Water/tools/battery
I removed the rear seat and base of my 2005 Tacoma Dbl cab and built storage for water, tools, Hi lift and battery under a dog platform. My goal was to keep the weight low, centered and where it was designed to be, well actually it was meant for 3 adults (170lbs. x 3 =510) but who’s counting.
I started with a 26 gal. water tank measuring 50 x 16 x 8 inches, and based the rest of the build around it. For sound deadening and thermal protection, after stripping and cleaning the area, I brushed Liquid Body Armor then applied EZ Cool Insulation. I compared all the different products out there I thought this would be a good combination for light weight and be easy on the wallet. The plywood I used was a combination of Euro ply Birch and scraps of marine grade mahogany ply from another project. The ply was affixed to the aft bulkhead with 5200 using existing bolt holes. Forward 1x1 aluminum angle was affixed with 5200 and riveted to the floor pan to provide stiffness and a mounting point for the ply. Again 5200 was used and screws were set thru the angle into the ply.
The fill and vent for the tank is on the driver side with the drain on the bottom centered over an existing hole. I cut a hole in the floor plug to provide a water tight fitting against the nipple.
The DieHard Platinum Marine Battery Group Size 31M, Blue Sea Safety Hub 250 Fuse Block with Remote Battery Switch, Sun Saver 10amp 12v solar charge controller, and power for the subwoofer are mounted passenger side. The speaker is mounted in an enclosure centered facing forward between driver and passenger. The driver side storage holds tools, recovery gear and a Hi Lift stretching from side to side.
All said n done with the tank pressed and dogs loaded I am just shy of the 510 lbs. mark.
Cheers
(still trying to figure out how to place photos in the correct order)