Tired of the rattling, clutter, and weather damage from storing materials loose on your truck? In this episode of Garage Gecko University, Dale shares a smarter solution: truck-mounted PVC tubes.
If you’ve ever seen those big white tubes on a tech’s truck and wondered what they’re for, or how to set them up, this guide will walk you through exactly how and why they’re used—and why they’re worth every penny.
Why We Switched to Tubes on Our Trucks
Before tubes, everything was strapped to the roof—rails, struts, and torsion tubes—fully exposed to the elements and dangerously insecure.
The Old Problems:
Materials were exposed to rain and UV damage
Loud bouncing noises during transit
Risk of parts shifting or falling while driving
A Simpler, Cleaner Setup
“This is a simpler, better way to go. Initial cost might be $400–500, but the convenience and clean appearance are well worth it.”
Pro Tip: Use Schedule 40 PVC pipe—available in 6″ or 8″ sizes—for durability and capacity.
Where to Get the Parts
No custom fabrication needed. Most components are easy to find from common suppliers.
What You’ll Need:
PVC Pipe: Found at irrigation or plumbing wholesale shops
End Caps or Gates: Order from Block Industries (Fort Worth, TX) or Amazon
Search Term: Look for “conduit carrier assembly” for prebuilt options
Secure Locking Matters
“This model uses a double safety system—a latch and key lock—so nothing comes loose while driving.”
Pro Tip: Choose a system that requires both a latch and a key—you don’t want a 16-foot strut flying out at 60 MPH.
What We Store in the Tubes
These tubes aren’t just for looks—they’re a clean, weatherproof solution for long, mission-critical materials.
What Goes In:
Torsion Tubes: Cut to 17’1″ to prevent shifting
Struts: Standard 16′ size—avoid mixing in short pieces
Bottom Retainers: Pre-loaded with rubber for faster installs
Sizing Matters
“Cut your tubes to fit your supplier’s lengths. I cut mine at 17’1″ so 17′ tubes don’t slide forward and get damaged.”
Pro Tip: Keep similar-length materials grouped—short ones slide and cause damage inside the tube.
Easy Loading and Unloading
Tubes help you load faster, carry more, and keep your cab clean. They’re just as good for hauling old parts back to the shop as they are for delivering new ones.
Benefits:
Works for both new and used parts
Keeps greasy or rusty materials out of the cab
Simplifies restocking and part transfers
Flexible Use for Rails
“This tube is strictly for rails. Some guys put them in boxes, others load them loose. I’ve never had a break or issue doing it this way.”
Pro Tip: If storing boxed rails, check your tube width to ensure proper fit and capacity.
Aesthetics and Next Steps
While the function is top-notch, there’s still room to polish the look. Dale’s next move? Painting the tubes for a cleaner and more professional setup.
Why It Matters:
Adds professionalism to your vehicle
Creates brand consistency across trucks
Helps your team stand out in the field
Share Your Tips
“If anyone has a good idea for painting these tubes, drop it in the comments. We’re always looking for better ways to improve the look of our trucks.”
Smart Storage. Clean Look. Safer Ride.
Using tubes on your garage door repair truck is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. It protects valuable materials, reduces road noise, keeps your cab clean, and gives your rig a professional edge.
Want more truck setup tips? Catch our next video on organizing your truck boxes—and make every job run smoother.
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