Suggestions for first-time pickup owner?

[EJensen]

Assuming I convert my reservation into a purchase, this will be my first pickup. I'm a suburban homeowner who likes to do my own build/repair projects. Being able to move lumber, plywood, and drywall without hoisting things onto the roof rack of my Outback is something I'm looking forward to.

I already have a good selection of ratchet straps, including some heavy-duty 2" versions. I keep those in a tool box now, and I plan on keeping that in the frunk. I plan on making supports to keep sheet goods off of the wheel wells. I have a hitch-mounted tray, so at some point I'll install a 2" hitch receiver.

Aside from those, any suggestions for nice-to-have items for a pickup?

 

[Twisted Santa]

The only thing I have besides what you’ve listed is a cargo net that I use occasionally when I’m hauling loose stuff that might blow around.

 

[sodamo]

And cut yourself a set of 2xs for the bed pockets

 

[EJensen]

And cut yourself a set of 2xs for the bed pockets

Are those the recesses in the sides at the level of top of the wheel wells?

 

[GaRailroader]

My suggestion would be a set of cam buckle tie downs. Not as heavy duty as ratchet straps but much more user friendly. That is what most people use for hauling dirt bikes. Ancra is a good quality brand of tie downs that I trust. Also, a short section of chain and a padlock is nice to have as well to lock a dirt bike or tractor to a tie down anchor. Probably not too hard to defeat but keeps the honest people honest.

 

[phidauex]

A canvas bag with an old oversized flannel, a pair of leather work gloves and a big flathead screwdriver. Let it slide around behind the seats for 20 years.

If you have a political cause you prefer, get it printed on a trucker cap and put it on the dashboard.

Also, Truck Nutz.

EDIT: Ok ok, a few real suggestions (the truck nutz is also a real suggestion). A portable 12V air compressor and tire plugging repair kit is very handy. I've used it for my own vehicle once or twice, and for other people's many times. Since there isn't a lot of storage space you may find yourself sticking stuff in the bed that you wouldn't normally, so a few long bungees to quickly secure a lightweight load, say, a big package of TP, that doesn't call for a ratchet strap. In the winter, a small folding shovel and a pair of big dirty winter gloves or mittens.

 

[atx_ev]

Assuming I convert my reservation into a purchase, this will be my first pickup. I'm a suburban homeowner who likes to do my own build/repair projects. Being able to move lumber, plywood, and drywall without hoisting things onto the roof rack of my Outback is something I'm looking forward to.

I already have a good selection of ratchet straps, including some heavy-duty 2" versions. I keep those in a tool box now, and I plan on keeping that in the frunk. I plan on making supports to keep sheet goods off of the wheel wells. I have a hitch-mounted tray, so at some point I'll install a 2" hitch receiver.

Aside from those, any suggestions for nice-to-have items for a pickup?

I like having a hitch mounted T extender. Something like this. https://www.amazon.com/TRUSOON-Extender-Tightener-Stabilizer-Adjustable/dp/B0F1CZ1NVH/

Its good for carrying anything long.

I also like a locking trifold tonneau cover. You can fold it to 1/3 the size so for many things enough of the bed is available you dont need to remove it. When it is laid flat it protects stuff in the bed.

 

[knickers]

I plan on setting up a small-item storage system in the frunk, for holding stuff similar to what @phidauex said. Roadside assistance things, first aid kit, emergency blanket, ratchet straps, bungee cords. Maybe just a bunch of pockets hanging on the walls.

 

[knickers]

I want to roll on or spray on a tough bed liner. I don't know what the bed material will be, but presumably the same plastic as the body panels.

 

[AeroWolf]

As everyone gives their two cents: here is my truck box contents:

Tool kit (basic set for vehicle maintenance, situational repair needs)
First Aid kit
EM Road kit (fix-a-flat, air pump, flares/lights, jumper kit
assorted vehicle fluids
tow hitch
Rain Suit/jacket
gloves
safety glasses
spare ball cap.
Assorted Zip ties
Assorted carabiners
Assorted bungee cords
ratchet straps
rope
two tarps (good for temporary liners or cargo net/cover)
padding/ground blanket

I will probably adjust this if i follow through on Slate purchase.

 

[ryun]

Honestly as a fellow DIY homeowner a tonneau cover is about the only thing I'd say is a must. I like roll up options for their low cost.

It's for keeping snow, leaves, and pollen out of the bed so you don't have to clean it out before hauling. If you plan to get something from getting stolen, opt for one of the hard options.

 

[E90400K]

As everyone gives their two cents: here is my truck box contents:

Tool kit (basic set for vehicle maintenance, situational repair needs)
First Aid kit
EM Road kit (fix-a-flat, air pump, flares/lights, jumper kit
assorted vehicle fluids
tow hitch
Rain Suit/jacket
gloves
safety glasses
spare ball cap.
Assorted Zip ties
Assorted carabiners
Assorted bungee cords
ratchet straps
rope
two tarps (good for temporary liners or cargo net/cover)
padding/ground blanket

I will probably adjust this if i follow through on Slate purchase.

So, you keep Home Depot in your truck...

 

[E90400K]

I don't think the Slate is going to need a bed liner because it will have one built in. But a great addition to a P/U bed is a thick rubber bed mat. Mats protect the bed floor from damage and help heavy items stay put because they don't slide around since the rubber provides a high grip surface.

 

[AeroWolf]

So, you keep Home Depot in your truck...

Funny enough, all these items fit in the medium size Home Depot Brand Husky work boxes.

 

[bitpop]

I hate truck bed mounted toolboxes. They just end up collecting junk in my experience, and rust, and rattle, and they take up space right where you most often need it. And I'm a short dude so it's a pain to reach into.

I'll be finding whatever bucket & lid fits vertically in the frunk, and keeping my first aid kit, tire repair kit, funnel, paracord, ratchet straps, a multi tool, screw drivers, gloves, poncho, flashlight, US GI wool blanket, and other small items, in there. Hopefully vertical space in the frunk allows a standard 5 gal homer bucket.

Right now I have the same thing in my car's trunk, which all take up about 90% of said bucket. The bucket is a great tool as well, as previously stated, vertically challenged, but works as a stool to get to the roof rack. and idk you could probably use it to transport liquids as it was originally intended to do.