Truck Bed Modification: The Wacky, the Wild, and the Just Plain Weird

Here at the Engine Block, we really love truck beds. Tonneau covers, bed liners, cargo solutions, in-bed tents and air mattresses—we’ve covered them all. And while we have no interest in beating a dead horse, we feel this is one piece of automotive design that can’t be celebrated enough. But in all lifestyle choices, there are those who will always feel the need to push the bounds of ingenuity. From the creative to the just plain stupid, let’s take a look at some of the more interesting truck bed modification attempts that have emerged over the years.

Freeway Hot Tub

It goes without saying that this is a terrible idea for anyone who still owes money on their vehicle. However, if you own that baby, why not take advice from the totally trustworthy, fully vetted, all-knowing YouTube? According to a startlingly large number of budding video entrepreneurs, this is a very simple and guaranteed fun truck bed modification. So, grab a tarp, a hose, and a few bikini-clad young ladies and spend your day being the envy of all those around you.

**For liability purposes, our lawyers recommend that we mention that water is, in fact, deceptively heavier than most things you throw in the back of your truck. Like 62 lbs per one cubic inch, heavier. Like an inflatable swimming pool is cheaper than the damage you’ll do to your vehicle, heavier. But you know, YOLO, bro.

If I Fits, I Sits.

As if adopting a minimalist lifestyle, simplifying your belongings, and downsizing your living space wasn’t enough of a challenge, some tiny house enthusiasts have opted to go even tinier. While truck bed campers are nothing new, those designed with a decidedly residential aesthetic are certainly…different. Take this couple from Baltimore who built a 50 sq ft cabin-esque house into the bed of their F-250, which they affectionately refer to as the Ford Flophouse. Complete with shingles, trim, and a darling bright red door, this truck bed modification makes life on the road significantly more homey.

Tailgate Central

What good is a wacky truck bed modification if you can’t share it with others? We’ve seen tailgate pong and hitch-extending tables, truck bed TV mounts and wheel well coolers, but what about a full-fledged pull-out BBQ? The next time you really want to make an impression at the game, check out the Chuckwagon Mobile Grill. For about $8,000, Chuckwagon promises to revolutionize the way you BBQ. Ideal for the grillmaster in all of us, this customized grilling station installs into popular full sized short box truck beds, is quick to set up, and easily disassembles and folds up for the off-season. (Barricades against food-loving freeloaders sold separately.)

Farm-on-Wheels

We all have that one neighbor who takes crafting to a new level. But instead of turning a toilet into a twee begonia planter or an old jalopy into dainty garden art, why not make something with a little more punch? Like transforming that old 4×4 into a mobile garden. A pretty simple truck bed modification, it’s sure to draw attention. In fact, documentary filmmakers Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis used this idea as a way to prove that fresh GMO-free food can be grown anywhere—even in Red Hook. The vehicle became a mobile teaching aid for elementary schools across New York and beyond, and eventually the two men made a film about their exploits. Automotive ingenuity and community outreach? Your neighbor’s topiary doesn’t stand a chance.

Business in the Back

Banks, shmanks. Who needs a small business loan when you’ve got prime real estate just sitting in the back of your truck? Sure, you could do something boring like landscaping, hauling, or delivering. But fortune favors the bold, my friend. Take pop-up retail to another level with a traveling boutique. Brush up on your local city’s food regulations and start a teeny tiny taco truck. And have you seen America’s obsession with all things Fall-related? Throw some hay bales in the back, serve up some pumpkin spice lattes, and charge people to ride around town and watch the leaves change colors. I mean, we spend over $11 billion a year on bottled water, what’s ten bucks for a “Premium Hayride Experience”?

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

This might be the craziest modification to grace our list. Not using your truck bed? Love making bad decisions? Simply affix your hang glider equipment to the back of your pickup, gain some speed, and release your very delicate human body made of very squishable blood and tissue into the air at high speed. What could possibly go wrong?

Party On, Man

The Eighties were a weird time. And one of the stranger trends to emerge was truck bed dancing. An offshoot of mini-trucking, this fad saw truck bed modification taken to a new level. Using hydraulics and a whole lotta ingenuity, these trucks did everything from lift, to bounce, split apart, spin, and on special occasion, shoot flames. Competitions and shows were held, prizes awarded, and memories made. They say a picture says a thousand words. And since this bizarre part of automotive history has left us a little speechless, here’s a video for your entertainment.

Have you seen weirder? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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