How To Build DIY Truck Bed Storage Drawers - EASY With Basic Tools!

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks for watching! Consider subscribing for more how-to videos, off-roading and 4x4, and truck/car builds!

[@johnathanrlindsay]

Not sure if you'll see this comment as this video was over a year old but I just wanted to comment and say that I had been wanting to build something along the lines of this but never found something that looked appealing. I stumbled across this video a few weeks ago and the attention to detail in the video and showing every process was exactly what I needed to start my build. I followed these plans and it turned out better than I could have imagined. Only time will tell but for now, I am very very content. So just wanted to give a thanks for this video.

[@RM_Garage]

That’s awesome!! Thank you and glad it helped!

[@leonmorris5602]

Some cool techniques building this, learned a few things from your video, I’m surprised at how well the draws slide with no rails really cool, good to know! Great video bro

[@RM_Garage]

thanks!

[@bobjarrard]

Excellent, you can sometimes stack 2 blades on the saw to cut dados or you can buy a dado blade. Bob in Nevada

[@jim7smith]

A router would also do a good job.

[@MyLittleFarmhouse]

If it ever stops sliding rub soap (not wax) along the bottom and it will slide perfectly for years 😊👍🏽

[@rossshong2539]

Really great idea utilizing the dead space on the side of the drawers I’m going to do it for the back spots too for less used but needed stuff

[@Grimreaper45705]

This video inspired me to build my own

[@socaloutdoors7355]

Killer build & set up! I like it.

[@DB.KOOPER]

You've got a speed square... use that to make your cuts and don't waste time with the quick-grip clamps and the board/"straight edge". Little carpenters trick.

[@64maxpower]

Love your old Toyota

[@porkchop3094]

Makes me want to go camping. Very nice!

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks!

[@pwlyons759]

What a pleasure to watch. So many great ideas. Thanks little brother.

[@garyjames3842]

Nice Work. Like the Way you Roll Cheers

[@dterik]

Love it! Going to be building a dirt bike trailer using this set up!

[@Iniquityx63]

Cool video! Great for camping storage or I can substitute one of the drawers as a coffin to drive myself into a lake. Either way very useful.

[@MathewWolford]

Very impressive. Thanks for sharing the experience.

[@Lowlitstudio]

I really appreciate your work and video thank you

[@defomatt2684]

Nicely done. Looks great.

[@hectorcavazos3913]

Great job, iam definitely going to try this build on my 1999 ford ranger

[@akbuilder7626]

Furniture sliders on the bottom of the draws might help them slide easy. Harbor Freight sales captured rollers that work also.

[@kevingomez3849]

I like the build. But how would this hold up if you built it for a work truck. The sliding component of the drawers once u had some weight inside of it with tools and rigging etc

[@ToyotaWorldRunners]

Love it, nice build dude! We've been rocking a similar set up for 2 years and it's great. The only thing we did differently is ad a "lid" to the drawer so we can put the stove up on top or use it as a cutting board. But if you're packing a table that's no worries.

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks! I was thinking about something like that but yeah I do have a table. I’m sure I’ll keep adding to it in the future. Thanks for watching guys. How’s the Chinook?

[@GenesisHandymanLLC]

Great idea.

[@getbuckb4u]

Really like this for my maverick. Thanks for the vid!

[@trextecmarineservice9546]

Hell of a job man! I'm looking to make something for the back of my Tahoe.

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks!!

[@oldmanjankins8812]

NICE BUILD. Gonna copy it on my Gladiator . I just gotta buy the materials and some tools. lol

[@robkelley95]

Your not bad at cutting straight pcs I do exactly what you did Use a guide Good job

[@mrbooking465]

Looking good. Thanks. Great video mann 👍

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks!

[@n.l-hr6ot]

hey nice work. its been some years since u built this. how did it hold up? what would u do different?

[@berserkerusmc7613]

Great job.

[@RM_Garage]

thanks!

[@noocnosaj]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@whimsicali1338]

Another great video!

[@calebphelps1836]

Very nice job

[@chao9323]

Wow awesome build

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks! If there’s one thing I’d do different, it’s probably use 1/2 ply instead of 3/4. Kind of unnecessary. I’d probably find ways to make it a little lighter all around. It’s not too heavy but yeah, I’d improve it for sure in a redesign.

[@robinburkey2466]

Super build! And your video was exelent! Just enough information but no wasted time! Thankyou for sharing👍

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks Robin!

