Anybody use a wheel well storage box?

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wahoowad

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I'm having a problem fully committing to a Decked system even though I love the product. I'm not sure I need all that storage. I see these wheel well storage boxes advertised and hoping someone has some first hand experience. One looks big enough to hold most of the straps/chains/jumper cables/tools I usually keep tucked under my rear crew cab seat yet still keep the majority of my bed freed up.

If possible I'd love to find one that doesn't require putting additional holes/screws into the bed of the truck. Perhaps something that has a j-hook that can tighten down over the factory tied down point.

 

Boostpowered

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Ive never used one but ive also never seen one that didnt bolt in, definately never seen one with j hooks like a contractors rack.
I like the idea of them but none of them ive seen in person seem very sturdy. Id get a low profile toolbox/spare gas tank that goes on the bed behind the cab, youd have room for a hilft and all the straps,chains, tools a rifle etc and 15- 20 gallons of fuel on demand.
 
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Mekcanix

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I have one but it had to be screwed into the truck. I really love it and it holds a surprising amount of tools and such.
the one I have seems real durable as well
 

Jaytperry89

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This is a great idea, frees up bed space, and you could use it with a tonneau cover, and or a bed rack system for a roof top tent.
 

wahoowad

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I'm still exploring options and today came across this factory GM accessory called a Side Mounted Bed Storage Box. I think they are sold in a set of two - one for each side.

It retains most of the usable bed space (length and depth) while still giving me some storage. Just can't find any decent reviews of it anywhere as it looks like a factory accessory that few have purchased. It's cheaper than the $1200 Decked system but still pricey at just under $900.

 

TravelerGAL

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Considered them but they block my upper in bed tie downs, BoxLink system. I am considering the Decked system because I can use it for a pull out kitchen/storage. So many options..... and configurations.
 

Arctic033

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I'm still exploring options and today came across this factory GM accessory called a Side Mounted Bed Storage Box. I think they are sold in a set of two - one for each side.

It retains most of the usable bed space (length and depth) while still giving me some storage. Just can't find any decent reviews of it anywhere as it looks like a factory accessory that few have purchased. It's cheaper than the $1200 Decked system but still pricey at just under $900.

I really wish that was offered in a Ford version as well.
 

TravelerGAL

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I’m currently using swing cases and I love them. There’s more room in them than originally thought and I can carry quite a bit of stuff. Between those and my under seat storage I have plenty of storage.
Can you put gallon water containers? Or long items? Or gallon containers with long items on top? Thinking if they fit putting some travel trailer tire changing equipment.
 

FX4Overlander

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When I get home I can take some pictures if that would help? I think a gallon water bottle would fit but I can test that to make sure.
 

MOVE.OVERland

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I just installed my swing boxes and I love them. I also installed the outlet in the bed. Fishing rods,axe and shovel mounted behind them. Bed lights are a must also!20191230_092647.jpg20191228_165146.jpg20191228_165053.jpg20191228_165608.jpg20191230_125759.jpg
 

rho

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That box looks good... gonna have to look into that.
 

Road

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I'm still exploring options and today came across this factory GM accessory called a Side Mounted Bed Storage Box. I think they are sold in a set of two - one for each side.

It retains most of the usable bed space (length and depth) while still giving me some storage. Just can't find any decent reviews of it anywhere as it looks like a factory accessory that few have purchased. It's cheaper than the $1200 Decked system but still pricey at just under $900.
.

@wahoowad - I looked at wheelwell storage containers and didn't really like them, so built my own for the van. This is the same thing I'd do for any pick up I owned or to go with a sliding tray or decked system. If not under cover of a truck cap, I'd fab 'em up out of aluminum or something.

All surfaces are finished with several coats of Polycrylic, which makes them hard and durable as hell, as well as easy to clean. These have been in there for 7 or 8 years now.
Full length, the 3/8" birch ply goes right up along side the wheelwell and widens to the door width at the back, so it helps funnel and center any load I might put in there, including pallets. I can still put in full sheet goods as I retained my width between wheel wells but for 3/4" (3'8" ply each side), so still have, if I recall correctly, 51.5" clear width.

The side boxes have removable tops with simple finger holes. The only mounting holes for the upright face of the sideboxes were at the rear door and the far end. I did not drill into the wheel wells. I did mount a ledger strip along the walls to support the lids.

Savana-empty_600x450.jpg
These side boxes hold an incredible amount of tools and jugs and other gear. I can put an entire Craftsman tool box in there, or gallon jugs of vehicle fluid.


savana-intwork_9757-900.jpg
Buying/selling, quick transport.


autobins-wlid-rear_7803.jpg
Hauling Expedited Cargo - the sideboxes proved handy over and over.

When figuring plans for adventuring more and doing less carpentry and hauling, I decided I liked the sideboxes so much I wanted to keep them. I've had a few different configurations for adventuring, all using the sideboxes as foundation. I built them so the height is comfortable, so any simple platform that rests on the sideboxes can easily be used for a bed, sitting, etc.

roaddude_van-interior-9810.jpg
I like that I can slide the bed platform (it's hinged in the middle for storing) anywhere along the length of the sideboxes, or put it down one side or the other. I have two hinged platforms now, so if I need two beds or sitting areas in the van, I can.
..

vannery-int_6042-900.jpeg
..

vaninterior-181127_7050-900.jpg

I'm re-designing some of the interior for better sidewall storage, though will keep most or all of the sideboxes.
Having full organized storage fore and aft of the wheelwells has been critical to having the tools and gear I need with me for extended travel and camping.

Here's an interesting "frischwasser" tank I ran across for wheelwell mounting. German made, I believe.

frischwassertank.jpg

~Road

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