Compact trucks may have some limitations compared to their full-size (and even mid-size) counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they’re left out of the fun. Despite their smaller size and lower payload capacity, these compact pickups are surprisingly capable—offering an ideal solution for city dwellers, eco-conscious drivers, and anyone who finds full-size trucks too bulky. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz—arguably the only “true” compact options on the market—are so popular that they often have waitlists.
Thanks to a growing aftermarket, owning a small pickup doesn’t mean you can’t think big. With the right accessories, you can take your compact truck to the next level, whether using it for work, play, or everyday tasks. Keep reading for the best accessories to maximize its smaller frame without sacrificing practicality or fun.
Bed Protection
Whether you’re hauling gravel, recreational gear, or just the groceries, no truck bed should be left unprotected. In addition to shifting cargo and flying road debris, open beds are exposed to all kinds of nasty elements—rain, snow, hail, tree sap, and bird poop. Plus, leaving items unsecured in the bed can make them prime targets for theft.
For any pickup truck, compact or not, two of the most practical accessories you can invest in are a tonneau cover and a bed liner or bed mat.
Tonneau covers
are simply protective covers that extend across the bed of your truck, helping to keep your cargo secure and shielded from the elements. They come in a range of styles to match your needs (and budget), from soft rolling, to hard folding, to retractable covers that open and close with the click of a button. Some options, like the RetraxONE XR, feature aluminum tracks and rails so you can mount T-slot accessories and store additional cargo like bikes or coolers on top of the bed cover.
Bed liners and bed mats
are equally essential, as they help protect the truck bed surface from scratches, dents, and wear over time. Bed liners cover the entire bed surface for maximum protection; this includes the side walls, wheel wells, and sometimes even the tailgate. They usually come in either spray-on or drop-in configurations, though BedRug—which offers the look and comfort of carpet but is a polypropylene product—installs using hook and loop fasteners. Bed mats, by comparison, are less permanent and easy to remove, offering a cushioned, non-slip surface that’s especially useful for lighter loads.
Bed cap
is a versatile option to consider. Bed caps, sometimes called “camper shells,” enclose the bed area entirely, creating a secure, weatherproof space that’s ideal for taller cargo or even a quick camping setup. This accessory transforms your truck bed into a practical, protected zone for both work and weekend adventures, giving you the best of both worlds.
Maximizing Cargo Space
Compact trucks like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are incredibly versatile, but there are times when their 4.5-foot beds might feel just a bit too short. For those moments, a bed extender can be a real game-changer, particularly the U-shaped designs. These clever accessories are great for compact trucks because they flip outward with the tailgate open, adding up to two feet of enclosed cargo area. Then, when you’re done hauling, they flip back in to form a secure corral that keeps smaller items from sliding around in the bed.
If you’d rather keep the truck bed open but still need a way to handle long or oversized cargo, consider a headache rack. These durable racks protect the rear window and cab from shifting cargo, while also providing a solid base for tying down longer items like lumber, ladders, or recreational gear. For a compact-friendly option that maintains visibility, check out something like the original BACKRACK. With its slim, low-profile design, it’s easy to add without obstructing the view, and it’s compatible with additional mounts for a tonneau cover or toolbox.
For those focused more on maximizing existing space than expanding it, the best option is to think vertically. Truck racks, available in everything from contractor styles to overland-ready setups, can make a big difference in how much you can haul. A standout choice for smaller trucks is the Putco VentureTEC rack. Designed to be highly customizable and compatible with a variety of accessories, it can accommodate gear mounts, molle panels, roof top tents, and more, making it a great option for the outdoorsy types or anyone who wants to stay organized while keeping the truck bed itself open.
Bed drawer and bed slide systems
are perfect for organizing and accessing cargo without climbing into the truck. DECKED’s modular drawers come with lockable compartments ideal for securing tools and valuables, while BEDSLIDE offers a sliding platform that makes reaching heavy or bulky items effortless. Both systems help maximize limited bed space, keeping your gear organized, secure, and easy to access.
Organizing Gear
While bed drawers and slides are great for maximizing space, they're equally valuable for organization, as many come equipped with dividers, storage bins, and integrated tie-down locations. These features let you customize your truck bed’s layout, so essential gear stays accessible, and smaller items don’t get lost under larger cargo.
Understandably, this level of bed organization isn’t for every truck owner. For something a little more widely-used and accessible, look to the classic steel or aluminum crossover toolbox. With utilitarian, low-profile styling and secure locking storage, it’s ideal for keeping tools, emergency supplies, and any other valuable gear safe and organized.
If you prefer a more portable solution, cargo boxes and storage cases offer a durable storage option that’s perfect for small pickup truck accessories. Often made of polyethylene, they’re built to withstand the elements and keep cargo safe and dry. Look for options with ergonomic handles, solid construction, and a watertight seal. We like LINE-X’s Expedition series, which checks these boxes and offers multiple size options to suit your pickup’s needs.
For compact trucks handling lighter loads, cargo corrals are a smart choice. These versatile dividers create designated zones in the bed, making it easy to organize smaller essentials that might otherwise scatter in transit, like grocery bags, sports equipment, or camping gear. Most are collapsible, so they fold down or can be removed as needed, making them a practical choice for compact truck accessories.
Adventure-Ready Accessories
For those who see their compact truck as a gateway to the great outdoors, a few key accessories can transform the bed into a comfortable camping setup. Truck bed mattresses and rooftop tents are two of the most popular ways to get adventure-ready with a smaller pickup.
Truck bed mattresses
are designed to fit right into the bed, providing a comfortable, cushioned surface that’s ideal for overnight trips or simply taking a break. Some options, like AirBedz, even feature cutouts to accommodate the wheel wells, giving you a perfectly tailored fit and maximizing the sleeping area. Look for features like integrated air pumps and quick-inflate systems to make setup a breeze.
Rooftop tents
take comfort up a level—literally—by providing a raised sleeping area that keeps you off the ground and offers added protection from the elements. These tents pair especially well with an overland rack (like the VentureTEC mentioned earlier) which creates a sturdy base while freeing up bed space below for gear.
Awning system
is a great choice. Attaching to the side of the truck, these awnings create a shaded area for cooking, relaxing, or gear storage, making them perfect for unwinding after a long day. Most systems easily retract when not in use, so they’re compact and ready when you need them.
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