USA Import from China or Australia?

[Naveronski]

I have a home made flatbed for my 2014 Toyota Tacoma and I'd like to add a trundle drawer commonly seen on many Australian trays.

Something similar to this:

1700mm Custom Aluminum Under The Ute Tray Bed Storage Drawers With Metal Sliding Rail For Storage And Heavy Duty - Buy Aluminum Drawer For Ute Tray,Under The Bed Storage Drawers,Trundle Drawer With Sliding Product on Alibaba.com

1700mm Custom Aluminum Under The Ute Tray Bed Storage Drawers With Metal Sliding Rail For Storage And Heavy Duty - Buy Aluminum Drawer For Ute Tray,Under The Bed Storage Drawers,Trundle Drawer With Sliding Product on Alibaba.com

www.alibaba.com

I'm looking for someone in the US who either makes a product very similar to this or imports ones from Australia or China but haven't found anything yet. It seems like there are a few tool box companies that make drawers in the US but they're steel and very heavy. Since mine will be between frame rails and under the flatbed deck I don't need that strength and would like to save as much weight with aluminum as possible.

Any ideas?

 

[Fenderfour]

Ute LTD imports stuff. They seem to be the least expensive option for these beds in the US.

 

[andy_b]

For ~$1400USD shipped, you could find a local fab shop that would be able to make it. It might be slightly more, but then you’d also be able to dial it in just right and support a local business in the process.

Alternatively, if you’ve made your own flatbed, maybe this is the next project to raise your fab skills to the next level.

 

[Naveronski]

Ute LTD imports stuff. They seem to be the least expensive option for these beds in the US.

I reached out to them; the drawers they import are steel @ over 200 lbs and ~$2,300 plus shipping from Seattle to me. Kinda disappointed about that.

 

[Naveronski]

For ~$1400USD shipped, you could find a local fab shop that would be able to make it. It might be slightly more, but then you’d also be able to dial it in just right and support a local business in the process.

Alternatively, if you’ve made your own flatbed, maybe this is the next project to raise your fab skills to the next level.

Yeah, buying local is seeming more and more like my best option, or ordering from SET. I haven't found an Australian source that would ship a single unit.

 

[Fenderfour]

Yeah, buying local is seeming more and more like my best option, or ordering from SET. I haven't found an Australian source that would ship a single unit.

I have had some luck looking for garage fabricators on CL, Marketplace, etc... It's a little risky, but I've found some super-experienced retirees who are just looking for things to build.

 

[Naveronski]

FYI: Summit Expedition Trucks lists their drawer as for sale, but in reality they will not sell it separately - you have to also purchase one of their flatbeds.

Drawer, Trundle Drawer - Summit Expedition Trucks - SET Overland

Drawer System All prices are in US Dollar first, followed by Canadian Dollars. Prices are subject to change without notice. Drawer System, Trundle Drawer The optional Drawer System, or also referred to a Trundle Drawer, is a great optional accessory for any of our flatbed/tray systems! Dual...

setoverland.com

Website is was extremely misleading. - Looks like they've updated their website after my conversation.

 

[gator70]

Shiping, tax and duties can really add up

 

[RumRunnerS2k]

Shiping, tax and duties can really add up

Yes, but if you get a quote from your own freight forwarder it may not be that bad. I'm considering ordering a ute tray from a manufacturer on Alibaba.
I think a lot of folks would be amazed by the fact that many well known Australian 4x4/Overland companies import their stuff from China.