6 Best Lockable Equipment Mounts For Truck Beds For Tools

Nothing ruins a backcountry arrival quite like hearing an expensive shovel or recovery board rattling loose in the truck bed over washboard gravel roads. Securing gear properly isn’t just about protecting your investment; it is a critical safety measure that prevents heavy equipment from becoming a projectile during an emergency maneuver. Choosing the right lockable mount turns a disorganized cargo area into a streamlined, high-performance basecamp.

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BuiltRight Bedside Rack: Best Modular System

The BuiltRight Bedside Rack is the gold standard for those who treat their truck bed like a workshop. It replaces flimsy factory plastic with a rigid, laser-cut steel panel that spans the side of the truck bed, providing endless mounting holes for MOLLE-compatible accessories, fire extinguishers, and tool pouches.

Because it is modular, this system is ideal for users who frequently swap gear between a weekend mountain bike trip and a week-long overlanding expedition. It keeps heavy items off the floor, maximizing floor space for coolers or camping chairs while keeping frequently used tools at waist height.

Opt for this system if organizational precision is a priority and you enjoy customizing your loadout for different seasons. It is a heavy-duty investment that rewards those who take the time to dial in their gear layout for maximum efficiency.

Yakima TopGrip Mount: Best for Existing Racks

If a bed rack system is already installed on the truck, the Yakima TopGrip is the most seamless way to secure long-handled tools like axes, shovels, or recovery boards. It uses a high-friction rubber grip that locks down firmly, ensuring that even under heavy vibrations, gear remains immovable.

This mount thrives in environments where space is at a premium and tools must be accessible from the exterior of the vehicle. By utilizing the vertical bars of an existing rack, the TopGrip frees up bed floor space for bulkier items like tents or spare tires.

This is the right choice for the dedicated adventurer who already has a rack infrastructure in place and wants a low-profile, reliable way to attach essential trail tools. It prioritizes accessibility and quick deployment over bulk, making it a favorite for rapid-response trail repairs.

Hi-Lift Jack Loc-Rac: Best for Heavy-Duty Tools

A Hi-Lift jack is one of the most effective recovery tools available, but its size and weight make it notoriously difficult to mount securely. The Loc-Rac is specifically engineered to handle the substantial weight of these jacks while providing a lockable mechanism to prevent theft in remote trailheads.

This mount holds the jack firmly in a horizontal or vertical position, preventing the inevitable “clunk” associated with lower-quality brackets. By securing the jack at both the base and the handle, it eliminates the rattling noise that can distract from an otherwise quiet wilderness experience.

Choose the Loc-Rac if you are a serious off-roader who carries a Hi-Lift as a primary recovery tool. It is built to withstand extreme mechanical stress and ensures that when the time comes to lift a vehicle out of a rut, the jack is ready and exactly where it was left.

DECKED Core Trax 1000: Best Integrated System

For those who prioritize a clean, professional aesthetic, the DECKED Core Trax 1000 offers a versatile tie-down system that integrates directly into existing storage platforms. It utilizes a high-strength aluminum track that allows for infinite adjustability, making it easy to shift tool positions as the cargo load changes.

The strength of this system lies in its versatility; it works just as well for securing a gas can as it does for locking down a heavy toolbox. Because the tie-down loops can be moved along the length of the track, you are never locked into a single configuration.

This is the ideal solution for someone who values a multi-purpose bed system that keeps the truck looking orderly and professional. If you prefer a modular setup that can adapt to both work equipment during the week and camping gear on the weekends, this system provides the necessary flexibility.

Quick Fist Clamp Kit: Best for Custom Setups

Quick Fist clamps are the industry secret for anyone needing to mount oddly shaped tools, such as light-duty shovels, axes, or even fishing rods, directly to a flat surface. They are essentially heavy-duty rubber clamps that absorb shock and vibration, preventing damage to both the tool and the truck finish.

These mounts are incredibly forgiving, allowing for “custom” spacing that rigid steel mounts simply cannot provide. While they offer less inherent security than steel brackets, pairing them with a small cable lock turns them into a versatile, semi-permanent storage solution.

