Custom Rear Underseat Storage Crewmax

Been reading and looking at the options out there for the underseat storage options. I can’t justify $700 for the ESP full length storage. So I decided to make my own. More to come. But here’s where I got to tonight.

So far I’m in this for about $60
3 1”x4” pine boards
1 4’x8’ 1/2” plywood
1 3”x24”x3/16” flat metal
(Thicker metal is needed, I went back and added 4”x1/4” pieces under the 3/16” pieces I first used because the bars were flexing. They do not flex now.)

Step 1:

Remove the negative battery cable, don’t wanna run the battery down.

Step 2:

Remove the 8 17mm seat bolts.

Step 3:

Remove Seats. May require two people

Step 4:

Remove Factory Subwoofer, 3 10mm bolts.

Step 5:

Remove the plastic door sill trim pieces to be able to peel carpet back to reveal the seat brackets and the foam filling pieces.




Step 6:

Remove the foam first and set aside and then the two middle seat brackets. Should be 5 14mm bolts.

Step 7:

Flat metal will be needed for the floor supports. I used a piece of 3” wide by 3/16” thick. Looking back I recommend 1/4” or 3/8” metal just for strength. (UPDATE, I did go back and add a piece of 4”x1/4” metal under the existing bars I added for strength) Here is what the seat brackets looked like once I got them cut and modified.





Here is the measurements for the lengths of everything once cut and replaced.



Step 8 and Step 9:

I used 1/2” plywood as the bottom. I used a Coping Saw to cut the foam down to fit the bottom of the box.




The dimensions of the plywood bottom are 48” across the front, and individual pocket dimensions are 13” wide and 17” deep I believe. I’ll double check that tomorrow and correct if I’m off.

This is as far as I made it for tonight. More to come after Christmas.

 

This is what I want to do exacty

 

One question, why did you leave the square tubing on front? I was thinking of using flat steel all the way and weld onto the front part that bolts into floor.

 

after watching the install video of the ESP long box I was like, there’s no way I’m paying $700 for something I can literally make myself. My dad and I enjoy projects, and this one is easy enough. Tracking down a buddy that has a welder is usually the hardest part especially with today being Christmas Eve. But it’s all coming together. I will update more Thursday when the hardware store opens back up. I have to exchange some of the lumber for a different size.

 

Good question, the length I left will set the frame of the box under the lip of the seat when it’s let down. Didn’t want it to be accessible without the seat being raised up. I haven’t gotten that far yet but once the box is finished Thursday it’ll make more sense hopefully.

 

Ok I understand. I Plan to use the steel plate itself to bolt it down. Found local welder that agreed to weld up a 1/4” steel box for me with a hd three point lock. I’m only going to make the size of the drivers fold up seat.

 

I tossed around that option as well but I wanted an open top box just to have easier access to my stuff only gonna have some minor tools, straps, chain, gloves. That sort of stuff in there so not worried about locking it up.

 

Looks great so far man.

 

thanks! Still debating on what to do with the box, don’t know if I’ll paint it black, wrap it in carpet, or rubber coat it.

 

So your storage box will be made out of plywood correct? If thats the case than imo there is no comparison to the ESP metal lockable storage box.Most people buy it to store valuables and locking long rifles in there ,cant really do it with plywood.Btw ESP long box was $600 shipped couple weeks ago via group buy.
I too like to build stuff myself but in this case decided to have a clean look and took me only 1.5h to install ESP box.
Good luck with your build OP
Subd.

 

The bottom is plywood. The sides will be 1x pine boards. I don’t have any reason to lock anything up and I just wanted storage to keep my junk out to the floor board. But if I want to throw a gun in there I think I’ll have the room to do that too. Not worried about locking anything up. Truck is good enough for me.

 

Looks great! Thanks for including material details.

 

My truck has storage under the rear seat from the factory. Is this an installed option I didn’t know I have?

 

LabCab, CrewMax doesn’t come with underseat storage from factory.

The double cab does. You have a CM or a DC?

 

I can’t believe it don’t mind blowing

 

Ok thanks
I have double cab.

 

Toyota cheaped out and didn’t install one in the CM even though they left plenty of room for it.

 

I looked into doing this but the amount of storage with it will be very minimal IMO and I don't want to give up the flat floor space when the seats are folded up. At the end of the day it is not worth doing IMO, but to each his own.

 

yea to some it’s not. But the seats won’t be folded up much for my use. I have a bed cover so whatever needs to be safe from weather can go back there too

 

I didn’t know there was a storage box under the seat in my DC until I bought it. It was a pleasant surprise. The smaller side I keep a few personal items and a 1st aid kit. The larger side I keep tie downs, bungees, and duct tape etc.

 

Today’s update,

I used the padding under the carpet and lined the floor underneath the box for sound deadening.


I painted the box black, and got it installed. I stapled the carpet around the edges of it and trimmed the inside out for the bottom of the box.

 

Here is the box measurements



And here is the finished product!!!
Those are the inside dimensions by the way^

 

Looks great, minor suggestion, use birch plywood from a wood supply place if you can. I hope to follow your idea too.

 

You have totally inspired me. I'm going to build mine this weekend!

Thank you so much for sharing the measurements and pictures!

 

Very nice craftsmanship!!! I can do that myself easily, please let me borrow your welder and then remove your hands and eyeballs and send them to me.

 

Awesome job I used food trays for my set up

 

whats better about the birch?

 

Be prepared. It took a good amount of time. Haha

 

nice job man! That’s a good idea too!