Buzz
Every year, pick-up trucks continue to lead the automotive market, consistently occupying a spot in the top 10 bestselling vehicles in the country. Consumers appreciate the spacious cargo area, perfect for transporting everything from groceries to DIY project materials. Modern trucks, unlike those from decades ago, are also packed with advanced features.
However, one aspect of the design leaves some people puzzled—those vertical and horizontal grooves in the truck beds.
Understanding the Purpose of Pick-Up Truck Bed Grooves
The grooves have multiple uses, but one of their most appealing functions is their ability to assist with bed dividers. In an instructional video for Ford's top-selling F-150, the company demonstrates how drivers can use 2x4s in the grooves to create more defined cargo spaces within the bed.
Why would you want to do this? Think about loading several cans of paint or floor tiles. You don’t want them shifting or spilling in the bed, so it’s much better to wedge them securely between two barriers: the wooden divider and the tailgate.
You may also notice indentations above the wheel wells. According to page 80 of the Ram 1500 owner's manual [PDF], inserting a piece of wood into these indents creates a raised floor that allows drivers to store cargo, such as plywood sheets, that might be too wide to fit between the wheel wells. This setup also provides extra storage space beneath the raised cargo.
As for the horizontal grooves in the bed floor: While the owner's manuals don’t offer much detail, it’s likely that they’re designed to enhance traction for cargo, channel rainwater away from the bed, and offer more structural support than a flat surface.
In the future, these grooves may be complemented by a new feature: magnetized surfaces. In 2022, Ford filed a patent for a system where specific spots on the bed could be activated to secure metal tools in place without the need for a divider.
Is it safe to ride in the bed of a pick-up truck?
Truck beds don’t include safety features for passengers. Sitting in the bed is generally unsafe since passengers can be thrown out in the event of an accident. However, whether or not you’ll get cited for it depends on where you are. Many states have laws that prohibit this practice, while others don’t.
The Function of Tailgate Grooves
Newer pick-up trucks feature indentations in various places, including the tailgate. Ford explains the purpose of these in their F-150 owner's manual. The tailgate is designed to serve as a work surface when lowered, with features like a cup holder (the circle), a tablet stand for propping up your device, a clamp pocket, and even a ruler.
These features can vary depending on the manufacturer, so not every pick-up will have all of them. But you’ll likely still be able to adapt your truck bed to suit your needs, no matter what life throws your way.
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