Tundra DIY Storage Drawer System

Hey guys,

Just thought I would post this in case anyone wanted to build one rather then spending 2k on a drawer system.

 

^^^^Good freakin idea!!!..also like the way you remounted your rails to accommodate your rack clamps..thanks for sharing..

 

Btw, is that exterior grade MDF,?..or what materials did u use?..any close shots of the slides? And welcome from Ventura!

 

Nice work! We need more details please.

 

Make me one too Warren!

 

Welcome aboard from AZ!
That’s a good looking job. How water tight do you think it is? I thought about building my own but chose not to for several reasons.
Please post more pictures of the box and your truck!

 

Great job!

 

Thanks guys I was wanting a truck vault system for a while in my previous trucks never wanted to spend that cash so I just decided to spend $350 and just make one for the tundra I picked up at the end of last year.


2 sheets of 4x8 3/4 ply treated (box)
1 sheet of 4x8 1/2 ply (drawers)
3 1"x12" 8ft common boards (box)
4 1"x10 8ft common boards (drawers)

Rail system
4 1" square tube aluminium (length of the drawers)
60 or so Skate ball bearings (Amazon)
Bolts washers nuts

 

I took my time lining up the skate ball bearings bc in the end I wanted it slide with ease.

Attached the tube to the drawers
Painted the drawers
Attached carpet

Back of the drawer has some rubber on them so they don't slame when closing the drawers.

Put the ply wood on top to enclosed the box

* key thing is the box has a 1 1/2 over hang to prevent water from coming in.

I used truck bed lining spray can to cover the box. So far it only has 2 coats. Its holding up fine. Might recoat it later.

I sanded down the faces of the box to make them look little more professional. The handles work great. Got them off Amazon.

The slide lock I bought on Amazon were a fail lol. The are to small and the wiggle loose. But I'll order larger ones and maybe ones with a spring in them when I get around to it.

I also added to tie down hooks on top of the box just encase I want to strap something down. You know I love my ratchet straps just give me a reason to use them lol

 

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I used to be a cable contractor and it worked well for that. Now it's going to be used for overlanding once I get the truck lifted, tires, bumpers, bed rack and shit lol

 

Nice job!

 

Nice work!

 

I think the added beer bottle opener is what does it..

 

I'm really liking it!

 

Did you watch the "bottle opener" mod for the bottle cap mount?
Awesome job

 

Lol I think your right. You have to keep your priorities straight!

 

Never use mdf for anything with weather. It will be destroyed...

 

Me too

 

That's good to know. I didn't even hear about MDF until after I built this.

 

Haha I could see that. Every parking spot is half the normal size!!!!! I like to go against the grain.... Lol

 

Nice work. Do you have a writeup for lowering your side bed rails?

 

Looking for this as well haha

 

Fine work sir. Fine work.

I like to make sawdust myself and I love the idea of using skateboard bearings. That was brilliant.

 

I think an suv would be better than building a bed box.

 

We use exterior grade mdf every now and then in some of the homes here depending on applications, we also use it for building sheds etc..different from reg. MDF...Extira mainly...

 

Yeah, that exterior grade mdf is awesome stuff. Looks like the normal stuff at first glance, but far from it in actuality.

 

We have a home made drawer system as well. 3/4" plywood. Have had it for about 8 years Right now it is sitting at the linex place as we had the top done and I will be repainting the sides and bottom and figured I would also take pictures of the unit and the reinstall. We are taking some extra steps with it now that it will be exposed to the weather.

I love my drawers- the comment on an SUV being better. Nah. That open truck bed is everything and you don't lose it when you have drawers. I finally ditched my camper top and am so happy.

LOVE the skateboard bearing idea! We did not do slides and full drawers can be a bit hard to pull. Really can't retrofit them. Used teflon tape on the bottoms- eventually pulled off but may have to go back to that. Trying Johnson Paste Wax first.

 

How does the exterior grade MDF hold up to the weather in regards to expansion, water retention, and warping? Looks great! Very clever bearing system.