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Here in America, just about everyone loves a good truck. After all, they’re versatile, reliable, and they look great. Of course, the most defining feature of any truck is the truck bed, which unlocks a whole range of travel options that you probably wouldn’t have with any other vehicle, but if you’re a truck owner and haven’t yet invested in some truck bed accessories, you may not be using the feature to its full potential. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve drummed up a list of some of our favorite truck bed accessories to make your truck that much better. Check them out below. It should go without saying, but be sure that any accessory is compatible with your truck/the size of your truck bed before making a purchase.
Key features:
- Constructed using heavy duty 1680D Oxford polyester double thread stitching
- 3 large compartments – can be configured to 6 using removable dividers
- Fully collapsible to 4.75″
- Includes hard cover
- Water and abrasion resistant w/ a 3 layer water resistant bottom board
- Soft handles for easy carrying
- Includes adjustable tie-down V-straps
This trunk organizer is a great accessory for your truck bed because it can also be used in your garage or another vehicle’s trunk, too. It’s water and abrasion resistant and made with heavy-duty materials to help it last in tough conditions. A hard cover is included and it’s also collapsible down to just under 5 inches. If you’re in need of some organization, this is well worth a look.
Key features:
- Great for separating different types of cargo
- Can be attached to any mounting points in the truck bed
- Made with durable, long-lasting, elastic material
A cargo net is a great pickup truck bed accessory if you’re worried about just a few items sliding around and want to keep them contained. It can be placed near the tailgate to prevent things from sliding out, near the truck cab to keep things tight against the back of the truck, or in between to give yourself two separate areas of the bed to work with. Since it just simply attaches to the mounting points in the truck bed, you can also use multiple nets at once to find a layout that works best for you.
Key features:
- Pulls out onto your tailgate “like a large utility drawer”
- Made in the USA
- Skid resistant cap
- Durable while only weighing 20 lbs
- 56″ wide x 24″ deep x 11″ high
- Not meant for use in an open truck bed – requires a tonneau cover or truck cap
If a net isn’t the best solution for your needs, how about this cargo box organizer? This can be pulled out of your bed and onto your tailgate like a drawer and can make it much easier to transport things like groceries and goods without having to worry about them being tossed around the entire truck bed. This full-sized option is 56″ wide x 24″ deep x 11″ high, but if you need something a little smaller, they make a mid-size option, too.
Key features:
- Total weight capacity of 300 lbs
- Easy install
- Doesn’t interfere with cargo
- Won’t work with Dodge Rab Box, Chevy Avalanche or Cadillac Escalade Trucks
Being able to quickly hop in and out of a truck bed is something that many of us take for granted. While most newer trucks have solutions to help people climb in and out, an actual ladder probably trumps any of them. This one is easily installed and supports up to 300 lbs, so if you’re looking for an easier solution to get in and out of your truck bed, this is well worth a look.
Key features:
- Made of 150D polyester oxford, waterproof even without the canopy extra – bottom of the tent also has a waterproof layer
- 3 built-in double-layer windows – 2 for sightseeing and 1 for hunting/observation
- 4 built-in mesh bags inside the tent
- Fits any 6.5 ft pickup bed
If you’re the kind of person who loves to camp, then this could be the perfect accessory for you. Why set up your tent next to your truck when you can set it up right on top of it? This tent is waterproof, has several built-in windows and should fit in any 6.5 ft truck bed. If you have a smaller sized truck bed, don’t worry, they make a smaller version as well.
Key features:
- Compatible with Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks with a 5.8 ft bed – not compatible with CarbonPro composite beds
- “Tough enough to protect your bed — soft enough to protect your cargo”
- Anti-skid surface
- Mat is slightly elevated by “air dry nibs” which allow air to pass through to keep things dry
Although truck beds are made to haul things, you still shouldn’t leave them unprotected. A good truck bed mat is a great idea to keep your bed free of scratches and dents. This one is made with a no-slip grip to keep your cargo from sliding around and it’s even slightly elevated to help keep things dry underneath. If your bed could use some protection, this mat is worth a look.
Key features:
- Compatible with a whole array of pickup trucks
- Dent-proof exterior
- Anti-corrosion treated hardware
- Cargo capacity of 278 liters
When I think of a truck bed tool box the first thing I think of is the glossy, metal, diamond plate variety, usually accompanied by rust in the bed. Thankfully, that’s not at all what you get with the Decked box. Let’s start from the top. The lid is injection molded and made from a high-impact resin that the company says is impervious to both dents and punctures, and while I didn’t take an axe to it the week I was testing it out, I didn’t take it easy on it either. It feels sturdy without being too heavy, which is exactly what I like to see when it comes to my tool boxes.
What is a truck bed accessory?
Anything from a truck bed organizer to a tent, bike rack or bed protector that can fit in the bed of your pickup truck.
How much does a truck bed accessory cost?
Depending on the accessory, it can cost anywhere from a few Hamiltons to thousands of dollars for something like a roof top tent setup.
Pros and cons of using a truck bed accessory
Organization is the biggest benefit of one of these accessories, as is safety and preventing damage to your truck as well as whatever gear/materials you’re hauling.
