Conventional wisdom is not always right. Take, for example, getting accessories for your car, truck, or accessories. The old adage is “get them from the dealership, they are better.” That’s wrong and it’s built on flawed information.

The flawed premise is that if you get it from the OEM (original equipment manufacturer), you’re getting a better accessory than the so-called “aftermarket” automotive accessories. Aftermarket accessories are categorized as things you put on your pickup, SUV, or car after you purchase it, and the parts are not made by the so-called original equipment manager. But, and it’s a big but, there is really no original equipment manufacturer or OEM.

That’s because all the major car brands don’t actually manufacture the accessories they sell, such as running boards, bed covers, and lift kits, they assemble them. All these parts are contracted out to many different independent manufacturers and then re-branded by the different major automobile brands. And here’s the dirty little secret: They're often the same manufacturer as the aftermarket parts. Crazy, right?

So, should you buy your aftermarket accessories from the major brands and their dealerships, or from a specialized shop like Pickup Outfitters? We’re biased, of course, but there are major advantages from buying through Pickup Outfitters.