A Guide to Using A Virtual Truck Customization Tool

Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest financial commitments you will make in your lifetime. This is especially true if you are planning on buying a truck. Pick-up trucks are typically more expensive than other passenger vehicles due to their size and weight. In 2019, the average cost of a new pick-up truck increased to $38,000, which is much higher than the average price of a new sedan, which decreased to $27,000 during the same year. 

If you’re going to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a pick-up truck, it’s important to make sure you are completely satisfied with your purchase. One way to do this is to explore your options and build the vehicle of your dreams using a virtual truck customization tool. 

As its name suggests, a virtual truck customization tool is an online tool that allows you to preview what various features and options would look like on a specific truck model. How does it work? Where can you find this type of tool? Here’s what you should know:

How Do Virtual Truck Customization Tools Work?

Truck customization tools are typically powered by virtual reality, augmented reality, and/or three-dimensional (3D) technology. These technologies are used to make the customization tools more realistic and lifelike to enhance the overall experience for the consumer.

3D technology is used to add depth to the vehicles so they don’t appear like flat, two-dimensional images on the screen. 

Many virtual customization tools are supported by virtual reality technology. This innovative technology creates a fully immersive experience by transporting users to a computer-generated environment. The user will feel like they are actually in the simulated environment. They will even be able to interact with various elements of the simulated environment just like they would in the real world. 

Thanks to this technology, consumers will feel like the vehicle they are actually standing in front of the vehicle they are customizing rather than looking at it through a screen. 

Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality does not transport users to a simulated environment. Instead, it allows users to add digital elements such as sounds or images to their real world environment. In other words, it blends the digital world and real world together.

A customization app powered by augmented reality may allow the user to project a digital model of their customized truck into their surroundings. 

The Benefits of Using A Virtual Truck Customization Tool

There are countless reasons why you should use a virtual truck customization tool, including:

• Discover new options. These tools can introduce you to customization options that you may not know about. For example, you may not know that a truck is available in a specific paint color or with a certain type of leather interior. 
• Make smarter purchase decisions. If you’re thinking about upgrading your existing truck with new wheels, tires, or a paint job, using this type of tool can ensure you are satisfied with the end result. You can see what the upgrades would look like before you pay for them so you can make sure you will be happy with the final product.  
• Research your options when buying a new truck. If you’re thinking about buying a new truck, skip the trip to the dealership and research your options from home using a virtual truck customization tool. 
• Fun for truck lovers. Even if you aren’t planning on buying a new truck or upgrading your existing truck, you can still use these online tools for fun. Exploring different truck customization options is a great way for truck lovers to pass the time.

What Are the Best Virtual Truck Customization Tools?

There are a number of different virtual truck customization tools out there. Some of the best options include:

• Carwrapper
• Manufacturer Websites
• Fuel Off Road
• RelayCars

Carwrapper

A car wrap is a vinyl film that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle to create a custom, unique look. If you’re thinking about getting a car wrap for your new truck, you may want to use the Carwrapper customization tool to see what a specific wrap will look like on the vehicle of your choice.

To get started, open the Carwrapper app and select the make and model of the truck you want to customize. Then, choose one of the wrap material options from the app’s extensive library. You will also need to select a finish for the wrap material. You can choose a matte, glossy, chrome, metallic, or pearl finish for your custom wrap.

Once you’re satisfied with your selections, apply the car wrap to the virtual vehicle to see what it looks like. Using this tool allows you to preview what a wrap will look like on your truck in advance so you don’t end up paying for something you don’t like.

Manufacturer Websites

Nearly every automotive manufacturer has a virtual vehicle customization tool on their website. These tools allow consumers to select a make and model and customize it by choosing different features, paint colors, and other options. 

These tools will usually tell you how much the vehicle is based on your selections. If you select optional add-on features, for example, this could increase the price of your truck.

There is one downside to using a customization tool on a manufacturer’s website: your options are limited. For example, if you visit Toyota’s website, you will only be able to customize trucks manufactured by Toyota. This makes it difficult to compare your options when trying to decide which vehicle to purchase. 

So if you are trying to decide whether you should purchase a Toyota Tundra or Chevrolet Silverado, for instance, you will need to visit two different websites to customize and compare these trucks. 

Fuel Off Road

Fuel Off Road is an online retailer that exclusively sells wheels and tires for trucks and other passenger vehicles. This retailer’s website has a virtual customization tool, however it only allows you to customize the vehicle’s wheels and tires. You cannot customize any other elements of the truck. 

You also cannot choose a specific make or model when customizing your vehicle. Instead, the tool will simply show you what different wheels and tires would look like on a generic truck.

Even though this tool does not offer as many features as other customization tools, it is a great way to preview what different wheels and tires will look like on your truck. If you’re thinking about upgrading your wheels and tires, you may want to consider using this tool first.

RelayCars

RelayCars is the best virtual truck customization tool for consumers. This tool, which is accessible via your smartphone or tablet, has an extensive library with over one thousand different sedans, SUVs, vans, high-end sports cars, and pick-up trucks. 

After making your selections, explore the vehicle by zooming in or out. You can also rotate your custom vehicle to see it from every angle. Click or tap on “3D view” to examine a three-dimensional, realistic digital model of the vehicle.

This tool also provides you with basic information about each vehicle you customize, including its price, fuel efficiency, and other general specs.