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GordonThree's avatar
GordonThree
Explorer
Apr 10, 2014

alternatives - truck bed storage?

Is anyone using one of those big plastic boxes in their truck bed for some covered storage? I think they're called "deck boxes", for using on your patio at home. Just wondering how they hold up after a year or two?

I'd like to add some covered storage to my bed, but can't stomach the $300-500 for a metal bed box, especially since they're just providing the appearance of security, but aren't secure at all. I'd put a padlock and hasp on the deck box to keep the honest thieves out. Any thief worth their salt would have a cordless angle grinder, and could open a metal box just as quick as a plastic one.

What else is there?
  • Upright bicycle carrier and non folding lawn chairs eliminates a tarp like cover like the tonneau.
  • I have a plastic tool/storage box that I picked up at a garage sale for $10. It worked great in truck last summer, and was used in the bed of the 2015 Dually since December. The lid can be pried open, and under some situations there was water that made it inside.

    Home Depot had one that I was going to buy, but I saw this at the garage sale the same day.
  • I have a tonneau cover, it does not provide much security when the hitch is installed in the bed.
  • I used vinyl bed covers for my two trucks over 12 years of ownership. They provide protection from weather and wind and enough security for the naked eye where most people are not tempted. Or as you said, that's all you need to keep the honest thieves out and far more things that can be covered than a box.

    Check Harbor Freight and Pep Boys for truck tool/storage boxes closer to $200 for steel/aluminum for $100 for plastic.
  • I use a folding tonneau cover that locks. Much better alternative IMHO
  • We got a couple but they didn't do well. Pretty much junked after one summer and hard to get into since they are stored in front of the hitch. Heavier ones might work out better tho. I've been think about making some L shaped brackets to hold a couple of boxes up within reach. One on each side.