Bed Toys

After you’ve done everything to the engine of your truck, it’s time to start thinking about the outside. Depending on how you use your daily driver, there may be a bed accessory that can make your job easier. Heck, there may be a bed accessory that could make your entire life easier. Here are some products for you to consider as your build your truck into the perfect vehicle for you.

Western Mule

Turning pickups into true PICK-UPS since 1982, Western Mule Cranes manufactures a wide variety of cranes to meet your lifting needs. We’ve personally used this product on one of our build trucks and have been incredibly pleased with the results. Whether you are loading a bulky transmission or a seven-point buck, a Western Mule Crane turns the job into a one-person operation, which means you’ll be done faster and more safely.  

With over 20 models to choose from, you are going to find what you need. Lifting capacities range from 700 to 2500 pounds and the cranes come in two main categories: Fold-A-Way Bumper Cranes and Telescoping Boom Cranes.

The unique Fold-A-Way Bumper Crane is more than just a bolt-on accessory. It fulfills the duty of crane, heavy-duty bumper, hitch and winch. The crane folds away into the bumper for convenient storage and easily folds out in seconds, always ready and available when it’s time to work or it’s time to play. Various options and accessories are available to customize the function and style of your Fold-A-Way Bumper Crane. The A-Series line is designed specifically for pickups with standard beds. But there are other models available for aftermarket truck bodies and vehicles with custom beds.

The bed-mounted Telescoping Boom Cranes offer the advantage of having an adjustable boom length and elevation, while keeping a lightweight and compact form. The M2000 offers a 2000-pound capacity and is full of unique features including a gas-spring lift-assisted boom for effortless setup. The M2000's horizontal boom storage allows the crane to be mounted with a low-profile. 

Alternatively, the P10-DC model has a 1000-pound capacity and is deigned to store with the boom vertically, requiring only a 10- by 10-inch mounting space. With a quick-detach power cable and being removable from its mounting base, the P10-DC can easily be removed from the vehicle when not in use or relocated to an alternate location with additional mounting bases. Features like these make the P10-DC a versatile and invaluable tool for any pickup. The P10-DC is 12V-DC powered; however, 120V-AC and Hand-Crank models are also available.

MSRP: Starting at $1,605 (www.westernmule.com)

DeeZee Bed Extender

Normally, if something is longer than the back of your truck, you pull out the cargo straps and the red flag and call it a day. But that’s not always the most viable option, especially if you’re hauling something with a higher price tag. So Dee Zee developed this unique product, the Truck Bed Extender. It allows you to maximize your hauling capacity by extending the bed of your truck by adding 20 inches of additional room. The bed extender is constructed from lightweight yet strong aluminum that can withstand daily wear and tear. The installation process is quick and easy because it utilizes the existing factory cables. When you’re done for the day, simply fold up the collapsible bed extender and store away. This is by far the easiest way to add more storage capacity to your full-size truck.

MSRP: Starting at $461.95 (www.deezee.com)

BEDSLIDE

BEDSLIDE is a super simple way to load and unload your truck.  It turns your truck bed into a sliding drawer, which makes laborious tasks so much more convenient than they’ve ever been before. BEDSLIDE is about efficiency, which means the minimum time and energy for maximum results. There is a BEDSLIDE model to fit almost any truck to make loading, transporting and accessing your freight simple and safe. Each BEDSLIDE can be adapted with custom boxes, racks or dividers. Plus, the riv-nut mounting system makes installation and removal a cinch. The biggest model can hold up to 2,000 pounds.

Manufactured in the U.S.A., BEDSLIDE strives for precision craftsmanship, dependability and durability in every product with an American workforce to back it up.All BEDSLIDES are 4 1/2 feet from the top of the deck to the floor of the truck, but the company can make custom sizes if you have extra time.

MSRP: Starting at $899.99 (www.bedslide.com)

Shark Kage

One of the best new products at SEMA this year was the Shark Kage, which is a multi-use ramp for loading motorcycles, ATVs and more. The Shark Kage ramp is the first of its kind because it’s more than just a ramp. It actually serves six functions: ramp, bed extender, tool box, cargo cover, work table and sunshade structure.

