A large benefit in getting a truck is the pure utility it has over other vehicles. It can just carry so much more than other vehicles while still providing all the benefits that other cars bring. However, proper utilization of that extra storage space is key if you want to receive the full benefits of having a truck. To help you accomplish that, we have figured out some ways on how to maximize the efficiency of your truck bed storage.
The main and best way to maximize your storage space is to use aftermarket modifications. These are additional features you can purchase and have added onto a truck to change how its storage works. These can range from bed extenders to drawers. They can also add extra functionality to the truck with a worktable or writing boards.
Truck Bed Extenders
These are the simplest modifications you can get but they have a huge impact on your truck’s storage. A bed slide or bed extender works by mounting to the truck bed with a deck that can slide out the back, creating a platform that increases the accessibility of the items you might have in your bed. The slides come in different styles and are designed to carry different amounts of payload weight. Most slides extend 70-100%. However, there are even extenders that slide out over 110%, past the taillights, to give you full access to the entire truck bed slide.
It is not hard to imagine what you can do when you can access your things without ever having to climb into the back of your truck again — like carrying much more equipment and tools. If you get a high-quality truck bed slide tray deck, you will be able to carry whatever you need with easy access to it in a more efficient manner. However, the quality of the tray is very important as lower quality extenders are prone to bend and flex too much when loaded. For example, a low-quality extender has problems with weight distribution, as you need to distribute the weight of your equipment evenly across the bed, which is hard to do with tools and equipment. A high-quality slide-out tray will allow you to carry your equipment how you need without worrying about weight distribution.
Customized Storage Systems
These are another form of modification where a type of shelving unit provides extra space for storing tools and other equipment. Drawer modifications can come in a huge variety of options and designs. From long, single drawers to multiple stacks of smaller drawers, there is really no end to the possibilities. It all depends on what you need for organization and extra storage. It is not uncommon for drawers to combine with other modifications like shelves and multi-layered units, open cubbies or fixed or sliding mounting walls to create more variance in how you want to carry your items.
Depending on your needs, you can combine a drawer system, a storage system and slide-out tray(s). Slide-out trays can carry heavy items like welders, generators, air compressors or tanks for liquids. Drawers can be designed to slide out the sides or the tailgate end of the truck bed slide. Getting a sliding deck with over 110% extension allows you to put drawers and sliding trays on the sides, nearest the cab end, and still be able to open them and access their contents.
Other Modifications
There really is no limit on the different kinds of modifications to help maximize your truck’s storage. Specialty storage modifications also exist and can directly help with whatever special kind of storage needs you have. Modifications like traffic cone storage racks or drawer systems with fold-down work tables and dry-erase boards, or sliding mounting walls to mount heavy tools for easy access, can help change your storage to match your exact needs. Perhaps, as a construction worker you want a tray to help carry around a generator or air compressor. Or a pesticide company that needs access to hose reels and chemical storage tanks. There are all sorts of different types of modifications for just about every job that could use a truck over a smaller vehicle.
Now, there are some premade packages that might contain what a standard person might need for their job. However, these standard packages lack the customization that you will really want for your storage. It is so much better to build your own storage system because only you truly know what will benefit you the most. It is well worth the investment and time to get yourself a specialized modification system that will fit your needs as it will save you the most time and money in the long run. A customized sliding deck can also save you or your service fleet employees from unnecessary injuries due to lifting heavy items from awkward positions. It is also surprisingly affordable to get a custom set of modifications instead of a standardized set.
Additional Tools
Aftermarket modifications are not the only way to efficiently use your truck bed. There are also many other tools and small things you can pick up to help as well. Items like cargo nets will help hold everything in place. Preventing items from shifting around during transport is very important and well worth the investment. A truck bed liner is an amazing addition to your truck. This liner will help protect your truck bed from all sorts of wear and tear. Additionally, a truck liner can prevent the movement of objects and give the bed more traction when you stand or sit in it. There are so many other tools and items that can help increase your truck bed storage that we sadly cannot list them all.
Hopefully, we have given you some ideas on how to maximize the efficiency of your truck bed storage. Aftermarket modifications are really the best place to start, as we have talked about. If you can get a custom storage system, you will see marked improvements in your truck’s storage and your own productivity. You can also get other aftermarket modifications to alter your truck in other ways. Things like new tires and LED lights can be great additions to your truck. But when it comes to functionality and storage, a custom job will get you exactly what you need in your truck.
