DC rear seat storage solution?

Are any of you as unhappy as I am with the rear storage compartment on the DC's? The damn thing just irritates me. The storage space is divided up in to two compartments for no damn reason and the silly plastic shelf on the passenger side cannot be removed. It really limits what you can put in there. On top of that, the whole top half of the compartment is wasted space.

I like the idea behind the Springtail Solutions rack system. That being said:

1. Springtail doesn't offer anything for Tacomas.
2. They do sell universal plates, but something to cover the Taco storage compartment would run roughly $400 and would require the buyer to also fabricate mounts.
3. The Springtail system could definitely be improved upon. To use the rack, you have to buy molle bags. Those things are expensive. You could run some nylon webbing through there but could only mount it vertically - not horizontally to secure, say, a bottle of CO2.

So what have you done, if anything, to improve upon your rear storage compartment? Is there anyone out there offering aftermarket kit for it? Has anyone tried to fabricate something?

 

You can remove the passenger side bin. It's been done many times by the guys putting in sound systems. Have a look through some of their build threads.

Here's a good start: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/39084-question-rear-storage-bin-removal.html

 

Thanks for the link! I will give that a look after dinner.

Thanks! Thats what I was thinking of doing, but I want some kind of rack system in there so I can use all of the space.

 

If you're handy with metal/wood/whatever, maybe try building your own? Or find a buddy that can help. Would be quite cost effective. Usually just the cost for the materials, and a case of beer.

 

x2, remove the plastic and use some plywood to build what you want. Not a big deal and no where near $400.

 

I like the way you guys think!

I spent the afternoon removing the rear seats and storage bins, cutting out that middle bar that supports the anchor points for the child safety seat and taking some measurements.I think I can rig something up. My cutting, bending and welding skills are weak so this is gonna be uglier than sin...but it should be sturdy.

 

Yea if you dont want to mount sub boxes or amps there, then just remove the bins and build your own custom racks or whatever. I never found a need to keep anything back there besides tie down straps. there really isnt enough room for much else, and I have a bed tool box for larger items anyway.

 

yeah, considering what some guys are making for subs and an amp "rack", you should be able to fab something up that's pretty useable, room-wise.

if i were you, though, i'd take a cue from the audio guys and line that back wall of the can with some of that thin dynamat superlite or something similar.