A large, blue pickup truck with oversized tires in a gritty urban environment with brick buildings in the background.

Truck Bed Accessories Playbook: F-150 Tonneau Cover Types, Racks, Rails & Tie-Downs

Shop Trucks
Schedule Service
Contact Us

Your Complete Guide to Making the Most of Your Ford Truck Bed

Your truck bed is more than just a cargo box; it’s a workspace, a gear hauler, an adventure platform, and in many cases, the heart of your truck’s capability. Whether you’re maximizing security, improving organization, or prepping for your next hunting trip, truck bed accessories can transform the way your Ford works for you.

This guide breaks down everything from Ford F-150 tonneau cover options to truck bed racks, rails, tie-downs, and more—giving you the knowledge to choose the perfect setup for your lifestyle.

How to Choose the Right Setup 💡

Ask Yourself:

  • Do you haul tools daily?

  • Need weather protection?

  • Planning camping trips?

  • Want flexible cargo organization?

  • Frequently carry sports or adventure equipment?

Your answers determine whether you should prioritize Ford F-150 tonneau covers, racks, tie-downs, or bedliners first.

Truck Bed Rack Types: Adventure-Ready Utility

Make Room for the Big Stuff

Adding truck bed racks unlocks vertical storage, making it easy to carry kayaks, ladders, bikes, rooftop tents, oversized lumber, or construction gear. Racks maximize space without reducing bed usability, making them a top upgrade for work and play. 

Best For: Drivers who need versatility, adventure gear storage, or jobsite functionality.

1. Overland Truck Bed Racks

  • Taller, heavy-duty frames

  • Perfect for tents, recovery gear, and off-road setups

  • Great for Bronco and F-150 adventure builds

2. Low-Profile Utility Racks

  • Sleek, aerodynamic design

  • Ideal for contractors

  • Works with tonneau covers (select models)

3. Side-Mounted & Ladder Racks

  • Designed for tools, ladders, scaffolding, or hoses

  • Durable steel or aluminum construction

  • Essential for trades and commercial use

Silver pickup truck with tonneau cover parked outdoors.
Truck bed with storage compartment and red taillight in the background.

Tonneau Covers: Security, Style & Better Efficiency

Tonneau covers are one of the most popular truck bed accessories, offering weather protection, increased security, and improved aerodynamics—all while giving your F-150 a sleek, finished look. Whether you want lightweight convenience or hardcore durability, there’s a Ford F-150 tonneau cover for every lifestyle.

Types of Tonneau Covers

Here are the primary types to know:

1. Soft Roll-Up Covers

  • Lightweight and easy to install

  • Budget-friendly

  • Ideal for drivers who need quick bed access

Best For: Everyday use, occasional hauling, improved fuel efficiency.

2. Hard Folding Covers

  • Made with durable composite or aluminum panels

  • Offers higher security

  • Folds in sections for partial or full bed access

Best For: Outdoor gear, tools, or anyone needing extra theft protection from their Ford F-150 tonneau cover.

3. Retractable Covers

  • Slide open with a canister system

  • Sleek, ultra-modern look

  • Excellent combination of security and accessibility

Best For: Drivers who want premium function and a clean visual aesthetic with their truck bed accessories.

4. One-Piece Hinged Covers

  • Lift open like a trunk

  • Very secure and weather-sealed

  • Perfectly matched to the truck’s paint (optional)

Best For: Drivers who want a seamless, premium look and full weather protection from their Ford F-150 tonneau cover.

A red 4x4 pickup truck with a black cargo bed cover and visible rear lights against a clear blue sky.
Red pickup truck with black retractable cover and open cargo bed.

Bed Rails, Tie-Downs & Organization Systems

Keeping gear secure isn’t optional—it’s essential. Ford offers bed rails and tie-down solutions to use in tandem with your Ford F-150 tonneau cover that give you the flexibility to haul everything from furniture to tools to weekend toys. Here are the top bed accessories to consider:

1. Bed Rails

  • Add mounting points for cargo

  • Help stabilize tall or awkward loads

  • Available in chrome, powder-coated black, or stainless steel

2. Tie-Down Anchors

  • Heavy-duty cleats

  • Adjustable along built-in track systems

  • Perfect for securing small cargo or preventing load shift

3. Bed Extenders

  • Ideal for lumber, bikes, and oversized cargo

  • Flip inwards to add cargo dividers

  • Flip outwards for added length

4. Cargo Nets & Dividers

  • Keep groceries, tools, and smaller gear organized

  • Prevent items from sliding or rolling

5. Undercover Storage Options

  • Built-in cubbies

  • Toolboxes

  • Locking trunk-style units (for select models)

A pickup truck with various equipment and gear parked in front of a red barn-like structure, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains.

Spray-In & Drop-In Bedliners

A protected bed means a longer-lasting truck. Pair a bedliner with your Ford F-150 tonneau cover for more comprehensive bed protection.

Spray-In Bedliners

  • Permanent, textured coating

  • Excellent scratch and dent protection

  • No movement or shifting over time

Drop-In Bedliners

  • Affordable

  • Quick installation

  • Easy to replace

Best For: Anyone who hauls tools, debris, landscaping materials, or heavy equipment.

Ready to Upgrade Your Truck Bed?

Whether you’re adding a Ford F-150 tonneau cover, organizing tools, maximizing weekend adventure storage, or upgrading your truck’s look, J.C. Lewis Motor Co. is here to help. Explore our truck bed accessories in-store or schedule an appointment with our parts team today.

Get in Touch

FAQs: Truck Bed Accessories Guide 

Before upgrading your truck bed, here are answers to the questions we hear most from Georgia drivers.