Towing a Travel Trailer? Don’t Ignore Your Truck Bed
Why campers who travel with a BEDSLIDE truck bed system wonder how they ever lived without one…
Travel trailers across the nation are rolling out of hibernation, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, as folks sling darts at the map to figure out where to go first. Ah yes, camping season has officially sprung!
This is a time when to-do lists are aggressively expanding as rigs are readied for the Great Outdoors. For new travel trailer owners, the journey starts with a high-quality hitch and a slew of other products that make towing a breeze.
Experienced campers, meanwhile, are constantly on the lookout for new toys to make their experience better and more efficient. Many have already discovered the value of maximizing their truck bed, an oft overlooked space that holds tremendous upgrade potential. Because let’s face it: the first camping trip of the season is when you’ll remember that repeatedly hoisting yourself in and out of the truck bed to retrieve cargo or fire up the generator is not that fun (and a little painful on the joints).
Arguably the best truck bed upgrade – and one that eliminates having to crawl on all fours back there – is installing a BEDSLIDE.
Towing with BEDSLIDE
BEDSLIDE owners are easy to identify on RV and camping online forums. They’re the ones loudly evangelizing the product and wondering how they lived so long without one. That’s because the convenience afforded by the smooth-rolling deck is life changing. Campers never feel more pampered than when rolling out their BEDSLIDE to load gear, or to access cargo beside the tailgate instead of in it.
With payloads between 1,000 to 2,000 pounds – depending on the BEDSLIDE model – the deck is sturdy enough to easily handle off-road & water toys, heavy generators, ice chests, firewood, and camping supplies for the entire family. It also takes just 30 to 60 minutes to install.
Every version of the BEDSLIDE features Cam Follower bearings rated at 3,282-pounds and an exclusive WEATHERDECK composite lightweight decking that guards against the elements. The manufacturer also stands behind its sliding products with a lifetime warranty after registering.
Consider this handy buyer’s guide to help decide which version of the BEDSLIDE best fits your camping needs, – and which accessories are worth adding on.
BEDSLIDE 2000 HEAVY DUTY
The sliding deck with the most payload capability is the BEDSLIDE 2000 Heavy Duty, carrying up to a ton. This BEDSLIDE is ideal for those who play hard on the weekends, but also haul heavy gear throughout the week.
BEDSLIDE 2000 Heavy Duty features double the Cam Follower bearings than its lighter stablemates, four D-Ring tie-downs, and guardrails. It comes available in 75- to 95-inch lengths and is 48 inches wide.
Accessory Recommendation: BEDSLIDE BEDBIN Side Kix
The BEDBIN Side Kix adds an additional 7×44-inch bin to each side of any BEDSLIDE, maximizing space over the wheel wells. It’s great for storing tools while keeping the BEDSLIDE open for other cargo.
BEDSLIDE 1500 CONTRACTOR
The BEDSLIDE 1500 CONTRACTOR has a smaller payload than the heavy-duty slider, but still offers 1,500 pounds of carrying capacity evenly distributed. Built for professionals, sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts, the BEDSLIDE has innovative features – like its two Cam Follower bearings on the load bearing end with four ball sealed roller bearings for guides – to make loading, transporting, and accessing your equipment quick and easy.
This slider comes with guardrails, four D-Ring tie-downs, and BEDTRAX T-slots to organize and attach sport racks. Available sizes include 63- to 95-inch lengths, and 47- or 48-inch widths.
Accessory Recommendation: BEDSLIDE BLACK BEDBIN Complete 5-Piece Kit
This kit provides side and mini BEDBINS and a deck divider, making it easier to stash and organize cargo.
BEDSLIDE 1000 CLASSIC
The BEDSLIDE CLASSIC is the perfect solution to accessing your truck bed and sliding all your stuff right from under the tonneau cover or truck cap. It holds 1,000 pounds evenly distributed and is available in Silver or Black Edition.
The CLASSIC features four D-Ring tie-downs, two Cam Follower bearings on load bearing end with two ball sealed roller bearings for guides, and comes in lengths between 58- and 95-inches. Available widths include 39- to 48-inches. Guardrails are also included.
Accessory Recommendation: BEDSLIDE DECKED Install Kit
Multitaskers rejoice—the BEDSLIDE CLASSIC is compatible with the DECKED drawer system! The BEDSLIDE DECKED install kit allows users to reach secure mounting points on top of 5.5- and 6.5-foot DECKED systems. Installation details are conveniently available online. This kit also works for the BEDSLIDE S model.
BEDSLIDE S
The BEDSLIDE S is fully customizable, allowing owners to use it without guardrails or install the optional TRAXRAILS or dividers. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, yet robust enough to carry a payload up to 1,000 pounds.
Included BEDTRAX T-slots allow users to organize and attach sport racks. Additional features include six D-Ring tie-downs and two Cam Follower bearings on load bearing end with two ball sealed roller bearings for guides. Lengths include 58- to 75-inches, and widths come between 58- and 75-inches.
Accessory Recommendation: Thule Bike Mount and BEDSLIDE Bottle Opener
Adding the Thule Bike Mount is a no-brainer for avid cyclists, while the BEDSLIDE Bottle Opener is vital for those enjoying adult beverages after a long day of outdoor adventure.
The mount kit locks bikes to the rack using a 9-mm lockable quick-release fork-mount skewer. The kit includes two BEDSLIDE mount blocks and button head screws.
