What is OEM?

Original Equipment Manufacturer

OEM is an acronym that stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. When referring to auto parts, OEM typically refers to the manufacturer of the original equipment, that is, the parts which are then subsequently assembled and installed during the construction of a new vehicle.
Okay, so What?
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So, What Does That Mean?

In the auto industry, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) refers to the original products used by a car manufacturer. These are different from aftermarket parts, which are made by a third-party manufacturer but may be compatible with the same vehicles.

OEM parts are usually preferable to aftermarket parts since they are specifically designed to fit the needs of your vehicle and may have a higher quality.

Cross Compatibility

Using an OEM take off bed that matches your truck to build an adventure trailer can have cross-compatibility benefits for aftermarket parts and accessories. Since the trailer is built on the same platform as the truck, it can be easier to find aftermarket parts and accessories that are compatible with both.

This can include items like roof racks, roof-top tents, tonneau covers, cargo boxes, etc., which can all be integrated into the trailer to expand its capabilities and improve its functionality. Having cross-compatibility between the truck and trailer can also make it easier to maintain and repair both vehicles. 

Since they share many of the same components, you can often use the same tools and replacement parts for both. This can save time and money when it comes to maintenance and repairs.