6 Best Bed Mounted Tool Racks For Long Handled Garden Tools

A cluttered truck bed is the enemy of efficiency when there are fences to mend or garden beds to prep. Shovels, rakes, and hoes sliding across the metal floor not only dull their edges but also pose a risk to the vehicle’s finish. Investing in a high-quality bed-mounted tool rack turns a chaotic workspace into a mobile command center for any hobby farm.

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Buyers Products LT10: Best Multi-Tool Carrier

This rack is designed for those who refuse to leave any essential tool behind. It features a vertical design that can accommodate up to six long-handled tools simultaneously, making it a powerhouse for large-scale planting days. The steel construction is finished with a durable powder coat to resist the elements, while the snap-in rubber pads ensure that handles remain snug and silent during transit.

Stability is the hallmark of the LT10. It utilizes a high-strength mounting system that bolts directly to the interior bed rails, providing a rigid foundation even when driving over rutted pasture. The vertical orientation is a specific advantage for those with short-bed trucks, as it preserves the floor space for bulky items like hay bales or compost bags.

This is the definitive choice for the farmer who manages a diverse array of tasks in a single outing. If the daily routine involves switching between a spade, a pitchfork, and multiple rakes, this carrier provides the necessary organization. It is not for the minimalist, but for the high-volume user, it is an unbeatable asset.

Kolpin Rhino Grip Pro: Best for UTV Bed Rails

When a full-sized truck is too cumbersome for tight garden paths, a UTV becomes the primary workhorse. The Kolpin Rhino Grip Pro is specifically engineered to handle the vibrations and jarring movements of off-road vehicles. These grips utilize a heavy-duty cast aluminum base and a durable rubber lining that protects tool handles from marring or splintering.

The flexibility of these mounts is their greatest strength. They can be rotated 360 degrees and tilted in 45-degree increments, allowing for custom configurations in cramped UTV beds. Whether the goal is to carry a single shovel or a pair of loppers, the ratcheting design ensures a tight hold that won’t give way on steep inclines.

This product is the right fit for the farmer who prioritizes agility and quick access. It excels in “check and repair” scenarios where only one or two tools are needed for a specific task. If the vehicle is primarily a Side-by-Side used for perimeter checks or light landscaping, these grips are the superior mounting solution.

Dee Zee DZ95200 Rack: Best Full-Size Truck Pick

The Dee Zee DZ95200 is more than a tool holder; it is a comprehensive bed protection system. This mesh-style rack spans the width of the cab, providing a massive surface area for mounting various tool clips and brackets. It effectively moves the storage off the bed floor and against the cab, which is ideal for protecting the rear window from shifting cargo.

Installation is straightforward for most full-size pickups, utilizing the existing stake pockets for a secure fit. The steel mesh allows for nearly infinite customization, as tools can be strapped or bolted at various heights and angles. This versatility is essential for those who frequently change their tool loadout based on the season.

Choose this rack if the truck serves as a multi-purpose farm vehicle. It offers the most flexibility for custom mounting, making it the top choice for someone who needs to carry long-handled tools alongside heavy equipment or construction materials. It is a rugged, professional-grade option for the serious land manager.

Great Day LP350 Lawn Pro: Best Compact Mount

For the farmer operating a mid-sized truck or a compact tractor, space is always at a premium. The Great Day LP350 addresses this by mounting tools at an angle along the side rails. This design keeps the tools accessible from outside the vehicle while maintaining a low profile that won’t catch on low-hanging branches in an orchard.

The system uses a simple clamping mechanism that requires no drilling into the truck bed. This “no-damage” approach is a significant benefit for those who may want to remove the rack during the off-season or maintain the vehicle’s resale value. The rubber-lined holding cradles are secured with heavy-duty Velcro straps that are surprisingly resilient against wind and bumps.

This is the ultimate “grab and go” mount for light-duty chores and routine maintenance. If the truck bed is often used for hauling trash or groceries between farm tasks, the LP350 provides organization without taking over the entire cargo area. It is the smart play for the part-time farmer who values convenience.

Green Touch 3-Position: Best Heavy-Duty Option

Security and durability are the focal points of the Green Touch 3-Position rack. Built with the rigors of professional landscaping in mind, this rack features a locking mechanism that prevents tool theft—a vital consideration for farms located near high-traffic roads. The horizontal mounting style ensures that tools stay below the cab line, reducing aerodynamic drag and protecting tools from overhead obstacles.

The construction utilizes high-grade steel and a specialized clamping system that eliminates “tool spin” or rattling. This is particularly important for high-end forged tools where handle integrity is paramount. Each position is designed to hold the tool’s weight evenly, preventing the bowing or warping that can occur with cheaper, single-point mounts.

