How to store stuff in bed - thoughts

[John Lyman]

All -

I'm looking for a solution on how I can store some smaller things in the bed when we go out. This could be for hiking, dog stuff, extra coats, etc.... I have my first aid, flashlight and stuff under the rear seat storage. I was thinking of the swing out tool box - but it looks like I would have to do some modification to my drop in bed liner.

thank you

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[AzScorpion]

All -

I'm looking for a solution on how I can store some smaller things in the bed when we go out. This could be for hiking, dog stuff, extra coats, etc.... I have my first aid, flashlight and stuff under the rear seat storage. I was thinking of the swing out tool box - but it looks like I would have to do some modification to my drop in bed liner.

thank you

I just use those plastic totes for bringing along stuff that I don't want rolling all over the bed of the truck. They come in all different sizes and depths so they're very versatile. We're going out to the desert shooting today and I have a couple that I bring which hold my target brackets,chains and spare parts and another for boxes of ammo and a tool bag. I also have a rubber bed mat so they don't slide all over back there.

 

[John Lyman]

I just use those plastic totes for bringing along stuff that I don't want rolling all over the bed of the truck. They come in all different sizes and depths so they're very versatile. We're going out to the desert shooting today and I have a couple that I bring which hold my target brackets,chains and spare parts and another for boxes of ammo and a tool bag. I also have a rubber bed mat so they don't slide all over back there.

Enjoy your time in the desert

 

[Deleted member 1634]

I've been trying to figure out the same thing. We currently have a bed bag from Truxedo (same as the one sold from Ford accessories) that works pretty well with a tonneau cover. But now that we're going to upgrade to a topper, that bag won't be as accessible and will get more in the way. I'm kind of leaning in the direction of any combination of a saddle type box, some storage pocket things, and/or the swing out boxes. Also considered a Decked drawer system, which would be an amazing way to store and organize things, but it's expensive and takes up a lot of room.

 

[Zanardi]

I put a standard ratcheting cargo bar (about $25 - $30 at my local farm store) low across my bed about two feet or so in from my tail gate. Like Az Scorpion I then just placed a fairly large typical plastic storage bin with a lid in front of the bar. Now I can use my bed like the trunk of a car. Smaller items and such I just toss in the bin. Bulkier items and packages can be set on the floor in front of the bar. The bar keeps the bin and items from sliding way up toward the cab. My Line-ex liner does a good job of keeping items sliding side to side. So far the system works great. If I need my bed the bar pops right out.

 

[Paytaxeshailsatan]

I just took one of these https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-45-Gal-Latch-and-Stack-Tote-with-Wheels-in-Black-206133/303099671
and added tie down points https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Light-Duty-Anchor-Points-4-Pack-54522/206967313

then I took the idea that someone else posted where you run a chain between the two tie down points in the bed to create more, but I used a pair of tree straps for a hammock, because I had em on hand, so I have a series of loops running along each side of the bed to clip into.

That tote fits under a tonneau, and has a wheeled side so it's easy to cart to/from the truck. It's great for groceries.

 

[HenryMac]

I'm going to build this when the weather gets a bit warmer.... good for storage and hauling lumber.

Update March 2020: Link to the finished Lumber Rack

 

[PNW_Ranger87]

Tote + bungee cord or ratchet strap if you're feeling frisky.

 

[Dokkenmire]

+1 for the tote and straps. My jumper cables, cheap tool kit, bungees and ratchet straps all live back there under the bed cover in a cheap tote.

 

[Ron Heritage]

I'd like to see how well something like this would rest back there. Hella pricey, but looks ultra rugged and bonus it locks.

 

[Onlyone]

I just use the plastic totes and a bed rug. The bed rug is amazing for keeping things from sliding around.

 

[Rene Michaels]

I put a standard ratcheting cargo bar (about $25 - $30 at my local farm store) low across my bed about two feet or so in from my tail gate. Like Az Scorpion I then just placed a fairly large typical plastic storage bin with a lid in front of the bar. Now I can use my bed like the trunk of a car. Smaller items and such I just toss in the bin. Bulkier items and packages can be set on the floor in front of the bar. The bar keeps the bin and items from sliding way up toward the cab. My Line-ex liner does a good job of keeping items sliding side to side. So far the system works great. If I need my bed the bar pops right out.

I worry about the ratcheting cargo bars because they need pressure to work well. That's a lot of outward pressure on the bed walls and seems like a good way to bend up your bed, no?

 

[Rene Michaels]

I'd like to see how well something like this would rest back there. Hella pricey, but looks ultra rugged and bonus it locks.

Love this idea if they would just make it for the Ranger. Actually the price is really good when you consider a similar sized case from Pelican is twice that. I have this case https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-1740...ments=p_72:2661618011&rnid=2661617011&sr=8-40 and am trying to come up with a way to secure it in the bed.

 

[Rene Michaels]

I just use the plastic totes and a bed rug. The bed rug is amazing for keeping things from sliding around.

Which bed rug do you have?

 

[Sabasigh]

I worry about the ratcheting cargo bars because they need pressure to work well. That's a lot of outward pressure on the bed walls and seems like a good way to bend up your bed, no?

I got a ratchet bar and pretty sure it would take super strength to exert enough force to even make any difference.

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