Fairly new truck owner needs some help

[anonymous1977]

Hello folks - I just bought an f150. I am a first time truck owner. Now I am trying to understand how to load the bed and how to tie down stuff without moving. I have used several phrases on you tube like how to use a truck bed to hold down things, f150 truck bed loading etc but can't seem to hit the right videos. Can someone point me to the right search phrase for this? I am trying to understand how to hold down stuff without flopping across and how to secure things like lumber or suitcases or groceries without them sliding.

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[lrb_35128]

This is not, "an opinion-based question" and gives the impression you'd rather be spoon fed than spend a little time and effort researching.

In ~30 seconds: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+safely+load+a+pickup+truck

 

[anonymous1977]

This is not, "an opinion-based question" and gives the impression you'd rather be spoon fed than spend a little time and effort researching.

In ~30 seconds: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+safely+load+a+pickup+truck

I already told you what I searched for. If you have a different search phrase that got you the answers that is what I am looking for. Since I am new to trucks in general I am using the limited vocabulary I have to do the search.

 

[12Lariat21]

Well it seems your first response to your query, was a negative one, at least it certainly reads that way. You will unfortunately get those, but don't let it discourage asking questions, most people will just genuinely be helpful.

To answer your question, it really is just too broad of a question. A truck bed is just a big empty box, so it is really infinitely configurable, and you'll likely need different types of tie-downs, load supports, etc.. all depending on what it is your hauling. Your bed should have the 4 - anchor points circled in red. There are 4 additional mounting locations along the sides, circled in blue, that have various accessories you can buy to mount and use. A Google image search of "truck bed accessories" should get you a lot of different options, you'll just have to page through it and see if you can find what will fit your needs best.

Generally:
You'll want to at least pick up a set of ratchet tie down straps.
Ratcheting cargo bars are useful for retaining a load from shifting around, I've also used expandable shower rods for light-duty work, they just need to be able to span the width of the box.

There are also thousands of other bed accessories you can buy to customize your loading options. Just be sure your load is secure, driving 60+ mph can make a lot of stuff go flying out if not tied down correctly.

For load distribution, you'll want to keep it as close to centered over the rear axle for best ride/stability, but if your under 500lbs any where in the box will be fine.

 

[anonymous1977]

Well it seems your first response to your query, was a negative one, at least it certainly reads that way. You will unfortunately get those, but don't let it discourage asking questions, most people will just genuinely be helpful.

To answer your question, it really is just too broad of a question. A truck bed is just a big empty box, so it is really infinitely configurable, and you'll likely need different types of tie-downs, load supports, etc.. all depending on what it is your hauling. Your bed should have the 4 - anchor points circled in red. There are 4 additional mounting locations along the sides, circled in blue, that have various accessories you can buy to mount and use. A Google image search of "truck bed accessories" should get you a lot of different options, you'll just have to page through it and see if you can find what will fit your needs best.

Generally:
You'll want to at least pick up a set of ratchet tie down straps.
Ratcheting cargo bars are useful for retaining a load from shifting around, I've also used expandable shower rods for light-duty work, they just need to be able to span the width of the box.

There are also thousands of other bed accessories you can buy to customize your loading options. Just be sure your load is secure, driving 60+ mph can make a lot of stuff go flying out if not tied down correctly.

For load distribution, you'll want to keep it as close to centered over the rear axle for best ride/stability, but if your under 500lbs any where in the box will be fine.

Thank you for your helpful response. I was a bit surprised by the original response.

 

[anonymous1977]

You have a four door truck. Put the groceries and luggage in the back with the seats up or down as needed.

Thank you for the help.

 

[shalabama]

A rubber bed mat does a great job in preventing objects from sliding. I have a Dee Zee brand but Ford and others also have them.

 

[Ricksc]

You can also get a bed extender that folds in to bed, cargo nets work too

 

[Kodiak]

I use large reusable bags with hard bottoms. This lets me put a lot into each bag and bottles stay upright sitting on a hard surface. I then hook those bags to bungie cords attached to hooks for the back seat and that keeps most everything from rolling around.

I also have a large thin silicone artists sheet (blue) that lays on the carpet and that acts like the rubber bed mat to keep anything from sliding around inside on the carpet.

As others have said the rubber bed mat is one of the best things you can buy. You may/should have gotten Ford Points for the purchase and those usually total about $200 worth for a new truck. That would let you get the OEM Ford rubber bed mat for basically free. Though there are others (Husky, Black Armor etc) that also make mats for a little cheaper cost.

 

[Dakar09]

This is also a trial and error, cargo-related experiment. What you're moving is going to have a big effect on how you tie it down.

Get ratchet straps, some cam lock tie down straps, few bungy cords, etc. Keep them in a box in your bed or under the rear seat this way you always have something on-hand, and use what you need for what you're hauling.

I agree that groceries or small sundries (BOOZE!!!) go in the back seat area.

Just play around. And remember...you MUST tug on the load at least once and say "That's not going anywhere", lol

 

[discothan]

No one solution is going to work for all use cases. Example, if I'm purchasing long lumber from local box store, I'll leverage the closed tailgate and place the long pieces of wood along the top lip of the tailgate and angle the other end down toward the bottom of the front side of the bed, use ratchet straps to secure the load and attach a bright flag to the back end of the lumber.

you could spend some time in the parking lot of lumber/hardware stores and watch what "professionals" might be doing to secure their loads.

 

[anonymous1977]

Thank you all for the very helpful responses.

 

[ks54703]

Do not forget the gen 14 has a set of tie downs on the side of the tailgate AKA bottle openers. Have found these to be the most used on items of low height that extend out of the box when the tailgate is down. When loading items of lower height will lay a ratchet strap across the bed prior loading then wrap the exposed end back across to the other side and tighten as needed. Just make sure you top wrap goes over things higher the the lowest point of anchoring.

Put in a set of rear swing out tool boxes for the little things and tools that one feels they need on an occasional bases. Bonus is this also have slots for a cross bar to stop things from sliding foreword.

Groceries go on the passenger side with that side rear seat in the up position.

Do have a FORD rubber floor only mat in the bed which helps a lot also.

Mostly trial and error to find what works for your situation.

 

[anonymous1977]

This is also a trial and error, cargo-related experiment. What you're moving is going to have a big effect on how you tie it down.

Get ratchet straps, some cam lock tie down straps, few bungy cords, etc. Keep them in a box in your bed or under the rear seat this way you always have something on-hand, and use what you need for what you're hauling.

I agree that groceries or small sundries (BOOZE!!!) go in the back seat area.

Just play around. And remember...you MUST tug on the load at least once and say "That's not going anywhere", lol

Do you need the rubber mat if you already have the liner coating and how do you ensure the rubber mat does not fly off when driving?

 

[lrb_35128]

I was a bit surprised by the original response.

Based upon your earlier threads (eg: https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...uestions-while-purchasing-from-granger.24744/), combined with the vocabulary and phrasing in which you posted/responded, it would be easy to deduce you could conceive and employ, "how to safely load a pickup truck".

Claiming, "I can't..." is very different than, "I'm confused (or overwhelmed) by the volume of information" (or) "what works best for you?" - The first implies you haven't or don't want to try. The others show you have made an effort and need further help or opinions.

My intent was not to ruffle feathers and upset the masses.

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