Bed storage options

I wanted bed storage for tools, etc., but also wanted easy to remove sealed/sturdy storage boxes. I ended up getting Husky tool boxes from Home Depot. Two fit side-by-side perfect up towards the cab. Link and pictures below:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-B...r-Tool-Storage-Large-Tool-Box-22843/322630767

 

I also have the Bullet Proof Fabricating tailgate panel/storage. I like it alot. Storage isn't as good as large open areas within the tailgate, but we work with what we have. Was able to fit quite a bit of (mostly softer) stuff in there. Made sure to kinda "squish" most things in there, so don't rattle around, and kept clear of the latch connection bars. It does make the tailgate heavier, so the soft-open feature doesn't work well and you have to guide the tailgate down when opening.

 

JDFab's recent release for additional stotagr.

https://jdfabrication.com/collections/05-15-6-lug/products/copy-of-secondary-shocks-for-4-lt

 

Hard tonneau or cap are your only practical options. Most tonneaus are not waterproof, so any gear that is moisture sensitive should be stored in cases. Plano, HF Apache, Pelican, surplus Hardigg, surplus medchests/foot lockers , or if you want to impress your run-of-the-mill storage geek wierdo, Zarges.

 

Looks like the sky is the limit, how deep are your pockets?

 

Have you considered a truck bed toolbox? Organize or divide the inside to suit your needs, it attaches to the truck bed rail system and it’s lockable/weather sealed. Lowes sells similar one in the Kobalt brand.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-6...rossbed-Truck-Tool-Box-102102-53-01/308793064

or a smaller chest that can be bottom mounted to the truck bed floor, drill 4 holes.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-40-8-in-Matte-Black-Aluminum-Full-Size-Chest-Truck-Tool-Box-102400-53-01/302959741

 

I've had a cap on every truck I've owned. That's 50 years worth. They have gotten expensive, but I still wouldn't have a truck without one. I'm not SWAT, but I am on our local volunteer SAR team and I keep search gear and clothing in my trucks at all times. I've also done multiple cross country road trips to hike, camp, and hunt across the USA. Having a lockable dry storage area is vital for me and what I use a truck for.

 

Sorry, just realized this thread is in the 2nd Gen section. I have 3rd Gen, not sure if bed dimensions are the same.

For the Husky toolboxes I got (discussed above), I also added additional compatible shorter boxes on top of them. They are part of the "stackable" system. All the boxes latch together and each can be locked with a padlock (I don't bother, since in locked bed/cover). I got two different topper boxes. With the larger top box it just fits under my Lomax cover and support bars, with a mm-or-so to spare. The smaller (shorter) box easily fits under the cover. I also have the factory Tacoma bed mat.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Build-Out-22-in-Modular-Tool-Storage-Tool-Case-22842/322630772

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-B...torage-Deep-Organizer-22845/322630779#overlay

 

You don't honestly think those are going to stop a tweaker more than a minute, do you?

There's a video elsewhere on the board from a guy's ring camera of a thief taking his tailgate and tonneau in about 3 minutes at 3:18AM one morning. The lock was popped in about 30 seconds and the hose clamp about 20.

 

Damn, you folks in California (and other big cities) have it tough with theft! I grew up in a somewhat bad city (Ypsilanti, MI, kinda like small Detroit in some areas). I was always getting stuff stolen and cars broken into. Now I'm in an less urban area with low crime, but do occasionally travel to Milwaukee to visit daughter and Washington D.C. area for work. I just try to choose parking wisely when I'm there and leave nothing of value in the truck.

I've installed factory tailgate electronic lock, tailgate hinge lock from christian06, Lomax bed cover, and catalytic converter skid plate/cover. Not sure what can be done to prevent the tailgate lock from being popped, if thief knows what they're doing and have the time. There was a post on here somewhere that showed the Lomax cover is pretty durable, where someone was only able to bend up one corner (probably with a pry bar). However, if thief knows how to open the cover it would be pretty easy to just hook the release rope and open it. All just mitigations to slow down a thief.

 

I never said it would stop a determined or somewhat intelligent tweaker. But it will prevent a dumber one from stealing your tailgate and motivate them to move onto the next one.

I've come out of Home Depot and have found my tailgate down but still there.... thanks to my $1.99 hose clamp.

Lastly, yes, it takes less than 10 secs for someone knowledgeable with a flathead and headblow hammer to defeat a tailgate lock or cubby lock. I've also seen it take about 2x time (20-30 secs) to do the same on a door lock, steering column, pop the hood, and drive off on a fox body Mustang. And most everyone has seen videos were it takes less than a minute for a wrecker to repo and haul away a complete car.

Capt Obvious will say, "no amount of anti theft is 100% foolproof" And if you live in an area where tweakers outnumber humans...you better take your losses if you cant think a step or two ahead of them.