Bed storage solution - DCLB or AccessCab

Given that I often camp with my three boys, I wanted some form of bed storage that was secure, but does not interfere with the bed rail system needed to mount my Yakima rack (Could not use a typical crossover truck box). Thought I would post this solution, as I haven’t seen it in other threads discussing bed storage.

My goals:

1. Low enough that the front bed-rail could be added later
2. Maintain a usable amount of bed space.
3. The box can be locked
4. When locked, the box cannot be removed from the bed.
5. When needed, the box can be removed easily

​

I found this box online from Northern Tool and have not seen another truck box like it. It is built by BetterBuilt but only sold through Northern Tool. It fits in the space just in front of the wheel wells on a DCLB or Access Cab Tacoma.

Northern Tool
Model #36217131 (or, #36017130 in silver)
48.5 wide x 13 deep x 11.5 tall
$279.99
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200665781_200665781



“Feet” were made with a piece of 3” x 4” x 29” rectangular aluminum tube (0.125 wall) cut in half at an angle to produce 2 pieces, each 15” on top and 14” on the bottom. The feet were bolted to the bottom of the box to line up with the bed ribs and leave enough room on the ends for the attachment of the box to the bed bolts.

The 15” length provides two inches of needed clearance when the lid opens (actually only requires about 1.5 inches of clearance, but 2” was a round number and allows muck boots to be stored upside down easily).

The 3” height allows limited long items to fit under the toolbox and space for the hold-down bolts which anchor the box to the truck bed bolts.

The 4” width allows each foot to span two ribs of the bed for a solid base.



Tie-down points were added under the front bed bolts (T-55 torx socket needed) which is located below the toolbox but just outside of the “feet.” Since I was picking up sliders at CaliRaised LED, I grabbed some of their tie-down brackets – they do not fold, but for this application, they work great. D-rings would also work fine and may be cheaper.

Threaded hooks run from the tie-downs into the base of the toolbox at a slight rearward angle, pulling the box down as well as forward against the front bed wall. Angled washers and some scrap steel plate distribute the force and align the nut inside of the toolbox. Removing the box requires taking off the two nuts and lifting the box/leg out – I took it out yesterday to move some large items and it took about 5 minutes.

 

This is great! I've been looking for something like this for a while now. Now I know what tool box to buy.

 

FWIW, I got the 3x4 aluminum tube from Metal Supermarkets - they have a local store ordered and picked up locally, no shipping. Paid about $42 for both pieces with the angled cut.

I think they are franchised and appear to be widespread
https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/store-finder/

 

at 25lbs that's not bad at all

 

Good move on the Alum. rust and weight wise......

 

Haven't purchased this one yet for my short bed, pricey but nice:

$377 UWS ATV-BLK Black ATV Chest with End Pull Handles and Beveled Insulated Lid

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JASGJ...colid=BEPQHTIFDXD2&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

So, will this not fit in a DCSB?

 

That Northern Tool box that @Osteology posted will not fit between the wheel wells of a short bed. The small UWS box I posted will, but it’s quite a bit smaller.

 

That is correct, at 48 inches it's wider than the wheel wells, just barely fits in front of them on the 6ft bed.

 

That's a slick looking setup.

 

excellent find, thank you for the write up