5 Hacks for Working From Your Truck

Ford

Article QuickTakes:

• Steering-wheel tray
• Truck desk
• Signal booster
• Power inverter
• Truck-bed storage

Modern pickup trucks are filled with technology to keep you comfortable, safe, and connected to the outside world. Not only do most pickups come standard with smartphone connectivity, they also feature multiple power outlets, Wi-Fi hot spots, and giant storage bins for tools and laptops.

New trucks in particular do a great job pioneering ways to make their interiors more useful and practical for work. New Ford F-150s, like the one pictured above, can be equipped with a fold-down center console that makes a flat work surface. We took some inspiration from Ford, since not everyone is in the market to buy a whole new truck just so you can work in it better.

We searched for five of the most helpful aftermarket accessories to turn your truck into an even more capable all-terrain office — one that doesn’t mind traversing rough ground and getting a little muddy if needed.

Steering-Wheel Tray

Lifted suspensions, chunky off-road tires, and underbody skid plates are vital if your commute involves clambering over boulders. But sometimes you simply need your truck to provide a convenient place to type out a report or enjoy lunch without balancing a burger on your knees.

A steering-wheel tray is a simple and inexpensive means of turning the driver’s seat into a friendlier workplace. They usually cost about $30, take just minutes to install, and are easy to remove when it’s time to get back on the road. This two-in-one tray can also be mounted onto the back of a front seat.

CrewGo 100 Truck Desk

There are truck trays and laptop desks of all shapes and sizes — and then there’s Ergonomic Solution’s CrewGo 100 Truck Desk. If you have a lot to do on-site and desks aren’t regularly available, this mighty storage solution is tough to beat. It features lockable storage drawers and an articulating arm with a laptop tray. This movable arm allows a truck owner to work inside or outside the vehicle.

A couple of things to keep in mind: Installation requires bolting the desk to the truck’s floor, and you’ll need a truck with a roomier crew-cab configuration to make certain the desk fits.

Signal Booster

For many truck owners, having a strong internet connection is as important as their vehicle’s four wheels and cargo bed. A signal booster is a smart way to ensure that you’re not in the middle of a job when a vital Wi-Fi connection goes dead. Depending on where you live and work, choosing a booster that’s compatible with multiple data carriers could be worth paying extra. The weBoost Drive Reach costs about $500 and includes all U.S. carriers.

12-Volt Power Inverter

Staying connected to the web won’t matter if your laptop or smartphone has a drained battery. Having a 12-volt power inverter is insurance that you will have the power to keep all your necessary tools and equipment running. This 1,000-watt inverter features two USB ports, two 110-volt AC outlets, a digital display, a cooling fan, and an internal fuse to prevent short circuits. Expect to pay between $50 and $100.

Decked Truck-Bed Storage

This clever cargo solution allows truck owners to enjoy the utility of having an open cargo bed in addition to a secure place for work-gear storage. As an example, this Decked drawer system for the Ford F-150 (2004-2014 model years) includes two full bed-length sliding drawers and an upper cargo deck with 2,000 pounds of payload capacity. It's also waterproof. Keep in mind that you’ll want to choose the correct storage system for your truck’s brand and model year and prices start at $1449.