What are the most popular bed accessories for GMC Sierra 1500?

Question

Hey everyone! I finally pulled the trigger on a new GMC Sierra 1500 (went with the AT4 trim), and while I couldn't be happier with the ride, I’m looking at the empty bed and realizing it’s a bit of a blank canvas. I want to turn this truck into a functional powerhouse for both my weekend camping trips and my daily hardware store runs, but the sheer volume of aftermarket parts is honestly making my head spin.

I really want to make the most of the MultiPro Tailgate, but I’m worried about adding accessories that might interfere with its functionality or block the step. Right now, my top priority is security. I’m leaning towards a hard folding tonneau cover—something like a BAKFlip or maybe a Peragon—because I need to keep my tools and camping gear dry and locked up. Does anyone have experience with how these fit specifically on the newer Sierra beds? I've heard some covers can be a bit finicky with the tailgate seal.

I’m also looking at organization. I’ve seen those SwingCase toolboxes that tuck into the sides by the wheel wells, which seem great for keeping tie-downs and small tools from rolling around, but I don’t want to sacrifice too much floor space. Also, for those of you who have the factory spray-in liner, do you find you still need a rubber bed mat to keep cargo from sliding? I took a sharp turn yesterday and my cooler went flying, which wasn't ideal!

I’m looking to spend around $1,000 to $1,500 to get the basics sorted out. I'm trying to avoid buying stuff that looks cool but ends up being a hassle to deal with when I actually need to haul lumber or mulch. For those of you who have been driving a Sierra for a while, what are the 'must-have' bed accessories that you actually use every day, and are there any specific brands that fit the GMC ecosystem better than others?

mlwxpnduzs · Accepted Answer

Yo! Congrats on the AT4, seriously such a sick ride!! I've been geeking out on my Sierra's setup for a while now, and ngl, the MultiPro tailgate makes things a bit tricky but sooo worth it once it's dialed in. Here's what I recommend for that $1,500 budget: - BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover - This is basically the industry standard for a reason. It's got a matte finish that matches the AT4 trim perfectly. Technical tip: the 'universal tailgate seal' on this specific model lets you close the MultiPro without lifting the cover first, which is huge. It keeps things dry, tho no cover is 100% waterproof. Expect to spend around $1,100. - Dee Zee Heavy Duty Rubber Truck Bed Mat - Dude, I feel u on the flying cooler lol. Even with the factory spray-in liner, things slide like crazy cuz that texture is actually pretty slick. This mat is thick rubber and it LITERALLY stops everything in its tracks. Best $150 you'll spend, honestly. - UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Toolbox - These are amazing for the stuff you need daily like tie-downs or a hitch ball. They swing out 180 degrees over the tailgate. I checked the specs, and they dont interfere with the MultiPro step at all since they sit high enough. Usually around $230. This combo hits basically all your needs for camping and hardware runs while staying right around $1,480. I'd avoid the Peragon if youre worried about the seal being finicky; the MX4 is much more 'set it and forget it' for the newer Sierra beds iirc. Anyway, good luck with the build! 👍

tywzmwyvlr · Answer

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, I've been super happy with my setup and it's been totally leak-free. While others mentioned some great options, I'd look into the Lomax Hard Tri-Fold Bed Cover. It's got a super low 0.5-inch profile and, unlike the others mentioned, it doesnt need drain tubes which is a huge plus for a clean install and doesn't interfere with the MultiPro's inner gate at all. About that cooler sliding around... i feel u. If you already have the spray-in, you dont need a thick rubber mat. Just get the WeatherTech TechLiner Bed Mat. It's a custom-fit thermoplastic that's way grippier than the factory liner but much lighter. For organization on a budget:
* Last Boks Full Size Truck Bed Organizer - basically a pull-out tray that saves your back.
* GMC Accessories GearOn Tiered Storage Cross Rails - perfect for keeping camping gear elevated. This combo stays under $1,400 easily. gl with the build!! 👍

tyonjqpmtt · Answer

Ok so I went through this last year with my Sierra and honestly, it was a whole learning curve. I'm still kinda new to the truck world but I geeked out on the technical specs of different setups cuz I was so worried about that MultiPro tailgate getting messed up. I ended up comparing three paths for security and cargo management: 1. Peragon Retractable Truck Bed Cover (Retractable)
- **Pros:** Super clean look, folds up inside the bed. - **Cons:** A bit *finicky* during the install and can leak if the rails aren't perfect. 2. UnderCover ArmorFlex Hard Folding Truck Bed Cover (Hard Fold)
- **Pros:** Has a Line-X coating that matches the factory liner. It doesn't block the 3rd brake light when open.
- **Cons:** Heavy to lift if ur doing it alone. 3. DiamondBack SE Truck Bed Cover (Heavy Duty)
- **Pros:** Literally like a vault. You can strap 400lbs on top of it.
- **Cons:** Way over budget and a hassle if you haul tall mulch bags often. **Best Choice:** I went with the ArmorFlex and I'm so satisfied with it. It works well with the tailgate seal and I dont have to worry about tools getting wet. To solve the sliding cooler issue, I actually skipped the rubber mat and went with the BedRug Classic Bed Liner BRG19SBK. It's basically heavy-duty plastic carpet. It makes the floor totally flat and my gear literally doesn't budge now. Plus, it’s sooo much easier on the knees when you’re crawling in there to grab camping supplies. For the MultiPro gate, I also added the Curt 45949 Protective MultiPro Tailgate Sensor just so I don't accidentally ding the inner gate on my hitch. gl! 👍