Buyer's Guide to Truck Bed Slides

Choosing a pickup truck is often a balancing act between work function and everyday practicality. One of the biggest factors for truck buyers is the size of the truck bed. However, sometimes even the largest truck bed isn't enough for certain loads or workspaces. 

That's where truck bed slides come in. By installing a truck bed slide in your truck, you can significantly expand its versatility for both work and everyday use.

What Is a Truck Bed Slide?

A truck bed slide comprises two main parts. The first is the frame of the truck bed slide that bolts into your truck bed. The second part is the bed slide or drawer, which rolls along a track in the frame.

Depending on the model, there might be various differences. For example, average weight capacities can range between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds. 

Truck bed slides that are constructed of sturdier materials can often take more weight. The number of rollers can make a difference too. Different models might have between eight and 20 rollers. The more rollers the slide has, the easier it will be to slide out. 

Bed slides are constructed of various materials, with most being made of anodized aluminum or steel. Some slides include rubber floors for a non-skid surface. Some models also offer a variety of extras and add-ons to customize your bed. Most slides are also compatible with cargo straps and tie-downs.

What to Consider with Truck Bed Slides

There are various things to consider when buying a truck bed slide. Probably the first one is load. Just like a truck bed, there will be a load limit for a bed slide system. It's important to know what this is, as exceeding it could damage the slide and your truck bed. 

If you only plan to carry light cargo, you can probably get away with a weight between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds. 

Another consideration is weight distribution. Some bed slide models require a certain weight distribution to safely carry cargo. Again, if you only plan to carry light cargo, this might not be a problem. But if you plan to carry heavier cargo, you'll want to get a platform that doesn't require weight distribution.

The length of the slide is also important. Typically, you'll judge this by measuring how much the slide extends the truck bed. For example, a 50% slide-out will extend your truck bed by roughly half of its current length. For most truck owners, the higher the length, the more versatile the slide will be for storage and hauling. 

Accessibility is another concern. The biggest benefit of a slide-out tray is that it makes loading a lot easier. When you pull out the platform, you'll have easier access to the area and you can load cargo without climbing over the vehicle. 

Higher slide lengths allow you to load and unload heavy items with easy access. For example, a slide with 100% length will give you complete access without needing to get into the truck at all.

Customization and Risk Reduction

Easy access means risk reduction for those with work trucks. If you have a tray that doesn't need weight distribution, then you can load it with safety and efficiency in mind rather than where the weight falls. 

Platforms that extend further are also safer for loading and unloading. Most injuries during loading and unloading happen when someone climbs into the truck bed and attempts to move heavy items.

The other benefit of installing a truck bed slide is the range of customization. Some slide-outs are very simple systems that just carry cargo. However, some models offer a variety of additional storage options. For example, you might find a model with drawers and shelving. Some models can be customized during the purchase process if desired.

Our Favorite Brands

Choosing the best bed slide will most likely come down to how you plan to use it. One person's perfect bed slide might not work for someone else. However, there are some top brands to consider when you look for a bed slide.

Bedslide

Bedslide offers a fairly large product line and you can get a lifetime warranty if you register your purchase on the company's site. Most Bedslide models come in a single-tray design, but if you add the 5 piece BedBin kit it turns into a two-tiered layout with side bedbins for tools and supplies.

The weight capacity of Bedslide models varies between 1,000 pounds and 2,000 pounds. The length varies as well. For example, the Bedslide 1500 Contractor model comes in lengths between 63 and 95 inches, and widths between 47 and 48 inches. Finding the one you need will depend on your truck's measurements and weight capacity.

Decked / CargoGlide

Decked acquired CargoGlide in early 2022 and is gradually rebranding the CargoGlide bed slides with the Decked branding. While we don’t have inside information on the details, the Decked and CargoGlide bed slides look virtually identical and the price is exactly the same.

Decked CargoGlide is a brand we like with several models to choose from. Most models have 1,000 pounds of weight capacity, but there are also models that can hold 1,500 and 2,200 pounds.

The Decked CargoGlide design is a simple tray with a steel frame, a real plywood deck, and a TPO rubber laminated surface for strength and durability. Decked also does custom builds for trucks and cargo vans.

For tall and lifted trucks, Decked makes drop-down stabilizer legs to hold your bed slide in place when it's extended.

Length and width vary by model, but Decked makes slides for midsize trucks up to full-size trucks. Decked CargoGlide bed slides are made from coated industrial-grade marine plywood and heavy gauge, powder-coated American steel.

The Decked CargoGlide installed on the Decked Storage Drawer System

Installing Truck Bed Slides

Truck bed slides aren't complicated to install, but they are very heavy and you'll need a helper and power tools to install them. If you don't have the mechanical savvy, an extra person, or tools to do it yourself, you can get professional installation at any H&H Truck location.

Each manufacturer has different instructions and it may vary depending on your truck bed. In general, ensure that your bed is clean and that you leave plenty of room to bolt down the slide on each side.

Transform your truck bed instantly into something more versatile and accessible with truck bed slides. You can rely on H&H Truck Accessories for a wide selection of bed slide options from top brands like Decked and Bedslide.