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Drawer Systems

Key Takeaways
  • PeakGear offers three system types: a full bed slide-out, a slide-out shelf unit, and portable cargo boxes with drawers.
  • The system fits short-bed pickups; the OVS Bed Extension comes in 5 ft, 5.5 ft, and 6.5 ft lengths.
  • Heavy-duty drawers: the bed extension carries up to 1,250 lbs on a steel frame
  • Slide-out designs bring your gear to you, with no unloading, nor climbing in.
  • PeakGear is overlander-owned: expert support, best-price guarantee, free shipping to the lower 48, and 30-day returns.

What Is an Overland Drawer System?

OVS Bed Extension for pick up trucks front corner view in nature
OVS Bed Extension for pick up trucks front corner view in nature

What Is an Overland Drawer System?

An overland drawer system is a slide-out storage unit built into a truck bed that keeps gear organized, secure, and easy to reach without unloading everything. It might sound simple, but it truly changes how you use your truck – instead of digging through a packed bed every time you need something, you pull a tray or drawer toward you and your gear is right there.

PeakGear carries three types of overland drawer systems:

  • A full-length bed slide for heavy loads
  • A slide-out shelf unit for organized smaller gear
  • Portable cargo boxes with built-in drawers you can move between vehicles or stack as your kit grows

It doesn't matter if you're a weekend camper who wants a cleaner setup or you're running overland drawers on a fully kitted rig; when it comes to there's a system here built for how you actually use your truck.

You might not think you need slide-out access to your truck bed, until you've experienced just how much of a game changer it is when you need something nestled all the way by the cab. On a trail or at a remote campsite, climbing in and rearranging truck bed cargo drawers to find one thing costs time and patience.

A well-chosen system means your recovery gear, camp kitchen, or tool roll is always at the tailgate – and just one pull away.

Types of Overland Drawers and Camping Storage Drawers

OVS Bed Extension with 1250 lbs payload in nature

Types of Overland Drawers and Camping Storage Drawers

Not every truck or trip calls for the same setup. Let's break down the three categories so you can figure out which one fits how you actually use your truck.

Bed Slide / Bed Extension

The OVS Bed Extension is a full-length sliding platform that rolls your entire load out toward the tailgate. It's built for heavy, bulky gear, like coolers, recovery equipment, tool chests, or anything you'd otherwise have to climb into the bed to reach.

If you're running a serious overland storage drawers setup or just want everything accessible without the gymnastics, this is the one. The steel frame handles up to 1,250 lbs, and the rubberized deck keeps cargo from shifting while you're moving.

Slide-Out Storage System

The OVS Highline is a shelved aluminum unit with a fully extending sliding tray; it's a camping drawer system built for organized smaller supplies rather than sheer weight. It's perfect for storing things like camp kitchen gear, first aid, recovery tools, or anything you reach for regularly and want sorted rather than loose. Three adjustable shelves and roller bearings with rubber grip mean everything stays tidy on the move – no matter how bumpy the trail – and slides out smoothly when you need it.

Cargo Box With Drawer

The OVS Cargo Boxes are portable units with built-in slide-out drawers that bolt to your vehicle's existing anchor points, with no drilling required. They work as camping storage drawers on their own, and they stack vertically if you need more capacity. One version adds a flat work surface on top, turning it into a camp prep station or field worktop. If flexibility is your top concern (e.g., moving the box between vehicles, removing it for the week, or adding a second box later) this is the type of truck bed storage system that probably makes the most sense.

OVS Bed Extension with 1250 lbs payload in nature

How to Choose a Truck Bed Drawer System

The right vehicle drawer system comes down to four things:

  • Your bed size
  • Your expected load
  • How you want to access your gear
  • What's already in the truck

Work through these in order, and the decision gets straightforward.

1. Measure your bed first.

The OVS Bed Extension comes in 5 ft, 5.5 ft, and 6.5 ft to cover the most common short-bed configurations. Measure the inside length of your bed from the bulkhead to the inside edge of the tailgate, not the outside edges, and match that to the product specs before you order. Getting the size right determines how well the extension fits between your wheel wells and how evenly the load distributes across the frame.

