7 Cool Things to Do With a Truck Bed (DIY Organizer and Storage Ideas)

The first thing that comes to my mind when I see any truck is its bed.

And with summer just around the corner, I can’t help but daydream about all the fun things I could do with my truck’s bed.

So today, I’m sharing some creative truck cap camping ideas!

Whether you’re an experienced camper or a beginner, these tips will help make your next camping trip a success.

Get ready to explore the great outdoors in style – and let’s dive into those ideas!

Truck Bed Ideas and Storage Solutions

While most of us use our truck beds for hauling cargo, there are plenty of other ways to put them to good use.

Here are my top favorite truck bed ideas you can look out for:

1. Make a Truck Bed Tent

If you’re looking for a way to camp in style, this is it. All you need is a truck bed cover and some sturdy rope or bungee cords.

Secure the cover to the side of your truck bed, then use the cords to create a makeshift tent.

Just make sure you test it out before your trip – you don’t want any surprises when you’re trying to sleep!

2. Use Your Truck Bed as Storage

One of the best things about camping with a truck is that you have plenty of space for storage. So take advantage of it!

Use some bungee cords or netting to secure your gear in the back, and keep things organized with some plastic bins.

That way, you can easily access everything you need – and your truck will stay clean.

3. Create a Makeshift Table

Have you ever tried to eat dinner at a picnic table? It’s not exactly comfortable. But with a little bit of creativity, you can turn your truck bed into the perfect place to enjoy a meal.

Just set up some boards or crates to create a flat surface, then add some chairs or stools. And voila! You have yourself a campsite table.

4. Slide-Out Truck Kitchen

One of the best things about camping is being able to cook your own meals. But if you don’t have a lot of space, it can be tough to do that.

That’s where a slide-out truck kitchen comes in handy. Just build or buy a small cabinet that fits in your truck bed, and add some shelves, drawers, and hooks.

Then, when you’re ready to cook, just slide it out and start cooking!

5. Pickup Pool and Bed Hammock

This is the perfect way to beat the heat. Just fill up your truck bed with water, and you have yourself a pool! Add some chairs or floats, and you’re all set.

Be sure to drain it before you hit the road – you don’t want to be driving around with a ton of water in your truck.

6. Build a Firepit

Camping and sitting around the campfire at night is what anybody would love. But if you’re camping in a crowded area, building a traditional firepit might not be an option.

So what’s the next best thing? A truck bed firepit! Line your truck bed with some fireproof material, then build your fire in the middle.

It’s the perfect way to stay warm – and enjoy those s’mores!

7. Use Your Truck to Explore

Looking for a little adventure? Use your truck to explore and easily access remote areas. 

Drive down dirt roads, hike through forests, and cross rivers – you never know what you’ll find. Pack plenty of supplies, and always let someone know where you’re going.

Ensure that you have a good map, and pack some extra supplies just in case. Then, let the adventure begin!

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Preparing Your Tuck Bed Before Getting Started

Having your cargo shift and slide around in the bed not only makes it difficult to keep track of your belongings, but it can also be dangerous if large or heavy items end up shifting while you’re driving.

Luckily, there are a few easy and inexpensive ways to prevent your stuff from sliding into the truck bed. Here they are…

a) Carpets or Mats

Lining the bed of your truck with a carpet or a mat will provide a little bit of friction and help to keep things in place.

You can also use weather stripping or pool noodles to line the sides of your truck bed. This will create a barrier that will keep your cargo from being able to shift too far to one side.

If you’re carrying large or heavy items, you may want to consider using ratchet straps or tie-downs to secure them in place. This will ensure that they don’t move at all while you’re driving.

b) Storage Bins

Another way to keep your truck bed organized is to use storage bins which will allow you to keep smaller items from sliding around and getting lost.

You can find these bins at most stores that sell truck accessories. Be sure to get ones that are the right size for your truck bed and that have lids to keep things from getting dusty or dirty.

c) Truck Bed Liner

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can consider getting a truck bed liner.

This will provide a layer of waterproof protection for your truck bed and will help to keep your belongings from sliding around.

There are many different types of bed liners available, so be sure to choose one that’s right for your truck. 

Besides the above, a few other things that might help are:

• Cargo net to keep your belongings from sliding around in the truck bed. 
• A DIY toolbox (of plywood) to keep your tools organized in the back of your truck.
• Truck bed drawers (made of plywood) to build a truck bed slide-out kitchen or to store a large number of groceries or heavy stuff.

Remember that when placing a toolbox or other equipment in the back of a truck, it is essential to measure the length and width of the bed.

The last thing anyone wants is for their belongings to slide around while driving or not fit in the first place!

Here are some tips and step-by-step processes on how to measure your truck bed:

Step 1. Start by measuring the length of the bed by running a tape measure from the front of the bed to the back.

Step 2. Next, measure the width, height, and depth of the bed by measuring from one side of the bed to the other.

Make sure you note down all the measurements on a piece of paper so you can refer to them later when shopping for a toolbox or other storage solution.

Step 3. Once you have these measurements, begin shopping for a toolbox or other equipment that will fit perfectly in your truck bed.

Step 4. If you are unsure of the exact measurements, it is always best to err on the side of caution and go with a slightly larger size. 

This way, you can be sure that your belongings will not only fit but also stay put while driving.

Step 5. Once you have found the perfect toolbox or equipment for your truck, be sure to follow the instructions on how to install it properly. 

This will ensure that it stays in place and does not shift while driving.

By following these simple tips, you’ll never have to worry about your belongings sliding around or not fitting in your truck bed again!