When you toss your gear into the bed of your truck without securing it, you’re setting yourself up for a host of problems. At best, your cargo will slide around, potentially tearing itself—and your truck bed—up as you drive. At worst, loose cargo can shatter windows or cause your truck to malfunction.
Therefore, it’s crucial to consider how your cargo will behave during transport. Fortunately, you're not alone in facing these challenges. An entire industry is dedicated to offering truck bed cargo control solutions to keep your gear safe and secure. From simple to comprehensive, factory-installed to aftermarket-tailored, there are myriad options available to ensure your cargo stays put.
Built-In Solutions
Before investing in expensive cargo solutions for your truck bed, you should know it likely comes equipped with some features designed to assist with securing loads. They may be simple but, when paired with the right aftermarket accessories, can handle most payloads effectively.
For a long time now, trucks have come from the factory with tie-down anchors and stake pockets. Excellent for securing large or heavy objects, they can help prevent cargo from sliding around during transport. On that note, always place heavy items over the center of the axle to maintain stability while driving, and use ratchet straps to lock them in place.
Some trucks offer even more advanced cargo solutions. For example, the Ford Maverick's Flexbed includes slots for tie-downs and boards, providing numerous configuration options for securing your payload. Likewise, RAM trucks feature RAM Boxes, which are perfect for storing small items. So, before you buy into a big upgrade, take inventory of the cargo control features your truck already includes.
Securing Cargo in Your Truck Bed
The foundation of effective truck bed cargo control begins with the basics, and the most useful tool you’ll find is the ratchet strap.
Ratchet straps are simple devices used to keep heavy items secured in place while you drive. They simply hook onto the bed’s anchor points, tightening to clamp down on items and hold them firmly in place. While simple to set up and use, however, they aren’t foolproof.
Safety is a major concern here. If ratchet straps fail, you can be in for some serious trouble. Always check that the straps are rated for the weight of the load you need them to secure, and inspect them for signs of wear or fraying. If they appear compromised or are not rated for the task, replace them before use. Understanding how to operate and properly anchor ratchet straps is equally important for safe hauling.
For smaller items that don’t require heavy-duty support, bungee cords are a useful alternative, providing quick and flexible securing options. Additionally, a cargo net can be invaluable for keeping multiple small items in place simultaneously, preventing them from shifting during transport.
Aftermarket Accessories to Enhance Cargo Control
While ratchet straps, bungee cords, and cargo nets are essential for securing your load, they aren't always enough. Your cargo will encounter all kinds of obstacles and harsh conditions during transit, potentially posing risks to your truck. (This is why there's a thriving market for truck cargo accessories!) Let's take a look at some common major upgrades to help you determine exactly what you need to keep your own cargo under control.
Bed Mats and Bed Liners
Most trucks come from the factory with a bare bed. It's slick and vulnerable, and if you just throw your cargo back there, it's likely to slide around and cause damage. A bed mat or a bed liner acts as a barrier to prevent this, sitting between your cargo and the truck bed’s surface.
Bed Mats: These are more affordable and easier to install, however they only cover the lower portion of the bed, providing a simple solution to prevent sliding and minor damage.
Bed Liners: Thicker and more durable, bed liners cover the entire truck bed, including the sides and tailgate. While they offer superior protection, they are more difficult to install and remove for cleaning. Choosing between a mat and a liner depends on how you use your truck.
Tonneau Covers
A tonneau cover is simply a bed cover. They come in a variety of styles, from rolling and folding to one-piece and retracting, giving truck owners many options to suit different preferences for appearance, security, and budget. They protect truck bed cargo from wind, rain, and other elements, as well as potential thieves.
Bed Racks
Bed racks can be installed over the bed to hold a variety of cargo. Some models stick exclusively to the bed, lending themselves to off-road and overlanding use, while others extend over the roof of the vehicle, providing space to store larger items like ladders and tubing. The best choice depends on how you primarily use your vehicle.
Bed Extenders
Despite the name, bed extenders don’t physically lengthen the truck bed but they do allow you to use the tailgate as a platform extension when you have too much or too large of cargo for the bed's existing length. These folding devices attach to the rear of the truck with a few anchor points, making them easy to install and remove as needed.
Bed Slides
Bed slides offer a different approach to cargo control. Rather than working to keep items from moving around, they aim to make items more easily accessible. These sliding platforms lock in place to keep cargo secure but slide out on command, making it easy to reach your tools, gear, and other items that you need regular access to.
Tool Boxes
Tool boxes are essential for any work truck, providing a secure place to store tools and small items that you don't want to leave out in the open. Crossovers are the signature companion of pickup trucks, but tool boxes come in a variety of styles to give working hands dedicated storage for all their important items.
Helper Springs
Helper springs don't secure or provide access to cargo—but they do keep it from wreaking havoc on your truck. As payload increases, the suspension will sag and control over the truck will reduce. If you're loading your truck up with heavy items, helper springs need to be installed for your own safety and the safety of those around you.
Learn more about how helper springs work.
Whether you’re using simple ratchet straps, investing in truck bed mats and liners, or opting for comprehensive setups like bed slides and racks, proper cargo control can prevent damage and enhance your vehicle's functionality. Explore these options on Parts Via to find the best tools and accessories to keep your cargo secure and your truck in top condition!