Upgrading an Auction F250 for Under $100
I recently bought a 2013 Ford F250 at an auction. My half-ton Silverado wasn’t cutting it anymore—towing a travel trailer regularly meant I needed something bigger and sturdier.
Fresh from auction — a 2013 Ford F250.
Like with every used vehicle purchase, there are always things to fix, replace, and upgrade. Honestly, that’s part of the fun for me.
Whenever I bring home a new-to-me vehicle, the first thing I do is run through the basics: fluids, filters, and a general inspection. I gave this truck a quick once-over before buying, but once it was parked in my driveway, it was time for a closer look.
First Task: Fluids and Filters
I start with the basics. This time, all the fluids were fresh, so I saved myself some money there. The air filter, though, was overdue. Swapping that out was quick, cheap, and immediately improved airflow.
With the essentials handled, I turned my attention to small upgrades—the little fixes that make a big difference in daily use without breaking the bank. Here’s exactly what I did, what it cost, and what I used—so you can do it too.
I’ve used every one of these products on my truck, so let’s run down the list of budget upgrades.
Budget-Friendly Fixes and Upgrades
- License Plate Lights – The stock lights were cracked and dull, so I swapped them with these LED license plate lights. Better visibility, modern look. Cost: $10
- Windshield Washer Hose – A leak at the reservoir made the washer system useless. I replaced the entire line with a universal windshield washer hose kit. Easy fix, cheap, and now I can see clearly when the weather turns. Cost: $6
- Dash Vents – The circular vents wouldn’t stay put—super annoying. I swapped them for a set of 4 replacement dash vents. Now airflow goes where I want it. Cost: $32
- Key Fob Case – The old case was cracked and floppy. I ordered a replacement F250 key fob shell online for a few bucks, then had a local locksmith cut the blank key. Cost: $7 + $2 locksmith cutting
- Center Console Storage Tray – I don’t use the middle seat up front, so I pulled the headrest and dropped in a custom-fit F250 storage tray. Way more practical for organizing gadgets and travel gear. Cost: $32
- Tailgate Strut – My 5-year-old loves “helping” with the tailgate. To keep little hands safe (and avoid damage), I installed a tailgate assist strut. Smooth, controlled lowering every time. Cost: $22
- Stake Pocket Tie-Down Anchors – Retractable stake pocket tie-down anchors made securing cargo a breeze. They sit flush when not in use, but lock in strong for straps and nets. Cost: $25
Total Spend: $136
I did run a little over budget, but skipping just one accessory would have kept me right around the $100 mark. I spent nothing on maintenance, so I feel like I still came out ahead. Either way, the upgrades were worth every penny for the convenience, comfort, and safety they add.
Next Steps
This was just the first round. Next up, I’ll be hunting for some secondhand finds to dress up the F250 even more—without blowing the budget.
Heads up: a few links here may be affiliate links. Using them supports Fix Up Fleet without costing you extra — and lets me buy the next batch of parts for new projects.
I’m a lifelong DIYer keeping a fleet of cars and trucks on the road — from Subarus to a ’69 MGB GT to a dump truck. Fix Up Fleet is about budget-minded fixes, practical advice, and having fun with every rig in the garage. Buy it, fix it, drive it, repeat.
