outside access toolbox storage needed

[southpier]

is there a place that sells tool boxes which can be cut into the pickup body & access from outside? like the kind on fire trucks and tow trucks. i don't even know what they're called, and the feeble search i did was taking me way out of the way.

and, 2 part question, is there even enough dead space behind the body panel to make it a wothwhile mod? i think 6" would allow some place for recovery gear to be stashed

thanks

 

[PAToyota]

There are underbed storage boxes such as these for cab and chassis type applications.

You might be able to cut something like that into the bed. But typically fire trucks and such aren't starting with a standard pickup bed.

 

[Skim]

I am trying to work out the same idea. Some like a utility bed and stock bed combined.

 

[capnjim]

Hitch Mounted

What about a hitch mounted tool box. http://www.hitchbox.com/ I'm going to put one of these on the front of my unit.

Jim

 

[Youngunner]

The emergency vehicle compartments such as on our ambulances are built-in to the whole "box" structure. The doors are bulky, about 3 inches thick.

Without going to a utility box or utility truck shell, your best bet would be to find an RV compartment/access door or boat deck hatch. They are usally lockable and weather tight. There are all kinds of ideas on ebay, some even come as a pre-assembled compartment.


Or if you want it out of something other than plastic/fiberglass, maybe try to find an aluminum access panel like this:

http://www.aa-mfg.com/pdshop/shop/item.aspx?itemid=1065

 

[robert]

I've been thinking about this too. I think I'm going to go from the inside though for a cleaner look. There are plastic/fiberglass storage boxes made for boats which I have looked at but they, along with most of those prefab RV doors, etc are designed for flat surfaces. I've pretty much resigned myself to building/having built a custom box out of aluminum. The only concern is you will have to secure it well or the somewhat flimsy bed metal will bend.

There is plenty of wasted space between the bed and the liner on the new Tacos; I can't recall how much was in my old one but I don't think it was nearly as much. I've thought about mounting my Viair in there too.

 

[southpier]

thanks for the feedback. doesn't seem that anyone thinks this is a good enough idea to have actually done it, though. i am not giving up on the possibility.

the flush covers are a good lead, thanks. i can see the inner box needing support, especially if it will hold anything heavier than a tow strap or jumper cables, but i think once the hole is cut there will be plenty of access to do so. keeping in mind flexing & stresses and not causing something else to deflect will require a little thought also.

i'm wondering if a metal worker could run one of the prehinged aluminum doors (Youngunner's post) through a roller and help it conform to the body?

not ready to give up on this idea just yet

 

[robert]

I think it's a great idea- I'm just lazy. :sombrero: I've often wondered why manufacturers don't incorporate them from the start but then it'd add expense. The passenger side on the new Tacos especially has plenty of room for one.

If you hinge it at the top or bottom it won't need to be bent; if you try to bend it the other way it'll just bind. If you want a side opening door you're going to need multiple hinges. Easy enough to do, think of the bent style hinge(s) on gas filler doors.

 

[7echo]

There were boxes built in to the sides of pick up truck beds, but I can't find an image or vendor. I am pretty sure I have seen some Fords with these cabinets, and we had an old Dodge that had them. A small door, forward of the rear wheel.

 

[7echo]

like this?

 

[7echo]

close up-

 

[corax]

There were boxes built in to the sides of pick up truck beds, but I can't find an image or vendor. I am pretty sure I have seen some Fords with these cabinets, and we had an old Dodge that had them. A small door, forward of the rear wheel.

Nissan Titan has one behind the driver side rear tire

This is a good idea, but definately something that will have to be custom made that way you want it.

 

[MotoDave]

I can't remember who makes them, but there's a company that makes service bodies that look like the stock bed. I've only ever seen them for american trucks though. Not sure how much they extend into the bed space.

 

[thebrassnuckles]

cant remember where i found that, but i thought it was cool enough to save..

 

[DblD]

I just ordered one of these for my 2nd Gen. Tacoma.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44013

Ordered from Jacque at Toyota of Dallas. I hope to have it installed by the end of the weekend. I’ve had Tuffy storage equipment on Jeeps in the past and have nothing but praise for the build quality and design.

dd