New store space

Add some rigid foam board between the supporting framework of the bed before you start storing anything in there. Keeps the bed warmer.
Not my video, but one I found:

Insulate the pass through storage bay.

JRscooby wrote:
Yes, it is unlikely. But everybody should be aware there are laws on the books that will allow it, so I suggest use all space you can, but make sure it is apparent you are using the space. But just travelling with cash, there is a chance that you will lose it. Anybody remember that church group that was collecting for a charity, got stopped in Ok? They had enough of a network to ask questions nationwide, so the money was returned to head off a investigation. Do you have that network?

Decade before I retired, instead of listening to same commercials, over and over, I would download things like National Press Club for the long nights. Some of what I heard then but never heard reported bothered me. Examples; The head of DEA, asked about the nation wide network of plate readers being installed, "No, not likely to curtail the flow of drugs, but will likely increase CAF"
The head of Kansas HP, when questioned about budget cuts, "With recent change in Co laws, and our CAF laws, we do not expect any hardship."

If the man is just out to get you, there ae enough laws on the books, they will find one that gets you.

It's absolutely silly to worry about opening up wasted space to make it into a compartment.

PS: I understand the issue with civil forfeit laws and they need to be reigned in but impounding RVs for storing undies in a non-standard compartment isn't a big source of confiscations.

valhalla360 wrote:
Just double check you aren't cutting into anything.

Unless you are running drugs, it's highly unlikely the cops are going to confiscate your trailer because you have an extra storage compartment.

Yes, it is unlikely. But everybody should be aware there are laws on the books that will allow it, so I suggest use all space you can, but make sure it is apparent you are using the space. But just travelling with cash, there is a chance that you will lose it. Anybody remember that church group that was collecting for a charity, got stopped in Ok? They had enough of a network to ask questions nationwide, so the money was returned to head off a investigation. Do you have that network?

Decade before I retired, instead of listening to same commercials, over and over, I would download things like National Press Club for the long nights. Some of what I heard then but never heard reported bothered me. Examples; The head of DEA, asked about the nation wide network of plate readers being installed, "No, not likely to curtail the flow of drugs, but will likely increase CAF"
The head of Kansas HP, when questioned about budget cuts, "With recent change in Co laws, and our CAF laws, we do not expect any hardship."

Just double check you aren't cutting into anything.

Unless you are running drugs, it's highly unlikely the cops are going to confiscate your trailer because you have an extra storage compartment.

All I can say is WOW! This went from zero to 750 MPH in a very few posts. For a minute I thought we were debating truck reliability. The OP just wants a place to put things.

hornet28 wrote:
JRscooby How does making sure your truck is safe give them the right to search in the sleeper?

Very interesting question, 1 I would love to discuss with anybody that would listen, think and look at facts with open mind.
Going back forever, it has been accepted that in times of war, some rights must be limited. (Read laws passed before WWI. Internment camps WWII. Bet both sides had checkpoints in 1776)
1969, I took a oath to defend the Constitution. At that time the Constitution had so many amendments I could not keep them straight. Sense then congress has declared 2 wars. For over 50 years the "War on Drugs" has been giving more power to police. CMVs are a special case, but in fact LEO can search your vehicle anytime you are on the street, just because most people think police will always act right.
You get stopped for any reason. CMV, can be just safety check. But sometimes it seems random. (Ever have officer ask "You know why I stopped you?". Any reply but NO gives him a reason for the stop. Now sometime in the course of that stop, he asks if he can look inside. (If he has real probable cause, he will not ask.) If you say yes, (and he is not one that will plant) he will search, normally do no damage. If he finds nothing, you are on your way. Now I say "no damage" in the sense the burglar didn't find anything to steal.
No if you say no to look around, LEOs are trained to look for clues you might be doing wrong. If he decides you are, he will search the vehicle. If he finds nothing, he has lost nothing because your recourse against the violation of your rights is limited. You can sue the department, but not him.
You say why would he search, nothing he finds can be used. If he finds something, you go to court. Your lawyer tries to suppress the evidence, because illegal search. Uncooperative (Said NO?) glassy eyes, sweating, stuttering bunch of reasons. Can any witness dispute what officer says? Only the judge can say I don't believe this officer.
Somehow between the war on drugs, and the war on terroir the Constitution has only 1 amendment that should be defended.

AT least I did not have to pee in the bottle that day.

In reply to the question about Smoky checking the interior of a big rig; ICC rules and Smoky's have a way of making things into bigger things, if you get my drift. Sometimes the truckers don't make friends in law enforcement, but LEO's have the upper hand in being obnoxious.
As for the OP, if making storage is your goal I say go for it. I've made a hidden panel in a couple rigs to store papers and $$$ in--even to carry a firearm for my protection. I've never been stopped by LEO's to check my trailer and I can't recall anyone that has been. Now, I do have a small circle of friends, so what I just wrote might be slighted somewhat.

JRscooby How does making sure your truck is safe give them the right to search in the sleeper?

nickthehunter wrote:
This is what the law says:
“(C) No person shall knowingly operate, possess, or use a vehicle with a hidden compartment with knowledge that the hidden compartment is used or intended to be used to facilitate the unlawful concealment or transportation of a controlled substance.” section 2923.24

That’s a long way from a compartment to store your shoes in. And let’s not forget, your innocent until they can prove you “intended” to use it to conceal a “controlled substance”

The law was re-worded after trucking industry, among others, lobbied to show the chance of abuse.
And as for "innocent until prove" it might be worth your time to look into CAF laws.
Years back I took a job to deliver a Red Cross trailer in Orlando because a hurricane was expected. Plan was get in ahead of storm, drop trailer, and get out of area. Knowing plans don't always work, I stopped by bank, picked up enough cash to feed me and my Cat for a few days. Plan held, I was bobtailing thru Tennessee, was stopped for a roadside "safety inspection". While they where making sure that old Pete was safe to drive, they found that cash under the mattress. Money and bank receipt, in a bank envelope, but had to get sergeant over, who then radioed for captain, who had to call somebody else before I could leave with that cash.

It's hardly a hidden compartment when there are hinges and a hole for the finger to open it