How do you store things in the bed of a truck?

Pickup trucks are popular vehicles that offer versatile cargo space in the truck bed for hauling all sorts of items. While the truck bed provides ample room, you’ll need to consider the right storage solutions to properly secure your cargo and protect it from damage during transport.

Using Truck Bed Toolboxes

Toolboxes are among the most common truck bed storage solutions. These large, weatherproof containers mount over the bed sides to provide enclosed, lockable storage. Truck toolboxes come in various materials like aluminum, steel, or tough polymers, with different sizes and styles available such as:

Crossover toolboxes that span the truck bed width

Side-mount boxes that attach to one bed wall
Chests that sit flush on the truck bed floor
Low-profile models that maximize cargo space

Drawer-style boxes with slide-out trays for organized storage
Top-mount toolboxes that attach above wheel wells

Toolboxes allow you to securely store smaller items that you don’t want rolling around. This includes tools, roadside emergency kits, camping/fishing equipment, tie-down straps, tow ropes, and other supplies you want to keep organized and protected from weather.

Benefits of Truck Toolboxes

Lockable, enclosed storage keeps items secure and out of sight
Protects gear from getting damaged or weathered
Allows keeping tools/supplies organized and easily accessible

Certain models have handy features like drawer slides or segmented trays
Can provide added cargo space with crossover or top-mount boxes

Truck Toolbox Considerations

Measure truck bed size to get the right toolbox dimensions

Match the box style to your storage needs and cargo
Factor in added weight and changes to clearance
For side boxes, decide which side is more convenient for access

Look for weather seals, locking latches, and durable construction
Consider bedliner compatibility if truck has one

Truck Bed Organizers and Dividers

For smaller, loose items that don’t need enclosed storage, truck bed organizers help keep everything neatly contained. Options include:

Trays – These are like simple drawers for the truck bed. Shallow trays stack together or mount on the bed walls.
Cargo nets – Nets attach to tie-down points to create hammock-style storage.
Bedslide units – Roll-out drawer systems provide easy access to the cargo space.

Cargo rails – Rails mount on the bed sides and let you attach clips, hooks, bins, and other accessories.
Storage bags – Durable bags secure cargo of various types and conform to available space.

Truck bed dividers are another option that create segmented storage zones, like having adjustable “shelves” in your bed. These dividers usually mount on the cargo rails if the truck has them installed.

Benefits of Bed Organizers

Prevent cargo from shifting during transport
Separate types of cargo items
Quick access to frequently-used items

Flexible storage for odd-shaped objects
Mesh nets allow visibility to contents
Can add storage without limiting bed space

Considerations for Bed Organizers

Measure truck bed dimensions for proper sizing
Consider impacts on cargo capacity
Factor in any added weight from storage devices

Look for durable, weather-resistant materials
Make sure devices properly secure to bedsides, rails, or tie-downs
Assess ease of access to ensure practical use

Using Truck Bed Covers

Truck bed covers offer a versatile way to both protect and organize your cargo by covering up and sealing off the entire bed. Choices include:

Camper shells – Hard-shell covers are secure and weatherproof but allow access through rear doors or lift up for full bed access.
Retractable tonneau covers – Vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass covers roll up or retract open and closed using rails.

Folding tonneau covers – Hinged panels fold up or stack together to allow partial or full access.
Tri-fold tonneaus – Soft vinyl panels accordion fold up against the cab for versatile bed access.
Snap-on tonneaus – Low-profile soft covers attach via snaps and provide basic protection.

Benefits of Truck Bed Covers

Fully encloses bed to protect cargo from weather and theft
Certain types are lockable for added security
Covers keep cargo out of sight

Allows hauling mixture of items by sealing off bed
Models with easy access don’t limit bed usage
Aerodynamic designs can improve gas mileage

Things to Consider with Bed Covers

Hard covers maximizing weather protection but limit access
Make sure cover can be locked if security is important
Allow sufficient clearance for any oversized cargo

Retractable types can be more expensive
Measure bed dimensions for proper fitting
Factor in added weight from heavier cover materials

Truck Bed Extenders

For occasional extra-long cargo, bed extenders allow you to briefly expand the truck’s carrying capacity. Two types are available:

Tailgate extenders mount to the inside of the tailgate to lengthen the bed floor.
Hitch-mount extenders attach to the trailer hitch and fold out when needed.

