Bed Box

After 7"+ snow fall here in the western suburbs of Chicago, I decided it was finally time to build a bed box to put some sand bags over the rear axel for better traction in the slick stuff.

Mind you mine is a 4x2 Access Cab so all you 4x4 guys bugger off.

I used 2x6 dimensional lumber held together with 3" long construction screws.
My old Mazda bed had pockets for boards for this exact purpose, but my Taco does not, thus the need to build one.

I started with the main runners on either side of the wheel hump in the bed at (2) @ 53" long. Then (2) @ 36-3/16" for the braces between the runners.
See photos.

Held it together with (3) 3" construction screws in each corner and them filled it with concrete blocks, bags of sand, some old 50# dumbells and 3 bundles of unused shingles. Approx 400# of weight now over the rear axel for better traction.

 

Nice idea!! Looks pretty simple to make!

Sand bags slide around alot - more than you'd think. I wish I would've seen this idea YEARS ago. I guess I was too busy to be that creative....

These new tacoma beds are SLIPPERY!! More so than a typical bedliner or even herculiner. I bought a bed mat for mine - and I'm amazed at how it's been holding the sand bags in place. We'll see if it continues to hold 'em - especially in really cold weather when the sand bags are rock hard. I might have to build me one of those...

 

Pretty creative GT... i guess big guys can be smart too

 

Yeah, I'm pretty handy with power tools.

 

nice write up, gti!!! i could have used that last year when we finally had some bad weather!! good job!!

 

I notice you have some 50lb dumbells in the back. whats wrong did they get to light for ya? have you moved up to 100lbs?

 

^They're for working out while waiting for the tow truck.

 

come on man......he's in a tacoma.....he wont need a tow truck!!!

 

It's apparent you come from Carpenterville, nice job on the project. I wish you safe travels this winter. Next time cowboy up and get a 4x4, I know bugger off.

 

looks good how much does it help

 

OMG, you are correct. I should be banned...

 

nah....not banned!! just the ol' tar and feather trick with pancake syrup, then you gotta run down mainstreet somwhere!!!

 

Oh no, not "main street" in Aynor. I saw Deliverance, dammit.

 

^LOL.


http://www.sitcomsonline.com/sounds/sanfordandson.wav

 

Believe it or not, yes!

 

I know, however, with a mortgage, home improvment projects already under way, and other bills pending, this is what I could afford at this time.
I can always upgrade in a few years.

 

Helps a LOT! Back end no longer slips and slides from being completely empty and weightless. I think I'm gunna take out 1 bundle of shingles and
the 50# dumbbells, a bit too much weight, hurting the mileage. I think 200#
is just right, I have close to 400# in there now. And with the Downey SST bed cover, you'd never know.

 

Downey SST bed cover keeps it all hidden. However, I was thinking about putting a top layer of plywood and makeing some hinged lockable doors for in bed storage when I no longer need the extra weight. Hmmm...