When hauling loose cargo or equipment in a truck bed, a common frustration is having items slide around when driving. This can damage your cargo and truck bed, and even lead to dangerous road hazards if heavy items shift position. Luckily, there are several effective solutions for anchoring items down and preventing unwanted movement while driving. This article will explore the main options for securing cargo in a truck bed, including truck bed mats, bed liners, tie downs, cargo nets, bed dividers, and more. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each method so you can decide which option(s) are best for your needs. Read on to learn how to safely and effectively keep items from sliding in your truck bed!
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Use a Truck Bed Mat
A truck bed mat is one popular solution for preventing cargo from sliding around. Truck bed mats cover the entire truck bed floor and provide enhanced friction and traction to keep items from sliding. Most truck bed mats are made from durable, heavy-duty rubber that can withstand plenty of abuse.
Here are some benefits of using a truck bed mat:
- Prevents cargo sliding – The coarse, high-friction surface grabs onto items to prevent sliding.
- Protects truck bed – A thick mat also protects your truck bed from dents, scratches and damage.
- Easy to install – Truck bed mats come in a roll or large sheet and can be laid out easily in the bed.
- Weatherproof – Rubber mats are waterproof and withstand mud, snow and rust.
- Long-lasting – Quality truck bed mats hold up well for years of rugged use.
Truck bed mats come in various materials like rubber, polypropylene plastic and carpet. Rubber mats are the most popular for their durability and traction. When choosing a truck bed mat, make sure it’s designed specifically for your truck make and model to ensure a perfect fit. It’s also important to get one that’s thick and heavy-duty enough for your needs. Prices range widely from around $50 up to $200+ for high end mats.
Here’s a look at some top-rated truck bed mat options:
| Product | Details |
|---|---|
| Dee Zee DZ87005 Truck Bed Mat | 3/4-inch thick rubber mat with aggressive grip pattern |
| BedRug Bed Mat | 100% polypropylene mat with foam under padding |
| OxGord Truck Bed Mat | Durable diamond plate PVC mat |
So if you want an affordable and convenient way to get better traction in your truck bed, a simple truck bed mat is a smart solution. They provide great protection for your truck bed too. Just roll it out and you’re ready to load up your cargo with confidence.
Use a Spray-On Bed Liner
Another great option for keeping items from sliding around in your truck bed is to get it coated with a spray-on bed liner. These truck bed liners provide a durable, rubberized coating that bonds right to your truck bed. The textured, non-slip surface they produce is ideal for keeping cargo locked in place.
Here are some benefits of using a spray-on truck bed liner:
- Non-slip grip – The textured surface is ideal for maximum traction.
- Tough protection – Bed liners guard against dents, rust and other damage.
- Custom fit – Liners are sprayed on for a seamless, molded fit.
- Long-lasting – Top liners last for years of heavy use.
- Improved appearance – Bed liners give trucks a nice, finished look inside.
There are two main types of spray-on truck bed liners – the more rigid polyurea liners and softer polyurethane liners. Polyurea liners provide the toughest protection, while polyurethane offers more flexibility and cushioning. Prices for spray-on liners range from around $400-$800, which may seem steep, but it’s a long-lasting investment that helps maintain and protect your truck bed.
Popular truck bed liner brands include:
| Liner Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| LINE-X | Most well-known. Polyurea liner with lifetime warranty. |
| Rugged Liner | Polyurethane liner, easier installation. |
| Rhino Linings | Polyurea liner, customized texture options. |
To get the best results, have your new spray-on bed liner professionally installed by an experienced shop. This ensures proper surface prep and application for maximum durability. Try to avoid cheaper “roll-on” bed liners, which lack the thickness and bonding of quality spray-on liners. Investing in a good spray-on liner helps provide years of enhanced truck bed traction and protection.
