10 Tools You Should Always Keep in the Bed of Your Truck

If you drive a truck, odds are you use it for more than grocery runs. Whether you’re hauling feed, working a jobsite, or heading into the woods, having the right tools in the bed can save you time and keep you out of trouble. Here’s what you ought to keep back there, every single day.

A Quality Shovel

You’d be surprised how often a shovel comes in handy. From digging out stuck tires to tossing gravel or clearing out a spot for a fire, it’s a solid go-to.

Skip the flimsy plastic ones. Get a full-size, steel-bladed shovel and strap it down so it doesn’t slide around. If you’ve got the space, keep a spade and a flathead—they serve different jobs.

Tow Strap or Recovery Strap

If you’ve ever tried pulling a buddy out of a ditch with a chain, you know it’s not ideal. A heavy-duty recovery strap is safer, easier to use, and stores well behind the seat or in a toolbox.

Make sure it’s rated for more than your truck weighs. You don’t want it snapping under pressure. Keep the hooks strong and the strap coiled up tight—it’s the kind of tool you don’t need until you really need it.

Ratchet Straps

Bungee cords don’t cut it. Ratchet straps keep your gear tied down tight—whether it’s lumber, furniture, or a busted lawnmower.

Keep at least two in your bed and make sure they’re not frayed or sun-rotted. You’ll use them more often than you think, and a good set will last you for years.

Tool Bag or Box with Basics

You don’t need a full shop in your truck bed, but a solid set of wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and a utility knife goes a long way.

Throw them in a lockable toolbox or a weatherproof bag. It’s easier to fix things on the fly when you’ve got what you need on hand instead of hoping someone else does.

Jumper Cables

Dead batteries happen. And when they do, it’s usually at the worst time. Keeping jumper cables on hand means you don’t have to wait around or call for help.

Go with heavy-duty ones—cheap, skinny cables don’t carry enough juice. Coil them up and stash them somewhere dry so they’re ready when you need them.

Tire Plug Kit and Portable Air Compressor

You might not always have time to swap a flat. A tire plug kit can patch a puncture fast, and a 12V air compressor can get you back on the road.

Keep both tucked in your toolbox. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’ll save you a headache when you’re miles from the nearest shop.

Work Gloves

Mucking around in mud, loading sharp tools, or grabbing hot chains—you’ll want gloves. Keep a pair in the truck that you won’t cry over when they get torn up.

Leather or thick synthetic gloves hold up better than the thin kind. You’ll be glad you’ve got them when you’re wrestling with something nasty.

Hatchet or Small Axe

From chopping kindling to clearing a fallen limb, a hatchet or compact axe earns its keep quick. It’s one of those tools that’s useful in the woods, at camp, or even for quick fence repairs.

Keep it sharp and store it safely—loose blades bouncing in the bed are an accident waiting to happen. A sheath and a dedicated spot will keep it from becoming a hazard.

Flashlight or Headlamp

Stuff breaks in the dark too. A reliable flashlight or headlamp helps when you’re loading up late, changing a tire, or trying to fix something in low light.

Go with one that’s rechargeable or keep backup batteries handy. Toss it in your glovebox or center console so you’re not fumbling for your phone light when things go sideways.

Folding Saw

When a chainsaw’s too much, a folding saw gets it done. Whether you’re cutting branches out of the road or trimming back brush, it’s compact, safe to carry, and tough enough to handle hardwood.

Look for one with a locking blade and a good grip. It doesn’t take up much space, but when you need it, it’s a lifesaver.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.