Driver side cubby in bed

My 2015 had a cubby/storage area on both driver and passenger side at back of the bed.
My 2021 only has on passenger side.

I looked and don't see anything that would interfere with putting one in on driver's side.

It will be somewhat of a redneck modification.... I will cut the hole in the side and mount some brackets...

My question.
After cutting through the bed side wall material do you have to "seal" it? To keep from cracking at edges.
I know if you drill through glass (special bits) it is best to hit with a torch to seal micro cracks. Wondering if I should do the same with the bed material.

Thanks

 

I don't think it would be needed for a composite bed?

 

robmotive (youTube) just did a video of this exact thing. Personally, for the amount of space you gain, it's not worth the effort and worry to me. Check his video out. It looks OEM after he finished.

 

You don't have to seal the cut. A lot of members have put one in, you can get an OEM on e bay. It's a good idea if you're putting one of the compressors that will fit in there, but for storage it'll barely hold jumper cables.

 

I would just make sure to keep the corners you cut, rounded. The sharp corners will be stress risers.

 

I want to use it for my small viair compressor.
I live in an RV and my truck bed is very packed...

I just put ride rite air bags on to combat the big sag when trailer is on. Also, I prefer to air down for some forest roads... so want to keep it handy.

 

Drill the corners and then cut straight lines.

 

Those cubbies have holes and are exposed to the elements. I also own a Viair compressor, and I keep it inside behind the back seats. I personally wouldn't want a quality compressor constantly exposed to the elements. I agree with @MIDTNTACO as far as it not being worth the trouble.

 

Yep.

 

I have a 2012 so my truck came with the storage box, I keep a tool roll in it. It fits perfect.

$25 Carhartt 18 Pocket Utility Roll Carhartt Brown

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ES8L3UG?ie=UTF8

 

somewhere on here I saw a metal one that was lockable, think one of the aftermarket fab companies makes it.

 

Ya everything I ever put in there turned into a rusty dirty mess. I use it as a garbage can now. It was not designed for Minnesota winters.

 

I've also seen advise to cut rounded corners to avoid potential future cracks. Although if the corners are holes.. well there ya go! lol

 

Yup. RobMotive on YouTube has a long winded but decent video showing the cubby install as well as part #s for hardware. Looks factory after its done. Myself Im going to use rivnuts like factory instead of the way he did it, but his way works too..

Again, the dude loves to talk…
https://youtu.be/hoeyiCq_x1I

 

If I could give up one of my cubbies...

Sometimes I open one up. Just to have a look

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rage-box-on-2020-tacoma.728967/#post-25964987

I just did this to my 2020 Tacoma

 

Nice mod work. I usually don't store anything there due to water/rust/mold.

 

That's what I do when I build stuff of the farm. Drill with a 1/2" bit, then use a jigsaw to cut the straight lines. Use a reverse cut blade, that cuts on the down stroke, so that the rough edge is between the truck walls.