Use Tie Downs
One of the most basic and affordable ways to secure items in a truck bed is by tying them down. This prevents heavy or bulky cargo from shifting around while driving. There are a few different types of tie downs that can be used:
Rope Ratchet Tie Downs
These are straps augmented with a ratcheting mechanism for achieving extremely tight, adjustable tension easily. The rope design is super strong and resistant to weathering. Just tie each end of the strap around cargo or truck attachment points, then ratchet the strap tight. These start around $15 each and are handy for lashing down a variety of loads.
Cam Buckle Tie Downs
Cam buckle cargo straps also provide adjustable tension, but use a cam mechanism instead of a ratchet. These classic tie down straps are also weather-resistant and come in a range of sizes, typically for $10-$20 each. They’re trusted, versatile picks for general load securement.
Rubber Bungee Cords
While not suitable for extremely heavy loads, basic bungee cords made of rubber and fabric can be handy for quickly lashing down lighter items prone to sliding, like small boxes, equipment, bags and more. These are very inexpensive at just a few dollars each.
Chain/Cable Lashing
For securing especially heavy items like machines, ironwork or lumber, chain tie downs or metal cable lashings are ideal. These provide maximum load-bearing strength with adjustable ends for binding down oversized loads. Keep some Grade 70 or Grade 80 transport chain and cable cutters in your truck box for handling extremely heavy cargo.
With an assortment of ratchet straps, cam straps, bungees and chain/cable tie downs on hand, you can lash down and contain virtually anything that needs transporting in your truck bed. Always inspect straps and securement points before loading up. Take extra time to bind heavier items especially tightly. Position straps so weight will be distributed evenly when driving. And avoid overloading beyond your tie downs’ rated capacities. A small investment in quality tie downs goes a long way for keeping cargo where it should be.
Use a Cargo Net
Cargo nets provide an easy way to keep loads from shifting around your truck bed. These elasticized nets stretch over your cargo, securing it in place using a grid pattern of hooks or rings that attach to built-in tie-down points around your truck bed. Cargo nets come in all different sizes to fit small or large truck beds.
Here are some benefits of truck bed cargo nets:
- Quick installation – Just throw the net over your load and stretch into place.
- Flexible – Nets conform to differently sized loads.
- Durable material – Made of weather resistant polyester or nylon.
- Inexpensive – Highly affordable solution starting under $20.
- Reusable – A single net can provide years of service.
- Lightweight – Easy to store when not in use.
Cargo nets are best for lighter loads where you need to prevent sliding. They may not be suitable for extremely heavy items that require strapping or chaining down. But for general loose items, tool boxes, bags, and similar truck bed cargo, a stretched cargo net can quickly contain everything securely. And they’re much faster and more convenient to install than rope tie downs or bungee cords. For ultimate assurance, you can combine a cargo net with other tiedowns like straps or chains as needed. Pick up a quality truck bed cargo net for cheap cargo insurance on future hauls.
Use a Truck Bed Divider
For organizing your truck bed space and keeping specific items separate, truck bed dividers and organizers are invaluable. These insert panels create defined spaces to keep your cargo from jumbling together, becoming damaged, or sliding around. Dividers and organizers come in many types:
Horizontal Bed Dividers
Horizontal dividers span the width of your truck bed, creating upper and lower levels for stacking separate cargo. Most also have cutouts allowing tie downs to reach through both levels. Horizontal dividers are great for dual-purpose beds.
Vertizontal Bed Dividers
Vertizontal dividers run front to back in your bed, creating side-by-side compartments for tools, gear, supplies, etc. They keep everything neatly contained in its own space.
Tool Box Organizers
Tool box organizers have custom slots, drawers and trays for specialized storage. They allow you to arrange assorted tools, parts and equipment securely.
Cargo Slide Boxes
Slide box dividers extend from side to side, allowing you to slide in large plastic storage boxes which then act as movable dividers. Great for easy access and modular storage.
