Bedside compartments...what do you use them for?

So, new Tacoma owner here, having just bought a 2017 SR5. I was going over the truck finding all of the different storage spots (I like having places to put things and keep them organized) and noticed that the bins on either side of the bed near the back. They have covers, so they're "enclosed", but given the water that poured out of them (it'd been raining for a couple days), they don't appear watertight. So, I'm just wondering what folks use those for?

I'm thinking maybe storing some tie-down straps or bungee cords, but I guess they'd need to be inside a ziplock bag or other watertight container to prevent rust or other water-related damage. Or, has anyone made/found a gasket or the like that would fit around the door to keep water out?

 

Dog leash, poo-bag dispenser, and ratchet straps.

 

I keep a roll of heavy duty trash bags in mine

 

Bungee cords and Rope

 

http://mobtownoffroad.com/product/storage-door

[/url

Uses for Bed Cubbies

 

mines got some old golf balls and a couple of old telephone cable in there

 

ratchet straps in mine but I am partial to adding some poo bags now that I see how popular that is!

 

Strippers in one, cocaine in the other

 

I have a cap on, so I don't have to worry about water. BUT, I did pull the cubbies out and sealed the holes on them (with some epoxy and some tape) and have been able to keep dust out pretty well. So far I have a retired climbing rope in one (useful for tying shit down with, and I don't care if it gets beat up), and paper towels in the other. Will probably get some ratchet straps and keep them in there.

 

Tow hitch and the "dirty" set of work gloves in the big one (clean hi-vis gloves are behind the seat), trash bags in the little one.

 

I have my ratchet tie downs in the larger left side compartment. Right side is currently vacant.

 

Bungee cords in one....cargo net in the other. Ratchet tie downs and recovery/tow strap I keep in the behind-the-seat compartments 'cause I'd rather not have them stolen

 

bungees and ratchet straps. Seems like Toyota could have put a seal around it to make it more resistant to weather??

 

I have a cap too but find water still gets in there from the drainage holes.

 

Ratchet straps, gloves and a bottle opener. Cuz beer.

 

My thoughts exactly. The lockable steel doors seem nice, but, geez...$65 each? Too rich for me, esp. since I'll be paying this off for a long, long time.

 

I keep my hitch in there. hoping I don't regret it, as it seems to have condensation in it. obviously they get rusty quick, but I don't want that big heavy chunk of metal clunking around constantly while I'm cruising either.

 

Ratchet straps, Bungee cord, Tow cable, Cargo Net, Tie Down hooks, etc.

 

Ratchet straps, bungees, bubba rope and shackles

 

I picked up one of these from Home Depot http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-7-in-Polycarbonate-Waterproof-Storage-Bin-83001N14/205171797
It's hard plastic and waterproof. I'm going to make a small First Aid kit and store it in the side compartment. It looks as if 2 of these will fit side by side so I'll be picking up another one later today.