Buyer’s Guide

Ordering a truck part online is easy when you know what to check, and expensive when you do not. This guide walks you through everything that affects fitment on the parts we sell most, from pickup beds and tailgates to bumpers, lights, electrical modules, flatbeds and service bodies. Read the part of it that applies to your purchase, and if anything is still unclear, call us at (210) 786-8152 or email sales@americanoffroadsupply.com before you order. Checking fitment for you, including by VIN, is free and is the reason we can afford to charge no restocking fee.

What to have ready

New, used, OEM, take-off, aftermarket: what the words mean

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): made by or for the vehicle manufacturer, to factory specification.
• OEM take-off: a factory part removed from a new or late-model truck, usually when the truck was upfitted with a flatbed, service body, aftermarket bumper or other upfit. Take-off beds, tailgates and bumpers are the closest thing to new that a used part can be, often with delivery miles only. They are sold as used parts and carry our 90-day used-part warranty. Sellers sometimes call them “new take-off” or “NTO”; the words mean never in service, not new for warranty purposes.
• Used / salvage: a factory part removed from a vehicle that was in service. Condition varies and is described in the listing. Also carries our 90-day used-part warranty.
• Used aftermarket: a previously installed aftermarket part such as a steel bumper or grille guard. Sold as used, with our 90-day used-part warranty.
• New aftermarket: a new part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer, such as a steel bumper, grille guard, flatbed, service body, LED light or hitch. Carries whatever written warranty its manufacturer offers, which we handle for you. A factory second or scratch-and-dent unit is marked as such in the listing and carries our 90-day limited warranty instead.
• New OEM: a new factory part in its original packaging. Carries the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement-parts warranty.
• Universal / multi-fit: a part designed to fit many vehicles, often with adjustment or drilling, such as a flatbed, headache rack, work light or tool. Fitment depends on measurements rather than year, make and model; the listing tells you which measurements to check.

Listings state whether a part is new or used in the title, the Condition attribute or the description, because the warranty depends on it. If a listing does not say, or is unclear, ask us before ordering and we will confirm in writing. Our Warranty Policy explains both.

How to read a listing

1. Title and year range. The title gives the part, the vehicles and the model years it was made for, for example “2017-2022 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty 8 ft Pickup Bed”. The year range is the manufacturer’s design generation, not a guarantee for every trim in those years.
2. Fitment Checker. On every product page you can enter your year, make and model and get one of these results. The page shows a full sentence naming your vehicle; the short names in the first column are ours:

   Result	What the page tells you	What to do
   Fits	The part fits your year, make and model.	Check the trim, option and measurement notes on the listing, then order. A fit result confirms year, make and model; the trim and option notes on the listing are part of the stated fitment.
   Fits, years not confirmed	The part is listed for your make and model, but the model years were not confirmed.	Send us your VIN or year and we will confirm before you order.
   Listed for your make only	The part is listed for your make but not for a specific model.	Contact us with your VIN before ordering.
   Right model, wrong year	The part fits your model, but only in model years other than yours.	Do not order it for that truck. Ask us for the right one.
   Right model, wrong trim	The part is listed for your model in a particular trim or submodel only.	Check your trim; if in doubt, send us the VIN.
   Universal part	The part is not vehicle-specific. Fitment depends on measurements.	Compare the dimensions on the listing with your truck.
   No fitment data	We have not recorded fitment for this part yet.	Contact us with your VIN before ordering.
   Does not fit	The part is not listed as fitting your vehicle.	Do not order it for that truck. Ask us for the right one.

   Your vehicle is remembered in your browser so you do not have to re-enter it on every page. Any result other than a confirmed fit is an invitation to ask us before ordering. A part that does not fit can be returned within 30 days under our Refund and Returns Policy, but it is far quicker to get it right first.
3. Attributes. Below the description you will find the attributes we have recorded for the part: Make, Model and Year or Year Range on nearly every listing, and where relevant Configuration (SRW/DRW), Bed Length, Side (driver or passenger), Trim, Color, Parking Sensor Holes and Tailgate Step. Match every attribute shown to your truck. If an attribute you need is not shown, the title and description usually state it; if not, ask us before ordering.
4. Condition notes. For used parts, the photographs are the primary record of condition. Where we have noted a dent, scratch, rust, repair or missing piece, the description says so, and the description lists what is included. Read it with the photographs. Cosmetic wear that is shown or described is part of the deal and is not a defect.
5. What is included. Unless the listing says otherwise, a pickup bed is sold as the bed box only: the tailgate, tail lights, rear bumper, bed liner, fuel door and wiring are not included. Where any of these is included, the listing says so. The same rule applies to every part: if the listing does not mention an item, assume it is not included and ask.
6. Photographs. Look at all of them. For a used part they are of the specific part being sold; if we have only a representative photograph of a used part, or no photograph yet, the listing says so and we will send photographs of the actual unit on request. For a new part they may be the manufacturer’s images of that product. If you want a closer look at a particular area of a used part, ask and we will send more.