Using removable bed extenders only when necessary maintains your truck’s maneuverability while offering the ability to haul longer cargo like lumber, piping, or ladders.

Benefits of Bed Extenders

Allows transporting oversize cargo when needed
Maintain truck maneuverability with removable units

Doesn’t take up bed space when not in use
Cheaper than permanently lengthening the bed
Can hold items like 2x4s, surfboards, kayaks, etc

Some types have additional functionality like ramps or work tables

Things to Know About Bed Extenders

Cargo weight capacity is often much less than the truck bed max
Can block rear view mirror visibility

Hitch-mount types may obstruct tailgate access
Cargo needs to be properly tied down and flagged
Not intended for long-term expanded bed use

Any sharp cargo edges need protection

Adding Truck Bed Storage Cabinets

For significant enclosed storage that doesn’t take up bed space, cabinet systems mount outside the bed along the truck sides. Options include:

Side bed cabinets – Boxes installing along one or both bed sides.

Rear chase racks – Narrow storage extending behind the cab.
Bedside capsules – Low profiles that sit above wheel wells.
Cross bed cabinets – Spanning the width over the tailgate area.

These storage cabinets provide security, organization, and huge capacities. They’re ideal for truck owners who regularly haul lots of equipment and tools.

Benefits of Truck Bed Cabinets

Significant enclosed storage without using bed space
Keep items secure and protected from weather

Typically made of durable powder-coated steel
Full-width or side-mount units have large capacities
Allow organized storage of tools, gear, supplies, etc.

Doors often have locking latches

Things to Consider with Storage Cabinets

Can be costly to purchase and install
Added weight impacts fuel economy and payload

Most require professional custom installation
Take up less bed space but increases overall vehicle width
Reduces side visibility and ability to access side of truck bed

Rear chase racks can impact rear visibility

Truck Bed Protection Options

Protecting your truck’s bed floor and sides will also help keep cargo contained and protected. Some useful options include:

Spray-on bedliners – Durable coatings that adhere right to the bed surface.

Bed mats – Heavy-duty rubber mats lining the bed bottom.
Bed rugs – Plush carpeting provides a softer cargo floor.
Bed rails caps – Plastic rail covers protect bed sides from scratches.

Mud flaps – Attaching behind wheels helps limit scattered debris.

Installing protections right in the bed interior also helps keep items from shifting around during transport.

Benefits of Bed Protection Accessories

Helps prevent scratches, scrapes, and rust

Creates non-slip surface for cargo
Softer bed mats prevent cargo damage
Can dampen noise from shifting cargo

Spray-on liners form completely to bed shape
Can help limit debris exiting moving wheels

Key Considerations for Bed Protection

Spray-ons liners add weight and cost the most to install

Mats may need trimming to fit bed contours
Rugs must be removed to haul very heavy items
Rails caps don’t offer under-rail protection

Mud flaps can crack or tear over time
Liners and mats may slightly reduce usable bed depth

Tying Down Cargo Properly

Along with storage solutions, you also need to use proper tie-down methods and hardware to secure the cargo in your truck bed. Recommended tips include:

Use load-rated ratchet straps and round-edge ratchet bars to evenly distribute force.
Cover sharp edges with protective corner guards.
Attach hooks to designated tie-down points, not side rails.

Use edge protectors with straps across sensitive cargo.
Double-check all straps are tight and properly attached.
Consider using a cargo net over lightweight items.

Tie-downs should be angled outward and downward from cargo sides for maximum hold strength. Also be sure to inspect and replace any worn straps or damaged hardware.

Benefits of Proper Load Securement

Prevents cargo shifting and falling out during transport
Maintains proper weight balance and truck handling

Reduces damage to truck bed and cargo
Required by law for safety on public roads
Ensures you and other motorists aren’t hit by loose objects

Avoids fines for unsecured loads

Safety Considerations

Tie-downs must be rated for cargo weight
Re-check straps after initial miles to tighten

Don’t exceed load capacity of truck bed
Heavy items should be centered between wheel wells
Tall loads can affect stability in wind

Always flag/mark oversize protruding cargo

Conclusion

Pickup trucks offer great utility for cargo hauling, but to get the most out of your truck bed you need organize it properly and choose suitable storage solutions. The right accessories and careful loading practices will conveniently maximize your cargo capacity while keeping all your items securely contained. Investing in some pickup bed organization products and learning safe securing methods ensures you can safely transport all kinds of equipment, tools and other items.