The range of truck bed dividers and organizers allow you to customize your hauling system however you need. Mix and match different inserts based on the cargo you frequently carry. Proper organization prevents cargo chaos and damage while making items easy to access. Installation is quick with no drilling required – most dividers just latch into your truck’s existing tie-down points and slots. Prices range from around $50 for basic inserts up to a few hundred dollars for larger, heavy duty dividers with more features. Organize your truck bed into a finely tuned hauling machine!
Park Strategically When Loading/Unloading
Your parking strategy when initially loading or unloading your truck bed can make a huge difference in keeping items from shifting around later on. Here are some tips:
- Park on level ground when possible, which helps items stay balanced and centered.
- Avoid inclines, which can cause cargo to push forward or backward.
- Place heavier items centrally between wheel wells for best weight distribution.
- Load the bed evenly from front to back to minimize imbalance.
- Try not to overload one side which can tilt the bed off level.
- Take turns slowly and steadily when loaded.
Positioning your truck carefully when you first load up, and driving considerately after, prevents situations where sudden momentum shifts cargo. Combined with tiedowns, dividers and other restraints, smart loading/driving practices will keep truck bed items secure.
Use Friction, Cleats, Rubber Pads
For especially slippery items, a simple solution is adding friction points, rubber pads, or cleats to create grip. A few options:
- Apply anti-slip tape to smooth, slick surfaces
- Use a rubber mat or matting to help “lock in” an item
- Screw down cleats, boards with ridges into your truck bed around cargo
- Wedge rubber pads or shims underneath an item
Sometimes all you need is a bit of extra tactile friction. Using these cheap, handy materials in strategic spots can be enough to stop everything from sliding unrestrained. And when used along with restraints like tie downs or cargo nets, added friction helps absolutely contain and immobilize your cargo.
Weight Down Your Load
For extremely light, loose items in the back of your truck that refuse to stay put, a simple solution is weighting them down. Just place heavier objects on top or around the cargo to press down firmly. Some good makeshift weights include:
- Sandbags
- Dumbbells and kettlebells
- Gym weights or plates
- Ice melt salt bags
- Jugs/bottles of water
- Concrete blocks
- Heavy toolboxes
- Full coolers or buckets
You probably have effective “weight” around your home or garage to utilize. Positioning heavier items strategically around and on top of cargo applies downward force to jam everything into place tight. The pressed down items are much less likely to rattle around or slide. Weighting down your load is a smart trick for extremely light, unruly cargo that you can’t easily tie down or restrain.
Get a Traction Tailgate Add-On
One advanced option for keeping your truck bed contents in place is adding a special “traction tailgate” or tailgate liner. These products enhance grip and friction using durable coatings and abrasive materials.
Tailgate Traction Coatings
These are liquid polymers that you coat onto your existing tailgate. The textured, tactile coat creates a non-slip surface to keep cargo from sliding down towards the back. Popular brands include Line-X Gripp and Rhino Extreme.
Tailgate Netting/Cargo Nets
Specialized mesh nets attach to the inside of your tailgate to prevent items from falling out the back. This grid pattern creates grip against cargo.
Tailgate Liners
Vinyl liners adhere to the inside of the tailgate, providing a durable, rip-resistant surface for enhanced traction. These also help protect your tailgate from scratches.
While not mandatory, traction tailgate products are great for trucks hauling dirt, gravel, pipes and other items prone to sliding. The improved grip can make a big difference in keeping cargo contained. And the tailgate protection helps prevent damage. Browse popular tailgate traction solutions to keep the back end locked down.
Conclusion
Keeping cargo and equipment from sliding around in your truck bed is crucial. Unsecured cargo risks incurring damage, causing hazards, and violating transportation laws. Luckily there are a host of effective solutions for safely containing your truck bed load, whether light or heavy. Mats, liners, ties downs, nets, dividers, weights and other anti-slip tools can be combined as needed to properly immobilize whatever you haul. With the right containment formula, you can drive confidently knowing your cargo won’t budge. And you’ll avoid the frustrations and costs that come with cleaning up shifted, damaged goods in the back. Use this guide to identify top products and smart methods for maximizing traction and restraint when loading up your truck bed.