If you’ve ever driven behind a pickup truck and noticed a tall, black pipe sticking up from the bed, you might have wondered: What on earth is that for? At first glance, it can look like some sort of exhaust pipe, an antenna, or even a strange decoration. But the truth is much more practical—and pretty interesting.
Not Just for Looks
Many people assume that these vertical pipes are simply a cosmetic choice—something truck owners add to make their vehicle look tougher or more rugged. While looks do play a role for some, the real purpose of these pipes is functional.
They’re commonly known as bed stake exhausts or stack exhausts, and they serve as an alternative exhaust system that routes fumes up and away from the truck bed, rather than out from underneath the vehicle.
Why Point the Exhaust Upward?
At first, it might seem odd to point an …
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