Truck Bed Accessories
Do you carry tools, bikes or camping gear in the bed, and does it need to stay dry, secure and safe? Here we gather equipment for your pickup's bed: tonneau covers, racks, bed protection, storage, truck caps, bed extenders and tailgate accessories. This category is for you if you use your pickup for work, leisure or both.
What truck bed equipment does
The parts in this category handle three tasks. Covers, such as tonneau covers, keep rain, dirt and prying eyes away from your cargo. Truck bed racks and side rails provide tie-down points for bikes, kayaks and other long loads – for example Access ADARAC Aluminum Series for Colorado/Canyon or Putco Locker Side Rails in SSR and nylon versions. Bed liners, storage solutions and MOLLE panels protect the bed itself and keep tools and small items in place.
How to choose covers and racks
Start with how you use the bed day to day. Folding hard covers such as Access LOMAX are available for Tacoma, Colorado/Canyon and Rivian R1T, among others, and the category also includes brands like Extang, Truxedo and Undercover. Pay attention to:
- Access: whether you need to open the whole bed or just part of it, and whether the cover and racks should work at the same time.
- Protection: a hard cover typically offers more resistance to weather and theft, while a soft one is easier to handle.
- Bed length and model year: the same model comes with several bed lengths, e.g. 5 and 6 ft on Colorado/Canyon.
- Factory equipment: some products are made for trucks with factory-installed rails, e.g. the LOMAX variant for the R1T with OEM Tonneau Track.
- Load: racks must suit both the weight and the type of cargo you want to carry.
Installation, maintenance and approval
Always check the part number against your vehicle's model, year and bed length before ordering. Clean the seals and drain holes on the cover regularly so water can drain away, and inspect the brackets on racks and rails. Whether a truck cap or a bed extender requires inspection or approval depends on the product and vehicle, so check this for the specific part number before driving with it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a bed cover or rack myself?
Many parts are designed for no-drill installation, but it depends on the product. Read the installation instructions for the specific part number, and retighten the brackets after the first few trips with a load.
Can racks and a bed cover be used at the same time?
It depends on the products. Some racks can be combined with a cover, others cannot. Check the description of both part numbers before you buy to make sure they don't require the same mounting points.
Does a truck cap or bed extender require inspection?
It depends on the product and vehicle. Check for the specific part number whether the part is approved and whether it changes the vehicle's dimensions or registration. If in doubt, ask your inspection authority before installing.
Why does water get into the bed under the cover?
It can be caused by clogged drain holes, worn or incorrectly positioned seals, or a cover that isn't adjusted correctly. Clean and check the seals regularly, and inspect the installation if the problem persists.