Pickup trucks are increasingly popular in Vietnam due to their versatility, power, and ability to operate flexibly on various terrains. However, to optimize functionality and express individuality, many car owners choose pickup truck conversion, especially upgrading the bed cap. Converting the bed cap of a pickup truck not only brings a fresh, more stylish appearance but also significantly increases usability. Nevertheless, the legal procedures related to pickup truck conversion remain a barrier for many. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will provide the most detailed and comprehensive information about pickup truck conversion, helping you understand the process, procedures, and important considerations to implement in accordance with the law.
1. Why Convert Your Pickup Truck Bed Cap?
Converting a pickup truck bed cap is the process of changing, upgrading, or customizing the original bed cap of the vehicle to meet diverse usage needs and increase aesthetics. Here are the main reasons to consider converting your pickup truck bed cap:
1.1 Increase Cargo Capacity
One of the most practical benefits of converting your pickup truck bed cap is expanding cargo space. A raised or redesigned bed cap helps increase the usable volume, allowing for more cargo to be carried, especially bulky items. This is especially useful for small transportation businesses or camping and travel trips that require carrying a lot of luggage.
Increased pickup truck bed cap to increase cargo space
1.2 Add Convenient Features
Converting a pickup truck bed cap opens up the possibility of integrating more modern and convenient features. Popular options include:
- Lighting system: Installing LED lights inside the bed cap makes it easy to find and arrange goods at night or in low-light conditions.
- Ventilation system: Ensure air circulation in the truck bed, limiting mold and unpleasant odors, especially important when transporting fresh or perishable goods.
- Central locking system: Enhance security for the goods inside, protecting property from theft.
- Power outlet: Provide power to use electronic devices or charge batteries on long trips.
1.3 Enhance Aesthetics and Personalize the Vehicle
Converting a pickup truck bed cap is an effective way to express the owner’s style and personality. With many diverse bed cap styles, materials, and colors on the market, you can easily choose and convert to make the car more unique, powerful, and attractive. A well-designed bed cap also contributes to enhancing the value of the vehicle, creating a strong impression on onlookers.
2. When is it Necessary to Convert the Pickup Truck Bed Cap?
Converting a pickup truck bed cap is not always necessary. Here are common cases where you should consider upgrading the bed cap:
- Increased demand for cargo transportation: When your work or life requires you to carry more goods, the original bed cap no longer provides enough space.
- Protecting goods: The original bed cap is not tight or sturdy enough to protect goods from bad weather (rain, sun, dust) or external impacts.
- Diversifying usage purposes: You want to turn the pickup truck into a more versatile vehicle, serving both work and recreational activities, picnics.
- Improve performance and save fuel: Some types of bed caps are aerodynamically designed, helping to reduce wind resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency for the car.
Cases where a pickup truck should have its bed cap converted
3. Detailed Guide to Pickup Truck Bed Cap Conversion Procedures
Performing pickup truck bed cap conversion procedures in accordance with regulations is extremely important to avoid legal troubles later. This process includes many steps, requiring careful preparation of documents and time. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:
3.1 Prepare Vehicle Registration Documents (Initial Step)
Before proceeding with the conversion, you need to ensure that the original vehicle file is complete and valid. This file is usually provided by the showroom when purchasing the car, including:
- Original VAT invoice for sales from the showroom.
- Copy of VAT invoice from the parent company issued to the dealer.
- Declaration of origin of imported vehicles (for imported vehicles).
- Certificate of quality, technical safety, and environmental protection for imported vehicles (for imported vehicles).
- Chassis number and engine number rubbing.
- Vehicle registration declaration (form as prescribed).
- Declaration of payment of registration fee (form as prescribed).
Preparing initial vehicle registration documents
3.2 Pay Registration Fee (If the Vehicle is Not Yet Registered)
If your pickup truck is new and not yet registered, you need to go to the Tax Department where you are registered for permanent residence to pay the registration fee. After paying, you will receive a pre-registration declaration confirmed by the Tax Department and a receipt for payment into the treasury. This step usually applies when you convert immediately after buying a new car.
