If you’re tired of the chaos in your truck bed and seeking something more than a simple clutter-catcher as a solution, a truck bed drawer system might just be the answer.
These accessories offer a sleek and organized way to store your gear, tools, and essentials, keeping everything neatly arranged and easily accessible. Better yet, they bring all your items straight to you, turning your truck bed into a giant tool chest with sliding drawers.
Before you decide to make this upgrade though, it’s worth asking if the juice is worth the squeeze. While these systems offer game-changing benefits, they also come with a hefty price tag and require a fair amount of installation time. To determine if a truck bed drawer system is right for you, let’s explore how they work, who makes the best options, and what the key pros and cons are.
What is a Truck Bed Drawer System?
You’ve probably seen or heard of truck bed drawer systems before—they're pretty hard to miss, especially if you're familiar with truck accessories. But in case you’re not entirely sure how they work, here’s the gist: these systems are essentially heavy-duty storage units designed to fit in the bed of your truck, providing sturdy pull-out drawers for easy access to your gear.
Built to handle heavy loads and tough environments, these drawer systems are made from materials like steel, aluminum, or impact-resistant plastic to keep your items secure and protected from the elements. They come in various sizes and configurations, largely determined by the size of your truck bed and what you need to store. For example, some systems feature one large sliding drawer with customizable dividers inside, while others offer multiple drawers that slide independently for added flexibility.
While most drawer systems run the full width of the truck bed, there are also half-width versions. These are perfect for people who want sliding, waterproof storage out back while also keeping half of their truck bed space available for larger items like lumber, motorcycles, or bulky tools.
No matter the style, most systems feature a low profile, allowing you to stack everything from coolers and storage cases to mattresses and overlanding equipment on top. DECKED’s drawer system, for example, is so robust—supporting up to 2,000 pounds—that some users store their ATV right on top!
Different Styles of Truck Bed Drawer Systems
While all truck bed drawer systems share a common goal—keeping your gear organized and accessible—the way different manufacturers approach this concept can vary quite a bit. From rugged, overlanding setups to work-focused designs, there’s a range of options tailored to different needs.
Let’s break down some of the most popular styles and brands so you can see how each one interprets the truck bed drawer system and decide which is the best fit for you.
Traditional Drawer Systems: Offering a classic approach to truck bed organization, these are the heavy-duty, pull-out drawers described above. They are designed to fit snugly into the bed of your truck, providing secure, compartmentalized storage for your gear and tools. Weather Guard is a popular brand for these systems in the trades, offering rugged work-oriented options like the Pack Rat. For those looking to get further off-grid, ARB’s Outback Drawer Systems feature a modular design, built specifically for overlanding. DECKED offers a versatile drawer system that appeals to both professional and recreational users, making it popular among contractors, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Truck Bed Slides: While often marketed as drawers, these systems work more like sliding “platforms,” essentially pulling the entire contents of the truck bed toward you. Like traditional drawer systems, they make it easier to access tools, gear, and anything else you’ve stashed away, but they don’t provide the same enclosed, compartmentalized storage. (Though you can usually purchase bins as an add-on.) This simplicity can be an advantage, especially for truck owners who want quick sliding access to bulky work equipment or heavy overlanding coolers. BEDSLIDE and CargoGlide are the best-known brands in this arena.
Hybrid Systems: Who says you have to pick one over the other? With the CargoGlide for DECKED Drawer Systems, you can enjoy the ultimate setup for work or play. There are also smaller, unique interpretations of these systems on the market too—like the DU-HA Tote and Slide. It’s a half-width sliding platform that holds a rotomolded storage case, and works in both trucks and SUVs.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Truck Bed Drawer Systems
So, you probably just learned more than you planned to today about truck bed drawer systems and their various alternatives. The question remains though: are they worth the investment?
To help you make an informed decision, let’s break down the key pros and cons. This straightforward list will give you a quick recap of the features and benefits we discussed above, along with a clear picture of what to expect from one of these systems.
Pros
Improved Organization and Accessibility: All your gear stays neatly arranged and easily accessible, reducing clutter and saving time.
Weather Protection for Gear: Tools and equipment are safe from the elements, ensuring they stay dry and in good working condition.
Enhanced Locking Security: Valuables stay secure with built-in locks, providing peace of mind that your items are safe from would-be thieves.
Maintain Truck Bed Functionality: Your truck bed still remains highly functional, with many systems accommodating larger items either on top of or beside the drawer(s).
Customizable Layout: Adjustable dividers, bins, and/or modular components can enhance flexibility.
Cons
Initial Cost: High-quality drawer systems can be a significant upfront investment, easily cresting $2,000 or $3,000 for a comprehensive setup with accessories.
Weight Impact: The added weight of a drawer system may reduce your truck's overall payload capacity.
May Require Drilling: Installation might involve drilling or other modifications, which can be a drawback if you prefer not to alter your truck.
Reduced Bed Space: While drawer systems do maintain some functionality, they also take up space in your truck bed, which might limit the room available for other uses.
Accessory Incompatibility: Most truck bed drawer systems are not compatible with other bed accessories like plastic drop-in liners, fifth wheel or gooseneck hitches, and certain tonneau covers and toolboxes, which could be a deal-breaker if you already own (and enjoy) those products.
Before you make your decision, take a close look at this pros and cons list and pinpoint any potential sticking points. Different manufacturers approach these systems in various ways, so a bit of research can go a long way. For example, if drilling or permanent modifications are a dealbreaker for you, remember that some drawer systems, like DECKED’s, can be installed with no drilling required. Identifying and addressing these concerns will help ensure you choose the system that best fits your needs.
So, Is a Truck Bed Drawer System Right for You?
Deciding if a truck bed drawer system is right for you comes down to your specific needs and preferences—weighed against your budget, of course. These systems can be pricy, but it’s worth noting that they’re built to last. Many also come with solid warranties—DECKED and Weather Guard even offer lifetime coverage.
Parts Via aims to makes the decision a little easier by offering free shipping to a network dealer near you, which can save you a significant amount on freight costs. Plus, you can schedule installation right at checkout, making the process as seamless as possible.
Ultimately, while a truck bed drawer system might be a big investment, it’s one that many users have found to be well worth it. If you’re ready to take your truck bed organization to the next level, this could be the solution you’ve been looking for.