Securing items during rough adventures

For those of you who explore the rough backcountry and carry items in the bed of your truck under a camper shell... how do you manage to secure your things in place back there?

Currently I put most of my items behind the seats in my access cab, but moving camping items back and forth each night gets old.

I've consider a platform/storage system, but I'm not really crazy about losing headroom, as I sleep in the back during my adventures. A taller camper shell is an option, but an expensive one. I wish the Gen 1 had better tie down options as the Gen 2 does, but I'm some of you have some creative solutions. Thanks!

 

I don't explore rough backcountry much as TX doesn't have free land to explore. But I remember this growing up in the hill country:

Upside down milk crates and bungee cords to tie the crates down to the bed nearest the cab. In the morning before I would work a field in an old busted tractor I would go into the hills to feed deer in corn feeders and didn't want to keep moving things in and out of the truck as it I could work a field or two for almost a full workweek. The truck had welded tie downs in each corner nearest the cab. I think they make some low boy(lol) milk crates that, with some plywood, could be a good foundation without sacrificing too much headroom. Store your goodies in the crates underneath the plywood, and if you need to grab something, you can see exactly what crate its in by lifting the plywood up, and not have to move $#@$ around everywhere to get it. Also tie down the plywood. Or hell, put the milk crates right-side-up and have the plywood held down somehow and make sure its a good seal.

 

I pack in totes and then strap them down. They're easy to rearrange if needed, and don't have to stay in the truck all the time.

 

I hate having to move things around or worse having to move multiple things out of the way to get to the thing I want.
Strapping bins down in the back works well.
How about one of these bed bar things?

$45 Rightline Gear Adjustable Ratcheting Cargo Bar for Pickup Truck Bed, 40 to 70"es, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Rightline-Gear-100T66-Adjustable-Cargo/dp/B08HWPMJMS?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER


Do you sleep in the back of the cab of your truck?
I have an access cab 1st gen as well. I've only slept in the back a couple times on road trips with two other friends occupying the front seats.
You might be able to get away with short platform like maybe 8-10 inches back there but that's not really worth much. It doesn't sound worth while to me.

I used to have a snugtop hiliner camper shell I really liked. I got a great deal on craigslist for $325 for it. It was super useful nut I hated having to deal with pulling stuff in and out all the time.

So, I got rid of the shell and the bed and replaced them with a pop up camper. I think I've had a net volume storage loss but everything is super accessible and I can set up camp in about 30 seconds and break down camp in about 2 minutes. But the compromise is I can't bring a lot of stuff. I can carry everything I want and my pre truck camping experience is backpacking so I don't really need a lot of stuff.

 

What do you strap them down to?

 

my flatbed, but if I had a regular bed, the rope hooks in the corners. Could add tie downs as well.

 

Yeah I think that given the very rough trails I travel, I think the only way I'll secure the items I have in mind is by adding some kind of additional hooks or fasteners to the bed. I'm not super stoked to drill into my truck that way, but if that's what it takes, I'll make sure I do it right.

 

One of the best things I found was some of those cheap click together foam mats. 4 works perfect for the 2nd gen. Sharp razor to cut out the wheel wells. Prevents stuff from sliding around as much, though not 100%. And it has the added benefit of making it so much easier on the knees trying to get something out of the nose of the bed.

My camping gear gets packed in a few different sized totes that go the pass. side. Gas and water in the nose. Tool box, cooler and other misc items like firewood, diesel heater, chair, or winch extension take up the rest of the space on the drives side and towards the back.

The only downside with the foam mats is you have to have weight on them or they will blow out. I use a surplus cargo net over top of everything as an added layer against wind and the really big bumps.
Edit: Obviously not an issue for you with the shell

 

You might be able to add D-Rings to the bed bolts.
There are 6 of them.

 

It might be worth it to look into one of the bedside molle systems that are available. That way, you have lots of spaces to attach things to directly, or a convenient tie down point where ever you might need.

Example from CaliRaised linked below, but there are a few brands out there... or, if you're capable of the fabrication, might give you some ideas of what you can put together.

https://caliraisedled.com/collections/exterior-molle

 

I think as long as you put on some decently sized backing plates you should be good. I would also load your equipment and use that to determine the ideal places for new hooks.

 

I added 8 of the smaller D rings it works for me.

A bunch of 1" ratchet straps and 2 of the larger 2" straps

I used a 4"x4"x1/8"plate underneath to spread the load with 3/8" bolts .

I hauled expensive cargo if I damaged it I bought it.

Having as much gear packed in heavy duty plastic bins that can be moved as needed is also a Big help.