Utility bed: Change my mind

[Boondocker]

With the Tradewind rebuild, I will be needing a replacement tow vehicle. Once restored I am planning to resume extended (multi-month) trips and Alaska is just sitting up there waiting....



The biggest thing I disliked about extended living in the camper before was there was always crap everywhere- there simply wasn't enough storage. A couple times I mused that a utility bed like plumbers and electricians use might well be just the thing for all my stuff (extra food, camera gear, painting supplies, tools, hoses, blocks, power cords- you get the idea). It occurs to me that since I am going to be buying a truck anyway, maybe I should just do it.



Talk me out of it.

[ITSNO60]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

With the Tradewind rebuild, I will be needing a replacement tow vehicle. Once restored I am planning to resume extended (multi-month) trips and Alaska is just sitting up there waiting....



The biggest thing I disliked about extended living in the camper before was there was always crap everywhere- there simply wasn't enough storage. A couple times I mused that a utility bed like plumbers and electricians use might well be just the thing for all my stuff (extra food, camera gear, painting supplies, tools, hoses, blocks, power cords- you get the idea). It occurs to me that since I am going to be buying a truck anyway, maybe I should just do it.



Talk me out of it.

You can't beat a utility bed for working out of....but...you will need a pretty stout truck as the weight of the body will consume most of the payload of an average truck before you even fill it up. I had an f-250 utility regular cab SRW and it was mostly overloaded, then I switched to a dually with a utility body, it held a lot more weight but could still be easily overloaded. You may find in order to have the payload you want you'll need a dually and a regular cab, maybe even 2WD. Also a lot of utility bodies will leak, especially into the compartments around the wheel wells, so keep that in mind.

A remodel outfit I know of bought 2 new F-250s and had utility beds put on them, they are grossly overloaded and having issues. The mechanic put Sumo Solos on them as a half-azzed measure just to try and keep them somewhat level as they are impossible to align.

How about one of those tall fiberglass toppers with shelves?

[bweybright]

I am interested to follow as I have had similar thoughts....

[LNBright]

Not a plug for any particular brand, but a bed cap with a drawer system should weigh less, cost less, and be more flexible, more practical...

[drmox]

You could just go the simple easy route. Cost me $25; two 2x4s, and a sheet of plywood.

[Ron Glow]

Originally Posted by ITSNO60

You can't beat a utility bed for working out of....but...you will need a pretty stout truck as the weight of the body will consume most of the payload of an average truck before you even fill it up. I had an f-250 utility regular cab SRW and it was mostly overloaded, then I switched to a dually with a utility body, it held a lot more weight but could still be easily overloaded. You may find in order to have the payload you want you'll need a dually and a regular cab, maybe even 2WD. Also a lot of utility bodies will leak, especially into the compartments around the wheel wells, so keep that in mind.

A remodel outfit I know of bought 2 new F-250s and had utility beds put on them, they are grossly overloaded and having issues. The mechanic put Sumo Solos on them as a half-azzed measure just to try and keep them somewhat level as they are impossible to align.

How about one of those tall fiberglass toppers with shelves?

I have enjoyed using my cap since adding it a couple of years ago.

[nvestysly]

I've considered the same thing. A 3500 would be a good match, maybe a 2500 depending on the weight of the utility bed, tongue weight, etc. Lots of brands out there and I don't have any direct experience but Knapheide makes some of the best. Be sure to get sealed doors, good locks, and upgraded shelf systems.

Another thing to consider for ease of use, even with the utility bed, is a roll-out bed system of some sort. With a utility bed you'd very likely want a full-extension model. We had an Extendo-Bed in a previous vehicle and really liked it.

A couple of links:

https://www.knapheide.com/

https://www.extendobed.com/

[ROBERT CROSS]

With your older. smaller, lighter AS.....GO FOR IT!!👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[Photobum]

Recommend a 3500 or equivalent. Then get a Caravan Camper Top (Reno, NV). And finish with a slide.

Not inexpensive but top of the line and everything you want.

[drbrick]

Have you thought about a panel truck? - "The More We Explore" on YouTube used one for years

[SilverFire]

I have owned many utility box trucks, a lot of weight in these custom metal commercial beds, and in addition, you lose working pickup bed cargo space. The market has exploded with all kinds of great mobile tool storage boxes by various vendors. The brand may not particularly important, but dimensions are to your specific vehicle.

