How to Make a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck 2025

May 3, 2025

Introduction:

Learning how to make a fishing rod holder for a truck is a game-changer, Step-by-step DIY guide with tips, tools, and real-life examples included.

If you love fishing and often travel with your rods, Transporting fishing rods can be tricky, especially if you’re heading out with a group or carrying multiple setups. Knowing how to make a fishing rod holder for a truck not only saves you time and space, but also ensures your gear stays safe and organized on the go. This DIY guide will walk you through every step to secure your fishing gear safely, using affordable materials and easy techniques. Whether you’re looking for a truck bed fishing rod holder or something you can build with PVC, this in-depth guide has it all.

🛻 Why You Need a Fishing Rod Holder for Your Truck

Fishing rods are fragile—especially the tips and guides. Just tossing them into the truck bed isn’t a safe option. Here’s why a truck bed fishing rod holder is essential:

Prevents breakage during transport
Keeps rods organized and tangle-free
Maximizes space for other gear
Makes setup quicker when you arrive

🧰 Materials You’ll Need (For PVC Rod Holder Build)

PVC pipes (1″ or 1.5″)

Pipe cutter or saw

PVC elbow and T-connectors

Measuring tape

Drill and screws

Zip ties or clamps

Sandpaper

Spray paint (optional)

These tools will help you make a cheap fishing rod holder for a truck that’s sturdy and long-lasting.

PVC pipes (1.5″–2″ diameter)
PVC end caps
PVC T-joints
U-bolts and nuts
Wood base (plywood or 2×4)
Drill and screws
Measuring tape
Saw (for cutting PVC)
Sandpaper (for smooth edges)
Spray paint (optional, for finish)

Best material for fishing rod holder: PVC is light, strong, and cheap—making it the top choice for DIY rod holders.

🔧 Step-by-Step: DIY PVC Fishing Rod Holder for Truck

Let’s build a homemade fishing rod holder that fits snugly in your truck bed.

Step 1: Measure Your Truck Bed

Measure the width of your truck bed to determine how many rods it can hold.
Decide on vertical or horizontal mounting based on preference and space.

Step 2: Cut and Prepare PVC Pipes

Cut PVC pipes to 12–18 inches long—one for each rod.
Sand the edges smooth to avoid damage to rods.

Step 3: Build the Base

Attach the T-joints to the wooden base using U-bolts or screws.
Space them evenly (around 6–8 inches apart).
Insert PVC pipes vertically into the joints and secure with PVC glue.

Step 4: Add End Caps

Place PVC end caps at the bottom of each tube.
This prevents rods from sliding out or getting damaged.

Step 5: Mount the Rod Holder Firmly in Your Truck Bed

Use tie-down straps or drill and bolt the base into your truck bed (if permanent).
Make sure the structure is firm and doesn’t wobble during movement.
🔒 Secure Fishing Rods on Truck Always face reels downward to reduce stress.

Use Velcro straps or bungee cords for extra grip.

If your fishing rods shake or make noise, try lining the inside of the holders with foam or soft padding to keep them snug and secure.

🔄 Vertical vs Horizontal Rod Holder: Which One Should You Choose?

Feature	Vertical Holders	Horizontal Holders
Space Efficiency	Saves more space	Needs more side clearance
Rod Accessibility	Easier to grab	Takes longer to unstrap
Transport Safety	May hit overhangs	Safer on highways
Aesthetic	Clean, organized look	Lays flat, discreet

👉 Vertical rod holders are best for calm, short drives.
👉 Horizontal rod holders are safer for long highway hauls.

🔒 How to Secure Fishing Rods on Truck for Safe Transport

Use bungee cords or Velcro straps for extra security.
Keep reels detached if transporting long distances.
Don’t let rods hang off the edge; avoid overhang damage.
For added protection, add foam or rubber lining inside the PVC tubes.

🧪 Best Material for Fishing Rod HolderPVC: Lightweight, cheap, and easy to cut

Aluminum: Durable but expensive
Wood: Classic look, needs waterproofing
PVC is most popular for a PVC fishing rod holder because it’s cost-effective and weather-resistant.

💡 Budget-Friendly Homemade Fishing Rod Holder Ideas

Milk crate hack: Drill holes in a milk crate to insert rods vertically.
Pool noodle trick: Slice openings along the side of pool noodles and fasten them to the truck bed rails using zip ties. This acts as a soft cradle to hold rods without scratching them.
Wooden rack: Nail wooden dowels into a board—simple and solid.

🚚 How to Transport Fishing Rods SafelyDisassemble rods if possible

Use rod sleeves to prevent scratches

Keep them upright and away from tailgate edges

Never stack heavy gear on top

💸 If you’re after a cheap fishing rod holder for truck, these DIYs are golden!

💬 Real Questions from Reddit and Fishing Forums

Reddit User (u/fish freedom): “How do you keep your rods from bouncing around on bumpy roads?”
✔️Line the inner part of each PVC tube with soft foam or weather stripping to cushion your rods. Also, make sure the entire structure is anchored solidly to avoid any movement while driving. Extra Velcro straps help too.

FishingForumGuy123: “Is it worth building or should I just buy one?”
✔ ️ Building is cheaper and customizable. You can fit 6 rods for under $30.

u/RoadAngler82: “How do you transport fishing rods safely without taking the reels off?”
✔️ Use wide PVC tubes and bubble wrap inside. Make sure rods are locked in place to avoid reel damage.

🎯 Expert Tips for Better Performance

Label each tube for different rod types (e.g., spinning, baitcaster).
Add a small drainage hole in PVC bottoms to avoid water build-up.
Apply a coat of UV-protective spray paint to shield your rod holder from sun damage and extend its lifespan outdoors.

❓ FAQs: Fishing Rod Holders for Trucks

Q1. How do I make a fishing rod holder for a pickup truck?

Use a wooden base, PVC tubes, and T-joints to create a holder that fits in your truck bed. Secure it using U-bolts or straps.

Q2. What’s the best material for building a rod holder?

PVC is the most recommended due to its strength, affordability, and ease of use.

Q3. Is vertical or horizontal storage better?

It depends on space and travel needs. Vertical saves room, but horizontal is safer for high-speed travel.

Q4. Can I use metal pipes instead of PVC?

Yes, but they are heavier and prone to rust unless treated.

Q5. What’s the cheapest fishing rod holder design?

Using pool noodles and zip ties strapped to your tailgate or bed rails is an ultra-budget solution.

🎥 Relevant YouTube Video Watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ted6bQuiC4I

📘 Conclusion:

Making your own fishing rod holder is a smart and affordable way to keep your gear safe. With some simple materials and a little time, you can build a setup that fits your truck and your fishing style. Follow this guide to create a homemade fishing rod holder that looks great and works even better. Want more DIY fishing gear ideas? Browse the rest of our site for expert tips!