Shortbed tool/stuff storage

I need some secure tool storage and really don't like tonneau covers unless they're the retractable kind but those all seem to be crazy expensive.
I'm looking into a pork chop box so I don't loose bed length and also considered low side boxes too. I had a weather guard saddle box on my Sierra and was very happy with it but don't necessarily need anything that stout...or that expensive. What are you guys running for tool storage?

I saw those undercover swing case boxes, but I'm not so sure about all that weight bouncing around on that little hinge and don't really care about being able to swing the tool box out.

 

Just one man's opinion:
This adds to the disadvantage of a short bed.
If it were me (and it's not, cuz mine's a AC LB) I'd put on a hard shell mid-rise cap with a rack on top, combined with a inside bed side level rack. Storage on top of the rack and you'd still have below the rack for the full bed length.
Not good if what you're gonna haul is taller than 36" though, so bikes might be out.

 

You can do the ammo can mount on the bed rails. But that limits the size of things you can put in them.

 

Yeah, shortbed was kind of a trade off, we bought this thing mainly to go camping and play on trails that my old Sierra wouldn't fit down which is why I didn't go long bed. I wish I had an AC tig welder and a plasma cutter so I could just build a custom box...

 

I have been wanting to mod a storage into the tailgate, it's roomy and perfect for small top storage imom

 

Do you have the skills to use those tools? There are some handy folks here that would probably let you use their equipment if you bring over the steel and the beer. I was at a fellow Taco owner’s place in LA making a gate frame last weekend:


Also, though they’re pricey and have their compromises, many seem to like the Decked products:

 

I have a complete 540pc craftsman mechanics toolset, air pump, jump pack, electric impact and neck pillow shoved behind the rear seats of my DC. Not the most convenient thing in the world but it keeps the bed free since I do work with my truck too.

Just let me know if you want pics, I used smaller pouches inside three larger toolbags to organize a little better. Metric sockets in a pouch, sae sockets in a pouch, etc etc. Then I used luggage tags to let me know which bag has what inside since they all look the same.

 

Yeah I have an ESAB rebel but it's DC only so I can't tig aluminum and I don't really want to buy a spool gun for it.
I might play around with the idea of making a sheet steel box, I'd just have to watch my tendency to overkill everything I build so I don't end up with a 300lb tool box

One of our guys had one of those decked boxes on his service truck and it didn't last long at all, though that was pretty rough service for a plastic box so it might be fine for what I need on this little truck.

That's kind of what I'm doing now but I'm always nervous about it. It's probably just my shit luck but I've had my vehicles broken into way too many times not to keep my stuff in a box.

 

Ammo cans on the wheel wells bolted to the bed rails.

https://www.quadratec.com/products/44036_0011_07.htm

 

I currently use one of these to hold things, it fits under by BakFlip cover no problem.



I am looking to change out to something else soon though, as the humidity in my area, (SC) is causing the metal to rust. I am looking at a used pelican case, but we see.

 

I've been using one of these plano boxes from Home Depot, it's all plastic so there's no metal to rust. Been pretty happy with it but I've only had it about 4 months so who knows how long it will last.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Plano-108-qt-Sportsman-Trunk-Black-PLA108HD/312082657

 

This is my solution. It allows me to carry a tool bag which has my emergency or quick repair tools in it plus a backpack. I bolted it to the bed in two places and can remove it in 10 minutes if I need to.


I have a second box I slide in and out as needed. It comes in handy when I need to carry power tools. It’s not bolted in but I generally have it so heavy it doesn’t move, has a padlock and would take two guys to remove. Both boxes are pretty stout too so I pack things on top of them if needed.