Bed Functionality

I recently had my first kid, and generally been putting the stroller in the bed. I was already considering putting in some storage options for the bed like the ole 2x6 board across. I don't want to buy a big pull out drawer system, want to keep it simple. What sort of things did yall do to organize to make the bed more functional. I also am toying the doing a bed rug.

 

So far I've kept things simple. I added a Retraxx XR and fit one 2x6 to create an area at the rear of the bed.

 

I have the ratcheting bar from harbor freight. cheap and it stores easy.

 

I did the 2x6 option. Angled ends to fit snugly in the slots. Painted it black and added 4 tie down rings spaced evenly across. Works great. I had the bed extender in my previous truck and planned on adding to this one. Unfortunately the bed extender I wanted was not being offered by amp research for the new Tundras. Don’t think I need it now, 2x6 works great for my needs.

 

What angle did you make your cut at? Asking for a friend, it's me I'm my friend.

 

Sorry, I don’t remember the exact angle. I did this a year ago. I think it may have that info in the owners manual?? I know I saw all the dimensions explained somewhere!? It’s not much of an angle I know that for sure. I also eased all of the edges with an orbital sander just to “ soften it up” a little.

 

I bought one of the ratcheting load bars from Harbor freight, but haven't used it since I got the Bedrug.

I freaking LOVE this thing!

Nice and cushy on my knees when I have to get up in there, and everything stays where I put it unless I want it to move.

I keep a pole (4' ?) with a hook on the end in the bed so I can grab things anywhere in the bed and slide them to me super easy, but stuff doesn't slide around from normal driving. I can drive home from Costco and everything is still right where I put it.

Highly recommend the Bedrug.

 

I've wondered about these. My concern is that if you tighten it enough to keep a load from shifting will you dent the sides of the bed?

 

This

 

I’ll add another plug for the bed extender. I have found it extremely useful for separating gear and you can hang bags off the uprights. That and the bed liner stops stuff sliding around really well.

 

I have a ratchet bar, and old plastic milk crate with blocks of wood, ikea bag, tire iron and a pair of swing boxes https://realtruck.com/p/undercover-...MIosG3jf-ZgQMVoSOtBh1nVwREEAAYAiAAEgIfUPD_BwE

put tools, jumper cables, tow straps, bungees, ratchet straps, moving blankets, fire extinguisher, rags, general truck stuff in those

 

Extraneous and emergency items fit in the under-seat storage. Anything coming along for the current drive goes in a rear footwell.

The bed is for hauling stuff, not storage or organization.

 

I like that fire extingusher mount. What did you use for it?

 

$26 Goldfire Universal Vehicle Adjustable Quick Release Roll Bar Fire Extinguisher Mount Holder Brackets , Fire Extinguisher Mount for Car UTV

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V4VK4S6?ie=UTF8&th=1

It's a little clunky to put back on but who cares? The Quick Release to take it off is what matters ('cuz fire) and that could be done blindfolded, and it holds it securely.

 

I have a bed extender and a Hitchmate cargo bar. The bed extender stays in at all times unless I know I need to leave it out. In a pinch I can fit it in the back seat of my DC. The cargo bar is available if needed.

 

I suppose it's possible, but it would take a lot of effort, at least with my HitchMate bar. And there is no need to tighten it that much.

 

Looking at the Harbor Freight bar it would be easier to overtighten, but I'm not sure the ratchet mechanism would hold up without failing. Mine has a toothed track. To secure it you release the handle, slide the bar apart until it makes light contact on both sides of the bed, then cam the handle over to lock it. It's almost impossible to overtighten. The HF bar might be ok for lighter loads, but I don't know that I'd trust it for heavier loads. However, there is a significant difference in price.


Harbor Freight


HitchMate

 

Have had two from HF in the bed of my Tacoma for 8 yrs. Work perfectly. Can’t overtighten. The slip joint won’t let you.

 

Your owners manual has all the lengths and angles for each slot in each of the three bed lengths.

 

Whered you get the track/hooks?

 

Harbor Freight. They have additional accessories for dividers and such that will fit the tracks.

 

What happens when it gets wet? I am liking these a lot, but the tonneau cover is not fully water proof.

 

It's made out of Polypropylene, which doesn't really absorb water, dries quickly and resists mold and mildew.

My tonneau lets in a little bit of water in the back corners and some in the crease where the bed and tailgate meet... not a lot but a little.
I dab with a towel if I have one handy, but so far it's a non-issue.

The Bedrug website says if it gets dirty you just hit it with a pressure washer.

A guy on the RV forum I belong to said he spilled gas on his so he took his tonneau off and went to one of the DIY car washes and hit it with the soapy jet spray, rinsed it, and it was fine.

 

that a 2 x 12?

I didnt realize the slots themselves were also tapered. I guess to facilitate easy removal?

to snug the 2x in the slot are those wood shims? Looks like they may be baseboard?

 

Awesome idea with the track..!! had it in a couple trailers Iv owned, for adjustability, load bearing and options for attachments you can’t beat it !!

 

I used two pieces of 1”x6” and edge dowled / glued them together to make a 1”x12”. Opted not to use as 2”x12” in order to reduce the weight a bit.

Yes, the ends are tapered to match the taper of the bed sides. And there are shims (glued and pinned to the main piece) to snug the fit into the bed mold. I used scarp lumber to cut the shims. Cut them out on a bandsaw.

 

I believe the dimensions for the three different bed sizes are listed in the Owners Manual starting on page 429.

 

Here are the pages you need.

 

Still haven't decided on how to configure the bed of my truck. Carpet or bed matt. Covered or not. Or just a cargo box for it. The bed is so slippery that I will grab a rubber matt for it at some point. Don't really haul much but carry tools etc and recovery supplies into the desert.