Enhance Your Truck’s Cargo Space Capabilities
A pro’s truck It's his fortress. As the ruler of this domain, each person modifies their pickup truck according to their specific requirements. Let me demonstrate how I organize my daily tools efficiently and securely without sacrificing space for carrying wood and panels. Life is pretty sweet at the top!
About the author:
David Radtke serves as both a trim carpenter and a custom cabinetmaker, woodworker , works as a freelance editor and design consultant based in Minneapolis, MN. During his free time, he enjoys practicing archery, crafting bows, playing the guitar, and going canoeing.
How I Built It
I altered my truck bed to ensure tool security. The cover was constructed using 2x4s covered with half-inch-thick plywood. Angle irons were attached along the edges of the cover and fastened securely with eyebolts placed within the stake pockets, allowing for easy removal when necessary. Additionally, a rubber sealant was applied around the entire setup to create a watertight barrier against rainfall over the truck bed surface.
Homemade Tailgate Lock
A section of pivoted plywood coated with an aluminum diamond pattern serves as a protective barrier. This shield drops downward, blocking access to the tailgate until it’s released. A hook bolt is attached to the wooden framework, and a gap within the barricade enables a lock to engage with this hook bolt. On the lower side of the safeguard panel, there are plastic sliders designed to prevent scratches on the finished exterior of the tailgate when lowered.
Super-Strut Tie-Downs
Rather than putting in only a few separate tie-down anchors, I opted for super-struts They are fastened using strut clamps that are screwed through the plywood into the 2x4 frame. This allows me to secure bungees or straps at various points as needed.
Help Hauling Extra-Long Items
I use a load extender to secure longer items, which fits into the truck’s receiver hitch. The product I use is called the Load Extender Pro. Tricam EZ Load Extender . The extender by itself is designed to haul long loads that are level with the bottom of the bed, but I bought an 18-inch hitch extender To align it with the top of the bed. It disassembles for simple transportation.
Easy Access
I store my hand tools and fasteners close to the tailgate for convenient reach. For larger items and those I don't use frequently, I place them nearer to the cabin. To retrieve these bigger things, I utilize a hook I crafted from leftover rebar pieces attached to a wooden grip.
Fast and Easy Workshop
At the worksite, my mobile workspace assembles within moments, even when I have to bring along each tool from my collection.
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