BEST DIY Truck Bed Sliding Drawer

This the the 2.0 version of the drawer. The best features of this setup that sets it apart from others is it's ability to be adaptable to many different situations. I mainly work by myself so it's super important for me to have a system that is sturdy but can be removed and installed easily by one person. This setup also allows me to organize my tools in the bed of my truck instead of my cab and still have the ability to haul larger materials and supplies.
Let me know in the comments if you want some videos of the planning/layout and construction of the box. If I get enough interest I'll see about putting something together.

[@oby-1607]

One of the best drawer inserts I have seen yet for a pickup. I never let anyone side load my pickup. Thats what the back is for.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Thank you! Side loading is definitely not preferable but every now and then there are situations where it has to be done. I'm with you though, I usually don't let other people do it.

[@aiugrouparchitectureandcon7652]

I am a designer and i can say this is the smartest design drawer i have ever seen. Simple, demountable, functional and every piece is integral to the whole. Brilliant.

[@aiugrouparchitectureandcon7652]

And minimal.

[@jefferysmith7340]

Awesome job. A materials list would be just fine every truck bed is a different type and size. Thanks for sharing saves me tons of time and money.

[@sean6077]

ok, this is one of the coolest versions of a truck bed drawer system. i REALLY like the dividers and being able to remove those AND the whole thing fairly easily. and the turnbuckles? genius idea! very well done!

[@johnnym4106]

This is awesome! I’d love to see the planning, layout, and construction of the box!

[@kruzmisile]

Awesome Drawer! I sure would like to watch the how-to build video!!

[@enriquemendez8476]

Please do an instructional video on the plans for this truck drawer. Awesome job

[@nevelspittman923]

Yes please do

[@bennysiu3590]

Please do

[@TravisRank]

Yes definitely another video or something about this. I've been planning something like this and just this video has given me so many more ideas. I love the flip down tailgate and flip up lid. I never even thought of those.

[@codyols9966]

This is by far the best truck bed drawer design I've seen. I would really like to see a build video or at least a more in depth look at how you made the drawer slides.

[@texasproud3332]

This very cool and I see two ideas Ian going to borrow that hinged lid and the multiple rollers close together 👍

[@keithporter6670]

This is the best build option I have seen, I would really love to have this design in my truck for my business but need to see the build video....

[@wingsley]

Great little video! Would like to see a video of you fabricating this drawer system. Also would like to see a catch installed on the bag so the drawers cannot just fly open on their own. I agree with others, it would be neat to see if you could post a link to plans (including a bill of materials) so folks could build theirs.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

The drawer does have a catch at the end of it, it will not slide past what you see in the beginning of the video without flipping the top up. I may put an actual lock on it one day but for my purposes I haven't been in a situation where I need one yet. I do have plans in the making for putting together either a video or a video series on how I made the assembly, which will include materials, hardware, etc. used

[@ShawnZiemba]

Wow, great job. The drop gate and flip-up top are exactly what I need.

[@wascadoo8946]

Excellent & well executed Build Mate. Those mounts to your Tub without putting holes in the floor are Icing on the cake. Full Credit to you Friend 👍🍺🇦🇺

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

This is the coolest truck drawer I've ever seen! Too bad you didn't film while making it.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Thanks, it was a fun project and serves me well. The build video is in the works, will probably have to wait until spring unfortunately because the weather sucks right now.

[@aroundoz]

This is by far the best set up I have seen so far on KZbin. I also didn't like that most of the other ones are not meant to be removed. Also screwing into your truck bed? I don't think so. Great idea utilizing the tie downs which also created little storage areas by the wheel wells. And with one big drawer you have so much less wasted space compared to two. Maybe you sacrifice a little less weight capacity on top by not having central support with two drawers but if you are not carrying an ATV... Anyway, I just ordered a Decked unit yesterday but had I seen this first, I would have copied your plan. Your son looked worried when you were jumping up and down on the drawer:)

[@gaudywidget]

yes please an instructional build video would be awesome!!!