[@allenr6406]

Good job I'm going to try and make that for my truck

[@randallthomas5207]

Hint use LVL or laminate up two pieces of 3/4 plywood. That gives you a dimensionally stable system. Last thing you want is to get it out together, and have it warp enough to bind your drawers on the trail.

[@logan962]

Beautiful job very well made I like u I am a do-it-yourself guy and would love to do same with my Silverado. Could you give links on the locks you put in and handles as well as materials from Lowe's I'd greatly appreciate it and like before beautiful job 👍

[@RM_Garage]

Sure, check the description!

[@williamgarcia2187]

Awesome video. This is my next project, where did you get the hardboard?

[@richardhenry5961]

You did a nice job! *****

[@Viajero69]

Awesome build! Going to use this to make some for an underbed drawer system in my E350. Cheers!

[@RM_Garage]

Glad you liked it!

[@MrRobertLavala]

Not bad at all. Looks like a pretty simple build. I'm curious on the durability...

[@000207poosh]

Man that’s awesome! Totally inspiring. I’m a serious hack with wood. But I picked up some awesome tips from you. Thanks for sharing this!!!

[@RM_Garage]

No problem!

[@nathancowley9685]

Good job 👏

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks!

[@64maxpower]

You did amazing

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks!

[@deansheridan]

How heavy was it ? I’d like to do something similar with my Honda Element.

[@DarrenRussinger]

How is the hardboard holding up? This is my second build and as much as I love the locking drawer slides, I wanted to give this a chance first.

[@RM_Garage]

It held up fine but if I had to do it again I’d spend the money on slides, honestly!

[@DarrenRussinger]

Cheers @@RM_Garage

[@wf2651]

Do the drawers sag when fully extended because of no drawer slides were used ??

[@GenesisHandymanLLC]

Great job and awesome work!

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks!

[@JohnC-er3rg]

Do you think you could have gotten away with 3/4 plywood for the frame and 1/2 ply for the drawers?

[@RM_Garage]

I think so. I could've gone with a lot lighter material but this was one of my first wood projects.

[@OhadAlmog]

Thanks for posting. I saw that you used 1x8 for the side of the drawers, but what did you use for the bottom of the drawers?

[@RucknSplice]

Are the side reinforcements fastened onto the bed? How'd you get it to attach from your drawer to the side of the bed?

[@jamieyarbrough5229]

I really like it . I’m wanting to build one like it for my 2017 Tacoma. If you don’t mind what size lumber did you use on build

[@hlic7941]

Really good build and extremely well explained.

[@RM_Garage]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching.

[@michaelrodman5026]

Really like this storage solution. The idea to use hardboard was a great idea. How is it holding up with use?

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks! It has held up really well!!

[@dudeitszero6438]

Awesome video! Thank you for the helpful info. Subscribed

[@ConservativeVet84]

Must buy your lumber at Home Depot. I probably sort through half the bunk to find decent boards for a job.

[@andrewpressault6906]

Nice build with a lot of smart touches. Was there something about the design that prevented you from building the bed in two length-wise pieces to avoid having to remove the canopy when installing?

[@RM_Garage]

Just a lack of woodworking experience on my part and didn’t think of it. Good idea though.

[@RM_Garage]

I just knew what I wanted and built it. Next time I build something like this it’ll definitely be better!

[@cstelchek]

@RM_Garage hey so I basically made the same platform for my 97 Toyota Tacoma, first off thank you so much for making this step by step tutorial as it has helped more then you can possibly imagine, I had a quick question and am hoping you see this as I know the video is older, but I was wondering the dimensions/ thickness for plywood that you used for your bottom frame, but mainly for the bottom drawers as I didn’t want to go to thick or thin considering weight (I carry tools), thanks in advance!

[@RM_Garage]

If I recall correctly it was 3/4". Probably overkill. The whole way I built this was overkill and mainly because I'm not a super experienced woodworker!

[@JamesS-cm7hs]

Very nicely done. Simple build, but with all the things needed!

[@nigelthornton7378]

Really like this, it's what I'm planning for my truck. Do you find the drawers slide okay.?

[@RM_Garage]

The drawers slide fine. You could put some UHMW plastic strips on the bottom of them to assist. Or use slides, but those are expensive.

