CrewMax and Truck boxes?

Ok, so I'm looking to add storage to the Tundra. 2018 model, CrewMax.

In the olden days, before I had extended cabs, crew cabs, etc, (e.g long truck beds), I would just put a truck box in the bed, lose a little storage, and move on. But getting the CrewMax, the bed is only about 5' 6" (give or take). Do I want to give up almost 2 feet of my bed putting in a truck box?

What are the thoughts from the hive? Who has put them in and liked them? Who has put them in and taken them out? Who looked at the box and said "Aw hell NAW"?

And part 2 of my question, what did you do to store your tow straps, tools, boots, junk, and other odds and ends?

 

I currently store my recovery gear in my under seat storage (lots of DIY info here on that). If I end out doing a tool box it'll be something I can lock down for off-roading and take out when I'm not using it so I can have the space back. I'm also considering a Diamondback cover and one of their storage systems, but that may not fit my purposes. I've got a list of the ones I'm considering on my build page.

 

So I got an organizer for the center console and put the straps in there and got a tray that keeps other things at arms reach. I also shoved some things behind the seat, if you flip up the seat you can access the little cavity back there. I then and got a roll up tonneau cover.

I have seen some nice mods with Ammo Cans. I have also seen the truck boxes the mount behind and over the wheel well that do not take up very much bed.

Additionally there is a bin that you can install under the rear seat cutting out some carpet and insulation.

 

ESP storage box under second row. Stow all my recovery gear there.

 

I just added some storage to the bed of the truck. Takes up minimal bed space

Was going to do the DIY Ammo Can Storage, but needed more room. Might add one to the other side for extra storage

 

You're probably not running a cover but if you are this is what I run. It folds away when and if you need the full bed.

https://bakindustries.com/bakbox2-utility-storage-box

I didn't want to do the under back seat storage as I always have the dogs in the back seat and always have a cover/hammock on the seat which would make it a pia when I need to get to the stuff.

 

Can't run a cover. I have 2 antennas mounted in the bed.

 

In that case I think @ColoradoTJ idea is the best.

 

Did you mount the ammo can?

 

Yes - 4 bolts to the bed

 

What size can did you use?. I'm getting my bed cover put on wed and I want to do this on the weekend. I'm nervous about screwing it into the bed though. I have the factory Toyota drop in liner I might try and just screw it that instead of the bed. You think that would hold it sturdy?

 

20mm Ammo Can. I'd recommend bolting through the bed or installing threaded inserts (nutserts). Don't think a drop-in liner would hold up very well

 

Any pics of where you drilled? My luck I'll hit something hahah

 

I run two, they are both shallows, so there is still bed room under the boxes also have a weekender type ladder rack. Not a huge fan of bed covers, they tend to leak and even if they don't you wind up with chaos underneath it. So if I have something that is too tall to fit in the bed under the boxes and I can't get it on the rack, then open the tail gate and tie it down on there. Best part is hauling furniture is not something I will get asked to do. But even if I have to do something like that, only takes about 20 minutes to remove both boxes...I have a ton of tools that I have to haul around for work, so this was the best option for me.

 

As others have said, the ESP Truck underseat storage is a must and should have absolutely been something offered direct from Toyota. They were my first upgrade. Beyond that, while you've mentioned not wanting to lose length, what about depth? They're costly, but how about a storage system liked that from DECKED (pictured below).

 

Just put a shallow low profile in on mine (matte black) and like it so far. I rarely haul stuff in the bed, and if I do it's related to camping and I have plenty of room for that with the toolbox in place.

 

I'm making my own little version of the ESP storage. Mine will run me about $40 when done. You can see what I am doing here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/crewmax-backseat-storage-hack.27951/page-4#post-823146

As for the Decked system. I seriously looked into that. I liked it a lot, until I started reading the reviews. I like that concept, and I am toying with making my own version, or I'm debating making one like this:


Keeping the spacing about 49" face to face so I can still lay a full sheet of plywood in the bed.

 

Do you have a link for the one on the pic?

 

That is for a Nissan Titan. My neighbor has it and I'm gonna try and build a Toyota version.

 

Ah, gotcha. Thanks

 

That’s not real.... lol it looks awesome

 

$199 is a better price than what I remembered. Last I looked it was listed for more and I immediately dismissed it as a feasible idea.