If the truck is often parked in accessible areas or carries expensive equipment, the Green Touch is the necessary investment. It provides a level of security that other racks simply cannot match. This is the correct choice for the farmer who views their tools as long-term investments that deserve maximum protection.

Extreme Max 5001.5037: Best Budget Trailer Rack

While often marketed for open trailers, the Extreme Max 5001.5037 is a highly effective budget solution for truck beds with wooden or metal side rails. It consists of two simple steel brackets that create a reliable “cradle” for long-handled tools. The design is utilitarian, focusing on function over aesthetics, which suits a dedicated farm truck perfectly.

The installation requires basic drilling, but the resulting mount is incredibly sturdy. It uses heavy-duty rubber straps to lock tools in place, which are easily replaceable if they wear out over years of sun exposure. This simplicity makes it easy to repair in the field without needing specialized parts.

This is the best option for the budget-conscious farmer who needs a functional rack without unnecessary bells and whistles. It is particularly effective for those who have a dedicated “farm-only” truck or a utility trailer used specifically for hauling tools to distant pastures. It gets the job done reliably and affordably.

Key Features to Consider in a Bed Mounted Rack

Orientation is the first major decision to make when selecting a rack. Vertical racks maximize floor space but can be a liability when driving under low trees or into garages. Horizontal racks keep the center of gravity low and protected but consume more “wall space” along the sides of the bed. Consider the height of the tallest tool and the clearances of the most frequent travel routes before committing.

Material choice impacts both longevity and vehicle weight. Aluminum racks are preferred for their natural resistance to rust and their lightweight nature, which is a benefit for smaller vehicles. Steel racks offer superior impact resistance and are generally more affordable, though they require a high-quality powder coat to prevent the inevitable corrosion that comes with farm life.

Mounting methods vary significantly between “drill” and “no-drill” designs. No-drill racks typically use tension clamps or stake pocket bolts, making them easy to move or remove. Drilled mounts are permanent and generally more stable under extreme loads, but they require proper sealing to prevent rust from forming in the mounting holes.

Step-by-Step Installation for Truck Bed Racks

Proper installation begins with a dry fit of the rack and the tools intended for it. Place the rack on the rails and insert the longest shovel or rake to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the cab or extend past the tailgate. Marking these positions with a grease pencil allows for adjustments before any permanent changes are made.

If the rack requires drilling, always use a center punch to prevent the drill bit from “walking” across the paint. After the holes are made, apply a small amount of automotive primer or silicone sealant to the bare metal edges to prevent moisture from causing rust. This small step can save the truck bed from significant structural damage over several seasons.

Once the hardware is in place, tighten the bolts in a cross-pattern to ensure even pressure across the mounting surface. Use nylon-insert lock nuts or a medium-strength thread locker to prevent the bolts from vibrating loose on gravel roads. A final check for “play” or rattling by shaking the rack firmly will confirm a successful installation.

Securing Your Long-Handled Tools for Transit

Even the best rack requires smart loading habits to keep tools secure. Always place the heaviest tools, such as post-hole diggers or heavy-duty spades, in the lowest or most central positions of the rack. This keeps the weight balanced and reduces the leverage forces exerted on the mounting brackets during sharp turns.

Rubber straps or “snubbers” are essential secondary security measures. While some racks have built-in clips, an extra bungee or specialized rubber tie-down provides peace of mind when traversing rough terrain. Ensure that the business end of the tool—the blade or the tines—is pointed toward the rear of the vehicle to minimize wind resistance and noise.

Protecting the tool handles themselves is often overlooked. If the rack doesn’t have rubber padding, adding a small piece of foam pipe insulation to the contact points can prevent “handle chafe.” For wooden-handled tools, this prevents the vibration from creating splinters or weakening the wood grain over time.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Rust and Damage

Regular inspection is the key to a long-lasting rack system. Every few months, check the mounting bolts for tightness, especially if the vehicle frequently travels on washboard roads. Vibrations can slowly back out even the tightest fasteners, leading to a rack that rattles or, in extreme cases, detaches entirely.

Keep the rack clean by hosing off mud and salt after heavy use or winter driving. Pay close attention to the areas where the rack contacts the truck bed, as trapped moisture and grit can act like sandpaper on the paint. A quick spray of a dry lubricant on any moving parts, such as locking pins or ratcheting grips, will keep them functioning smoothly.

Touch up any chips in the powder coating or paint immediately. Small nicks from tool heads can quickly turn into large rust spots if left exposed to the elements. A simple bottle of automotive touch-up paint or a rust-inhibiting spray is all that is needed to maintain the structural integrity and appearance of the equipment for years to come.

An organized truck bed is the foundation of a productive day on the farm. By selecting a rack that fits the specific vehicle and tool loadout, any hobby farmer can protect their equipment and save valuable time. With proper installation and routine maintenance, these mounting solutions will serve as reliable partners for many seasons of growth.