I'm still exploring options and today came across this factory GM accessory called a Side Mounted Bed Storage Box. I think they are sold in a set of two - one for each side.
It retains most of the usable bed space (length and depth) while still giving me some storage. Just can't find any decent reviews of it anywhere as it looks like a factory accessory that few have purchased. It's cheaper than the $1200 Decked system but still pricey at just under $900.
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@wahoowad - I looked at wheelwell storage containers and didn't really like them, so built my own for the van. This is the same thing I'd do for any pick up I owned or to go with a sliding tray or decked system. If not under cover of a truck cap, I'd fab 'em up out of aluminum or something.
All surfaces are finished with several coats of
Polycrylic, which makes them hard and durable as hell, as well as easy to clean. These have been in there for 7 or 8 years now.
Full length, the 3/8" birch ply goes right up along side the wheelwell and widens to the door width at the back, so it helps funnel and center any load I might put in there, including pallets. I can still put in full sheet goods as I retained my width between wheel wells but for 3/4" (3'8" ply each side), so still have, if I recall correctly, 51.5" clear width.
The side boxes have removable tops with simple finger holes. The only mounting holes for the upright face of the sideboxes were at the rear door and the far end. I did not drill into the wheel wells. I did mount a ledger strip along the walls to support the lids.
These side boxes hold an incredible amount of tools and jugs and other gear. I can put an entire Craftsman tool box in there, or gallon jugs of vehicle fluid.
Buying/selling, quick transport.
Hauling Expedited Cargo - the sideboxes proved handy over and over.
When figuring plans for adventuring more and doing less carpentry and hauling, I decided I liked the sideboxes so much I wanted to keep them. I've had a few different configurations for adventuring, all using the sideboxes as foundation. I built them so the height is comfortable, so any simple platform that rests on the sideboxes can easily be used for a bed, sitting, etc.
I like that I can slide the bed platform (it's hinged in the middle for storing) anywhere along the length of the sideboxes, or put it down one side or the other. I have two hinged platforms now, so if I need two beds or sitting areas in the van, I can.
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I'm re-designing some of the interior for better sidewall storage, though will keep most or all of the sideboxes.
Having full organized storage fore and aft of the wheelwells has been critical to having the tools and gear I need with me for extended travel and camping.
Here's an interesting "frischwasser" tank I ran across for wheelwell mounting. German made, I believe.
~Road
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Roaddude - Traveling Photographer/Writer/Artist On the Road In North America. Gear, reviews, people, places, and culture.
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