2. Match load capacity to what you actually carry.

The Bed Extension handles up to 1,250 lbs, which will cover most fully loaded camp kits with room to spare. The cargo box drawer and slide are each rated to 60 kg (around 132 lbs), which suits organized smaller loads rather than heavy consolidated gear. It's important to not put too much in even fairly rugged systems like these one, since overloading any pick up drawer system affects the slide mechanism and shortens its lifespan.

3. Pick by how you want to access your gear.

If you're moving one large, heavy load and want all of it to roll to the tailgate, a bed slide is probably the best answer. If you have smaller gear sorted into categories and want each section accessible without disturbing the rest, a slide-out storage system or cargo box will likely suit you better. Some overland truck bed drawers setups combine both, with a bed slide for the heavy stuff, and a storage system above for daily-access gear.

4. Check compatibility with what's already in the bed.

If you're running a bed rack, rooftop tent, or tonneau cover, verify clearance before you order your overland drawer system. The Bed Extension sits inside the truck bed, so overhead accessories generally don't interfere with the slide – but a tonneau that closes flush to the rails may restrict slide travel. Vehicle drawers and cargo boxes bolt to existing anchor points and sit lower in the bed, which usually leaves more clearance overhead.

When in doubt, reach out to the experts at PeakGear before you buy. We're here to advise on just these sorts of issues.

Load Capacity, Materials, and Build Quality

OVS Bed Extension showing 1250 lbs capacity in nature
OVS Bed Extension showing 1250 lbs capacity in nature

Load Capacity, Materials, and Build Quality

The OVS Bed Extension is built on a steel frame with aluminum T-track and 304 stainless hardware. This is what we call a "Goldilocks" combination, where steel handles the structural load and aluminum keeps the overall weight down where it can. 304 stainless is specifically chosen because it resists the corrosion that comes from road salt, rain, and seasons spent outside. These aren't materials chosen merely to look good in a spec sheet; they're chosen because a truck bed drawer system takes real abuse and needs to hold up to it.

The deck itself is a honeycomb composite with a rubberized topper. The composite keeps it lightweight without sacrificing rigidity, and the rubberized surface does something useful that's easy to underestimate: it grips cargo. This means gear doesn't slide around when you hit a rut or take a sharp corner, and that means you're not reshuffling everything every time you stop – or needing to clean up the bag of trail mix that spilled out of its drawer.

The OVS Highline uses an aluminum body with stainless hardware and roller bearings with a rubber grip surface on the slide. The OVS Cargo Boxes follow the same hardware standard. Across the lineup, you can expect a consistent design from OVS' material choices: they're lightweight where weight matters, stainless where corrosion is a risk, and grippy where gear needs to stay put.

Keeping Cargo Secure in Your Truck Bed

OVS Bed Extension securing cargo in truck bed

Keeping Cargo Secure in Your Truck Bed

Anyone who has repacked a truck bed at a trailhead just to reach something buried at the front knows the problem. Tie-downs keep gear from moving, but they don't make it any easier to get to.

A slide-out system, however, brings the load to you: You just have to pull the platform or drawer toward the tailgate and everything is within reach, without untying, unstacking, or climbing in. But when it comes to securing things, tying them down still remains the undisputed champion of "keeping your truck bed secure." The good news is that truck bed shelving systems often support this, rather than replacing it.

The OVS Bed Extension includes four tie-down points built into the platform, so you can still strap down anything that needs extra security on the slide surface. The one-hand pull latch locks the extension in the closed position while driving, so the platform doesn't creep out on rough roads. Between the latch and the tie-downs, your load is secured two ways: the extension itself doesn't move, and what's on it doesn't shift.

The OVS Cargo Box uses rear latches to keep the drawer closed in transit, and the bolt-in mounting system anchors the box firmly to the truck's existing anchor points. For anyone stacking two boxes, the included tie-down kit, with M8 bolts and rings, connects them securely so the stack stays together under load and on uneven terrain.

OVS Bed Extension securing cargo in truck bed

Installation and Fit

The three types of systems in this collection don't all install the same way, so it's important to understand the difference before you purchase anything. The OVS Bed Extension requires drilling into the truck bed. The OVS Highline and OVS Cargo Boxes do not; both use no-drill installs that work with existing hardware or anchor points. Each system ships with a full installation manual; while we're happy to offer a helpful overview to set expectations, be sure to refer to the manual for complete step-by-step instructions.

