Truck Bed Upgrades for Improved Functionality

Being a proud owner of a pickup truck, you know that it's not just a vehicle–it's an extension of your personality. And like any other aspect of your life, you want to make sure that your truck is as functional and stylish as possible.

If you're not happy with how the truck bed currently works, there are several upgrades and mods you can do to change things up. Whether you are looking to improve the functionality of your truck or want to add a little style, there is an upgrade for you.

Tonneau covers

Sedans have trunks, but pickup trucks have spacious beds where you can put your belongings and cargo. Truck bed covers (or commonly called tonneau covers) can protect the things you put on the flatbed. If you leave your belongings exposed on the truck bed, many things can happen. It may get lost due to theft, exposure to heat, or get dirty from the dust particles and other elements.

Tonneau covers are one of the popular mods for pickups. Whether for hauling, commercial purposes, or simply for the added aesthetics—you must pick out the best fitting truck bed cover. Also, choose a cover that will not have a problem if you have a fifth-wheel hitch in your vehicle.

Bed liner

One of the most popular truck bed upgrades is a bed liner. It can protect the surface of your truck from different kinds of damage. There are a variety of liners available, so you can find one that fits your needs and style.

Bed liners are created to prevent scratches and other forms of damage to the bed’s paint and finish. The liners protect a bigger truck bed surface, including the sides and walls. If you accidentally drop a heavy item, the liners absorb the impact of vibrations.

Bed liners and bed mats differ in material and installation method, but they all have the same purpose—to protect the truck bed. They come in two types: spray-in (or spray-on) and drop-in. The spray-in liners offer a more air-tight seal since they are formulated as a sprayable substance. It prevents water, dirt, and other particles from entering the gaps to avoid corrosion. The custom-fitted plastic of drop-in liners can be locked using bolts and hooks. They can also stop the cargo from sliding around the truck bed.

Truck racks

The rear windshield of your truck’s cab is vulnerable to damage. Truck racks (or headache racks) can protect your vehicle from scratches, dents, or cracks, which may happen when the heavy cargo on the truck bed has sharp corners.

Aside from protecting the glass, you can also use the rack to put your sports gear such as surfboard and kayak. Other truck racks work well with roof racks to extend the support for the sports equipment you need to mount.

Toolboxes

Another standard upgrade you can add to your truck's bed is a reliable toolbox. It’s not just a tiny toolbox but a large one where you can fit many items. Truck bed tool boxes are different from portable tool kits.

Sometimes, the items you place on the truck bed start to pile up and create a mess. Utility tool boxes are designed to help you organize your stuff. They are made of durable materials and designed to give a storage space a cover. Installing it on the bed of your truck helps you organize the tools and other valuables that require a more complex storage solution.

Truck cargo management

You can add other truck improvement products to help you sort the things you put on the truck bed:

• Cargo bars: Typically used for industrial or commercial applications, this accessory helps secure and brace the cargo against the truck wall. In that way, the load will not slide around over the space.

• Cargo nets: Using the nets on your truck bed will keep the loads tied down. This accessory is helpful for open truck beds since not all truck owners want to add a tonneau cover to their vehicles. The net is constructed using durable elastic material to secure large and oddly-shaped cargo.

• Bed extender: Another accessory that benefits those who routinely haul elongated items. The bed extender can add two more feet to your vehicle.

• Bed basket: This excellent add-on helps organize your clutter and prevent your stuff from scratching the paint. You can sort smaller things in the bed basket and place the big ones if you have a bed toolbox.

• Sliding drawers and trays: If you’re the type of person who likes to organize and keep away from clutter, this type of truck bed accessory is for you. Sliding drawers and trays can lessen the height capacity of your bed as they are tucked under the deck. You may lose some height on the truck bed, but you gain more space to organize personal belongings. You can load the heavier items across the deck and stow your smaller valuables in the drawers and trays.

• Swing case: Another great aftermarket storage solution provides easy tailgate access for your things. This portable utility storage swings out to nearly 180-degrees.

If you're looking for other functional upgrades, there are many aftermarket accessories to help improve the usability of your truck bed, such as the following:

Bed rails

The metal poles of bed rails stretch across the sidings of the truck bed. They may look like a simple accessory, but they can help secure the items you place on the bed.

You don't have to worry if things might fall down the truck bed, especially for those who typically transport large items such as appliances and furniture. You can secure them correctly on the bed rails to not shift as the vehicle moves.

Tie-down ropes and chains

Tie-downs and chains are also helpful accessories that you must use when you usually transport some oversized loads on the truck’s bed. They work well on the bed rails because you can use them to secure the load.

For commercial purposes, ladders, heavy equipment, pieces of machinery, and construction materials like pipes and lumber are often transported on the truck. You can also use them for farming or transporting power sport vehicles like ATVs and snowmobiles. Chains and tie-down ropes will keep them in place and prevent them from shifting when the vehicle moves at different speeds.

In conclusion, truck bed accessories can help improve the functionality of your vehicle. There are many different aftermarket accessories that you can use to keep your truck organized and make transportation more accessible and safer while on the road.

Jen's fascination with automotive starts when she was a kid because she likes cars more than dolls. Check out 4WheelOnline, one of the premier retailers of aftermarket truck parts. Get to see more automotive news and write-ups.