel economy, as well as reduce steering effort and noise, vibration, and harshness. About $2100.
At SEMA, Banks Power showed its newest applications of aftermarket exhaust brakes. Seen here is the brake for 2004-2010 Chevrolet and GMC Duramax 6.6-liter engines, which works with Banks' iQ interface. These all-electronic exhaust brakes are plug-and-play, and work by modulating systems already found on the vehicle. $1440 including iQ.
This is a pullout (from a first-time SEMA exhibitor) that makes it a lot easier to access the gear stored in the middle of the truck bed or near the back. The pullout can help prevent the need to crawl into the bed or stretch over the bed sides. The Cargo Ease has a spring-release handle that twists to release the pullout, and A ramp is also available to make it easier to load and unload cargo. $700, $1700 with ramp.
SnowBear's StrongBox is an 8-foot trailer that's part of the company's new Transformer series. This one folds into a 2.8 x 4.3 x 2.6-foot secure box. The trailer is made of fully welded tubular steel and has a solid, corrugated floor. It weighs 600 pounds, and can carry up to 1000 pounds of gear. $1500.