- First Name
- Jim
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2022
- Threads
- 73
- Messages
- 549
- Reaction score
- 896
- Location
- Athens, AL
- Vehicle(s)
- Porsche 944NA, Mazda Miata, PT Cruiser Conv.
- Engine
- 2.5L Hybrid
- Thread starter
- #1
After completing the installation of the powered retractable tonneau cover I won in a contest giveaway sponsored by Wolfbox, I have since turned my attention to my truck’s bed and trying to recreate something similar to what I had before changing out the bed cover. The installation of the new cover necessitated stripping the bed down to the bare DIBL. The tradeoff with accepting the convenience of the retractable cover was the loss of overall cargo area and access to a significant span of the side cargo rails overtaken by the cover’s mounts or hidden by the box that receives the retractable slats. I regret that I lost the utility of several Maxzina retractable cargo straps I had modified to be adjustable along the length of the side rails. They are now in a fixed position in the rear upper corners. I also lost the storage use of Maxzina’s Molle panel that had been previously secured along the bed’s full front wall.
The attached photos reflect what I have come up with. As always, I expect it will evolve over time. While it looks busy and having limited actual cargo space, those items that break up the open space of the bed are easily removeable without tools. The Mabett sliding bed divider was a must retain for me. I value that I can slide it into position with ease, flip it to the horizontal to slide long items the full length of the bed, or simply lift it out. I have a 30” aluminum cargo box that normally remains with the truck. It serves as storage for an assortment of light weight tiedowns, elastic cargo nets, rechargeable roadside hazard warning lights, and a tow strap among other items. Maxzina’s center folding bed divider serves to keep the box in place between it and Mabett’s divider. One inexpensive accessory whose value far exceeds its price is the elastic envelop-style cargo net from Maxzina that snap links into the OEM corner tiedown anchors. It comes into use with every grocery run or stop at a convenience store. Lastly, there are several areas that allow me to make use of the multiple Molle pouches and attachments I have collected for other purposes. One area makes use of a panel that had been a component of Maxzina’s bed side panels. The bed is adaptable for my daily or special hauling needs. After all, isn’t that what a pickup is for?
The attached photos reflect what I have come up with. As always, I expect it will evolve over time. While it looks busy and having limited actual cargo space, those items that break up the open space of the bed are easily removeable without tools. The Mabett sliding bed divider was a must retain for me. I value that I can slide it into position with ease, flip it to the horizontal to slide long items the full length of the bed, or simply lift it out. I have a 30” aluminum cargo box that normally remains with the truck. It serves as storage for an assortment of light weight tiedowns, elastic cargo nets, rechargeable roadside hazard warning lights, and a tow strap among other items. Maxzina’s center folding bed divider serves to keep the box in place between it and Mabett’s divider. One inexpensive accessory whose value far exceeds its price is the elastic envelop-style cargo net from Maxzina that snap links into the OEM corner tiedown anchors. It comes into use with every grocery run or stop at a convenience store. Lastly, there are several areas that allow me to make use of the multiple Molle pouches and attachments I have collected for other purposes. One area makes use of a panel that had been a component of Maxzina’s bed side panels. The bed is adaptable for my daily or special hauling needs. After all, isn’t that what a pickup is for?
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