2021 Bradford Built BT Explorer VIN Verification

INTRODUCTION

The 2021 Bradford Built BT Explorer is a premium, heavy-duty truck bed designed for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who require high-performance durability from their vehicles. Known for its ruggedness, the BT Explorer combines cutting-edge technology with a robust build, offering functionality that appeals to off-road enthusiasts, contractors, and those in need of a reliable work truck. This truck bed emphasizes utility and versatility, equipped with ample storage and accessory options tailored for both work and play.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

Bradford Built has been a recognized leader in manufacturing premium truck beds for over 30 years, gaining a reputation for building high-quality, long-lasting products for both commercial and recreational purposes. The BT Explorer was developed as an evolution of their traditional heavy-duty truck beds, with an added focus on the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and those with active lifestyles. The 2021 BT Explorer continues Bradford Built’s legacy of toughness, featuring modern upgrades to enhance both performance and style.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

Since the Bradford Built BT Explorer is a truck bed accessory rather than a vehicle itself, it does not come with its own engine. However, the performance of the BT Explorer is highly dependent on the truck it’s paired with. Bradford Built designs the bed to be compatible with a range of trucks, including full-size pickups like the Ford F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and Ram 2500/3500, ensuring maximum utility and performance when combined with these capable trucks.

• Compatibility: The BT Explorer is designed to fit most full-size, heavy-duty pickup trucks, making it versatile for different needs and customization options.
• Materials: Built from high-strength steel or aluminum, the BT Explorer is designed to withstand the roughest environments, whether you’re hauling gear for an adventure or transporting materials for work.

DESIGN & FEATURES

The 2021 Bradford Built BT Explorer is packed with features to support both heavy-duty work needs and recreational use. Its design is functional yet stylish, offering a clean, robust look that suits any truck.

• Construction: The BT Explorer features a fully welded steel frame with aluminum side rails and a powder-coated finish for added protection against rust and wear.
• Utility Storage: Equipped with multiple built-in toolboxes, storage compartments, and a heavy-duty rear bumper, the BT Explorer makes it easy to store and organize essential tools, equipment, or outdoor gear.
• Lighting: The bed comes with integrated LED lighting for better visibility, especially when unloading gear at night.
• Tie-Downs: Ample tie-down points are included in the bed to securely strap down cargo of all sizes, from camping gear to construction materials.
• Tailgate Design: The tailgate on the BT Explorer is easy to open and close, with a heavy-duty latch and integrated locking mechanism for secure transport.

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

The Bradford Built BT Explorer is available in several configurations to suit different needs. The key differences are primarily in size, material choices, and the number of optional features.

• Standard Bed: This is the most common option, providing ample space for everyday utility needs, such as transporting construction materials or gear for outdoor activities.
• Extended Bed: For those who need additional storage or larger equipment, the extended bed variant offers increased length and volume, ideal for larger items like ATVs or bulky tools.
• Aluminum Construction: Some variants of the BT Explorer are built with lightweight aluminum for better fuel economy and corrosion resistance without sacrificing strength and durability.
• Toolbox Packages: Depending on the variant, users can choose between different toolbox configurations, including side toolboxes, top toolboxes, or a combination, making it easier to customize the bed for specific tasks.

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

The 2021 BT Explorer comes equipped with a range of features designed to ensure both safety and ease of use for the driver, passengers, and cargo.

• Safety Features: The high-strength steel construction of the truck bed ensures that it can safely handle heavy loads and rugged environments. The integrated tie-down points are tested for strength and security, ensuring that cargo stays in place during transport.
• Lighting: LED lights are built into the truck bed, providing better visibility in low-light conditions, which is particularly useful for night operations or off-road driving.
• Accessibility: The tailgate design includes user-friendly mechanisms to easily open and close, reducing the risk of accidents during loading and unloading.
• Corrosion Resistance: The powder-coated steel and aluminum materials are resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring long-term durability in harsh weather conditions.

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

As the Bradford Built BT Explorer is an accessory designed for pickup trucks, its impact on fuel economy depends on the truck it’s paired with. However, the design is aimed at maximizing functionality without sacrificing too much efficiency.

• Impact on Fuel Economy: The added weight of the heavy-duty steel and aluminum components could have a minimal effect on the fuel efficiency of the truck, particularly when the bed is loaded with heavy cargo.
• Customization for Efficiency: The aluminum options available for the BT Explorer may help reduce weight, which could provide slight improvements to fuel efficiency, especially when compared to heavier steel versions.

MARKET COMPARISON

The Bradford Built BT Explorer competes with other premium truck bed manufacturers like Alum-Line, Knapheide, and Reading.

• Alum-Line: Known for its lightweight aluminum beds, Alum-Line offers a direct competitor in terms of performance and durability but may lack some of the integrated storage features that the BT Explorer offers.
• Knapheide: Knapheide is another established name in the truck bed market, with a focus on utility and durability. While Knapheide’s beds may offer similar heavy-duty performance, the BT Explorer stands out for its additional features, such as integrated lighting and customizable storage options.
• Reading: Reading’s truck beds are known for their utility and function, especially for work-oriented purposes. The BT Explorer, on the other hand, provides a more adventurous and lifestyle-oriented design, making it a better fit for recreational users while still maintaining strong work capabilities.

The BT Explorer’s unique blend of rugged durability and recreational features sets it apart from its competitors, making it a top choice for those who require both practicality and versatility.

PRICING

The pricing for the 2021 Bradford Built BT Explorer can vary significantly based on the configuration, material choice, and added features.

• Base Price: The base price for the BT Explorer starts at approximately $7,000 to $9,000, depending on the specific model and material (steel vs. aluminum).
• Customizations: Prices can rise with additional customizations, such as toolbox additions, lighting packages, or aluminum construction.
• Used Market: As the BT Explorer is a newer model, used units may not be as readily available, but prices in the used market typically range from $5,000 to $8,000.

Given its versatility and high-quality construction, the BT Explorer offers competitive pricing compared to other heavy-duty truck beds on the market.

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

While the 2021 Bradford Built BT Explorer has not received widespread formal awards, it has been praised in the industry for its durable construction and unique blend of features. Some notable aspects include:

• Best in Class for Versatility: The BT Explorer has been recognized for its ability to serve both as a workhorse and an adventure-ready vehicle, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Durability and Build Quality: The heavy-duty construction materials and attention to detail have garnered praise from users who require reliable, long-lasting truck beds for both commercial and recreational uses.
• Innovation in Truck Bed Design: Bradford Built has been lauded for its forward-thinking approach to truck bed design, integrating modern features like LED lighting and customizable storage compartments that set the BT Explorer apart from other products on the market.