Simple Bed Storage Idea

[JP642]

Here is a simple, cheap project for bed storage I thought I would share. Started with the idea I may need to carry plywood, then how do I carry my gas cans after refill and make sure they don't surf around the bed. Here is what I came up with:

 

Materials list:

• (2) 2x6 8 feet long (cut down to fit bed width)
• all weather mat/carpet from Home Depot (think it was precut 4x8 - roughly $25)
• wood screws (for the extra square) and a bunch of staples (for the carpet wrap of the 2x6)
• cheap bungees from Northern Tool (about $6)

 

The two main pieces will fit in the horizontal pockets in the bed for carrying plywood and well as forming a partition wall. The extra square (made from the 2x6 scraps) locks into the bottom rail and holds gas cans and small items to keep from roaming. I cut down the carpet for the bed (as things get scuffed from sliding around) and then wrapped the 2x6s with the extra carpet to minimize the wood rattling. If I need it, I bungee items between the bed hooks to pin them against the wood.

Hope this helps give people ideas

[gmcdawg]

Thanks for the idea.  Was gonna get the spring loaded bar from HF, but I may change it up and do a more custom option to hold some packout type boxes at the back.

[DarkSkyX31]

Clever idea, very clean looking.

 

I use a 2x6 across like you did, and make simple adjustable divider that holds items to one side, and can be placed anywhere depending on what I cam carrying. To be clear, I saw this idea somewhere, not mine originally, just sharing it here so people see there are many creative ways to tackle bed storage.

 

[gmcdawg]

That's another clever idea.  And, the milk crates are the best for transporting a propane tank!

[JP642]

I like the sliding arm divider - flexible storage

 

My goal was dividers that lay flat in the pockets down the bed side so I could carry plywood flat above the wheel well - I just backed into the idea for the rest of it

[TrueBlue]

I did something similar in my '23. I bought a cargo net that stretches across the bed and fastened it to the rear-most tie-downs. Then I put a cooler and a plastic storage box behind it. They're wedged between the cargo net and the tailgate so they won't slide forward. I've carried so many things there that I hardly ever have to put things in the cab.

[Jason_Overland]

Awesome project! I'm looking to secure my bikes and fishing gear in the truck bed too. Any good suggestions?

[DarkSkyX31]

5 hours ago, Jason_Overland said:

Awesome project! I'm looking to secure my bikes and fishing gear in the truck bed too. Any good suggestions?

I know people use large dia. pvc pipe with a threaded end cap to store and transport fishing rods. Keeps them dry and contained. 

[JP642]

Jason - If you do not want to go with a system like Thule or Yakima for your bikes my frugal idea was a 2x6 across the bed floor. Then attach either fork mounts to it or bike wheel chocks like you see on motorcycle trailers and strap the bikes to the front tie downs. Then mount your PVC like DarkSky suggested for your rods. Could be mounted in center or to one side if you need center bed storage - easily removable and more importantly cheap (and easily broken down for storage) - not saying this would work but just where I started thinking (with a quick and dirty sketch)

Edited May 14, 2025 by JP642