Category guides

Pickup beds (OEM take-off and used)

• Length: measure your existing bed inside the box, bulkhead to tailgate, at the floor. Common lengths: Ford F-150 5.5, 6.5 and 8 ft; Ford Super Duty 6.75 and 8 ft; GM 1500 5.8, 6.5 and 8 ft; GM HD 6.5 ft (2007-2019) or 6.75 ft (2020 on), and 8 ft; Ram 1500 5.7 and 6.4 ft, plus 8 ft on 2009-2018 regular cabs; Ram HD 6.4 and 8 ft; Toyota Tundra 5.5, 6.5 and 8 ft.
• Single or dual rear wheel. A dually bed has wide rear fenders and will not fit a single rear wheel truck, and vice versa.
• Generation. Beds interchange within a body generation only, and the manufacturers’ generation changes do not always line up with a clean model year: half-ton and heavy-duty trucks of the same brand often change in different years, and some brands sell the old body alongside the new one for a year under a “Limited”, “Legacy” or “Classic” name. Check the year range on the listing, and if your truck is at the first or last year of a range, send us the VIN.
• Fuel filler location must match the side and position of your truck’s filler neck. The listing states it.
• Parking sensor holes, camera provisions and bed lighting are noted. A bed with sensor holes can be used on a truck without sensors with blanking plugs; the reverse requires drilling.
• Bed mounting: bed bolts, bed mounting pads and cab-to-bed clearance are specific to the chassis. Reuse or replace your own hardware as the listing advises.
• Color: listed by the factory color name, and by paint code where we have it. Sun fade means even the right code may not be a perfect match to your cab.
• Delivery: beds ship by freight on a pallet. See the freight section of our Shipping Policy and have help ready to unload.

Tailgates and tailgate hardware

• Check the year range and generation, then every option: integrated step (Ford tailgate step, GM MultiPro, Ram multifunction), backup camera, power lock or power release, parking sensors, spoiler, tailgate damper, and whether a bed liner or step pad is installed.
• A tailgate from a truck with a camera can usually be used on a truck without one, but not the other way round without wiring. Ask us.
• Hardware such as latches, cables, handles, hinges and bezels is listed by generation and by the option it serves (for example a handle with camera cut-out).

Front and rear bumpers, grille guards and winch plates

• OEM bumpers: match the generation, then the options: fog light openings, parking sensor holes (count them), tow hook openings, trailer plug and hitch receiver provision on rear bumpers, step pads and chrome versus painted finish.
• Aftermarket steel bumpers and grille guards are vehicle-specific. Check the model years, whether the design is compatible with your truck’s front sensors, adaptive cruise radar and cameras, and whether your truck has factory tow hooks, a front skid plate or a factory winch that affects fitment. Note the weight: a heavy steel bumper can affect ride height and may call for a leveling kit, which the manufacturer’s instructions will mention.
• Winch plates and grille guards list the winch sizes they accept and whether they fit over an OEM bumper or replace it.
• Powder coat and paint on new bumpers is usually covered for a shorter period than the structure under the manufacturer’s warranty. See our Warranty Policy.

Tail lights, headlights, fog lights and marker lights

• Identify the side (driver = left, passenger = right, as seated in the truck) and the type: halogen, LED, or LED with blind-spot sensor or sequential turn signals. Trucks with LED tail lights often have different wiring connectors from halogen versions.
• For a used light, the listing describes lens condition, mounting tabs and any moisture. For a new aftermarket light, check that it is DOT compliant for road use in your state.
• Cargo, marker and work lights are often universal; check mounting dimensions and voltage.

Engine computers (ECM / PCM), control modules, instrument clusters and wiring harnesses

• The part number must match exactly or be a manufacturer-approved supersession. Give us the number from your module and your VIN and we will confirm.
• Programming. Most engine computers, body control modules, instrument clusters and keyless entry modules must be programmed to your VIN by a dealer, a locksmith or a technician with the correct tools before they will work. Budget for this when you plan the repair. Once a module has been programmed to your truck it counts as installed and is no longer returnable under the 30-day return policy, although it remains covered by the 90-day used-part warranty. So confirm the part number before you program.
• Used instrument clusters display the mileage stored in them, which is the donor vehicle’s mileage until the cluster is programmed. Have the cluster programmed by a qualified technician so that your vehicle’s true mileage is shown; ask us if you need the mileage recorded on a cluster before you buy.
• Harnesses are specific to engine, transmission, cab configuration and options. Compare connector counts and the harness label number with yours.
• Used electrical parts are covered by our 90-day warranty and new ones by the manufacturer’s, provided they were correctly installed and programmed. A module the listing describes as untested is covered on the same terms.

