Upgrade Your Truck Look With These Six Types of Exhaust Tips
For some truckers, customizing their truck isn’t just about improving its functionality; it’s also about showing off their style and making their vehicle stand out. Adding an exhaust tip is one of the easiest and most effective ways to upgrade a truck. These tips aren’t just for looks—they can also change the way your truck sounds, giving it a more powerful and aggressive tone. While exhaust tips for trucks don’t boost your truck’s performance, they make it look better and can even help protect the exhaust pipe from rust and damage.
Let’s start from the basics for what they are.
What are exhaust tips?
Your truck’s exhaust system consists of pipes that direct exhaust gasses away from the engine and release them into the air, which is essential for the engine to keep running smoothly. However, it’s important to distinguish between the exhaust system and tips. Exhaust tips are the visible part of the truck, but they don’t impact the system’s performance—they’re primarily for appearance.
Despite that, truck exhaust tips are very popular because they enhance the look of your truck. They come in various shapes, such as round, square, intercooler, and rolled-edge designs, and are available in different finishes.
Most aftermarket tips are easy to install, either by screwing them onto the existing exhaust system or by simply sliding them into place.
Six types of exhaust tips for trucks
When selecting the right exhaust tip for your truck, there’s a wide range of styles, each offering its look and sound. This variety allows you to customize your truck according to your personal taste and the statement you want to make on the road.
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Turndown exit tip
Source: Gibson performance
The turndown exit tip sometimes called a dump-out tip, has an outlet that points downward toward the ground. This design resembles a faucet and is known for creating a more muffled exhaust sound. The turndown exit tip is a good choice for those who prefer a quieter, more subdued exhaust note while still wanting a unique and functional design.
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Rolled edge tips
Source: CARiD
Rolled-edge tips are characterized by a thick, inward-curved edge that creates a rounded and more substantial look. This design gives the exhaust system a bolder and more pronounced presence at the truck's rear. It’s a great option for those who want to make a statement, as the rolled edge adds a touch of elegance and weight to the truck’s overall design.
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Angle cut tip
Source: Wesdon Automotive
One of the most popular choices for trucks is the angle cut tip. This design features an outlet cut at a sharp angle, giving the exhaust a powerful and aggressive appearance. The angle cut tip is perfect for those who want their truck to project strength and a muscular vibe, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts and those who appreciate a bold look.
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Dual wall tip
Source: Nameless performance
Dual wall tips are designed with two layers of tubing, providing a more polished and durable finish. This style gives the exhaust tip a more refined and substantial appearance, making it ideal for truck owners who want a high-quality, long-lasting upgrade. The dual wall design also adds a layer of insulation, which can help maintain the exhaust’s appearance over time.
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Intercooled tip
Source: Amazon
For a high-performance aesthetic, the intercooler tip is an excellent option. These tips have turbine-like fins inside a secondary tube, improving the visual appeal and adding a sporty element to your truck. The design mimics the look of high-performance race cars, making it an ideal choice for truck owners who want to infuse a sense of speed and agility into their vehicle’s appearance.
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Single wall tip
Source: Stainless Works
Single-wall tips are the most common type, featuring a single layer of metal tubing. This design offers a clean and straightforward appearance, making it a versatile choice that suits a wide range of truck styles. The simplicity of the single-wall tip allows it to blend with various truck designs, whether you’re going for a sleek, understated look or something more rugged.
Benefits of installing exhaust tips
Installing these on your truck offers several benefits, even though they don’t change the truck’s performance. One of the main advantages is the improvement in sound. Adding exhaust tips can make your truck produce a deeper, more powerful roar that many truckers find appealing. This sound upgrade is usually associated with new exhaust systems, but exhaust tips can achieve a similar effect at a much lower cost. Exhaust tips also make a big difference in your truck's appearance. This visual upgrade can give your truck a more polished, aggressive look, making it stand out. Another benefit is the wide range of customization options they offer. With many different styles, shapes, and finishes, you can easily find an exhaust tip that fits your personal taste. They offer an affordable way to give your truck a more powerful exhaust note and a custom look. With easy installation and plenty of styles, they are a great choice for personalizing your truck.
Keeping exhaust tips in good condition
Regular cleaning is the key to keeping your exhaust tips in good shape. Over time, they can collect soot, dirt, and grime, which can make them look dull and lead to rusting if not properly maintained. For stainless steel and chrome exhaust tips, start by washing them with soap and water to remove surface dirt. If stubborn grime remains, use a special exhaust cleaner or a mild degreaser.