[@mrblobby668]

Pask did a great video, same design. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e32zZWSmebCUp9U

[@Invested_Minds]

I rarely find the energy to comment on videos but I couldn’t let this one get by...you should patent this! All the other products in the market look like sock draws!!!! It’s obvious you put a lot of thought into this.... all it needs is to be manufactured out of a tough lightweight material and your set. A truly beautiful design man well done 👍🏻

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Thanks much!! It was definitely a fun project and is something I use often.

[@brendanfosdick3059]

This looks awesome! I would love to have instruction videos on how to build this.

[@Andy-ue3dv]

Nice! I’ve been binge watching these DIY drawer slides. I like your design methods. Ty for sharing

[@jamiecross8719]

Was there ever plans or an instructional video ever made? I don’t see any other videos after this one. A great design. Thx for sharing

[@bobby050606]

Please do a instructional video !! Awesome work! Want to do the same myself ..

[@beharford]

Very nicely done, Bro....working on building something for my pickup (if it ever stops raining, sigh....) and yeah, there are a million great ideas out there, but I really like a lot of what you've done...definitely some cool and unique features Truly appreciate the work and forethought that went into your project...thank you for posting! Happy New Year from The Great White (Wet) North

[@mpxz999]

I wish you did a close-up of the bearings. I couldn't really make out the assembly of those. Thanks for showing how the unit as a whole works though

[@andrewk8636]

Bro you just gave me the best idea. I will be building mine tomorrow so I'm gonna take your hinged top to the next level. I have spare struts from my cap so I will make a hinge all the way at the front of the top board and make struts that will hold it up so I can access without opening the tailgate

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

That'd be a good way to go for sure. I was going to go that route myself but decided against it because I take mine apart so much constantly dragging it in and out. The less I have to unscrew the better in my case. You should message me a pic or two when you get it finished though, love to see it!

[@ahraitch6218]

Great job. I'd really like to see a build video with more information about materials and dimensions. You used a great deal more bearings than others I've seen. Was there a reason for that?

[@efecheverri]

I would like the building plans for your slider if you can

[@doug.ritson]

Looks way more like Toledo than Medina. Yeah, I'd like to see the built vid.

[@bcov1230]

Did you do any videos on building this drawer? I am interested in building one once I purchase my new truck I want to set it up to hold all of my cement finishing tools and framing tools. This is the best built drawer system I’ve seen!!!

[@rodw]

First and foremost, what a fantastic job you did making the drawer. 2nd kudos to you for answering all the questions, some more than once lol. The turnbuckle system on each corner is genious !! You didn't show loosening or tightening of them? What size they are? I noticed 2 things while you were putting the drawer back in. The fact that you got the drawer back in the slides from where you were standing was impressive. Before you put the plywood top back on couldn't you tighten the turnbuckle then? or at least most of the way? Did you separate the top to make it lighter and easier to remove? Thanks for sharing your talent and video again great build. !! Rodney

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Thanks for the kind words. As to your questions, first I will show how the turnbuckles work in the build video I'll be making once the weather actually cooperates and it isn't the arctic tundra outside. They are a very simple mechanism and can be used for quite a few projects. Secondly, the reason I don't tighten the turnbuckles before putting the top on is because I've found after some trial and error that it's best to leave some "slop" in the base so that it can be moved around once the top is on. I almost never get the top exactly lined up on the first shot. So it's easier to get the top on, the use the turnbuckles to "center" the base as I tighten them down. This is also why I made the cutouts in the top so I could access the turnbuckles with the top on. As for the top, there's actually a couple of reasons for it being split. The biggest reason is that it has to be due to the size. The truck bed is roughly 5 feet wide from side to side (I didn't want any space on the sides for stuff to fall down in) so in order for me to get that I had to cut a piece of plywood length wise, which limits my piece to 4ft going from front to back of the bed. The second reason is that I wanted a hinged top for better drawer access in tight quarters and it was easiest to just have a split top to accomplish this. And lastly it definitely goes a long way in east of install and removal. Much easier to move around than a full sheet of plywood.

