Cargo 101 - Maximize your Truck's Storage Space

18/03/2025 •

Your truck is meant to be used. But are you really using it? Are you making the most of the space that you have?

And we're not talking about just the bed and the cab. We're talking about the space above the bed. In this blog post, we'll discuss the best ways to carry cargo, so you can maximize your trucks space.

Cargo

One of the keys to creating more space is to keep the bed free for storage - but if you're traveling, or you're using your bed for a certain activity ( like carrying lumber, or bikes etc), you'll quickly run out of space.

The best way to fix that? Add a bed rack. Why? Adding a bed rack creates an extra platform for storage, above the bed - ultimately freeing up space in the bed and cab. For example, in the image below, you can see a Thule XT cargo box (on top of a 5" BillieBars Bed Rack) is greatly increasing the this Tundra's storage space.

The cargo box option keeps things organized and secure, and you'll still have space on the crossbars to add other items, like a bike or a kayak.

If you're not sure what bed rack is correct for you, check out this page to get a better idea.

In terms of what cargo box you should use, we've outlined a few great options below.

Thule Force XT

We've tested and used this one before but in terms of adding and removing a cargo box, this one checks all the boxes (it's the image above, FYI). We'd recommend their T Slot Adapter kit, in conjunction with the box, for easy mounting.

The T Slot adapter kit allows you to slide t nuts into the t slots of the crossbars, as shown below (cargo box not attached). We also went in depth on this box for the Holidays in 2023, which you can find here.....

Below is an image of the t slot adapter kit without the box installed. You can't see them in the photo below, but there are t nuts below the knobs. To install the box, you'd remove the knobs, line the pins up to their respective holes on the base of the cargo box, and retighten the knobs with the box sandwiched in between.

The Thule Force XT is light weight, lockable, and waterproof, so you can safely store your belongings. It's one of the larger cargo boxes we've come across, so you can really pack this thing full of life's necessities.

ROAM Adventure Co Cases

We're an authorized dealer for ROAM, with their cargo cases and rugged mounts being an excellent option for securely mounting a really really rigid, cargo box. They have a wide array of sizes, depending on what you're looking to do.

The most popular case is their 95L which is shown below on our 5" BillieBars, and is being secured with their Rugged Mounts.

This is a great option if you plan on taking the box on and off often, and don't want to drill into the box to secure it. The rugged mounts and rugged case are both lockable so you know your items will be secure!

The Vault from Pelican

If you're carrying firearms for hunting, this is a great option. It's lockable (with a pad lock) so you can securely store your firearms or other belongings. It's a little longer than some other cargo boxes, which is great for holding longer hunting shotguns.

A friendly reminder to always practice firearm safety!

Mounting any Cargo Box by drilling

At the end of the day, you don't have to pick any box that we have listed here. And you don't have to use any special mounting brackets to mount said cargo box.

You could pick any cargo box and drill 4 small holes in the bottom of the box (make sure you have your crossbar spacing exactly dialed in before drilling), and use on of our M8 kits to secure the box to the bars. You could add a rubber washer around the bolt head (inside the box) to prevent any waterproofing issues - see example below (inside of the Vault from Pelican).