OVS Bed Extension Install (Requires Drilling)

The Bed Extension is a drill-in installation. You'll drill holes in the truck bed and set rivet nuts – use a 17/32 in (13 mm) bit for a steel bed, or a 1/2 in bit for a composite or aluminum bed. If you're buying a leased truck or plan to sell the vehicle down the road, this may not be an ideal choice.

A few key considerations:

  • This is a two-person job. Position the extension with a helper, centered between the wheel wells with at least 1.5 in of clearance from the bulkhead.
  • Assemble rails first. OVS recommends assembling the side rails before fitting the extension to the bed.
  • Always make safety checks before drilling. Check for fuel lines, fuel tanks, batteries, and wiring underneath the vehicle before you drill. Do not use impact tools or overtighten fasteners.
  • Not compatible with bed liners. Do not install on a bed liner or bed mat.
  • Care instructions. Clean with mild soap, and avoid abrasive polish or wax. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.

OVS Highline Slide Out Storage System Install (No Drilling)

The Highline is a no-drill install. It mounts on either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle, and everything you need comes in the box. Switching sides is a fairly easy exercise. For full installation steps, refer to the manual included with the system.

OVS Cargo Box Install (Bolt-In, No Drilling)

The Cargo Box mounts to the vehicle's existing anchor or seat-mounting points using the included hardware: 4x M10 bolts, washers, nylon nuts, and spring washers. This is a no-drill installation, so no holes are required – making it an excellent choice for leases. Check your owner's handbook to confirm anchor locations before you start.

A few additional points to consider for the OVS Cargo Box system:

  • Stackable. Two cargo boxes can be stacked vertically using the included tie-down kit (M8 bolts and rings).
  • Removable. Two rear latches release for easy removal when you need the vehicle back.
  • Safety note: Do not anchor child restraints to the drawer, and check anchor points regularly for wear or loosening.

Our Overland Drawer Systems

OVS Bed Extension for Pick Up Trucks

OVS Bed Extension for pick up trucks
OVS Bed Extension for pick up trucks

Our Overland Drawer Systems

OVS Bed Extension for Pick Up Trucks

The OVS Bed Extension is a full-length pickup bed extension that rolls your entire load out toward the tailgate on a steel frame with aluminum T-track and 304 stainless hardware. As previously mentioned the deck is a honeycomb composite with a rubberized topper, making it lightweight enough not to eat into your payload, grippy enough to keep cargo in place on rough roads. Available in 5 ft, 5.5 ft, and 6.5 ft to fit the most common short-bed configurations, with a rated capacity of 1,250 lbs and a one-hand pull latch and four tie-down points included.

If you want everything in your bed accessible from the tailgate without climbing in, this is the OVS bed extension built for that job.

OVS Highline Slide Out Storage System

OVS Highline slide out camping storage system fully extended

OVS Highline Slide Out Storage System

The OVS Highline is a shelved slide out storage unit built for organized gear rather than bulk loads. The aluminum body houses a fully extending sliding tray, three adjustable shelves with roller bearings and rubber grip, stainless hardware throughout, and a side bungee cord to keep everything tidy in transit. It's the right pick when you want your camp kitchen, recovery tools, or daily-access supplies sorted and reachable, not tumbling loose in the bed.

OVS Highline slide out camping storage system fully extended

OVS Cargo Box With Slide Out Drawer

OVS Cargo Box with slide out drawer open in vehicle
OVS Cargo Box with slide out drawer open in vehicle

OVS Cargo Box With Slide Out Drawer

The OVS Cargo Box is a portable storage unit with a built-in slide-out drawer, designed for anyone who wants organized, accessible cargo storage without a permanent install. It bolts to existing vehicle anchor points, stacks with a second box if you need more capacity, and removes easily when you need your vehicle back. This is a clean, flexible option that works just as well on a weekend camping trip as it does as a permanent setup.