[@canis9178]

I’d love to see your “how to” video and will definitely follow along

[@trystanthegypsy]

Thanks for the great video- I have been looking for a good removable solution and this seems awesome

[@thejameslealartco.7625]

Nice design

[@armandomagana7]

This is badass! Props! 👍👍

[@STV-H4H]

Can you please create a video showing details of the roller system. The under mounting drawer slides are more costly I want to pay and standard slides are not sturdy enough for 200+ lbs when extended. My work vehicle is a Honda odyssey which is also the family car (though my kids are grown now) type thing mostly. It’s stealth for the electrical contractor (me) not looking to advertise the expensive tools (and entertainment system) hiding inside the unassuming looking vehicle. As a handyman I do more than just electrical work, so having the drawer able to one day function with a compound miter saw out the back is pretty much my reason for an in use system for the drawer. My drawer is about 48” sq. Which around 12” height. All carpeted on the outer walls and painted black inside. Blacked out glass to conceal anything when it’s not inside the box. Your wheel/track system looks to be worth the effort and expense. Slides able to handle a possible couple hundred pounds indefinitely is a great idea. Having a gps tracker on my old Because it’s a low mileage (‘08 touring) older model but I spend more time in it than at home I also have an outrageously cool sound system which allows Bluetooth compatibility. That’s perhaps the biggest reason I justified spending as much as I have for a stereo as a otherwise frugal guy. My tools (nearly all makita) in both the kitchen and shop are finally top notch to ideally match my output expectations. 😊

[@calebphelps1836]

Very nice job I would be interested

[@johnandersen5321]

Awesome job, how many bearings do you have per side.

[@BP-bb4vg]

So awesome, trying to build one of my own.

[@vincentcooper2659]

Thanks. I would like something like It. Then I was thinking of putting a camper shell on top. Great for camping.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

That's actually a really good idea, hadn't thought about doing that but could be a really cool project.

[@Zee20Ate]

This is exactly why I’m watching this. I have a top on my bed and I want to build One of these.

[@chrisking6370]

This is a sweet drawer setup, but I wanted to chime in... While the rails and rollers the drawer slides on are nice, they are in my opinion unnecessary. I have two 80" long by 9" tall drawers in my Ford, that slide on two wheels that protrude down from the bottom of the drawer an 1/8" at the back of each drawer. The front of the drawers are supported by the tailgate when down, and slide on nothing but the wood they're made from and some wax. It's simpler, takes up less space than all that hardware, is faster and less expensive to build. Not trying to put down the very nice job this gentleman has done, just sharing what I have learned after building mine.

[@chrisking6370]

Side note, adding latches that automatically engage whenever the drawer is closed is recommended, my drawers ended up in the middle of an intersection one time after forgetting to close the tailgate and driving away! Wicked fun...

[@noprojustsharing6506]

Wow, really nice, you rock 👍🏼

[@toddhendricks2791]

Hi, just viewing your video for the first time. I built a truck bed drawer ,decades ago, using garage door tracks and rollers, because I'm frugile. It worked okay but, when I had a few hundred pounds in the drawer it was quite hard to move in and out. I was wondering what you used for the drawer guides. Any information is appreciated.

[@toddcaskey9984]

Awesome job !

[@recyclespinning9839]

Awesome design and build the only thing is when you're picking up material , I don't really think you have enough space in their for material,, yes he could have small trailer when you're picking up material that would work

[@randallhicks7072]

Exactly what I am looking for! how can I get the plan and layout of the box ?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I haven't made any official plans yet but they are in the works, or at the very least an instructional video.

[@bobbywoodfine6087]

@@homeshopmechanic8580 I would very much like a set of plans as well, awesome job!

[@larrypascualjr8582]

I’d like a set of plans also, the 1 man removable & Install is exactly what I’m looking for...

[@Durrttyy]

What is the drawer slide brand and where did you get?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

@@Durrttyy The rails are 1in square tube steel that I fastened to the sides of the drawer.

