Containers for under sleeping platform

I have my sleeping platform built for my short bed and bought a cheap plastic bin from Walmart that fits underneath to store gear in. The bin is cheap and the lid doesn't stay on. I'm curious if anyone has any other recommendations for long and low storage bins that would fit under a sleeping platform (I don't have a height measurement with me right now). It doesn't need to be Pelican quality, but better than Walmart quality. Any suggestions? These drawer systems are nice, but they add a lot of weight and/or take a good amount of tools/time to build.

 

I have six plastic bins like this: http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=938&ProductCategory=180&section=1

They've held up for years of travel and use. I've thought about replacing them with something cooler, but at this point I've more than gotten my money's worth out of them. I'd steer away from going with the biggest size that will fit. I think the key to these lasting forever is not overloading them. I use one bin for my kitchen stuff (backpacking cookset), one bin for my tarp, tie downs, and curtains, three bins for food stuffs.

I use a metal rod with a hook on the end for fishing the bins out that I can't reach.

Here are two of the bins to give an idea of size:



Here's the platform during construction:



The plastic bins go under the middle section of the platform. They fit snugly side by side and are tall enough that they don't move up and down much. The other camping stuff, not in bins, goes outboard of the middle section, around the bikes if I've brought bikes. If I don't have bikes with me then I fold the platform sides down to make things less visible.

 

I use these and so far they've been perfect. I can fit 4 between the wheel wells and its a tight enough fit that nothing slides around. these have made it 2 years and a bunch of forest service roads (bumpy) with tools, and other not so light things in them and have lasted a lot longer than I thought they ever would! I bought 2 extra at the time because I figured that id break them in no time

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-52-Quart-Underbed-Tote-with-Latching-Lid/4323739

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I see these both have locking handles that hold the top in place. That is what my bin does not have. The longer ones like this that I've seen in some stores tend to buckle in the middle with the lid. Meaning, if I flex the bin a bit, the middle of the lid pops right up. I need to keep measurements with me so when I'm out 'n about, I can measure bins as I come upon them.

 

yea I just went to lowes and pulled out all of their containers and started lining them up in the isle haha. I got some looks.

 

When I was looking at water storage ideas I talked an employee into carrying a bunch of different sized water containers out to the truck (which I'd parked close to the door) to see what would fit best. None of 'em wound up working, but he was happy to get outside for a little while.

 

When deciding on containers I spent an hour at Lowe's in the same aisle. I ended up with the husky ones posted above. I have a long bed and four can fit the entire bed, but I run two underneath the platform. I store recovery and typical supplies in them. They stay locked and in shape. No complaints from me. I use the telescoping bed bar to retrieve and push back the one at the front of the bed.

 

These fit, according to the thread below. I have them saved on my Amazon wishlist for when I build a platform.

$182 Akro-Mils 39085 Industrial Plastic Storage Tote with Hinged Attached Lid, (21" L by 15" W by 9" H), Gray, (6-Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000189CS...olid=3JJ25TKF5MDC6&coliid=IB394VY394FC9&psc=1

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-drawer-storage-systems.424709/#post-12289415

 

You can also check out www.goose-gear.com not there custom made but the plastic ones. I will say there custom storage solutions are top notch, very well made, extremly durable, light and of couse you pay for what you get $$$.

 

Sorry to bump an old thread..

yeos,

I am looking to build a platform similar to yours. How did you secure yours to the side of the bed? Thanks!

 

It's not pictured above, but I used turnbuckles to tie down to the bed rings. I added two d rings to the underside of the platform. With the other half stacked on top I just used a cinch strap from the legs to the bed rail. I'm sure there are better ways to do it as well.

 

I like it, simple. I like the idea of being able to flip over half of the sleeping platform and still be able to use the full height of the topper for bikes, coolers, etc. Thanks for the pictures!

 

I use the small Rubbermaid roughneck storage boxes; Home Depot has them for a couple of bucks each. The lids snap down, they stack and they also work well as a basin.

 

I've got 1 of these that goes between the wheel wells, and 3 of these: 1 on the cab side of the wheel wells, and 2 near the tailgate. The one on the cab side is tied to paracord so I can pull it out, I can reach the other 3 pretty easily. I keep the totes on one side of the platform and the other side is used for long stuff (chairs, canopies, etc.). My platform uses the cutouts in the bed, which are wheel well height. Here is a pretty good pic from my build thread

It works really good for me, I'm super happy with the setup.

Good luck!