Question about behind-the-seat storage

I don't have a 3rd gen yet, but will probably be picking one up in the next week or so. I have a question about the storage area behind the rear seat in the double cab configuration.

In stock form, there is a divider that subdivides the long storage compartment into two smaller ones. I need to fit a rifle back there and it won't happen with that plastic divider that doesn't look like it comes out as in previous models.

It looks like that molded plastic panel is held in place by a few bolts and could be removed to create a larger, undivided cavity. Is that the case?

Does anybody make any replacement pieces that can be swapped out and are configurable?

 

I can't comment on the 2016, but I can't imagine it's much different than a 2015. I've taken my panels out in search of a hole in the back to run my CB antenna cable through (there isn't one, by the way), and they came out relatively easy. Just a few screws and some brute force to pop the plastic clips out and there's a ton of space back there without the panels, but am unaware of third party replacements.

Or why not just put your rifle under the back seat instead?

 

That would be another great option, but that compartment is subdivided as well and it looks like it would be much harder to solve that problem than the one behind the seat.

 

Ah, I assumed you were talking about a double cab.

Worst case I guess, you can roll without the back panels in and customize a mount. You'll probably be happier and end up with more space anyway. Those stock plastic panels are cheap crap anyway.

 

Great. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

Too expensive for me but a friend shot me this a couple of weeks ago. http://www.esptruck.com/#!about1/c1026

 

I have the JBL audio so no room behind the rear seat but under the rear seat works perfect.
I just removed the doors from that compartment.
Flip up the drivers side rear seat and the rifle slides right out.

 

That would be a good solution, but I agree that it's a pretty expensive solution.

 

That would be a great solution except it doesn't look like my rifle would fit with my optics on it. I've got an EOTech holographic sight with the EOTech magnifier and it would add close to 3 inches to the overall height of my rifle.

Nice looking gun, by the way.

 

BCM. Nice. I have a 14.5" SOCOM I still need to put together.

 

I may fit with an optic if you slid the rifle towards the rear of the truck. With the magwell resting on the edge of the compartment and the handle on the carpet. You could also remove the compartment to gain a inch or so.

 

You might want to consider getting a pistol build. It would give you more storage options or if you are not in a hurry, get an SBR build.

 

There is a coupon right now in the coupon section for a molle back,

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/molle-panel-2nd-group-buy-for-2nd-gen-dc-rear-seat.410254/

 

I don't usually need any excuse to buy (or build) a new gun, but I've never been a big fan of the SBRs or pistol builds. I like my 16" guns because they're so versatile. I can see the logic of mounting a shotgun in there too if I can get it situated, however.

 

Now that's a really interesting idea. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

I don't really love the pistol builds either, but a few years back I watched a guy put a huge scope onto an SBR AR with an 8" barrel and proceed to tag steel plates at 300 yards like it was nothing. The scope stuck out about as far as the barrel!
Anyways I was sold on the versatility of an SBR, so I started filling out the ATF paperwork. The $200 and months of waiting is annoying, but when you get the approved stamp back it's a great day. I have a few registered SBRs now, but I'm not exactly sure I want to leave any firearm in a truck without a very very secure way to store it.

 

I guess I'll find out about storage soon enough. I just put a deposit down on a 2016 TRD Off-Road (Manual Transmission) and they are pulling it off of another lot a few hundred miles away and having it delivered to my local dealer. Thanks for your help guys.

 

^ MT FTW

 

Check @docloco's build thread or post 246 of the previously linked thread; he has the bins pulled, molle panel in, and a Santa Cruz gun lock installed that seems to work pretty well for his SBR.