[@mbonneville1]

I'd like the plans and / or build video, really well done, very versatile. Do you wish you would have done anything different? Very cool, thanks.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Yes build video is in the works as soon as the weather breaks and gives me a chance to be outside. This drawer system is my 2.0 version so most of the quirks and issues were fixed from the original one. So not really anything that I'd want to change for my situation.

[@dougmckinney6641]

Well done

[@guisspino2347]

Love it! Do you have a DIY video yet?

[@KevinBrown-wh9so]

I would love a set of plans

[@michaelbryan1294]

Yes awesome design. Do you have a place I can a get materials list and basic plans or instructional video.

[@richardlawton8986]

Hi, how many sheets of ply did it take and what thickness did you use? Ideal and a simple build, thanks for sharing.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I used approximately 4-5 sheets of 3/4 in plywood.

[@richardlawton8986]

Thanks for your reply, most grateful

[@bradbalding8568]

Excellent Job! Would be happy to pay for a parts lists and plans if you got them.

[@movaughn20]

Holly cow, you got a lot of Nuts! ha ha

[@yannickbigras2890]

Awesome design you have thought of everything! I'd like to copy. What roller and rail system did you use?

[@aprileckman5933]

Wow. Does your design work well for hauling groceries? Also, is that your kid in the video? Asking for a friend.

[@arnosafarian9392]

I was wondering about the drawer wheels/rollers that are bolted into the sides. Are those something you put together or something that can be purchased that way?

[@superkittybtc]

so good thank you i think im gonna do this one what did you uses for rollers

[@4556renard]

Nice build ! How deep did you made your drawers?

[@keithchabot1565]

well thought out.what did you use for the metal rails and roller system

[@lapmaradojeremy7298]

This is exactly what I been looking for. Are you going to do a instructional video soon?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Yes, it is in the works.

[@davidyoutz8379]

Nice Job! You have some ingenious features. I like the removable partitions, tailgate and hatch. It appears to roll quite easily, is that ever a problem if you have to park on a hill? I'm planning something similar for my 4Runner.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I haven't had any issues yet but you definitely have to think about where you park. If its too steep of a hill it will 100% put the hurts on you when you open the tailgate, especially if it's fully loaded. If I have to park on a steeper hill I usually put whatever tools i need most in the back so that I can get access to them by flipping up the top without opening the tailgate.

[@bonanzabiker]

Looks like a great setup! I've been looking at the decked commercially made setup but can't afford the $2k they want for one. Any chance you could show how the rollers work in a video?

[@northernfarmer3689]

There $1000 new not $2000 I even see them used on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for $500-$800 people take them out when they sell or trade in there truck.

[@1982MCI]

Northern Farmer it depends partly on what truck you have also. It’s $1,500 for my truck today and then I don’t have to but would want some of the optional accessories which adds another $500 plus shipping and tax so I would be around $2,500 to get one for my truck. Yes, I think it’s worth it but a lot of us don’t have that extra money laying around right now. I built mine for a bit under $300 and from 6’ away it looks like a commercial unit and performs better. The entire crime is angle iron and square tube welded together and the top is 3/4” plywood. I used roller bearings on the sides for it to roll on so it can be pulled out with one finger and it slides in just as easy. I’ve not had one issue with it in the 1 1/2 years I’ve been using it. I built mine so I have a steel framed plywood sheet that also slides out and I gave a cutout in the back of it so I can drop my router lift and router in it and in 5 minutes I’ve got a solid workbench that I can use to build cabinets, match trim, etc on site and don’t have to waste time running back and forth getting measurements and going back to the shop to fabricate and then back to install, it’s now all done on-site and saves a lot of time and gas , etc That’s the nice part of building your own no matter what the cost is for either. You get what you need and what is gonna help you be more productive. One size doesn’t always fit all ya know. But each guy has to make that decision for himself

[@VNCraftToys]

The nut to slide, how to by, what it name, pls

[@cpomcguire]

This is what I want to build for my 2014 F-150 FX4 super cab. How would it be different if I've got the handle in the tailgate that extends up as a grab handle? Also could I place something on bottom because I've got a LineX spray in bedliner? Do you have plans and a parts lists? Love the ease of placing and removing by yourself. This truck will become my towed vehicle behind a Class A diesel motorhome. Another thing I should mention is I've got a fiberglass tonneau cover (ARE?). Thanks in advance.

