Having cargo slide around in the bed of your truck can be annoying and even dangerous. Loose cargo can shift while driving, causing load imbalance, affect your vehicle’s handling, or even fall out onto the road. There are several simple and effective ways to secure cargo in your truck bed so it stays put.
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Use Cargo Straps or Nets
Cargo straps, sometimes called ratchet straps or tie downs, are an inexpensive and easy way to secure cargo in your truck bed. They typically have a hooked end that attaches to built-in tie down points on your truck bed or side rails. The straps go over your cargo and ratchet tight to hold it firmly in place. Cargo nets stretch over your load, with hooks or grommets to attach to the truck bed. Nets are good for lighter items that won’t put too much strain on them. Make sure to use strong straps or nets that are up to the weight capacity you need.
Proper use is important when securing cargo with straps or nets. Attach them at the correct angles to keep cargo from shifting side to side or forward and back. Check the straps periodically during your trip to ensure they stay tight. It’s also important not to over-tighten straps on softer cargo that could get damaged or crushed.
Use Ramps or Blocks
For heavier items or objects with wheels, such as motorcycles, ATVs, or appliances, you can use ramps or blocks to keep them stationary. Wheel chocks are sturdy rubber or plastic blocks that slide against a wheeled item’s tires to prevent rolling. Make sure to chock both sides of the wheel, or front and back if applicable. Securing straps over the top is recommended for extra hold.
Loading ramps allow you to roll equipment into your truck bed gently, then block the wheels once in place. The shallow ramp angles provide better control and protection than trying to lift gear straight up into the truck bed. Pay close attention when unloading ramp-loaded cargo as it can roll quickly once exiting the truck.
Use Truck Bed Dividers
Truck bed dividers or cargo separators install against the side walls of your bed to create segmented storage zones. They prevent items from sliding around by containing them within a defined section. Dividers come in different sizes, designs, and materials like plastic, steel, or heavy fabric. They may expand to press against the bed walls or connect via built-in truck tie downs. Dividers are especially useful for groceries, landscape supplies, and other smaller items prone to tipping over or rolling around the bed.
Install a Truck Bed Liner
Truck bed liners help give cargo traction and stability. Rugged textured liners made of plastic, rubber, or polymer coatings grip cargo to keep it from sliding. Softer padded liners also prevent load shifting by cushioning items tightly in place. A liner protects your truck bed from damage while providing a non-slip surface. They are available in various types, including:
- Plastic drop-in liners – Affordable and easily installed. Can scuff cargo when loading.
- Spray-on bedliners – Applied as a liquid then hardened. Provides abrasion resistance.
- Rubber mats – Heavyweight ribbed mats that stay in place. Easy to remove and clean.
- Carpet liners – Padded option good for delicate cargo. Less grip than other liners.
The most heavy duty liners for cargo control are thick spray-on types. They form to every contour of your truck bed for maximum grip. A textured mat or carpeting can be added over a spray-in liner for extra protection.
Use Truck Bed Toolboxes
Toolboxes mount over the truck bed to provide organized, secured storage for tools, supplies, and other items prone to shifting around. Waterproof truck toolboxes come in aluminum, stainless steel, and durable polymers to handle anything you transport while protecting it from elements. They have lids that latch closed and lock to prevent theft.
Toolboxes also come in several mounting options:
- Crossbed toolboxes – Extend across the full width of your truck bed against the front wall. Best for maximum, full bed access.
- Side mount toolboxes – Attached to the side bed walls. Allow access to the bed floor.
- Topside toolboxes – Sit on top of the bed walls. Good for easy access without occupying bed space.
- Underbed toolboxes – Secured below the truck for hidden storage. Require drilling holes to install.
The optimal size and location depends on your cargo needs and how much bed access you require. Toolboxes keep all your equipment and supplies locked up securely when not in use.
Use Cargo Slide-Out Drawers
For trucks with topper shells or camper bodies, interior cargo drawers are a convenient option to organize gear. The drawers slide into locking tracks mounted to the bed floor or side walls. Cargo drawers keep items from rolling around or tipping over as you drive. They provide the same benefits as toolbox storage without taking up as much headroom. Drawers also bring your load closer to reach than having to crawl into the truck bed.
Cargo drawers come in many materials, including aluminum, polymer, or rollout shelving units. They can be full width or divided into sections. Pick models with smooth ball bearing slides for easy access. Make sure the weight rating meets your needs. Key lock options help secure the drawers when not in use.
Use a Cargo Barrier
Cargo barriers install behind your truck cab to create a partition from the bed. They prevent cargo from shifting forward and intruding into the passenger area. Barriers install quickly with minimal drilling into the existing truck bed.
Cargo barriers come in two main types:
- Net barriers – Heavy duty nylon nets allow visibility through to the bed.
- Solid metal barriers – Steel tubing or mesh for more secure containment.
Make sure to get the right sized barrier for your truck bed length. It should expand fully between the bed walls with a tight fit. Cargo barriers are great insurance against the mess or danger of unsecured loads coming through the back window.
Consider a Truck Bed Cover
A bed cover like a tonneau cover or truck cap encloses the bed to keep cargo contained. Soft roll-up covers secure to the side bed walls to cover cargo as needed. Hard folding, retractable, and hinged tonneau covers lock in place for full bed security. Truck caps are fiberglass toppers that fully seal the entire bed with locking rear doors.
The tight seal of a truck bed cover helps stabilize cargo by preventing it from blowing out. They also shield cargo from weather and theft. Just make sure not to overload the weight capacity of your cover. Allowing space for cargo to move slightly is also important for soft covers. A bed cover adds storage versatility but reduces accessibility compared to an open bed.
Use Friction and Containment
Sometimes simple physics can help stabilize cargo. High friction materials like rubber mats, carpeting, or grip tape create more resistance to sliding. Covering smooth surfaces with a traction layer helps items from slipping. You can also create friction by containing cargo in bins, bags, boxes, or other vessels. Containing loose items prevents them from shifting around even if the container moves.
Wedging cargo tightly between secured items or truck bed walls is another basic method. Use whatever is available to brace cargo in place snugly. Just be careful not to apply so much pressure that you damage items.
Check Your Load Regularly
No restraint method is foolproof enough to avoid checking cargo while driving. Even tied down items can gradually shift and loosen over time and bumpy roads. Take a quick visual inspection and physically push or shake cargo whenever you park the truck. Re-tighten straps or adjust containment so that everything stays snug. Don’t assume because cargo was tight at the start of the trip that it will stay that way.
Conclusion
Loose cargo in a truck bed can lead to hazardous situations, damage, and loss of valuable gear. Take the time to properly secure each load with straps, blocks, dividers, toolboxes, bed liners, or other effective methods. Enclosing and containing cargo also limits shifting. Adjust and inspect tied downs periodically for tightness. With the right containment approach for your needs, you can prevent the headaches of sliding truck bed cargo and transport everything securely.