[@subylife9714]

Great video wish you did a build plan sheet for this

[@RM_Garage]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@logan962]

Wanted to ask what size base and top were you using was it a half an inch or three quarter inch cuz it looks very thick and if you have a plan that you can upload for someone to look at and print out to make the bed drawer system I'd appreciate it

[@datadrivenmqb]

That came out so rad! I've been exploring different solutions for carrying my work gear and keeping it easy to access. For now I've got about 30ft worth of 2x6s cut up and screwed together into "partitions" inside the bed to keep different totes, tool boxes, and whatnot from sliding around. Eventually I'd like to do something more permanent/elegant like this. This would also be an added bonus of added security (if a board on top is used like you did). How has the slide system worked out now that you have had almost a year with it? Thinking if it has gotten sticky/harder to open/close the drawers you could always seal the wood and then grease it (with something . Alternatively you could have used (or now add?) a sheet of UHMW on the bottom (which is similar to kitchen plastic cutting board material) which would make sure everything slides easily and with zero maintenance because it is a self-lubricating plastic. To make it more cost effective (or have material left over) you could always get a 48x120in sheet and cut it into "strips" for the main contact areas. The stuff is super tough and works great as the outer surface on rock crawler skid plates, etc.

[@westman8527]

Do you think these drawers would keep your stuff dry with no campershell and in somewhat heavy rain?

[@RM_Garage]

Not sure because I haven’t tested it. I do plan to remove my camper shell soon and I can test it. I imagine the wood can be treated and you can also fiberglass over wood for areas that may leak.

[@westman8527]

@@RM_Garage I think I'm gonna paint all the outside materials and then spray some truck bed coating on it aswell as use some rubber door Seals as a make shift gasket around the drawer face. That should prevent most if not all water from getting in but I guess we will see.

[@FrankenJoker-187]

Looks good Do you have a Material list ?

[@DavidRodriguez-ol7hm]

Looks awesome! I’m just down the 180 from ya! About to start a similar build. Just scored a camper top for my 1990 pickup!

[@elkhuntr2816]

How does it work without rollers? If it is loaded with a lot of weight, is it still pretty usable just on sliders?

[@RM_Garage]

Still very usable! I might add some strips of UHMW to help it slide in the future but I have no problems with it.

[@Michael-hq9fz]

How well do they slide I have done a similar set up but my draws are just wood on wood so a little bit harder to pull out

[@yotalicious]

Good job! We'd like to take a swing at this on our channel, but for an 80 series Land Cruiser, but with composite deck materials!

[@RM_Garage]

You should!! Thanks for watching

[@teamchromechasers9006]

Great video I'm.going to be building one exactly the same cheers

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks!

[@jcf6597]

Great video, does the hard board still slide easy after the drawers are loaded?

[@RM_Garage]

Easy enough! Takes pretty minimal effort to pull the loaded drawer out. Not as easy as having slides but still works great.

[@carsonstevens7651]

I built the same drawer system for my 1/2 ton pickup based off your design. I’ve gone back and forth on fastening it down to the bed. Do you have problems with the unit moving around much when you get to some bumpy roads?

[@RM_Garage]

Watch some of my wheeling videos to see what it goes through. I go over rock crawling trails with zero issues! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZojJppmajLN5osU

[@worknlikeadog]

The bubble level on the bed of a truck in the driveway had me dying

[@AntiPattern328]

This is exactly what I'm looking to do to my Tacoma. I am just wondering about what you might do to waterproof something like this? I have a cab height rack with a tent so I don't get a ton of water but I would definitely need to think about it. I'll figure it out. Anyway, I think the part I like best about this whole build is I'm in the same boat. I have limited wood working skills and tools so it is great to watch someone who isn't some master craftsman build such a kick ass set of drawers!!

[@RM_Garage]

Thank you! Yeah, I learned a lot from this and would probably build a better set of drawers next time around but these definitely work. You could just treat the wood with some weatherproof coating and then use a seam sealer of some sort to seal the edges. For the drawer faces maybe a rubber weatherstripping that the drawer face locks firmly against.

[@AntiPattern328]

@@RM_Garage Awesome! Sounds like some good information. I'll let you know how it turns out when I get it done.

[@NouisFam]

Any idea how much you ended up spending on this? Thanks for the very informative video!

[@RM_Garage]

This was at the height of the high lumber costs and it was around $500

[@jamesmonteleone5603]

I'm going to do that to my truck .!!! Nice job. What was the total $$$$ ?

