Ryan C
Full Access Member
Hi guys, thought I would share this with you in case (like me) you have been struggling to figure out a solution to store tools in the bed without drilling into the bed.
Its a very simple design really. 1x10 cut to about 9.5" to fit between wheel wells and end of box. This keeps the whole assembly from sliding backwards. Under the middle tool box, I doubled up the 1x10 so that the ratchet strap holds the box down against the "rack" (otherwise the strap was relatively loose in the middle allowing too much movement up and down). The lower ratchet strap holds the boxes into the cab side of the bed pretty well, but as its not centered on the boxes, I felt some added support was needed. The solution is the 2x4, which I supported with two 2x4 wings at 90 degrees on the sides, so that it wasn't just screws into the longer board from below (the 1x10) holding everything in place. The wings are angled at the cab so as to provide room for the tonneau vent lines. Under each box is 1/4" rubber mat for a little extra cushion and grip. Quick rattle can primer and matt black paint. I tested it with some solid off roading last night and everything held solid. Pretty pleased with how it turned out, and it cost less than 20 bucks all in.
btw, the tool boxes are Canadian Tire waterproof boxes of 18-1/4 x 14-3/8 x 6-15/16, which were 75 bucks each on sale. One holds tools, another holds a dewalt impact, flashlight and two 5 AH batteries, and the third has a smittybuilt air compressor.
Its a very simple design really. 1x10 cut to about 9.5" to fit between wheel wells and end of box. This keeps the whole assembly from sliding backwards. Under the middle tool box, I doubled up the 1x10 so that the ratchet strap holds the box down against the "rack" (otherwise the strap was relatively loose in the middle allowing too much movement up and down). The lower ratchet strap holds the boxes into the cab side of the bed pretty well, but as its not centered on the boxes, I felt some added support was needed. The solution is the 2x4, which I supported with two 2x4 wings at 90 degrees on the sides, so that it wasn't just screws into the longer board from below (the 1x10) holding everything in place. The wings are angled at the cab so as to provide room for the tonneau vent lines. Under each box is 1/4" rubber mat for a little extra cushion and grip. Quick rattle can primer and matt black paint. I tested it with some solid off roading last night and everything held solid. Pretty pleased with how it turned out, and it cost less than 20 bucks all in.
btw, the tool boxes are Canadian Tire waterproof boxes of 18-1/4 x 14-3/8 x 6-15/16, which were 75 bucks each on sale. One holds tools, another holds a dewalt impact, flashlight and two 5 AH batteries, and the third has a smittybuilt air compressor.