The Shark Kage is secured to the tailgate with the Shark Bite mounting plate and supports all six configurations. The Shark Bite mounting plate prevents the ramp from slipping or falling during use. Shark Kage ramps have load capacities of 1,000 to 1,500 pounds depending on the model chosen and come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. There are four models available to accommodate nearly all types of on- and off-road motorcycles, ATV's, and more: the Sport, Touring, Wide and Moto.

“This is the hottest innovation to hit the ramp category in decades,” says Shark Kage CEO and inventor Cortney Smith. “Shark Kage is the first multi-use ramp of its kind on the market today. The idea for Shark Kage was born when a bike was stolen right off my truck. Shark Kage is bolted onto the truck, making that very difficult by keeping predators out.”

Shark Kage was a finalist for SEMA’s prestigious Exterior Accessory New Product Award at this year’s show.

MSRP: Starting at $599.99 (www.sharkkage.com)

Cargo Ease

Universal Cargo Crane is a new product by Cargo Ease, but it’s been helping truck owners for years. It hooks directly to your hitch and has a 600-pound capacity. Cargo Ease offers an entire line of ramps and extenders and this crane is the perfect next step for the company.

This hitch crane comes with a standard class three trailer hitch connecter and includes hand brake winch. One of the best things about it is that it doesn’t block the tailgate because it was built to sit on the side instead of directly behind. This product comes with a five-year warranty and easily breaks down and stores away when not needed.  

MSPR: Starting at $420 (www.cargo-ease.com)

AMP Tailgate

Built for heavy-duty hauling, the Bedextender HP Sport from AMP uses a V-shape design to create the perfect mix of form and function to keep your gear safe and in place. The shelf helps provide extra security for transporting. It also helps provide extra clearance needed when used with tonneau cover rails. This multi-use design is extremely efficient; simply flip it out with the tailgate open to gain up to 2 feet of enclosed cargo area or flip it inside and close the tailgate to keep tools and smaller cargo contained in the truck bed. This product is made right here in the USA and backed by a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty. It is made to fit almost every different truck model available and is available in either silver or black.

MSPR: Starting at $190 (www.amp-research.com)

Easy Go and Stow

The Easy Go and Stow (EGS) is a brand-new and exciting truck bed management system. By employing a lightweight, collapsible design, many of the problems with traditional toppers and caps are solved.

Buy the cap, the cover, or the combo and have a rigid cap, hard cover or an open truck bed whenever you want with the Easy Go and Stow system. But that’s not all. The system adjusts in length, width and taper and the cap or cover slides to the rear for front bed access or to clean your cab window. There are options too, like a rack for your cap, freestanding rack, snow load, or a powered vent.

While the EGS maintains the security and strength of a rigid cap, it can be folded flat and removed by a single person. This allows the user easy access to their open bed when needed and easy storage in a small space.

MSPR: Starting at $1595 (www.easygoandstow.com)

TruXedo Deuce Tonneau Cover

The TruXedo Deuce cover is the first and only soft roll-up, hinged tonneau cover combination. This stylish roll-up has quick cargo access. The truck bed cover has a sleek, low profile appearance that sits lower than 3/4-inches above the truck bed. The Deuce Tonneau Cover makes it easy to reach cargo using the front hinged section or roll up completely. The front hinged section allows for easy access to toolboxes and cargo at the front of the bed.

Included in this great tonneau cover is an automatic tension control which is built into the hinge and self-adjusts to keep the cover tight in fluctuating temperatures. The TruXedo Deuce Tonneau Cover is a great addition for your truck; it adds style, bed protection, simple installation and easy cargo access. The Deuce is proudly made in the U.S.A. and backed with a lifetime warranty. The price varies on make and model.

MSRP: Starting at $525 (www.truxedo.com)

SwingCase

This unique tool box attaches to your truck bed with six self-tapping screws and is totally removable for complete access to the truck bed. It allows for two-inch clearance above the bed and then swings outward, over your other materials. The lockable device holds up to 50 pounds of tools or cargo. Just pull the latch and the SwingCase pivots nearly 180 degrees over your lowered tailgate, giving you instant access. Then, the case swings back and locks securely in place. Plus, it has a moisture seal to keep weather at bay.

Built for both the driver and passenger sides, you can get the pair for less than the cost of a traditional toolbox. Installation takes about five minutes per side and everything you need is included. Best yet, your UnderCover Swing Case is backed by a one-year warranty.

MSRP: $199.99 (www.swingcase.com)