[@jeremyspecce]

I like the "tailgate" and the top access to the rear section. You mentioned leaving the tailgate open to haul longer stock on the platform but I don't see that there is any means of latching the drawer from sliding out. Is that true or did I miss something?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

That's a good question. So what I meant by saying "you could haul longer stock" was that I have the ability to haul stuff that would equal the length of the drawer vs as I have it set up in the video you'd only get boxes or materials that are approx 2ft in length. I had a rough latching system on the first version but it was very clunky, got in the way a lot and generally didn't work well at all, so I did away with it. If I put another one on it would probably be a simple lockable 90° hasp that would attach to the lid and drawer. For my personal purposes I've never needed to haul anything with the tailgate down. The lumber either fits in the truck bed completely or I put it up on the tailgate which keeps it from sliding out the back.

[@jaferrari49]

Great Job! I would like to do something like this in my camper. I have two questions how do you keep the steel square tube from rusting? Would aluminum square tube work?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I had considered using aluminum but decided against it due to the weight issue. If you're carrying smaller and lighter tools/materials etc I'm sure it would hold up fine. I haul heavier tools so I wanted to have something that would hold more weight. The steel does rust but it's not a big deal for me as long as it's functional.

[@1982MCI]

I painted mine to prevent the rusting

[@ExploringKY]

Where did you get the bearings? And what is the side rail made of? Thanks

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I got the bearings in bulk off of ebay. It was like 40 bucks for a 100pack. The rails are 1in square steel stock.

[@markwalker3880]

@@homeshopmechanic8580 Could you link to the same type of bearings? Did you add the bolt or did the bearings come with them?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

@@markwalker3880 I don't really have a link, they're just generic skate board bearings. Look for them on ebay. You can usually find them in bulk for cheap, no need to go super expensive for this project. They do not come with hardware, you'll have to purchase all the hardware separately. You'll find that the hardware to put everything together is actually more expensive than the bearings.

[@professionalcardetailinggu6942]

Hi How are you Where you buy roll wheels

[@joestands9842]

I love it !

[@kennethhudgens2216]

I'd like to build this for my truck. Do you have plans and a parts list?

[@Rad_B_OLand]

I’m very interested in the drawer slide system. (Close ups and details)

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I will be going into this in detail in my build video.

[@ffc3476]

Great job I am inspired

[@israelmaes9673]

Hello I wonder like a step by step on how to build one for my truck.

[@joshplumpton3973]

I like it I really to make one

[@stumptownwoodworks]

Cool idea, I like it. Been thinking about making one myself using locking 5ft or longer slides instead of wheels and such to make it simpler on me. How is he wood holding up? I have a cover as well and don't want to take mine in and out all the time if I can avoid it in spring and fall. Winter it's outa there most likely. Ever thought of bed liner material paint?

[@EdQuinene]

Great work! What is the drawer bottom made out of? Plywood? Does it sag when loaded?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Yep the whole drawer, minus the rails and inside drawer supports, is made with 3/4 plywood. The whole setup weighs somewhere between 250 and 300lbs. That leaves me about 700lbs before I max out my suspension, I wouldn't be afraid to load it up to max truck weight although personally even with it loaded up to the gills with hand/power tools I've probably only gotten about 300lbs to fit in there. If I really need to carry a lot of heavy stuff I'll usually just take the assembly out so I have more room.

[@EdQuinene]

Thanks!

[@mannycruz1499]

Nice job where did you get the roller bearing from?

[@ahraitch6218]

Look for skateboard bearings on ebay.

[@jesuspedraza6172]

I would like to buy the plans from you.

