Cargo Net, Bar, ? - What do you like/use?

OldGuyPete · December 1, 2006

I usually us the tailgate end of my bed for my cooler and some other stuff that I need to grab quick. I'm looking at different ways to keep my cooler from sliding to the cab end of the bed. What do you folks like? The nets or the bars? I'm trying to get some ideas. The Line-X keeps things pretty well put, but that cooler loves to slide around.

Thanks,

Pete

pm26 · December 1, 2006

I usually us the tailgate end of my bed for my cooler and some other stuff that I need to grab quick. I'm looking at different ways to keep my cooler from sliding to the cab end of the bed. What do you folks like? The nets or the bars? I'm trying to get some ideas. The Line-X keeps things pretty well put, but that cooler loves to slide around.

Thanks,

Pete

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I always carry a folded cargo bar under the rear seat of my truck. I use it when i need it. It has rubber pads so it does not scratch the paint and can be firmly locked in place by twisting. In my oipinion, this is thhe best way to keep light cargo from sliding or tipping.

Mr. Smith · December 1, 2006

treated 2x4

SilveradoLAX7 · December 1, 2006

There is a slot stamped into the bed. I've been slidding a 2x6 or 2x8 (whatever scrap wood I've got laying around) vertically into this slot. Its done a fine job of keeping stuff from sliding around the bed.

-Jay

Wingnut · December 1, 2006

treated 2x4

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There is a slot stamped into the bed. I've been slidding a 2x6 or 2x8 (whatever scrap wood I've got laying around) vertically into this slot. Its done a fine job of keeping stuff from sliding around the bed.

-Jay

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This is what I've always done.

I've even put a few in there, tossed my junk between them, layed a piece of plywood on top of them, then parked the ATV on top of the whole mess.

Worked perfect for me.

burgundyz71 · December 1, 2006

I too use the cargo bar, works great.

Zee71 · December 1, 2006

I have a spider cargo net in the tool box, which is very versatile and can come in handy, but for most small stuff, I just throw the back seat up and use the X-cab. Lots of room in there.

For the back, my tailgate sits actually in the garage, and a pro-net is due at my doorstep on tuesday. I ordered a turbo-net, but was unimpressed and returned it. Besides, it was missing parts. I think I'm done shopping at JCWhitney...

Wingnut · December 1, 2006

I have a spider cargo net in the tool box, which is very versatile and can come in handy, but for most small stuff, I just throw the back seat up and use the X-cab. Lots of room in there.

For the back, my tailgate sits actually in the garage, and a pro-net is due at my doorstep on tuesday. I ordered a turbo-net, but was unimpressed and returned it. Besides, it was missing parts. I think I'm done shopping at JCWhitney...

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Please tell me you aren't putting those nets on there for gas mileage purposes.

Zee71 · December 1, 2006

Please tell me you aren't putting those nets on there for gas mileage purposes.

LOL no I already know the story on that. I've tested the truck tailgate up/down/off and noted no real difference in mileage. I noticed the same thing on my old Ranger. Acutally, I'm kind of surprised I don't save at least a little gas on long trips just from the weight of that stinkin tailgate. That thing must weight 50-60lbs at least.

Actually, didn't the Mythbusters test this? I seem to remember hearing that they did, and that they discovered it was actually worse to leave your gate down...

J45p3r · December 1, 2006

Mythbusters did a revisit on the truck gas mileage debate and the mesh gate was the best

Tucson_02Silverado · December 2, 2006

Cargo Load bar

I leave mine mounted at the back of the wheel wells right where they begine to slope down.

There's ratcheting types for about 3 times the cost, but with a few quick twists it's off.

Wingnut · December 2, 2006

Mythbusters did a revisit on the truck gas mileage debate and the mesh gate was the best

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I don't recall that it was.

A bunch of engineers did several tests (I'd trust them more than Mythbusters anyway), and came up with better mileage with the regular tailgate on. The only thing better was having a tonneau...Tonno...Tonto...Whatever...On there.

redvette has the link to it, I don't have it handy.

Tucson_02Silverado · December 2, 2006

I think it's called a Tonto cover if it's on a Ford Ranger

J45p3r · December 2, 2006

Mythbusters did a revisit on the truck gas mileage debate and the mesh gate was the best

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I don't recall that it was.

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Trust me, it was. I saw the revisit episode just a couple weeks ago. The first time they did it they got better mileage tailgate up. The second time they tried an air gate (didn't test one the first time) and it was better than all the other methods (tailgate up, down,no tailgate at all, and a hard tonneau). What I didn't like is they didn't offer any scientific explanation for their results. They just said, "yep, mesh was best," and on to the next segment. Not saying it's right, I don't really buy it, but that is what they found.