Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
W BED STORAGE: SLIDE-OUTS hen I first started running my own crew on the construction job site I borrowed my dad's tonneau cover so I would have a location to store all my tools securely and to keep them out of the endless rain we are blessed with here in Oregon. My dad's setup included both tonneau on the pickup and a trailer behind, which worked great for his crew. However, I didn't really have a place to park a trailer so I was on the search for storage solutions for my pickup. I knew when I was setting up a permanent solution for my pickup I wanted to have easy access to all my tools and not be restricted by the order they were loaded into the bed. In the end I went with an A.R.E. canopy and a lumber rack, which helped expand my storage. My favorite new addition was the Bedslide 2000 Pro HD - which allowed me to easily access any of my tools in the main bed section of my pickup. No more crawling, reaching and leaning to get at the tools in the puzzle that was my pickup bed. That's why these sliding, gliding, riding and rolling products are so great. Ease of access and easy on the body. If your pickup setup is open bed (without tonneau or truck cap) you can still use many of these slide systems, which are designed to seal against the weather specifically to keep your tools and cargo protected. WEIGH IN When considering a slide out for your pickup, pay attention to the capacity of the unit at full extension. Make sure your cargo weight falls below the rating of the unit. I was using most of my Bedslide's capacity and it worked great, but our electrician overloaded his underrated slider and destroyed the bearings. At least it was entertaining watching him struggle to pull it out. Another weight limit issue to consider concerns the enclosed drawer style units designed for storage on top. Keep in mind that the listed weight capacity is the weight evenly distributed, so don't plan to drop an excavator bucket on one unless you know it can handle it without an extra rack. Remember that the added weight of the unit itself does reduce the overall payload of the vehicle, which also affects tow capacity. LOAD AND LOCK Drawer style slide outs have options for locks in both style and function. Most use keys but some offer keyless options such as Tuffy Security Products' ten push button combination lock, which utilizes a clutch mechanism for the knob for added security. Slide out type storage can help reduce strain on your back and body by giving you easier access to all your tools and cargo without having to lean or strain to gain access to any of it. Look for accessories to help you customize your setup to fit your needs. Optional dividers, tie downs and trays can help you stay organized while keeping everything in its place. Bedslide Bedslide 2000 Pro HD is made for contractors, carpenters or craftsman with heavy-duty, full sized trucks. Allows easy access to a full ton of tools, supplies or equipment safely and securely. Features integrated A-TRAC sidetrack system with 4 adjustable heavy-duty tie-down cleats and 8-inch perimeter side rails. Full width grab bar gives easy access from either side of your pickup, with multiple locking positions for safety and convenience. Rubberized skid-proof deck helps keep your tools or cargo in place. www.bedslide.com; (888) 807-0099 Fleetwest The Load'N'Go Powerbody is a transferable service body up-fitted with a generator, compressor, welder and battery booster/charger which universally fits Ford, Dodge, and GM 1-ton pickup trucks. Major features include a control panel in the side compartment for easy access and a 1,000-poundcapacity slide-out parts drawer. The Load'N'Go Powerbody also has built in forklift tunnels for easy transfer from one pickup to another. The Powerbody now features the AirNArc 150 All-InOne Power System with a beefier 18hp Kohler engine. www.fleetwest.net; (866)497-7200 Truck Bed Drawer Tool Box Truck-Tool-Box. com manufactures truck bed drawer storage boxes for pickup trucks and utility bodies. The bed boxes are constructed of all aluminum material. All bed boxes are built in the U.S.A. and come with a 10-year warranty. The bed boxes come in standard and heavy duty models that range from 48 to 96 inches long. Custom sizes are also available. www.truck-tool-box.com; (866) 790-1815 26 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Bed Storage Slideouts.indd 26 8/6/13 9:55 AM