Suggestions for first-time pickup owner?

[atx_ev]

Just read through the thread you linked to on the Tundra forum. I like this idea a lot. A 5' bed isn't very large once you start keeping anything in it, so a small cubby that doesn't eat into the available space is nice, and could be a great way to keep straps and the like available. How does it do with liquid? Is it sealed?

For the slate you have the frunk which would be way better for keeping loose items like that stored. No need for an in bed cubby.

 

[ReverendQ]

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?

Emergency kit, Roadside assistance kit, and fire extinguisher. I also keep spare water around.

 

[GrizzlysGhost]

An essential that may not have been mentioned: bear spray!

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Has anyone mentioned empty beer cans in the bed yet? Asking for a friend.

And please, no guacamole.

 

[AeroWolf]

Has anyone mentioned empty beer cans in the bed yet? Asking for a friend.

And please, no guacamole.

Be careful of empty beer cans. Some police jurisdictions will pull you over and call them open containers. Even if they are in bed.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Be careful of empty beer cans. Some police jurisdictions will pull you over and call them open containers. Even if they are in bed.

Sounds like the voice of experience, another 'friend' story no doubt.

 

[E90400K]

in addition to the above
1) chamois
2) paper towels
3) umbrella
4) spare shoes, socks, shirt
5) stainless steel 64 oz water
6) spool of wire (e.g. florists wire) - like it better than rope
7) extra 9mm ammunition
8) small camping stove and fuel tabs
9) water filter
10) dry snack bars - I use emergency ones that last forever
11) whistle
12) backpack
My first aid kit has a few things for a car crash
1) israeli bandage
2) clotting powder
3) self adhesive bandages
4) big gauze pads

Where do you sit?

 

[pdxmotorhead]

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.

I use the floor mat from Farm supply stores, its high traction for horses and cattle, it can be cut with a basic saw, it deadens sound like crazy, it comes in a couple thicknesses I also put a chunk on the floor in the front of my jeep just to quiet things down and the stuff is bulletproof, takes decades to wear it out.

 

[EJensen]

I use the floor mat from Farm supply stores, its high traction for horses and cattle, it can be cut with a basic saw, it deadens sound like crazy, it comes in a couple thicknesses I also put a chunk on the floor in the front of my jeep just to quiet things down and the stuff is bulletproof, takes decades to wear it out.

Very interesting. Never heard of the stuff, looks very useful as a raw material.

Here is a 4x6' version that Tractor Supply sells. Other sizes available. I can imagine cutting out for the wheel wells from this size.

If you want to do your own search, look for 'rubber stall mat'.

 

[GrizzlysGhost]

I use the floor mat from Farm supply stores, its high traction for horses and cattle, it can be cut with a basic saw, it deadens sound like crazy, it comes in a couple thicknesses I also put a chunk on the floor in the front of my jeep just to quiet things down and the stuff is bulletproof, takes decades to wear it out.

I park my motorcycle on these in the garage (bought them from the local Menards); very rugged and very heavy. Great idea for the bed, might have to try this!

 

[TPL]

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.

Yeah, good thinking. The frunk should be more than big enough for emergency essentials like duct tape, rope, zip ties, gloves, ski mask and maybe one of those folding camping shovels.

 

[E90400K]

I use the floor mat from Farm supply stores, its high traction for horses and cattle, it can be cut with a basic saw, it deadens sound like crazy, it comes in a couple thicknesses I also put a chunk on the floor in the front of my jeep just to quiet things down and the stuff is bulletproof, takes decades to wear it out.

Yeah, I have a horse mat in front of my work bench. Super comfy on the feet when covering a concrete floor. I've had thoughts of doing the entire shop with them, but that can get pricy...