Running boards, steps, mirrors, fender flares and exterior trim

• Running boards and steps are sold by cab configuration and sometimes by bed length. Measure the length of your old boards if in doubt.
• Mirrors: identify power, heated, signal, puddle lamp, power-fold, telescoping tow and camera features, and whether yours are chrome, black or paint-to-match. Connector pin count is the fastest check.
• Fender flares and splash shields are side- and generation-specific; dually trucks use different rear flares.

Flatbeds, service bodies and dump bodies

These are measured, not matched by year. Before you order, write down:

Universal bodies ship with or without mounting kits as the listing states, and installation requires drilling, wiring and often a professional installer. Where a flatbed or service body is a used take-off, the listing shows its actual condition.

Wheels and center caps

• Match bolt pattern (for example 6 x 135 mm, 6 x 139.7 mm, 8 x 165.1 mm, 8 x 170 mm, 8 x 180 mm, 8 x 200 mm and 8 x 210 mm on dually trucks, 10 x 225 mm on F-450 and F-550), center bore, offset and load rating to your truck. Heavy-duty trucks need wheels rated for their axle weights.
• Center caps are matched by the wheel’s part number or the cap’s own number stamped on the back, and by diameter at the clips.
• Where a wheel is used, the listing describes curb rash, bends and repairs.

Hitches, towing and recovery

• Receiver hitches and gooseneck systems are vehicle-specific; check that your truck has or lacks the factory gooseneck prep package and frame holes the listing assumes.
• Check class and rating against your trailer weight, and never exceed the lowest rating in the chain of truck, hitch, ball and trailer.
• Trailer wiring and plugs: 4-pin flat, 7-pin RV blade or both; confirm your truck’s connector.

Tools, shop equipment and universal accessories

Auxiliary fuel tanks, winches, racks, hitches and similar accessories are new items that carry whatever written warranty their manufacturer offers. Check capacity, voltage and dimensions against your needs. Fuel tanks and pumps may be subject to state and federal rules on transfer of fuel; the listing notes any restriction.

Placing your order

1. Confirm fitment using the steps above, or send us your VIN and the listing and let us confirm it.
2. Add the part to your cart and check out. Shipping is free to all 50 states, or choose free local pickup at our San Antonio yard; the price you see is the price you pay. No sales tax is added at checkout (see Sales Tax Policy).
3. Choose how to pay: credit or debit card, wire transfer, Zelle, Apple Cash, Chime or Cash App (see Payment Policy). Handling starts when the payment clears.
4. Give a phone number you will answer. Freight carriers call to schedule delivery of beds, bumpers and bodies.
5. If you need the part by a date, tell us before you order and we will tell you honestly whether it is achievable.

When the part arrives

1. Inspect before you sign for freight, and note any damage on the delivery receipt. Report transit damage promptly, ideally within 48 hours (see Shipping Policy).
2. Compare the part with the listing and with your old part.
3. Dry-fit before you paint, drill, cut or program. Offer the part up to the truck and check every mounting point and connector. A part that has been painted, modified or programmed cannot be returned, so this step protects your 30-day return right.
4. Install correctly, to the vehicle manufacturer’s procedure and torque specifications, or have a professional do it. Use new fasteners where the manufacturer requires them.
5. Keep your order confirmation and any installer invoice. They are your proof of purchase for the warranty.

If something is wrong

In every case, start by contacting us. We refund rather than exchange, so the fastest route to the correct part is to let us issue your refund and to order the right part as soon as you have confirmed it.

Frequently asked questions

Will you check my VIN before I order? Yes, free of charge. Email the VIN and the listing link, or call us.

Is a take-off part really used? Legally and for warranty purposes, yes. Physically, most take-offs have never been in service beyond delivery of the new truck, which is why they are the best value in the catalog.

Can you guarantee a color match? No one can. We list the factory color name, the paint code where we have it, and the photographs show the part. Fade and age cause differences even between panels on the same truck. A painter can blend if needed.

Do you charge a core charge? No. There are no core charges or deposits on any part we sell, and no restocking fee if you return one.

Do you ship to Canada or overseas? Not at this time. We ship to street addresses in the 50 states only, and not to freight forwarders.

Can I pick the part up? Yes. Choose “Local pickup” at checkout and pick up the part at our yard at 7340 Somerset Rd, San Antonio, free of charge, once we email you that it is ready. Details, hours and what to bring are in the Shipping Policy.

Do you install parts or recommend installers? We do not install. We recommend using a qualified shop for electrical, structural and body work, and keeping the invoice for your records.

What if I am not sure which of two parts is right? Ask us. Do not order both intending to return one; our returns are free of fees but you would still pay the return shipping on the one you send back.

Contact us

American Off-Road Supply
7340 Somerset Rd, San Antonio, TX 78211
Phone: (210) 786-8152
Email: sales@americanoffroadsupply.com