Upgrading your truck bed storage and utility is a must to get more out of your vehicle for contractors, adventurers, or weekend DIY warriors. If you have the proper equipment and planning, you can easily convert your truck bed into a neat, organized, or simply functional space. Read through our rundown of essential improvements and clever hacks to help you maximize storage in your truck bed.
Install a Tonneau Cover for Secure and Weatherproof Storage
A tonneau cover is the next best way to boost truck bed storage. Soft or hard, roll-up or folding, these covers protect your precious cargo from rain, dust, and thieves.
- This soft cover is cheaper and easier to remove.
- Hard folding covers provide a higher level of security and weight-bearing abilities.
- They offer skillful use and are shaped sleekly, made by retractable models.
Tonneau covers are functional parts, as they help to streamline the airflow over the bed, which can increase fuel efficiency, but they also add a touch of style in the process.
Use Truck Bed Organizers to Declutter and Compartmentalize
Jammelay, if your truck bed always looks like a garage exploded in the back, it’s time to look into a truck bed organizer. That includes bins, cargo bars, and modular storage for corralling tools, groceries, or camping gear.
- Sliding drawer systems fit under a tonneau cover and offer secure, convenient storage.
- Dividers and cargo bars keep gear from ganging up on itself.
This doubles the bed floor area, and it can be useful when you want to keep things in the back of the trunk, like equipment.
Get the Recon Cargo Management System for Best Results
Top-tier modern cargo management systems go a step further to streamline organization. Such systems have adjustable tracks, cleats, and tie-down anchors as well as modular containers to ensure full customization.
- They have standard drawer storage as well as a flat surface with attachment points.
- Adjustable track-based tie-downs can be re-positioned or added for loads that are not square or rectangular.
- Included is an installable cargo gate that is adjustable to help secure loose cargo.This functionality can be particularly useful for contractors, delivery drivers, or anyone else who tows materials.
Vertical Storage Rack for Truck Bed
If you have no more room to go left or right, go up. Put a truck bed rack over the bed so you can still carry ladders, kayaks, lumber, or bikes up top and have room under for tools or gear.
The best ladder racks for tradesmen.
- If you plan to hit the trails and overland, these racks can accommodate rooftop tents and jerrycans.
- The racks are height-adjustable, so you can move them up or down depending on what type of items you need to clear.
- Others are tonneau cover compatible, which is the ultimate compromise in storage.
Install a Bed Extender for Large Loads
For cargo that won’t quite rest within the tailgate, a bed extender contributes its own several extra feet of usable space. These typically flex inward to save smaller devices or fly out above the tailgate whenever more space is required. It’s a great low-cost way to carry longer loads like lumber, bikes, or big boxes.
Lighting and Power Accessories for Night Use
After 6 p.m., a truck bed quickly becomes a black hole. The new bed lighting with LED bed lighting kits magnifies the use of toolboxes and gear at night, which can come in handy when you work late past dusk or plan a camping trip. The very best can easily be turned on by motion or controlled via your truck’s remote.
12V outlets or inverters can also be used for power tools, battery charging, and small electric appliances in your jacket.
Use Weatherproof Mats and Liners
Either a bed mat or a spray-in liner will safeguard your truck against scratches, corrosion, and rust. Liners are also noise and cargo control solutions, preventing items from sliding around. Rubberized mats are simple to remove and wash, whereas spray liners provide lasting protection.
Final Thoughts
Improving upon your truck bed storage and utility isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also a matter of ingenuity. Between tonneau covers and truck toolboxes, all the way up to cargo management systems and bed racks, there are a myriad of choices. Set up properly, and your vehicle goes from a run-of-the-mill hauler to a mobile workspace, camp, or base for adventure.