[@RM_Garage]

I built them when lumber prices were outrageous so it was around $500. I would build these a little more efficiently the next go around and probably spend much less. Thanks for watching! I might build another set for my Land Cruiser.

[@Melintedavid95]

How much roughly did it cost you? Did you use weather resistant plywood and boards?

[@RM_Garage]

With the inflated lumber prices it was around $450. I did not, but I considered it.

[@XeonGodz]

I'm not sure if you said it in the video and idk if you'll see this. But what kind of cardboard did you use at the bottom?

[@RM_Garage]

Hardboard

[@robertbmcintosh84]

Nice

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks!

[@williaml.paguaga8222]

I really like it.....

[@mattlentz5107]

6:39. Dude definitely rides mtn bikes!!

[@64maxpower]

Don't sell yourself short. You are an expert with a circular saw

[@steveirwin_8276]

Good work mate! I suspect its probably fairly heavy, but, i get it.. Sometimes camping is more essential than saving a little bit of money on fuel consumption! lol Just a quick tip: there's no use in using a spirit level to attach the handles. If your truck isn't level (which I highly doubt it was), then your drawers aren't level, thus you don't want the handle to be level, but square relative to the drawer fronts. It's always better to measure down from the top of the drawer and make sure it's the same on both sides of the handle.

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks, good point!

[@michaelryan6300]

Link for the slam latches?

[@RM_Garage]

Go to Amazon and search for “slam latch”

[@michaelryan6300]

@@RM_Garage just looked it up and ordered a set! I’m building a setup similar to yours but for a gmc sierra bed, lotta great ideas on your build! Still torn as to whether or not I want to use plywood or pine for my drawers

[@greenled5]

For the drawers, did you have something to keep them from coming out all the way and dropping or do you just use your brain for that lol. There could be quite a lot of leverage if have heavier things in the front of the drawers and have it out all the way right? Any advice in that area?

[@RM_Garage]

I didn’t put a stop because I know when they’re going to be pulled out too far or not. Definitely something that could be added though. As for the weight, the tail gate actually supports it quite well and acts as a support brace. The drawers don’t have any issue with heavier objects but I do typically but the heaviest stuff in the back.

[@montanawhite5699]

Can’t believe you can return lumber where you are from.

[@marictaylor753]

You can do that everywhere.

[@christophermapes5176]

Some great ideas but you could have been more weight and space efficient had you used 3/4 inch plywood on the frame.

[@RM_Garage]

I agree! This was my first time building a system like this and I tried to be transparent about that in the process. If I did it again, I would do it more efficiently. (and I might 😉)

[@nathanrains9292]

Any reason you spent the $$ on those latches? Wouldn't the tailgate keep them in place assuming you don't drive with the gate down. Nice build though.

[@RM_Garage]

Mainly because I was curious about them. Definitely don’t need them

[@ethanmorris9713]

Opening the tailgate on a hill could be pretty exciting without them 😂

[@stevendiaz6484]

Sweet

[@64maxpower]

You are actually good with a circular saw. You even did great with a shitty blade

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks!

[@bighaasfly]

What was your budget to build that?

[@alejandrogeorge4284]

What was the cost of the whole project?

[@RM_Garage]

It was a lot because this was back when lumber prices skyrocketed. $500 something

[@jimmyboy163]

Nice build....looks a bit heavy though

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks! It’s kinda heavy yeah, I would say around 150lbs? I think the average roof top tent is between 100-200 lbs.

[@jimmyboy163]

@@RM_Garage I'm wanting to build a custom ladder rack to hold a super king bundetop RTT, to which I plan to cut a 48" X 43" access hole in the floor. I want to be able to stand up in the RTT. not sure if the bed drawers will be to tall and mess up my head room

[@im_not_mad]

Nize build

[@lawrenceborrego2928]

Nice Build, but that must be extremely heavy, especially after you fill those drawers.

[@RM_Garage]

Thanks for watching!

[@Andyp310]

Him: YOU 👆🏽 Me: ugghhhh....first I did like dis then I did like dis and then I got dis 😁

[@worknlikeadog]

6:13 that’s what she said

[@fhernyagui.3505]

👍

[@nicolasb5613]

If you need warped lumber just go to home depot.

[@RM_Garage]

True story.

[@mikegustafson6679]

Wears dust mask and flip flops.

[@RM_Garage]

and built the drawers and have all my toes still 🙃