Mounting accessible storage bins in truck bed

[agesilaus]

OK like many others I find it to be difficult to reach into the truck bed, since I'm not 7 ft tall. So I decided to mount a couple of bins on the inside truck bed sides near the cab to keep some items handy.

I got some 10 inch steel brackets from Lowes and attached them to the sidewall with self tapping #12 screws:


Click For Full-Size Image.

I was also coating the truck bed and one of the brackets got coated. I put three screws in each tho the photo only shows two. The brackets were installed upside down with the end pushed under the bed rail as far as it could go.

Then I got a 10 gallon tub, which was just the right height (9-10 inches) Held it on the rails and marked the places where the bolts needed to go with a marker. I drilled the holes, and used 1/4 inch ss bolts with a fender washer to mount the tub.


Click For Full-Size Image.

The tub needs some drain holes that I'll add in case sone rain gets in. The view from the tailgate:



That tonneau cover is the Ford roll-up which is a piece of junk, the very next day I replaced that with a low cost ($229) soft Trifold. Which so far is great.

I used the Plasticoat coating in the bed of the truck: Amazon

And so far I am very happy with it. I originally coated the bed with Herculite coating which has worn off in a number of places after 4 years. I tried patching those spots with a Rustoleum coating material which was worthless. But the Plasticoat went on easily, leveled itself, and dried within the hour.

I started to apply it with a siphon type spray gun which was a recommended item with the Plasticoat. However 2/3 rds of the way thru coating the bed it died and I didn't want to stop and fool around with the gun part way thru.

So I grabbed a cheap 4 inch chip brush and finished up. When it dried you could not tell which section was sprayed vs brushed. So I just brushed the second coat on. I finished with something less than a quart left in the can for touchups as needed.

[rhagfo]

The best solution for access to the bed at the front is full length running boards or steps!
I see tons of pickups with steps and or running boards only at the cab and nothing at the bed! :h

[schlep1967]

agesilaus wrote:
If you mean a leg that goes down from the outside of the bin that would make it impossible to put a sheet of something like plywood in the truck bed.

True. Unless he cut part of it off so it goes back even with the wheel well.

[agesilaus]

If you mean a leg that goes down from the outside of the bin that would make it impossible to put a sheet of something like plywood in the truck bed.

[schlep1967]

Just a thought for support. Turn another set of the steel brackets upside down under the other ones to make a set of legs that go down to the bed. If they are not long enough you can add another piece of metal with a slot and a bolt with a wing nut to adjust for height.

[agesilaus]

Well that is a problem that I discovered the day I put the trifold on, I'm going to have to move the bins back. I know these bins will only hold light weight items since those screws are going into sheet metal. I don't know of any other connector I could use tho since I cannot get to the back side of the sheet metal side.

[schlep1967]

Your tri-fold cover must attach differently than mine does. My front "clamps" would go right where your new additions are placed. I also agree with trackrig. You need some more support there.

[Trackrig]

A good idea but you're going to need some support under those tubs to hold them up, or some reinforced brackets. They're starting to lean already.

Bill