After cleaning, restore the shine by polishing the tips with a metal polish and a microfiber cloth. For the best results, use a dedicated exhaust cleaner, followed by some steel wool to tackle tough spots, and finish with a metal polish applied with a microfiber towel.
When it comes to black or ceramic-coated tips, you need to be more careful. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners that could scratch or damage the coating. Instead, clean these tips with a mild soap and water mixture, and then use a soft cloth to dry and polish them gently. This will help maintain their appearance without damaging the coating.
Choosing the best exhaust tips for trucks
When choosing the best exhaust tips for your truck, there are several factors to consider, including size, material, finish, and design. Here’s what you need to know.
Shapes and styles
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Stagger cut: This design is similar to the hex style but with an edge that tapers from top to bottom, adding a stylish twist.
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Dual-tip: This style features two outlets and gives a sporty appearance, making your truck stand out.
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Hex style: This type has a six-sided, angular design with a unique, edgy look.
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Round: The classic round shape can be fashioned in different designs, such as slash-cut, rolled-edge, or double-wall. Each variation provides a distinct look.
Fit and installation
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OE replacement tips: These are designed to replace the original ones for trucks directly. They don’t require installation modifications but only fit factory exhaust systems.
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Weld-on tips: These tips are welded to the exhaust pipe, providing a secure and professional-looking installation. However, welding requires special equipment and skills that most truck owners don’t have.
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Clamp-on tips: These are popular because they don’t need welding. You simply clamp them onto the existing exhaust pipe. Sometimes, you might need to trim the pipe slightly to adjust how far the tip sticks out from the truck.
Material and finish
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Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum is a good choice for exhaust tips. However, if not coated, it may tarnish.
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Stainless steel: This material is a mix of steel and chromium, making it highly resistant to rust. Most stainless steel tips have a polished finish, although they might discolor after extended use due to heat.
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Black Ceramic/powder-coated steel: These tips are durable and resist corrosion, but the coating can chip or peel, leading to potential rusting if the base material is exposed.
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Chrome-plated steel: A more affordable option, chrome-plated steel is less resistant to scratches but doesn’t discolor easily and lasts well even in tough conditions.
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Carbon fiber: Carbon fiber tips are strong, heat-resistant, and have a sleek look. They are usually the most expensive but provide excellent performance and appearance.
How to install exhaust tips
Installing these on your truck is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance its look and sound. Start by getting the correct exhaust tip size for your truck. If your truck has the original factory tailpipe, determining the right size is easy, as you can use your truck’s make, model, and year to find compatible options.
You’ll need to measure the tailpipe for trucks with aftermarket exhaust systems. Common sizes include 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches. Checking sufficient clearance around the tailpipe and bumper is also important to avoid fitting issues. If there isn’t enough space, you may need to select a smaller exhaust tip.
Before beginning the installation, make sure your truck is completely cool. Attempting to fit an exhaust tip on a hot exhaust pipe can lead to poor fitting and potential burns. Apply a lubricant such as WD-40 to the inside of the exhaust tip to make the installation smoother. Position the tip onto the tailpipe and ensure it’s aligned correctly. For clamp-on tips, adjust the clamp to secure the tip in place. If using a screw-on tip, tighten the screws firmly. Professional welding is recommended for weld-on tips to achieve a secure and clean finish. After installation, regularly check the tip, especially if it’s a screw-on model, as vibrations can cause screws to loosen over time.
Cost of exhaust tips for trucks
Exhaust tips are available at a range of prices, from budget-friendly options around $40 to premium choices that can exceed $100. The price often reflects the tip's material, design, and performance features. Basic tips are usually made from standard metal and offer a simple appearance. In contrast, more expensive tips might include advanced materials like carbon fiber or high-grade stainless steel, which provide enhanced durability and a distinctive look.
If you're looking for something specific or high-performance, you’ll likely find a tip that fits your budget.
Get the best one for yourself!
Exhaust tips play a significant role in shaping the overall identity of your truck. Beyond their practical function, they offer a unique opportunity to personalize your vehicle and make a statement on the road. The choice of an exhaust tip can influence not only the visual appeal of your truck but also its acoustic profile. By selecting the right style and finish, you can accentuate your truck’s design and reflect your preferences. For example, a sleek chrome tip can lend a modern and polished look, while a rugged black ceramic tip can add a touch of boldness. The sound produced by different tips can enhance the driving experience, giving your truck a more powerful and distinctive roar. Ultimately, the right exhaust tip can change your truck into a more expressive and individualized version of itself, highlighting the importance of choosing a tip that complements your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.
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