Modular Truck Setup

[AtlasBound]

I'm looking for ideas on how to put together a modular setup for my truck. I could build a customized drawer system that I can remove when not in use, but that's not overly practical. Another option is to keep equipment in storage boxes and just use the tailgate for things like cooking or other things. Right now I don't have a rail system, but I plan to add a rail system and a rooftop tent at some point. I'll be adding a bed cover soon as well.

I read through this thread on storing gear but didn't see anything that really stood out to me. My only requirement for a storage box is that it has to be lockable.

I suppose this is somewhat of a "help me build my rig" type thread, but really just looking for ideas that I can implement in the short term that can still be used once I have the rest of the big things in (bed cover, rail, rooftop tent, etc.).

 

[smritte]

That's how I like building things. My rack is flat (ish) using T-Slot. I can attach mounts, sides, tie downs.....and remove as necessary. My drawer system/bed could be removed in about 40 min's if I wanted to. Its secured using existing threads. I could actually put the third row seats and belts back if I wanted. My rear bumper has several mounting holes. I can swap my spare side to side, move my cargo rack, add in a ladder or whatever.
I'm eyeing my Tacoma with something similar. Outfitting it with T-Slot so I can add or remove as needed. T-Slot is one, cargo tie down rails is another (cant remember the actual name, used for aircraft seats). Nice flat, low profile mounting rails, add in Plano boxes and there you go.

 

[MMc]

Look at Goose gear, they have some really good ideas. I use Action boxes and carry a table tp cook on. My truck has a shell so I just unload what I need. Action boxes are lockable.

 

[Billiebob]

I swear by a trailer. Always loaded and ready. With zero moving parts. No sliders, as few doors as possible. No bins with boxes, everything readily accessible.

40 years of campimg, hiking, mountaineering, I'm now too old to do the set up, pack up thing. I just want to get there and camp without thinking about the weather. Or trying to remember which tote the toilet paper is in.

When I leave town there is nothing to pack, when I return, drop the trailer and go to work. The only consideration.... "do I need to plug in the fridge?"

 

[AtlasBound]

That's how I like building things. My rack is flat (ish) using T-Slot. I can attach mounts, sides, tie downs.....and remove as necessary. My drawer system/bed could be removed in about 40 min's if I wanted to. Its secured using existing threads. I could actually put the third row seats and belts back if I wanted. My rear bumper has several mounting holes. I can swap my spare side to side, move my cargo rack, add in a ladder or whatever.
I'm eyeing my Tacoma with something similar. Outfitting it with T-Slot so I can add or remove as needed. T-Slot is one, cargo tie down rails is another (cant remember the actual name, used for aircraft seats). Nice flat, low profile mounting rails, add in Plano boxes and there you go.

Do you have any pictures or could you elaborate more on this t-slot? I have tie down points in the truck bed and I'm probably going to pick up the slider rail that Ram makes for it (mount holes are already in the bed), giving me more tie down points.

 

[AtlasBound]

Look at Goose gear, they have some really good ideas. I use Action boxes and carry a table tp cook on. My truck has a shell so I just unload what I need. Action boxes are lockable.

Thanks. I looked on the Goose Gear website and didn't see action boxes, though I did see Alu-boxes. Is that the same thing?

 

[Things]

Everybodies kit is different, I would chalk out the size of your truck bed or ? then lay out everything you feel you need in categories then prioritize. tools/recovery to food/cook gear etc. Truck beds get wet eventually so... Move it around until you get the right placement then see if draws or boxes fit the truck and wallet. Tidy and tight make the trip just right.

By the time you use wood floor and draws things get heavy and costly. As ALL rigs evolve I would start with tubs at least. Not say anything you all ready know.

Cover would lock it all.

$75 Costco rubber squares, no shifting and nice to the knees.
$100 for boxes, they cound be locked. They have metal mesh cargo nets.

Converts to cargo van in 10 minutes

I build houses and have a nice shop, but I know this will all change again if I don/t ride a M/C anymore. So I just kept it simple for now.

Its a large square peg through a small round hole, it can drive you crazy to find a perfect solution.

I carry a motorcycle sometimes and dog always......

Love the trailer for sure.

 

[PonoAdventures]

Storage boxes are the best way to change up a setup. the OB blog actually has a good breakdown for 3 boxes, and I roughly do the same. Also, kind of pricy, but Leitner Designs racks are another way to have some modularity as well. Great customer service and product.

 

[LostWoods]

8020.net is your friend if you're handy and dead-set on drawers. You can build literally anything your heart desires and it's extremely sturdy stuff. If you have a flat surface to mount it to, you could build out a drawer system with some L-brackets on the bottom to secure it with knob-head screws and have it in and out in minutes.

 

[smritte]

Heres a few links
80/20
TNutz
US Cargo this last one I linked to give another idea.
I'm going to be running either the us cargo on the roof of my new trailer or this from 80/20

Like @LostWoods said, you can go nuts with 80/20. The cross bars on my roof rack are made from their 15 series. I think TNutz has better mounting hardware and its compatible with most T-Slot. The track from US cargo is made by a few companies. Stronger than T-Slot but not as configurable.

 

[MMc]

Thanks. I looked on the Goose Gear website and didn't see action boxes, though I did see Alu-boxes. Is that the same thing?

Goose gear has some good ideas to steal for your own build.
Action boxes are just a box, I find they last better than most.

 

[PincheOso]

I have a Decked system (lockable) and want to accompany it with a Yakima Overhaul HD rack. Both units are removable in a matter of minutes with minimal tools and can be done solo. I purchased the Decked system used for $500 on craigslist 4 weeks ago and I'm waiting for a deal on the Yakima. My truck has a factory 5th wheel mount so my plans are built around being able to tow or still use the truck as a truck.

 

[AtlasBound]

Thanks for the replies. Right now I'm just trying to figure out the storage solution. A drawer system isn't planned for the short term. However, I did go and looked at the Decked boxes (thanks for the mention of Decked, @PincheOso) and that may be a good storage solution.