Supporting every champion lawn tractor puller is a pickup truck and trailer to get them to the competition. Yes, we said "garden tractor pulling". If you’ve never heard of lawn tractor pulling, it’s a sport anyone can enjoy watching and many can enjoy doing. You will find enthusiasts across the mid-west: car guys, mechanics, truck guys, jeeps drivers, antique tractor guys and farm boys. Lawn tractor pulls aren’t just a guy thing. In many cases, it’s a family sport with mom and the kids winning more often than dad. You may have local associations dedicated to the sport in your area.
If you have never been to a lawn tractor pull, it is lawn tractor pulling a sled with weights on it. The tractor that goes the farthest wins. Getting that trophy is often a mix of driving skill, mechanical knowledge and luck. Lawn tractors come in a variety of sizes from the tractor that mows the lawn in the morning and then pulls in the afternoon to ultra-light modified tractors and V-8 powered mini tractors.
Here are some essential truck accessories that every puller should have.
Trailer Hitch and Hitch Accessories
If your pickup truck, SUV or Jeep didn’t come from the factory with a hitch, you’ll want to choose a hitch and hitch accessories from Hidden Hitch or Curt Manufacturing. Between these two companies, most make and model vehicles are covered. Before purchasing, get a guesstimate for the weight of your tractor, weight modification equipment (dumpbell weights, metal plates, etc.) and your tools.
Back-up Camera
Whether this is a luxury or an essential is an endless debate, but a Mito Corporation reverse sensing camera will make parking at the pull much easier. With all the children around, why take the chance that someone is in the wrong spot when you are backing up.
Wheel Well Tool Box
Your tools need to go some place and, as a travel rig, every ounce of space is at a premium. The tailgate tools boxes from Undercover or Dee Zee will store your tools and give you room for your tractor in the box of your pickup truck.
Loading Ramps
Depending on your situation, you may need to load your award winning lawn tractor into the bed of your pickup truck. A good set of portable loading ramps will make this happen. Check out Lund International’s ramps.
Pickup Bed Protection
There are many options to protect your pickup truck bed from dust, dirt, and scratches while loading. Removable protection like Bedrug or Rugged Liner. Something permanent like Line-X, Rhino Linings Spray On Liner, or Grizzly Grip. See this Auto One blog post for pickup bed protection.
Got2B Wireless
When you win, you need to tell the world about it on the way home. With Got2BWireless, you can talk and drive safely. Add their texting module, and you can dictate your winning announcement to Twitter, Facebook and friends without typing.
WeatherTech Floor Mats
Dirt is going to follow you from the tractor pull to your truck. Make clean-up easy with a set of WeatherTech Floor Mats.
Vehicle Graphics
Brand your truck and your tractor to make a complete package with some decal graphics from companies like Mossy Oaks Graphics or Stampede. Just because you are garden tractor pulling in the dirt doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look good.
OnStar FMV
If your truck breaks down, don’t miss the pull. Get OnStar FMV for your pickup. It’s now available for most vehicles.
If you need assistance installing any of these auto accessories or need electrical wiring for your trailer hitch, visit your neighborhood Auto One. Our 12 volt technicians and customer service reps can assist you.
If you would like to know more about lawn tractor pulls, visit these links and then treat yourself to an easy Sunday of good American fun.
