Storage solutions for empty space behind seats-Ford Ranger Extended Cab

[tookstar154]

Looking for any way that people have to make use of the space behind the seats in a Ford Ranger Ext. Cab, or Tacoma Ext Cab. My current solution is pictured below, but I know there is a way that it could be better. Any ideas welcome. Cheers!

 

[southpier]

all kinds of built ins will come to the front, but I think the most important criteria is to keep things from flying around the cab in case of an impact. in the interim, toss a heavy tarp over all your kit. at least it will deaden the blow!

 

[tookstar154]

Very true. If I do anything, I'll either use the base seat frame as an anchor point for it, or have to bolt an anchor point through the floor, and have a lashing strap keep it tight. I've all but run out of ideas of what to build, I figured someone else would have a couple good ideas.

 

[GhostRing]

That Club is the part that scares me the most. That's some proper trauma waiting to happen.

Have you thought of a short shelf set up? Similar to the drawer systems, covering all you see there with lift hatches to access everything
but also store more items above without haphazardly piling them on top of each other.

 

[tookstar154]

I was thinking something like that, I would just have to find a different way to store the tools and spare parts that are in that tool box. Or have a shelf go all the way across, and find a spot for the toolbox in the back. The club has only been like that for a day, I thought the same thing when driving, and it is now removed. Might find another spot behind the seat, or find a way to fasten it to any box or storage I make behind there.

 

[southpier]

if you could change your boxes for toolbags there would be less down the road rattles and hurt less in the event they become airborne. skate's on it's own. be safe out there!

 

[tookstar154]

Hadn't thought of that. Might have to look into some tool bags. Skate is going to be held down with small bungees around the trucks. Thanks for the ideas!

 

[southpier]

maybe this will get you some ideas: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/73545-2012-Taco-slow-build-The-Escape-Pod

about 3/4 down on page #1

 

[drifter_r6]

A bit pricey but just to give you some ideas. What about something similar to MPAC rack and using molle pouches to attach and organize along the bulkhead. I think someone else posted using steel grate from a dog kennel, that had the proper spacing for the molle pouches.

 

[Silver dude]

I'd recommend making the swap to tool bags. I did and wound up saving quite a bit of space as they could be packed tighter. Perhaps its really just a matter of finding the right sizes of bags to fit the cab of the truck. Tool rolls to go inside the bags helps. Some way to anchor the bags to the floor would be nice to stop them from sliding around the cab. I've found it best to have one large bag for tools, one bag for recovery equipment. This way you can take the large tool bag to the area of the truck that needs fixing without having to run back and forth fetching items. With only two bags it also cuts down the clutter. I'd take a good look at what you really need with you. Do you really use all of those things while overlanding? Ask yourself have you used every tool you bring with? Eventually you'll end up with a tuned specific tool kit that is compact and exactly what you need.

 

[tookstar154]

I think I am going to build a 6" tall built-in storage platform all the way across that area to make the area level so I strap a cooler or other boxes on top. Anchored via turnbuckles to the seat mounts so it doesn't slide back and forth at all. Also going to go to a tool bag instead of the tool boxes. Top will be hinges with latches to keep the doors from opening while driving. Probably going to coat in either black carpet, or a spray Rhino-Liner, or Line-X. I'll be sure to post pictures of what I come up with. Thanks for all the ideas!

 

[RangerXLT]

This is what I use. Works out well

 

[tookstar154]

This is what I use. Works out well

I like this, looks good, kinda what I'm looking for. I like how you took the plastic backing off the rear of the cab, might do that as well.

 

[RangerXLT]

Hey thanks. here is a shot from today. I intend on stitching up some straps just in a case of an accident. I was skeptical at first but it really has worked out perfect.

 

[tookstar154]

Hey thanks. here is a shot from today. I intend on stitching up some straps just in a case of an accident. I was skeptical at first but it really has worked out perfect.

Very cool. I'll be sure to post up what I come up with when I get it done. Hopefully by the end of this week.