thanks for all of the suggestions guys.  may or may not be buying a tonneau cover this week so we will see.  do you guys think that 7 foot rods would fit inside the cab?

 

They will if its an extended cab. I have a Toyota Tacoma prerunner extended cab and can fit my 7'9" swimbait rod in the cab. I have to lean the seat back to get it in, but once its past the doorway I can put the seat back up & it fits nicely. I just put the butt of the rods under the gove box and the middle console supports the middle of the rods so they are not resting on the tips.

I have an extended cab tundra and keep three of my 7ft rods with me all the time. Like i said in my previous post just tuck the handles under the glove box land rest the rods on the top of the passenger seat for support.I found by taking the headrest off the passenger seat it gave me a better angle so the rod tips wouldn't touch the roof line at the back of the cab.

I put the rods in rod socks then snugly band all the rods together with the velcro/foam bands made for that purpose.   They are less likely to be damaged if grouped as one, plus they are easier to carry around.  Then if I stop somewhere I can easily grab the bunch and slip them into the cab for security.

www.therodsman.com

I purchased 2. They're a great way to transport.