How do you use your pickup bed?

[stuart.404]

Hi All, I'm struggling to decide on the best way to build up the bed of my pickup. Ideally I want a rack over the bed that I can put a RTT on and still stay below the roofline. The problem is that i want dry, secure storage in the bed below the rack and most racks are bolted to the bed and prevent a tonneau or similar cover being fittted. I'm open to putting in a drawer system but haven't found one that is designed to be weatherproof.

I drive a 2016 Ford Ranger and i know 99% of y'all are in the US where Ford don't sell this car anymore, so I'd really like to hear about and see pics of any rigs that have gone down this route. F150s, Tacoma, Silverados, all are welcome :)

 

[Captain Josh]

Are you thinking the cover should be on when the RTT is mounted? Or only for other times? Could something like this be an option: https://www.softopper.com/? Drawers might be a good solution, assuming you get them to go the full length of your bed. Maybe something custom, where you could specify waterproofing.

Alternatively, if you're not dead-set on keeping the RTT below the roofline, they make racks for toppers that you could use. Or maybe integrate a custom rack into a roll-cage? The beauty of our world is there are usually multiple ways to accomplish similar things. You just have to get creative, and figure out what your priorities are :)

 

[stuart.404]

Thanks for the reply. Custom is probably going to be the way to go to get what I'm looking for. Hopefully someone will show up with some pics and I'll see exactly what I'm imagining!

 

[Vyscera]

I saw these today and am considering one to carry an ATV and keep my stuff dry. More versatile than a rack, and not much more money. Unless you can build it yourself.
http://www.diamondbackcovers.com/

 

[stuart.404]

That's pretty cool. Thanks for sharing. I've since discovered decked.com who make very cool weather-proof and strong drawer systems, but not to fit the Ranger. I'm going to see if there is a Australian or South African equivalent out there somewhere since those markets are very strong for the Ranger.

Then I found that FrontRunner make some nice racks that fit onto truck beds and support the weight of a tent. I'm getting there slowly!