The Right Way To Load
Your truck's bed might seem like the perfect place to put whatever you're hauling—but not everything belongs back there. What you load in can affect safety, damage your equipment, or even cause unexpected costs. Some things are surprisingly risky to store, while others are a must for any prepared driver. Curious which is which? This list breaks it all down, starting with the worst things to keep in your pickup bed.
1. Unsecured Propane Tanks
A propane tank sliding around in your truck bed isn't just noisy—it’s dangerous. Heat ramps up pressure fast, and one bad jolt can knock the valve loose. That tank needs to sit upright and strapped in tight, not bouncing around like cargo.
2. Perishable Groceries
Tossing groceries in the back might seem quick, but it’s a fast track to spoiled food. Sunlight turns your milk sour and meat unsafe. Dust doesn't help either. If it came from a fridge, it needs to stay cool until it gets home.
3. Consumer Electronics (Laptops Or Tablets)
Your truck bed doesn’t do electronics any favors. UV rays bake them, road bumps shake them, and dust sneaks into every crack. Plus, they’re an easy grab for anyone walking by. If it’s pricey and fragile, it’s better off inside with you.
4. Loose Documents Or Paperwork
Once the wind catches your papers, they’re gone. You might see them swirling in your rearview, but you won’t be getting them back. Rain ruins what’s left, and dirt makes a mess. Important paperwork deserves better than an open-air joyride.
5. Pets Without Proper Restraint
Unrestrained pets face serious risks in pickup beds. Sudden stops can launch them, and flying debris causes injury. Hot surfaces even burn paws, while cold exposure leads to hypothermia. Safety experts say the thrill of the ride never outweighs the danger for your pet.
6. Household Chemicals (Bleach Or Cleaners)
Spilled bleach isn’t something you want soaking into your truck bed. A single bounce can pop a cap, and extreme temperatures make reactions more likely. Chemical fumes, sticky messes, and fire hazards aren’t worth the gamble. These should always ride somewhere secure.
7. Musical Instruments
Instruments need more care than your truck bed offers. Shifting temperatures mess with the wood, and bumps can damage internal parts, not to mention the dust that settles into every crevice. If it matters enough to transport, it matters enough to store safely on the inside.
8. Fragile Glassware
Even short trips can destroy fragile glass. One hard turn or rough patch, and your mirror or vase is done for. The bed offers zero protection from shocks or heat. Breakables belong in boxes—not rolling loose across hard metal.
9. Clothing
Tossing your jacket or hoodie in the back might seem quick and easy—but it won’t come out the same. An open truck bed leaves fabric exposed, and it picks up grime or damage before the drive is over. If you plan to wear it again, keep it inside.
10. Live Plants Or Flowers
Plants might look fine when you set them down, but they rarely finish the ride that way. Rough motion can shift the soil or bend the stems before you even arrive. They’re fragile passengers that deserve a lot more protection.
Next up: the gear that fits right in.
1. Construction Ladders (Secured With Straps)
Construction ladders were made for the bed. They’re tough enough to handle bumps, weather, and long hauls. When strapped down properly, they stay put and free up room in the cab for other gear. Some folks have even used them to bridge gaps—seriously.
2. Lumber Or Wood Planks
Lumber fits right in as it rides flat. It also handles the elements and gets the job done without a fuss. Whether you’re hauling it for work or a weekend project, it’s a truck bed classic that’s ready to roll when you are.
3. Bagged Soil Or Mulch
Need to haul dirt without making a disaster of it? Bagged soil’s got your back. The packaging keeps everything contained, and cleanup is easy. Toss in a few bags, and you’ve got a landscaping load that won’t leave a trail behind.
SuSanA Secretariat on Wikimedia
4. Bicycles (With Bed-Mounted Racks)
Bikes love a good ride—and not just when you’re pedaling. With racks mounted in the bed, they stay secure and protected from damage. Plus, you keep your interior clear for gear. Bonus: they tend to race their shadows on sunny drives.
5. Camping Tents And Sleeping Bags
Tents and sleeping bags handle the outdoors well, which makes them perfect for your truck bed. You can stack them efficiently and still leave space for other gear. Whether it’s deep woods or a parking lot, they’re ready.
6. Kayaks Or Canoes (Strapped Down)
Kayaks and canoes were practically made for pickup beds. They’re long, rugged, and don’t mind a little wind. Once strapped down, they ride steady and stay out of your cab. Plus, their size alone keeps most thieves from even thinking about it.
SaiKrishna Saketh Yellapragada on Unsplash
7. Bricks Or Concrete Blocks
Hauling bricks? The bed's where they belong. These heavy-duty materials won’t budge much when stacked right, and they don’t care about weather or road dust. It’s a perfect match for high-weight hauling without sacrificing space or durability. Built tough—just like your truck.
8. Toolboxes (Weatherproof)
Toolboxes made for truck beds are built to handle the elements. Rain, heat, or road dust won’t mess with them. They keep your tools safe and organized, and you won’t need to dig through your cab when you’re in a rush.
9. Portable Grills (Heavy-Duty Models)
If you are bringing the grill along, toss it in the bed. Heavy-duty models can handle the elements, and you’ll still have space for coolers or gear. Upright placement makes for quick tailgate setups, especially when food is half the reason for the trip.
10. Spare Tires (Mounted Or Strapped)
A spare tire never looks out of place back there. It’s rugged, built for rough rides, and easy to grab in an emergency. Mount it or strap it in, and you’ve got backup ready—without cramping up your interior space.
