Bed Drawers - pics of my install

Here's the details: I built two boxes with a wing on either side that sits on the wheel wells and the lip that runs the length of the bed. I chose a two box option because I might want to remove one side on occasion. I researched expensive, ball bearing sliders. However, those were going to add $300 to the cost. I ended up using polyethylene sliders that work great. I can pull the drawer completely out with one hand. Hint: sand the wood to a fine grit to reduce friction. I can still easily reach the lock boxes and outlet on the sides. My plan is to remove the drawers and take them inside when we need to pack for camping. I also plan on adding a cook grade insert for food preparation and or diaper changes (though hopefully not in close proximity). Thoughts? Critique? Suggestions? Questions?

x4 5' x 5' 1/2" birch plywood sheets: $216
Marine Carpet: $35
Carpet glue: $5
Flush mount locks from Amazon: $30
Herculiner: $70
Kreg pocket screws: $8
Self stick high density polyethylene strips for sliders: $30

Total Cost: $394

 

@ecliff5

 

Looks really nice! I know this doesn't relate to the drawers but what roof rack are you using?

 

This looks great!

 

The roof rack is a Prinsu Designs.

Great looking platform. Mine is like yours, but no sliders and giant tubs instead lol. Eventually want to go your route, but with actual slides.

 

very very nice.

can you please post pics of the polyethylene sliders? and also link for purchase of said sliders?

 

also, what finish paint did you use?

 

OP's first post says he used Herculiner, so im assuming thats the finish paint for the drawers.

 

oh ok, I didn't know what that was. Thanks.

 

Looks like a first class job, very cool idea!

 

Looks awesome, nice job. I have a similar set up on mine. What LED strips are those?

 

Sweet, thanks!

 

What's keeping the halves from tipping while the drawers are extended? Say you put a hundred pounds of gear in a drawer and fully extend it. What's keeping it horizontal?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-waterproof-under-bed-rail-led-lights-3rd-gen.391380/

 

Very nice! When it's time I'll prob do something similar.

 

Nice job OP. Much nicer Herculiner finish than what I was able to get with it.

How are these secured to the bed? If they're just laying there under their own weight, I can almost guarantee you they're going to shift around and cause problems. Add turn-buckles to secure them to the truck's D-rings.

Nothing. It'll come crashing down without support. Large, heavy-duty drawer slides are expensive, but totally worth the price in the real world. Furthermore, the locking variants will eliminate the need for face-mounted latches (which are also pricy and will protrude into the interior), and give you the option to lock the drawers while they're extended, which is a huge help if you're parked on an incline.

 

Looks awesome, I may be making my own since I was quoted $2500 for a set of commercial drawers. I wouldn't pay over $1000 personally

 

I wish I knew how to be a carpenter

 

I just showed my wife this and she wants me to do this when we get our new Taco. Seems like a great thing to hold a lot of our endless supply of camping gear. Very, very nicely done!