How do I add storage to my pickup truck?

Having extra storage space in your pickup truck can be extremely useful for transporting larger items or keeping your gear protected from the elements. There are several options for adding more storage to a truck, depending on your needs and budget.

Add a Truck Bed Toolbox

One of the most popular ways to add locked, weatherproof storage to a pickup is by installing a truck bed toolbox. These come in various shapes and sizes, typically made of aluminum or heavy-duty polymer, and mount over the truck bed rails to add enclosed cargo space.

Benefits of a Truck Bed Toolbox

• Secure, lockable storage keeps items safe from theft
• Protects contents from weather and dirt
• Various sizes to fit different needs
• Easy to access items when needed

Considerations for Truck Toolboxes

• Can be expensive for larger storage sizes
• Adds weight which may reduce fuel economy
• Limits full use of truck bed space underneath
• Opening and closing requires access to both sides of the box

Types of Truck Toolboxes

There are a few main types of truck bed toolboxes:

• Crossover toolbox – Mounted over rear of bed against cab, opens from both sides for access from either side of truck.
• Side-mount toolbox – Mounted against one side of truck bed, opens from one side only.
• Chest toolbox – Larger rectangular box spanning width of bed, opens from either side.
• Low-profile toolbox – Thinner box that maintains more truck bed access underneath.
• Drawer toolbox – Toolbox with sliding drawers for organized storage.
• Under-rail toolbox – Low-profile box mounting under the truck bed rails.

Tips for Choosing a Truck Toolbox

• Measure truck bed size and determine amount of storage needed
• Consider side of bed more convenient for access
• Make sure it is weather-sealed and lockable
• Get matching or color-coordinated style
• Install securely with bolts through pre-drilled holes

Installing a Toolbox

Proper installation is key to getting the most use from your truck toolbox. Follow these basic steps:

1. Place toolbox in truck bed for test fitting
2. Mark pre-drilled holes from underneath the box
3. Drill holes through truck bed floor at marked spots
4. Bolt toolbox down securely through drilled holes
5. Seal any gaps with silicone caulk
6. Test opening and closing smooth operation

With the toolbox installed, you’ll have a secure place to keep cargo out of the weather and protected from theft. Just be sure not to overload the truck, as too much weight in the bed can affect handling and fuel economy.

Install a Truck Bed Extender

If you need to haul longer cargo like ladders, kayaks, or lumber, a truck bed extender can provide extra support. These accessories mount to the tailgate and rear of the truck bed to add upwards of an extra three feet of usable cargo length.

Benefits of a Truck Bed Extender

• Supports hauling long oversized items
• Prevents long cargo from dragging while driving
• Models folding upright when not needed
• Relatively inexpensive add-on

Considerations for Truck Bed Extenders

• Can obstruct rear view when upright
• Extra length adds challenge to parking and maneuvering
• Does not add enclosed storage space
• Weight capacity typically 300-500 lbs max

Types of Truck Bed Extenders

The most common styles of truck bed extenders include:

• Sliding rail extender – Telescopes into rails mounted inside the truck bed.
• Folding extender – Folds upright against the tailgate when not in use.
• Hitch-mounted extender – Adds a cargo tray off the rear hitch.

Tips for Choosing an Extender

• Match style to your truck’s make and model
• Select weight rating for heaviest items you’ll need to haul
• Consider mounting style: bolt-on, clamp-on, or hitch-mounted
• Get style that folds up and out of the way when not needed

Installing a Truck Bed Extender

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper mounting and operation. Basic installation involves:

1. Bolting side rails onto truck bed if not already factory equipped
2. Sliding extender into rails and securing
3. Adjusting support arms and locking into place
4. Testing extension stability before loading cargo

With an extender added, take extra care when hauling long items to distribute weight evenly and drive cautiously over bumps and rough terrain.

Add In-Bed Storage Drawers

For maximizing enclosed storage inside the truck bed, installing a set of slide-out or side-mounting drawers is an excellent option. These heavy-duty truck bed drawers provide secure, organized storage for gear of all kinds.

