Backseat replaced w/ camp storage.

Hey all!

I was recently looking for ideas on how to build a storage unit that replaces the back seat of a double cab. Had been thinking about it for a while. But both myself and the girlfriend were furloughed, so we decided to go on a road trip. This meant I needed to get it done asap with very little planning. Couldn't find any substantial builds online and ended up winging it on my own. Figured I'd share what I remember about the build.

My wish list was short. Bolt into existing seat mount points. Multiple cubbies, not just one big box. Don't cover any of the windows. Allow access to the existing storage in the floor.

I had written a big long walk-through, but I screwed up and accidentally deleted the whole damn post. I imagine y'all will figure it out just from looking at the pictures. Some essential details, though.. The back panel can go up to 54" wide with a little tapering on the top corners. The rest should be no more than 53" wide. I decided to bolt into the four 10mm bolt points along the middle of the wall. Replaced the bolts with 10mm 8.8 bolts, 95mm long with only about an inch of thread. There are other options, but this seemed the simplest at the time. I did foam behind the back panel for a bit of noise reduction. Cut out a patch where the window motor protrudes. I found the best way to mount the front panel is with hinges like they did the seats. This is because the surface isn't perfectly vertical. I imagine you could fab up some custom brackets with the perfect angle, but this way was quick, easy, and very effective. Once you have the front and back panels cut and mounted, measure and build the rest as you go. Might make some modifications or improvements in the future, but we've been camping for a week and it's working great. It's strong and unmoving. You can grab hold of it and rock the whole truck.

I am not a carpenter, nor an engineer.. so this isn't perfect or anything. It took 4-5 days of me learning as I went and several trips to Home Depot. But please ask whatever questions you like and I'll answer to the best of my ability.

 

Wow. Phenomenal execution on your idea.

 

You got the TP your all set!
But you might want more than one roll (for bartering)
Nice! How much does it weigh?

 

Yea, I've learned to save, save, and save, and have a backup when composing a long thread. Happens to most of us.

Can imagine it was a great writeup!

 

Seems like you should have bought an access cab long bed with a topper.

 

That's not really the point of this post is it? Maybe he likes the double cabs better. Cab storage is nice to have and a lot more secure than bed even with a cap or tonneau. I have an access cab and love it but I know cab storage is more secure.

 

Perhaps a 4runner would have been more appropriate? Just seems kinda silly to buy one thing to completely turn it into something else rather than just buying something else that would ha e better suited your needs.

 

Maybe he needs the bed, there's always two sides to the coin and more to a dice.

 

Idk where you think building a shelf in your back seat for dry secure storage is “completely turning it into something else” and I’d also love to know how a right up on building back seat storage gave you the know abouts of the OP’s needs. I mean the guy literally built something to suit his needs and you decided he has different needs from what? Lol

Good work OP, love seeing people building stuff instead of just swiping the card. Wish I saw more of that on this forum sometimes.

 

nice work man! glad it all worked out for you. Pretty much the same here, the back seats of my dbl cab are nothing more than
a storage area.

 

Good work man..
I see stuff like this a lot.
Well done

 

Using those hinges for brackets was a great idea. Simple and effective

 

I have been thinking of how to better use my rear seat also. It always starts out neat and organized and by week 2 on the road trip it is a mess. Great job!

 

Because they completely removed the rear seat and spent lots of energy and time building a permanent storage shelf. They took a 5 seat vehicle and turned it into a 2 seater + storage. Essentially creating a short bed acess cab. Call me crazy for thinking theres a difference between a DCSB and an ACLB...

Where do you think that buying a 2 seat tacoma with more storage space in the first place is less practical than doing what they did? They literally spent more time energy and money going the rout they did.

They bought a 4x4 tacoma so they obviously had a need for a bed. The fact that they ripped out their rear seat to build permanent storage shelves indicates the need for more dry storage. So uh yeah i must be a genius to have figured that out.
Why do you care so much that youre getting this butthurt over a simple question?

 

Well then why not buy an access cab long bed in the first place.

 

Love it lol!

 

I disagree...somebody will bust your windows and get into your cab a lot faster than they'll get into my Diamondback.
But agreed that this wasn't the point of the post. It's funny how many people are concerned/opinionated on what others do with their trucks.

OP...great job on the build. Looks good and functional.

 

I honestly never thought to weigh it.. My bad!

This truck was purchased almost completely on impulse. I've always been impulsive because I have adult ADHD. I'd recently lost my beloved 1995 Chevy S10 and was heavily leaning Taco. At the time I just wanted another small pickup really badly. Happened to be passing the dealer near my house, saw this beauty, and got stars in my eyes. But life happens, things change, and Tacoma World is discovered. I had no idea I'd want to off-road or take it on extensive camping trips. If I could go back in time and do it again, I'd get an off-road instead of the sport. I'd go manual. And yes, I probably would go short cab, long bed. But in all honesty, the double cab is working out great! I have my RTT up there and this back seat storage is perfect for easy access to the tent essentials. Camp setup is super quick. Pop open the tent, have the lady get up there, and I just pass her everything we need for the night from right there in the door. Also, with this build, I didn't "completely turn it into something else". I can easily unbolt my storage unit and put the seats right back in like it just came from the factory.

"Perhaps a 4runner would have been more appropriate"

A bed is infinitely more useful. And with a bed rack, you can add even more functionality that's still removable. Taco is just more versatile unless you have 4-5 kids you're taking everywhere.

Anyway, here's some pictures of the RTT setup.

 

I've seen a handful of "rear seat delete" projects while folks have been sheltering in place & OP's is probably the most useful but also the least permanent. I didn't see anything that can't go back to stock if he changes his mind. I'm a fan.

 

Very cool storage system, OP. It looks great. And you still have full rear and side visibility.