Case Study: DECKED achieves robust, cost-effective pickup truck storage and market success with Altair ProductDesign

Developing an Innovative Storage Solution for Pickup Trucks

DECKED, founded by Lance Meller and Jake Peters, set out to design a robust pickup-truck storage system that could securely hold 2,000 lbs, fit a wide range of pickups (Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan) and be manufactured at a compelling retail price. To achieve this, DECKED engaged Altair ProductDesign (a division of Altair), tapping Altair’s Thinklabs industrial design group and the HyperWorks virtual simulation suite for advanced engineering and prototyping.

Altair ProductDesign delivered concept and detailed design, using HyperWorks to validate and improve structural performance, simplifying tooling so multiple variants could be produced on the same tooling, and producing full-size prototypes for dealer validation before handing off final designs and tooling specs. As a result, DECKED met its load and cost targets, launched nationwide in the U.S., won the 2015 SEMA Award for Best New Van/Pickup/SUV Product, and continues to work with Altair on future product improvements.

DECKED

Jake Peters

General Manager