Built for the Real World: Designing Gear That Delivers

Built for the Real World: Designing Gear That Delivers

Our best ideas come from solving real-world problems. As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” That’s how the Under Seat Storage Cover for the R1T and the Bed Glider were born—both starting as simple plywood prototypes.

For the Under Seat Storage Cover, we needed a flat surface in the back seat area to accommodate boxes or our dog. While the under-seat storage area is undeniably useful, it made using that space with the seats up impractical. The Bed Glider emerged from a similar challenge. While we love the secure storage space offered by the truck’s powered tonneau cover, accessing items stored deep in the bed was cumbersome. After experimenting with plywood and tweaking his designs, Matthew refined both products into their final forms using durable aluminum—transforming problem-solving ideas into products ready for adventure.

When we started Thunderbolt Adventure Supply, our mission was to create innovative products that enhance outdoor adventures. But along the way, we realized the same solutions could also optimize the truck for work. The Bed Glider is a perfect example: while it’s great for retrieving camping gear, it works just as well for accessing tools or equipment at a job site. This versatility got us thinking about how we could take organization and flexibility even further.

That’s when the E-Track attachment system, laser-cut into the Bed Glider, sparked a new idea: what if we could design an attachment system that integrates seamlessly with both the sled in the Gear Tunnel and the Bed Glider in the truck’s bed? Inspired by this concept, Matthew began prototyping a solution with our laser cutters, leveraging the highly popular Packout tool storage system.

This new product aims to deliver unparalleled organization and secure storage options for your truck. Whether you’re hauling camping gear, tools, or everyday essentials, our goal is to make it easy to customize your setup to meet your needs.

As always, we’re laser-focused on the details to ensure every product is functional, durable, and built to work for you. At Thunderbolt Adventure Supply, our passion lies in creating solutions that make your truck more versatile—whether you’re heading into the wilderness or tackling a busy workday.