Underseat Storage "Toolbox"

Hey all,

I decided I would share this simple idea for organizing tools or keeping them from rolling around, without the use of a toolbox. Personally, I couldn't justify having a large tool box mounted in my bed, nor did I want a small tool box just hanging out in my bed. Yet, I still wanted a place to store a small amount of tools for things like oil changes, removing my tonneau, or whatever else I may run into.

Underneath the back seats of my double cab (maybe the access cab has them too?), I had ample room in the storage compartments. So to ease my troubles I "acquired" some foam (I believe polyethylene type) from work, about an inch thick, and measured out the perimeter of the compartment floor. The measurements weren't spot on, and the angles weren't exact but I was able to transfer those over to the foam and cut out a shape with a razor that was pretty close. From there I used a sharpie to silhouette the few tools I have in there, and cut those shapes out as well.



Finally I used some 3M tape stuck to the underside of the foam to keep it from shifting in the compartment.



The fit was good enough for my purposes, and keeps tools organized while still giving plenty of room to add more sockets or tools such as a small flashlight.





If anyone is interested, I do plan on redoing this in the future with much more exact measurements, and would be willing to post those numbers or a template!

 

Good idea!

 

That tool kit is extensive.

 

Hahaha, true. I'm actually thinking about down sizing to just that extension. Should do the job!

 

Hey, you gotta start somewhere! I'll probably be grabbing one of my spare pelican case foams tomorrow and copying your idea

 

More will be put in there eventually, but for now I can leave larger less used items inside the house. The foam I used for this was a more rigid foam, and I know the foam we have in some of our pelican cases at work is of the softer breed. I don't know how well that softer foam will keep the tools in place, unless you use a thicker piece. I don't know, just a thoughtful piece of insight!

 

Good idea.

 

I use Shadow Foam in my Toolboxes, its awesome for doing inventory of your tools.

 

Wouldn't it be easier to buy these (they sell them for like 30 bucks at Home Depot)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XWLSMV...t=&hvlocphy=1014249&hvtargid=pla-307268561948


I keep all my tools in these bags and organize them by what type of tool. They work well and are very durable. Won't slide around either.

 

great idea!

 

One multi-tool and a roll of duck tape

 

That's what I use ...

 

Now just to ru with that idea do a cutout for a short barreled AR15 and then add that tool case layer on top.

 

I could use some of that to jam between the 900 items in the two separate toolboxes I have under my seats. Maybe it's an access cab thing, but I carry about .5mpg worth of tools back there.

 

Originally, that's what I was going to go for. Instead I chose the foam because I had some readily available, all the tools I use at work are shadowed/easy to access/easy to keep track of (so it's what I'm used to), it takes up minimal space, and I was bored that day. Also I think maybe you have greater customization options over something premade from the store?

Now what would be cool, would be the ability to add a second layer over the top of that, similar to an insert tray with a handle that most portable tool boxes have!

If anyone tries this out in there truck, post some pictures! I'd love to see what other people have done, or if they have an idea to improve upon it!

 

No offense, but that's what I was trying to avoid, and exactly why I had done this. I didn't want loose items in there, such as your different pairs of pliers.

 

I just keep a slim tool case behind the rear seat. It's about a 160 pc. set that way I can also help friends and other people but this is a good idea as well.

 

Picture of your setup?

 

MY tools are a big mess in bags other than a large set that came with drawers.

One day I am going to use expanding foam to make a mold to hold them. Google some instructions. The results are pretty good.

You put tools in the drawer. Drape a t shirt over it. Spray in expanding foam. than put a insert for the foam to get pressed up against. After it cures you flip over and it is a perfect fit.

You could make a box the size of the rear seat compartment and get an insert for it.

 

I mean they're cheap tools but just something nice to have for emergencies.