3.3 Register and Stamp Vehicle License Plate (If Vehicle is Not Yet Registered)
For new vehicles that have not been registered, after paying the registration fee, you bring the documents to the Traffic Police Department (CSGT) to carry out registration procedures and stamp the license plate. CSGT officers will check the documents and compare them with the actual vehicle before confirming. If the documents are valid, you will pay the registration fee, stamp the license plate, and receive an appointment to receive the vehicle registration.
3.4 Vehicle Inspection and Bed Cap Conversion
After completing the registration procedures and having a license plate (or having a vehicle registration from before), you bring the car to the inspection center to carry out the inspection and pickup truck bed cap conversion procedures. Here, you will need to pay the following fees:
- Motor vehicle inspection fee.
- Renovation design appraisal fee (if any).
- Road maintenance fee.
- Compulsory civil liability insurance.
The inspection center will inspect the vehicle after the conversion and issue a renovation certificate (if required). At the same time, the center also pastes inspection stamps, road maintenance fee stamps, and issues a permit for pickup truck bed cap conversion.
Performing vehicle inspection and bed cap conversion procedures
3.5 Change Vehicle Registration Certificate After Conversion
After having the renovation certificate from the inspection center, you return to the CSGT Department where you originally registered the car to carry out the procedures to change the vehicle registration certificate. The documents to prepare include:
- Declaration to change the vehicle registration certificate (latest form).
- Set of chassis number and engine number rubbing.
- Original current vehicle registration certificate.
- Certificate of motor vehicle renovation.
When submitting the documents, you need to bring the car for the CSGT officer to inspect in reality. After the documents are approved, you pay the fee and receive an appointment to receive the adjusted vehicle registration.
3.6 Receive New Inspection Certificate
Finally, when you have received the new vehicle registration certificate with the conversion information updated, you return to the inspection center to apply for a new inspection certificate. This inspection certificate will fully record the changes of the vehicle after the pickup truck bed cap conversion.
Receiving a new inspection certificate after completing the conversion procedure
4. Is Pickup Truck Bed Cap Conversion Expensive?
The cost of converting a pickup truck bed cap is one of the factors that many car owners are interested in. In fact, this cost can vary depending on many factors:
4.1 Bed Cap Size and Material
Pickup truck bed caps are made from many different materials such as composite, aluminum, steel, etc. Each material has a different cost and durability. Bed caps with large sizes, complex designs, or using high-quality materials usually have higher costs.
4.2 Level of Repair and Conversion
If you only replace a simple bed cap, the cost will be lower than a complex conversion, customized to specific requirements, or integrated with more features.
4.3 Brand and Vehicle Model
Some pickup truck lines have available genuine conversion options, which are often more expensive than choosing products from external accessory suppliers. However, genuine products often ensure better quality and compatibility.
4.4 Unit Performing Conversion
Choosing a reputable and professional conversion unit usually has a higher cost than small garages or self-conversion. However, you will be guaranteed product quality, installation techniques, and warranty.
Conclusion: The cost of converting a pickup truck bed cap is very diverse, ranging from a few million to tens of millions of dong depending on the above factors. To have an accurate cost estimate, you should consult prices from many suppliers and choose a conversion package that suits your needs and budget.
The cost of converting a pickup truck bed cap depends on many factors
5. Important Notes When Converting a Pickup Truck Bed Cap
To ensure that the pickup truck bed cap conversion process goes smoothly and legally, you need to keep the following in mind:
- Comply with legal regulations: Ensure that the conversion does not violate regulations on vehicle size, weight, and technical safety. Learn the regulations of the Ministry of Transport carefully before implementing.
- Choose a quality bed cap: Prioritize choosing bed caps from reputable brands with clear origins, ensuring quality and durability.
- Check vehicle technical condition: Before conversion, check the overall vehicle, especially the lights, brakes, and steering system to ensure that the vehicle is in the best operating condition.
- Make an appointment in advance: Contact the inspection center and CSGT Department in advance to make an appointment to avoid wasting time waiting.
- Prepare finances: Estimate sufficient funds to pay the fees related to conversion and legal procedures.
Hopefully, this article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình has provided you with all the necessary information about pickup truck conversion, especially pickup truck bed cap conversion. If you need to buy a pickup truck or need more advice on truck-related services, please contact Xe Tải Mỹ Đình for the best support.
