About Bedloadout
Why I Started This Site
I've watched too many guys throw $400 at a "universal" toolbox that rattles loose on the first fire road, or trust a "heavy-duty" cargo net that snaps when you're hauling gear down a mountain pass. I'm tired of review sites that recommend products based on Amazon star ratings and manufacturer specs—they've never loaded a truck bed at 5 AM for a job site, or tried to level a rooftop tent on uneven ground in the rain.
I built Bedloadout because I got sick of learning the hard way. After leaving the Army, I spent years as an overlanding guide in the Southwest, outfitting everything from stock F-150s to dedicated trail rigs. I've seen what happens when bed slides jam with desert dust, when tonneau covers leak in monsoon storms, and when cheap bed liners crack under a load of railroad ties. This site exists to cut through the marketing BS and tell you what actually holds up when your truck is both your office and your shelter.
About Hank Torres
I'm a former Army Ranger with ten years in special operations, where I learned that gear either works under pressure or it gets you killed. That mindset didn't change when I transitioned to civilian life. For the past eight years, I've run guided overland expeditions across Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, outfitting over sixty trucks for clients ranging from construction contractors to remote wildlife photographers. I've personally installed, tested, and ultimately destroyed more truck bed gear than most people will own in a lifetime.
My expertise comes from brutal real-world verification. I've spent winters watching cheap aluminum toolboxes seize in sub-zero temperatures. I've camped in truck bed tents that leaked condensation so badly I slept in the cab instead. I've loaded bed slides until they warped, tested cargo nets until the hooks bent, and evaluated bed liners after hauling crushed stone and firewood. When I recommend something, it's because I've used it in the same conditions you'll face—whether that's a muddy job site on Monday or a rocky trailhead on Saturday.
You can trust my judgment because I don't have a warehouse full of free samples from manufacturers. I buy most of the gear I test, and when I do receive review units, they go through the same three-month minimum evaluation period. If a product fails, I say so. If there's a better solution for your specific truck or use case, I tell you. My reputation depends on being straight with you because I know what it's like to depend on your equipment when you're fifty miles from pavement.
What We Cover
Bedloadout focuses exclusively on the gear that transforms your truck bed from an empty metal box into a functional workspace or camp setup. Here's what you'll find:
- Truck bed toolboxes – Crossover, chest, and side-mount options tested for security and weather sealing
- Bed organizers and dividers – Systems that actually keep your gear from becoming a mess on rough roads
- Bed slide trays – Heavy-duty pull-out platforms rated for real cargo weights, not just empty specs
- Truck bed tents – From budget pop-ups to dedicated overland sleep systems
- Cargo nets and tie-downs – Tested for highway speeds and off-road vibration
- Bed liners and mats – Spray-in, drop-in, and rubber options evaluated for durability
- Truck camping and overland accessories – Awnings, kitchen setups, water storage, and power solutions
This site is for contractors who need gear that survives daily abuse, weekend warriors building their first camp rig, and experienced overlanders looking for equipment that won't quit when you're three days out from civilization.
How We Test & Review
Every product on this site undergoes a minimum 90-day evaluation in real-world conditions. I don't do unboxing videos or first impressions—I do long-term abuse testing. My criteria are simple: durability (will it break when you need it?), fit (does it actually match your specific truck model dimensions?), and usability (can you operate it with cold hands or in the dark?).
For bed slides, I load them to manufacturer ratings, then add 20% more weight and hit the trails. For toolboxes, I check weather sealing during actual rainstorms, not with a garden hose. For tents, I sleep in them across multiple nights in varying temperatures and humidity levels.
Bedloadout participates in affiliate programs, which means I earn a commission when you buy through my links. However, that never influences my ratings or recommendations. I refuse private advertising deals that require positive coverage, and I update reviews when products fail prematurely. My loyalty is to you and your truck, not to brand partnerships. If something's junk, you'll know it before you waste your money.
Get In Touch
Got a question about fitment for your specific truck? Want to know if a particular product can handle your work load? Or maybe you've got gear you think I should put through hell? Shoot me an email at info@bedloadout.com. I read every message, and while I can't always respond immediately, I do prioritize questions from people building out rigs for real work or real adventure.
Questions? Reach us at info@bedloadout.com