Benefits of In-Bed Drawers

• Adds dozens of cubic feet of lockable storage
• Slide-out access without climbing into truck bed
• Modular compartments keep cargo organized
• Weatherproof once closed to keep contents clean and dry

Considerations for Truck Bed Drawers

• One of the more expensive truck bed additions
• Heavy weight limits cargo capacity of truck
• Requires some assembly for installation
• Opening can obstruct rear tailgate access

Types of In-Bed Truck Drawers

Major types of truck bed drawers include:

• Underbed slide-out drawers – Install under truck and slide rearward for access.
• Side-mount drawers – Install along truck bed wall and open sideways.
• Cross-bed drawers – Span width of bed, opening from either side.
• Top-mount chests – Similar to toolbox but with drawers built in.

Tips for Choosing Truck Drawers

• Measure bed size and determine needed storage capacity
• Pick heavy-duty, weatherproof construction
• Get style that matches your truck style and color
• Consider ease of opening and closing
• Modular drawers allow custom organization

Installing Truck Bed Drawers

Bed drawers typically take more effort to install than other accessories. Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions. General tips include:

1. Assemble drawer unit if required
2. Clean truck bed area thoroughly first
3. Lifting and fitting drawer unit into bed safely
4. Drilling any required bolt holes per template
5. Securing drawer firmly into place
6. Testing smooth operation of sliding drawers

With truck bed drawers installed, be careful not to overload them, distribute weight evenly, and take turns slowly to avoid shifting. Keep them locked when not in use for security.

Add a Truck Bed Storage Lid

If you just need an affordable way to gain a bit more weatherproof storage, a simple truck bed storage lid can be ideal. These hinged lids flip open for access to gear stored in the truck bed.

Benefits of Truck Bed Lids

• Low cost way to add lockable storage
• Gain storage with minimal impact on bed space
• Lids flip open quickly when access needed
• Various sizes to customize storage amount

Considerations for Truck Bed Lids

• Does not add significant enclosed space
• Can make accessing other parts of bed inconvenient
• Opening lids obstructs rear view somewhat
• Not as protective from weather as hard covers

Types of Truck Bed Storage Lids

Basic varieties of bed lids are:

• Hinged lid – Single lid flipping open from tailgate end.
• Split lid – Two lids meeting at center for access from either side.
• Chest lid – Larger lid spanning width of bed.
• Folding lid – Accordion-style lid folding up against cab back.

Tips for Choosing a Truck Lid

• Decide how much enclosed storage area you need
• Make sure it has lockable latches
• Get matching color and durable, weather-resistant material
• Allow for unobstructed operation of tailgate
• Easy opening and closing mechanism

Installing a Truck Bed Lid

Storage lids typically utilize a simple clamp-on mounting method. To install:

1. Clean truck bed rails thoroughly
2. Position lid in desired location in bed
3. Adjust clamps against bed rails on both sides
4. Tighten clamps to secure lid firmly in place
5. Test opening and closing lid function

The storage lid may not keep all moisture out, so avoid storing valuables that could get wet or damaged. Also take care when opening the lid near vehicles behind you.

Conclusion

With so many options available, you can outfit your pickup with the perfect truck bed storage setup for your needs and budget. Toolboxes, extenders, drawers, and lids can all help maximize your cargo capacity. Take measurements, set a budget, and shop around to find the right mix of additions to keep your gear secure, organized and protected from the elements.

Some key takeaways when adding truck bed storage:

• Toolboxes add the most secure enclosed storage
• Extenders help haul long loose items like lumber and kayaks
• Drawers provide the greatest organization and access
• Lids are the most affordable way to gain basic covered space

With the right accessories installed and properly used, you’ll get years of extra utility from your trusty pickup. Just be careful not to overload your truck’s payload capacity, distribute weight evenly, and drive cautiously to make the most of your upgraded storage setup.