I am using TacTix wheeled storage bins with a pull-out handle and a secure metal locking bail. They are great. My Honda 2200i fits in with hoses and power cords. They clear my 3 piece tonneau top for easy access without unhitching the trailer. I use 6 total with 3 in parallel, another holds my firepit and wood, another propane and biomass stoves, another cookware, etc... Saves weight, secure, and lightweight. Folding bikes slide in between these nifty storage bins! Works for me!

https://www.amazon.com/Tactix-320314...ustomerReviews

[kidjedi]

Something to consider... what I have found is that accessibility trumps organization. I started out creating all kinds of dedicated cubbies and compartments in "clever" places, but after years of actively using these systems, I find that if something is "buried," it doesn't matter how clever I was in figuring out how to store it. Even if it's just something in the dinette bench, it can be a major pain to get to when you need it. So the more drawers and doors inside the rig, the better. Or, if it's an "exterior item," install more exterior access hatches (I collect fold down battery doors and fridge access hatches like baseball cards). For the truck, I think the huge drawer under a platform in the bed can be good because there's nothing in the way of opening the drawer (since it's under the platform). However, anything in there will take some effort to get to, and the big thing will be making sure you can open the tailgate and *extend the drawer* all the way without hitting your rig-- which probably won't be possible most of the time!
The side access bins on a utility truck are great for access, but sometimes not a very efficient use of space (lots given up to the structure of walls, doors, etc.) and as others have mentioned, you will quickly start to reach max weight capacity if you start loading up your bed this way. Plus, the weight is going up higher, and you really want it as low as possible. All that said, if you make sure *light* items are going in the bed/side compartments, you can mitigate these issues. I don't think trucks are the best tow vehicles when trying to supermaxout your storage options. Have you looked into vans and SUV's that are capable of towing your rig? Also, I have seen quite a few decommissioned ambulances for sale for cheap. They have crazy configurations of locking exterior compartments. I have always been curious about using one of these (a diesel, of course) as a tow vehicle.

[MickeyC]

Originally Posted by LNBright

Not a plug for any particular brand, but a bed cap with a drawer system should weigh less, cost less, and be more flexible, more practical...

I really like the drawer setup you have in the back of the pickup. I have been looking at similar drawer setups but they all have real small compartments.
Can you please tell me what brand that is.
Thank You
MC

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by MickeyC

I really like the drawer setup you have in the back of the pickup. I have been looking at similar drawer setups but they all have real small compartments. Can you please tell me what brand that is.

Remember that if you are using that type of set up while towing, you will have to unhook the vehicle to be able to extend the drawer.

[JonDNC]

I just ordered a new cap and a bedslide system which I think is what’s shown above. The large drawer size is just under half the width of my bed.

[Trowbridge]

Good recommendations in this thread. Just remember that a full utility setup typically has a vertical back...sometimes further back than the truck bed it replaces. That can be a clearance issue with some trailers in dips or sharp turns. Check measurements beforehand...

[LNBright]

Originally Posted by MickeyC

I really like the drawer setup you have in the back of the pickup. I have been looking at similar drawer setups but they all have real small compartments.
Can you please tell me what brand that is.
Thank You
MC

Not my setup: my Sierra, I have a tonneau on, not a cap. I thought about a setup like this, but as-of-yet, haven't had the need to go 'that' far. There are quite a few brands out there of these things: this one that I happened to grab a picture of, is from Decked:

https://decked.com/products/decked-g...13509556371522

[JMynes]

I have Decked in the back of my truck, and a Softopper to cover it. They both work well, but have some downsides.
Decked is great for storage, but there is some wasted space in front of and behind the wheel wells.
The drawers do not extend fully, you have to reach in under the deck to get to the furthest forward cargo.
It’s 11” (or 13”, I don’t remember which) high, so you lose some headroom for tall items. But, more importantly, you have to lift everything that much higher. It’s not a big deal until you get to 40 pounds and up. The extra height, and reaching to set it on the deck, puts strain on my back. I end up lifting to the tailgate, climbing up and lifting again to the deck.
I like my Decked, but I can’t say it’s perfect.

[Boondocker]

So many great ideas, thanks for the options. Although I am am a bit disappointed that there were no predictions of how it would all end in rear end separation and and a fiery death. Its early days though.

[Toasterlife]

We just have a regular topper on the pickup and use a lot of bins, segregating materials by bin. Put the least used stuff towards the back. By having everything modular it is easy to get to