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There's a Better Way Video Tips

Build a Sliding Truck-Bed Drawer for Easy Tool Access

All you need are several 2x4s, a bunch of casters, and a few sheets of plywood to build this handy truck-storage solution.

By Charles Miller

If you’ve got to get to the tools in the back of your truck, you could crawl in there on your hands and knees, but there’s a better way.

Brad Moritz of Charlotte, North Carolina has figured out a way to make a sliding storage drawer that extend five feet beyond the tailgate of the truck. It’s a two-piece system that consistes of a stationary base and a sliding toolbox.

The base is a sheet of plywood with two 2×4 rails, each topped with several upside-down casters. The base isn’t bolted in to the truck, but you could bolt your own in if you were worried about it moving around.

how to build plywood truck bed drawer

The toolbox is also made of plywood and 2x4s, and it just glides on the casters on the base rails. The thing that keeps it from tipping as you pull it out is another pair of casters attached to the base by plywood arms that hook over the top of the moving box.

Slide the drawer back in and you’ve got access to an under-storage portion where there’s room for ladders, levels, shovels, rakes, brooms, or painting poles.

Click here to see drawings and a detailed description of how Brad built this sliding toolbox.

Plus, see more great truck storage systems built by FHB readers and contributors:

  • Custom Storage for a Pickup Truck
  • Convenient Tool-Storage Box for an Extra-Cab Pickup Truck
  • Step Up Your Setup
  • Small-SUV cargo carrier
  • Discussion Forum: buildin’ me a toolbox
  • Pickup-Truck Tool Storage
  • Sliding Tool Chest
  • Tool Storage for Pickups

 

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  1. BGodfrey | Jan 17, 2011 02:50pm | #1

    That looks like a great idea. But if you don't have the time, or need to have more flexibility in the back of your truck, go to a marine supply store and buy an extendable boat hook. I keep mine set at 8' and resting on the side rails. The canopy clamps keep it in place unless you go over some really rough bumps and it is both out of the way and within easy reach when needed even if the bed is full of stuff.

  2. BGodfrey | Jan 17, 2011 02:55pm | #2

    I should add another note on truck bed storage. If you Google for "pack saddle liner" and you'll find some narrow, tall white boxes with handles. They hold a lot, are incredibly strong, and are easy to lift in and out (unless you fill them with tire chains, towing equipment, and bungees as I have). You can bungee them to the side of your truck near the tailgate and they are handy for tossing that bag of hardware into, or those one or two cans of paint that you don't want rolling around the back of the truck.

  3. Mastrcarpenter | Jan 17, 2011 03:41pm | #3

    I have had a very similar set up in the back of my truck for about 8 years now. My design slides on waxed wood runners. I like the idea of the rollers and the storage underneath. I would suggest that you have a wood bulkhead attached to the front of the sliding bed to keep any objects from flying through the rear window in case of a panic stop. I also have a tool box built in at the front of mine to store certain items in that I don't want exposed. It can also be locked up. I also use mine for setting up a miter saw on the back or a DeWalt table saw. A pair of drop down legs gives it stability for doing this.

  4. MarkSindone | Sep 03, 2014 11:42pm | #4

    It's an interesting idea to compartmentalise storage in your car but if you're expecting to move around bigger and bulkier items, you're going to want an all-around capacity for space and cutting it in half just won't do!

  5. MarcioWilges | Jan 14, 2015 09:38pm | #5

    This is too awesome! I have always developed a liking to almost every single piece of furniture with wheels ever since I bought my mobile serving tray. Moving the furniture around the house has never been so much easier and serving guests take much lesser time than usual. Hence, this sliding truck-bed is no different as it screams convenience out loud and hassle is nowhere to be found.

  6. cb2018 | Feb 14, 2019 04:36pm | #6

    This link isn't working: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/4048/truckbed-toolbox

  7. nishantpandey019 | Feb 14, 2020 12:57am | #7

    We offer the best truck bed covers with easy to install Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma bed covers in California for top Toyota models such as Tacoma and Tundra, Tundra with a track. http://www.californiacampershell.com/toyota-tonneau-covers-in-california/

  8. Buildoz | Sep 21, 2020 01:25am | #8

    This is great. Thanks for sharing. I'm planning to build something like this too. Great for putting your tools and other stuff. I ordered a tonneau cover from 4wheelonline to use as a cover for the drawer. I think it's a nice way to organize the things you put in the truck bed.

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