Build Thread: Ultimate Bed Drawer System for Camping/Cooking/Tailgating

Thanks everyone! I'm glad you all are finding the write up useful!

I've had this for about two months now and so far it's still working great. There's not really anything I would change at this point, but I did add another panel to box in and connect the bottom of the "kitchen" drawer face to drawer sides. This has made the kitchen drawer feel much more substantial when opening/closing. I also modified the switch panel so that the switches and power meter are outward facing toward the back of the truck. Small things.

@Steve_P I feel you on the headroom. I wish I had more, but when I built this thing the emphasis was definitely placed more on having an awesome setup for outside the vehicle. If I could do it again though, a tall cap would be nice. Best of both worlds!

 

Yeah, I wish I had the forethought to go for the tall cap- I think I will go that route on my next truck. One reason I didn't want one was because a parking garage that I frequent - I barely fit with my current cap. But there is a taller ceiling garage a few hundred feet farther away. The main reason was I didn't like the look. I didn't realize until later how much of a PITA it is living out of duffel bags stacked in the access cab for 3 weeks. Having a platform with some storage space in the bed would really make life easier as I could bury the "spare" items and stuff I don't frequently use.

I am kind of the opposite type of user as you- at this point, I don't really spend a lot of "quality time" hanging around outside of the truck where I'd need anything this awesome. But I'm still blown away by this build! When I'm living in the truck, I generally drive in to a destination, maybe hike for an hour that nite, sleep in the truck, hike/climb the next day, and then drive out and have dinner in town if possible. On a rest day I typically go into town and eat and then head to the next destination that afternoon. And repeat. I generally don't do much cooking where I'd need such a cool setup- there's usually leftovers in the cooler, and I have a small MSR canister stove if necessary. But maybe someday I'll slow down some and enjoy life more with a more basic setup somewhat like yours! Oh, I also like the auxiliary battery for the electric blanket.

 

How do you keep food cold if you're out for a couple of days?

 

I have a Yeti 35 that lives in the back seat of the truck which usually gets me by for up to 4 days

 

Which battery do you run it off of? If it's the "house" battery, how did you run the 12v to the cab?

 

Ahh there's no battery -- it's just a super insulated cooler.

$275 YETI Tundra 35 Cooler, White

https://www.amazon.com/YETI-Coolers-10035020000-Tundra-Cooler/dp/B004U6MHJC

 

awesome set-up; I am super impressed. I have a 2011 crew cab with a 5' bed and although I am only 5'6" but still can't sleep in my bed without my legs sticking out the tailgate! I have wanted to do something like you did and really like your plan and might do something very similar and if I do, I will probably bug you a bit for some suggestions (if that is okay!). I wonder if you (or anyone else out there) have thought about a tent entrance? I have looked a bit on-line but most of them cover just the bed and I want to cover just the outside opening of the shell and have the tent go down to the ground. Thus I could leave up tailgate down and get in and out of the bed but still have some cover/privacy. Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated. Again great job!

 

Do you mean something like this?

$200 DAC Mid - Size Truck Tent by Dac Inc.-Vehicle Tents

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BYA10F4?th=1&psc=1

 

Thanks!; It is close and I have seen this but I would like the tent to go down all the way to the ground so one could set outside of the truck and yet will in the tent. I know I could have an awning or yet another tent but would like just to have one tent to set-up but maybe it would be just too much?

 

Awesome build. Subbed!

 

@Built2Ride

 

Very nice work. Enjoyed reading the write up!

 

Outstanding job and write up. Well Done!

 

This is an amazing drawer system. I really like the low profile design. I'd love to put something like this in my truck I'm nervous losing bed space.

 

Nice work. Modded Tacoma- check, camping gear and GF - check, Evil Mtb - double check!

 

Dude. This is absolutely masterful. Simple and elegant, yet deluxe and full featured. The finishes you picked really make it look professional, too. This is exactly what I want to build. I want a setup for backcountry skiing and bumming it in snow parks, too. Are you planning on using the water in the winter? Did you achieve your goal of removability, and can you remove it on your own?

Excellent write-up. I've been eyeing dozens of drawer builds over the years, and yours is my favorite.

 

Question- not sure if it has been answered. How are you mounting this to the bed? Is the weight keeping it in place or have you secured it to the bed? Thanks

 

Thanks man! A backcountry apres ski and camping set up is exactly what I was going for! So far it's been working great!

Great question on the water. I wasn't planning on using water in the winter, just due to the obvious freezing issues. I looked at adding an RV tank heater pad, and even outfit the electrical system for it, but I never installed one. My guess is that with this addition the system *might* be useable in winter. I also have the diverting valve to blow out the lines to the drawer past the pump.

 

Another great question that I never really covered. I use two small turnbuckles located at the front of the insert (nearest the cab) that attach to the bed tie downs. This has worked great so far, although I don't think it's necessary. The friction on the bottom of the insert is enough that it doesn't slide around at all!