OVS Cargo Box With Slide Out Drawer and Working Station

OVS Cargo Box with slide out drawer and workstation inside vehicle

OVS Cargo Box With Slide Out Drawer and Working Station

This is the trusty OVS cargo box (above) with an added work surface on top. The working station turns the unit into a camp prep area or field worktop, making it extra useful for cooking, gear maintenance, or anything else that benefits from a stable raised surface at the tailgate. Everything that makes the standard cargo box worth having, with the added utility of a flat top when you're stopped.

OVS Cargo Box with slide out drawer and workstation inside vehicle

Why Buy From PeakGear?

  • We sell gear built to carry real loads. The OVS Bed Extension is rated to 1,250 lbs; the cargo box drawer and slide are each rated to about 130 pounds (60 kg). That's enough for a serious kit without compromising the hardware.
  • We carry genuine OVS gear. Every product is an authentic Overland Vehicle Systems unit backed by the manufacturer warranty.
  • Our product is backed by manuals and support. Each system ships with a full installation manual, and OVS customer support stands behind the product after the sale.
  • These are made with tough materials. The steel frame, aluminum T-track, and 304 stainless hardware on the Bed Extension are chosen to handle road salt, rain, and seasons spent outside in the conditions overlanders face every trip.
  • Expert advice from the pros. You'll get a team with experience across everything from daily drivers to full 4x4 rigs, ready to help you choose the right system before you order.
  • Free shipping and easy returns. Free shipping on most orders over $250 to the lower 48, 30-day returns, no restocking fee.
  • Real customer service. Reach us by phone at 1(888) 927-0766, by email at support@peakgear.com, or via live chat.
  • We sell gear for everyone. From entry-level to top-tier, you'll get the same attention to quality across the lineup.

Overland Drawer System FAQs

What is an overland drawer system?+−

An overland drawer system is a slide-out storage unit built into a truck bed that keeps gear organized, secure, and easy to reach without unloading everything. Instead of digging through a packed bed, you pull a tray or drawer toward the tailgate and your gear is right there.

What is the difference between a bed slide, a slide-out storage system, and a cargo box?+−

A bed slide, like the OVS Bed Extension, is a full-length rolling platform that pulls your entire load out toward the tailgate, built for heavy, bulky gear – the OVS extension supports weight up to 1,250 lbs.

A slide-out storage system, like the OVS Highline, is a shelved unit with an extending tray and adjustable shelves, better suited for organized smaller supplies you reach for regularly.

A cargo box with a drawer is the most flexible of the three, since it bolts to existing anchor points, moves between vehicles, stacks vertically, and removes easily. However, it's designed for lighter, organized loads rather than heavy consolidated cargo. The right choice comes down to how much weight you're carrying and how you want to access it.

How much weight can a truck bed drawer system hold?+−

It depends on the system. The OVS Bed Extension is rated to 1,250 lbs on its steel frame, while the OVS Cargo Box drawer and slide are each rated to 60 kg (132 lbs). Always match the system to the weight you actually carry.

How do I know which size fits my truck bed?+−

Measure the inside length of your bed from the bulkhead to the inside edge of the tailgate, rather than the outside edges, and compare that against the product specs. The OVS Bed Extension comes in 5 ft, 5.5 ft, and 6.5 ft to cover the most common short-bed configurations.

If you're unsure, reach out to the PeakGear team before you order and we'll help you confirm the right fit.

Can I use a drawer system with a bed rack or rooftop tent?+−

In most cases, yes. The Bed Extension sits inside the truck bed itself, so overhead accessories like a bed rack or rooftop tent generally don't interfere with the slide. The one thing to check is a tonneau cover; if it closes flush to the bed rails, it may restrict how far the slide can travel. Cargo boxes sit lower in the bed and typically leave more clearance overhead, but it's always worth verifying before you order.

Do these systems need drilling to install?+−

Only the OVS Bed Extension requires drilling – you'll drill into the truck bed to set rivet nuts as part of a permanent install. The OVS Highline and both OVS Cargo Box options are no-drill installs that work with existing mounting points or hardware. If keeping your truck bed intact is a priority, either of the no-drill options is the right direction.

What warranty comes with the OVS Bed Extension?+−

The OVS Bed Extension is backed by a 4-year limited warranty from Overland Vehicle Systems, covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. The OVS Highline carries a 5-year limited warranty. Each system also ships with full support from OVS customer support, which is available if anything comes up after install.

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