The "Short Bed" Problem: How to Haul Big Gear in a 5'8" Silverado
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You just bought an incredible Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab.
You absolutely love the massive, spacious interior for your family, but to get those giant rear doors and still fit the truck inside your garage, you had to compromise on the back end: you bought the 5'8" Short Bed.
For 90% of your daily driving, the Short Bed is perfectly fine. But then the weekend arrives.
You try to load your dirt bike, and the rear tire sits squarely on the tailgate hinge. You go to the hardware store for a stack of 8-foot lumber, and it hangs dangerously far out the back of the truck. You throw a heavy toolbox in the back, and the second you hit the brakes, it slides down the slippery grooved floor and smashes against the front of the bed where you can't reach it.
You just discovered the "Short Bed" Problem.
You don't need to trade your truck in for a massive, unparkable Long Bed. You just need to properly utilize the space you have.
In this guide, we explain exactly how premium bed engineers like AMP Research, UnderCover, and BedRug have completely solved the Short Bed dilemma. We'll show you how to instantly reclaim 2 feet of hauling space with a flip-out Bed Extender, how to stop your cargo from violently sliding with a heavy-duty bed mat, and how to securely store your tools without eating up your precious floor space.
Compare Premium Bed Upgrades
Aluminum Extenders, Swinging Cases, or Anti-Slip Mats?
|
Upgrade Type |
Top Brands |
Installation |
Best For |
|
Aluminum Bed Extender |
AMP Research |
Medium. (Drilling). |
Short Bed Hauling. Flips out onto the open tailgate to give you an extra 2 feet of enclosed cargo space. Flips inward to create a barricade to keep groceries at the tailgate. |
|
Swinging Storage Case |
UnderCover |
Medium. (Bracket). |
Tool Organization. A weatherproof, lockable case that tucks completely out of the way behind the wheel well. Pull a lever, and it swings out directly over the tailgate for instant access. |
|
Impact Bed Liner |
BedRug |
Easy. (Velcro). |
Total Protection. Looks and feels like plush carpet, but is actually 100% waterproof polypropylene. Saves your knees when crawling in the bed and stops heavy cargo from sliding. |
|
Heavy-Duty Rubber Mat |
Husky / WeatherTech |
Easy. (Drop-In). |
Budget Anti-Slip. A massive, 3/8-inch thick slab of custom-cut rubber. Instantly stops heavy toolboxes and coolers from sliding around on slippery spray-in liners. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Bed Accessories)
Will a BedRug hold water and cause my truck bed to permanently rust?
No, absolutely not.
This is the most common misconception. A BedRug looks and feels exactly like premium carpet, but it is actually engineered from closed-cell plastic foam (the same material as life jackets). It physically cannot absorb water. Rainwater simply runs right through the woven surface and drains out of the factory weep holes in your Silverado's steel floor. It will never mold, mildew, or trap corrosive moisture.
Can I install an UnderCover SwingCase if I already have a Tonneau Cover?
Yes, perfectly.
The brilliant design of the UnderCover SwingCase is that it mounts completely flush against the inside wall of the bed, perfectly utilizing the "dead space" behind the wheel wells. Because it sits several inches below the bed rails, it is 100% compatible with almost every hard-folding or roll-up tonneau cover on the market.
Do I actually have to drill into my truck to mount an AMP Research BedXtender?
Yes, generally.
To ensure the extender can safely hold heavy loads (like leaning a dirt bike tire against it), the pivot brackets must be securely mounted to the reinforced D-pillars at the very back of the truck bed. This requires drilling small holes and using heavy-duty hardware. (Note: Some "No-Drill" bracket kits are available separately, but the drilled method is highly recommended for maximum strength).
Maximize your payload.
Extend your hauling capacity, stop the cargo slide, and organize your tools safely. Shop our verified collection of premium 2019–2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Bed Accessories.