Select Quick Fist clamps if you are working with a limited budget or have a unique space that doesn’t accommodate standard hardware. They are the perfect solution for the DIY enthusiast who wants a reliable, low-cost way to keep gear from sliding around during technical off-road driving.

Kolpin Rhino Grip XL: Best Value Universal Mount

The Kolpin Rhino Grip XL stands out as a highly adaptable, affordable, and durable choice for anyone looking for a reliable way to carry gear without complex installation. These clamps feature a heavy-duty rubber strap and a cushioned grip that conforms to the shape of whatever tool is being carried.

Whether you are carrying a chainsaw for trail clearing or a shovel for building a fire pit, these grips hold tight regardless of the terrain. Their ability to rotate and lock into multiple positions makes them an excellent value for users who change their equipment list frequently.

This is the best choice for the casual adventurer who needs a “set it and forget it” solution that doesn’t break the bank. It offers professional-grade retention at a price point that makes it easy to outfit an entire truck bed with multiple mounts for various tools.

Choosing Your Mount: Bed Racks vs. Bed Walls

Deciding where to mount your gear is just as important as the mount itself. Bed walls are generally better for accessibility, allowing you to grab a tool without crawling into the truck bed, but they limit the amount of gear you can carry.

Bed racks, on the other hand, provide a much higher volume of space and allow for mounting gear on the exterior of the truck bed side panels. This keeps the interior of the bed clear for large camping items like coolers, sleeping pads, and storage totes.

• Bed Wall Mounts: Best for quick access and smaller gear sets.
• Bed Rack Mounts: Essential for long trips requiring multiple tools and large camping gear.
• Weight Considerations: Always mount heavier items lower to maintain a stable center of gravity during highway driving.

Installation Tips: No-Drill vs. Drilled Mounts

No-drill mounts typically utilize factory bed rails or existing holes provided by the vehicle manufacturer. These are perfect for those who want to maintain the resale value of their truck and avoid the risk of rust caused by drilling into the chassis.

Drilled mounts offer the highest level of security and rigidity, especially for very heavy items like jacks or oversized fuel cans. If choosing this route, always use a high-quality sealant or a rubber gasket to prevent water from entering the drilled holes and creating corrosion over time.

• No-Drill: Ideal for lease vehicles or those who swap gear setups every season.
• Drilled: Necessary for permanent, heavy-duty applications where maximum load bearing is required.
• Pro Tip: Always touch up any drilled metal with automotive paint to prevent oxidation before installing the hardware.

Lock Security: How to Keep Your Tools Safe

A mount is only as good as its locking mechanism, especially when parked at a remote trailhead for several days. Many high-end mounts offer integrated key locks, but for universal mounts, consider adding a heavy-duty cable lock that threads through the handles of your tools.

Placement is another layer of security; mounts located on the interior side of a bed wall are significantly harder to tamper with than those on the exterior. Whenever possible, pair your mounts with a locking tonneau cover or a bed topper to keep gear out of sight and out of reach of opportunistic thieves.

Ultimately, remember that locks only deter the casual thief. If you are hauling expensive equipment for a remote expedition, prioritize physical security—like a locking toolbox—in addition to your external mounts to ensure total peace of mind while away from the vehicle.

Caring for Mounts in Rain, Mud, and Snow

Outdoor equipment is subjected to a constant barrage of grit, moisture, and salt, which can seize up locking mechanisms and corrode mounting hardware. After returning from a muddy off-road excursion, take the time to hose down the mounts and ensure that all moving parts are free of debris.

Applying a light silicone-based lubricant to hinges and lock cylinders will prevent them from freezing during winter trips and keep them smooth during summer adventures. If you see signs of surface rust on steel components, address them immediately with a wire brush and a quick spray of rust-inhibiting paint.

Treat your mounts as essential gear components rather than static pieces of metal. A well-maintained mount will last for the life of the vehicle, whereas a neglected one will eventually fail during the most inconvenient moment on the trail.

Properly mounted tools are the hallmark of a prepared adventurer. By matching your gear to the right mount and maintaining the hardware, you ensure that your equipment remains secure, accessible, and ready for whatever the trail throws your way. Get out there, explore the terrain, and enjoy the confidence that comes with a perfectly organized truck.