[@rhameenkolyani3202]

What did you use for rollers? Is that just a steel bar on the drawers its sliding on? Thanks

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

The rollers are typical skate board bearings and they roll on 1in tube steel.

[@bryanrichter231]

With all the materials what was the final dollar amount on a project like this?

[@1982MCI]

I did one for my truck which I did a bit different but overall he and I used almost the same materials for each so cost wise we should be similar and I spent a bit under $300 but that could deviate some depending upon where you source materials from as well as right now in the fall of 2020, a sheet of plywood that I paid $25 a sheet for in spring of 2019 is now $75 because of the world BS occurring right now. But, I’m sure the Commercial units are probably rising at same pace right now as well so good luck but hopefully you’ve already got your unit built, they really are pretty easy to do

[@justdoityourself6796]

Can you post a build guide for a former class mate.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

It's in the works, I'm super slow at editing lol

[@Bold_bezels]

How much you spent in total??

[@ea333525]

Nice build. What did you use for the drawer slides?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Square tube steel and skateboard bearings as rollers.

[@ea333525]

Ok. Very nice!!

[@andynguyen8493]

what kind of rollers are those and where can I get them?

[@andynguyen8493]

can I get your design?

[@justineckberg]

How many rollers did you end up using?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I can't remember the exact number off the top of my head without going to look but it's about 25 bearings per side. I had a bunch more on the first version and it was way overkill and just added to the total weight of the unit.

[@1982MCI]

Home Shop Mechanic where did you get the roller/bearings from and what size where they?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

@@1982MCI they were standard skateboard bearings I bought in bulk on ebay. 100 pack for right around 40 bucks.

[@briancashell5391]

Would love instructions to build

[@MitchellReportsInvestigations]

Would you send written details?

[@SlyC00p3r]

What are the rollers called so i can order some. Any special name for them?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

They're just standard size skateboard bearings. I bought my in a 100 pack on ebay for like 40 bucks.

[@WillPagephotography]

What size steel tubing did you use and do you have a link to the bearings used?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I used 1in square tube. The bearings are simple skateboard bearings which I bought in a 100 pack on ebay. They were $40 for 100 and I haven't had any problems with them so far, cheap is okay for a project like this.

[@ryancowguill5454]

@@homeshopmechanic8580 do you have the plans for this build. Thanks

[@joeleckman1066]

How do I build one of these for my honda accord?

[@DGETHIS01]

what do you fhink the set up weighs?

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I used roughly 4-5 sheets of 3/4in plywood plus a crap ton of hardware (bolts, washers, nuts, I-bolts, bearings etc) and a couple pieces of tube steel for the bearings to ride on. So I'd guess with everything included between 250 and 300 lbs, probably leaning more towards the heavier side.

[@calebphelps1836]

Can you build this kind

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Yep it's all 100% hand made by me lol. Anyone can do it if I can.

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

I don't quite understand why you used so many bearing rollers , when you could have used half as much with two rails on each side of the drawer...just seems to have been more expensive than necessary ...but it works ok...

[@chriram25]

Did you ever get around to the tutorial?

[@dwainseppala4469]

Should have built a frame out if steel.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

I needed something that is light enough to move in and out of the truck by myself. Steel would have been too heavy.

[@fishingismydrug1]

Would aluminum square tubing work?

[@bigal33usmc37]

Show the build

[@usche1]

Doubyiu have the plans

[@larrybe2900]

You can video build one as you build it to the same specs and I will take it off your hands for a fair price. I have the same model PU 6.5' bed.

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Haha I'll keep that in mind.

[@larrybe2900]

@@homeshopmechanic8580 Get back to me if you decide to entertain my offer.

[@michaelbautista9625]

You will lose the versatility of pick up truck when it comes to loading of any kind.

[@derekgilger6243]

Looks like you have $300 just in hardware ,

[@homeshopmechanic8580]

Yeah I don't have the exact dollar amount off the top of my head but the hardware was def the most expensive part of the project. For something like this you can expect to pay just as much for the hardware as you will for the wood materials.