DIY Truck Storage: Part 3

by Josh Manahan

Step 8: Hinge storage lids.

There are so many hinge options, most readers would slip from the coma I’ve already induced clear through to the bright light if I elaborate. Surface mounted butt hinges are the easiest to install, but many others will work—including none. Most importantly, pick your hardware before you build, because it may have some bearing on the size of your lift-outs and the location of the partitions below them. When using an unfamiliar hinge, it is always useful to build a mockup out of scrap wood.

 

When Cider and I were done admiring this grouse, it went in the drawer.

Step 9: Apply exterior carpet.

Indoor/outdoor carpet works well for the top of the boxes and is available and economical at most big-box stores. Glue it down with indoor/outdoor carpet adhesive per the simple instructions. Cut the carpet a little big and then trim it flush with a sharp razor blade after the glue dries.

Now is a good time to cover the face of the drawer boxes with contact cement and speaker box cloth (the indoor/outdoor carpet and adhesive is a little thick for this application). Formica is a nice, easy to clean, weatherproof option here, but it requires the use of a trim router.

 

Step 10: Apply aluminum trim and tie down anchors.

Aluminum angle can be cut and drilled using woodworking tools and is available at most big box stores. Fasten with ¾” stainless screws. Aluminum on the top and bottom of the drawer fronts protects those high-wear areas. Add it anywhere else to boost durability and help ensure the carpet edges remain adhered long term.

Install tie-down anchors where it makes sense for strapping down dog crates. If possible, locate them in the wings, where there is already a cleat below the plywood, so that you can use long screws.

 

Step 11: Go hunting!

Dedicated storage solutions for hunting rigs need not be the territory of industry professionals alone and will make getting on the road with all the upland necessities appreciably more efficient. Build your own and not only will you roll like a pro, you will feel like one, too. Plan on making some mistakes, but don’t get discouraged. The only thing that makes me feel foolish as often as building things is grouse hunting.

 

Guns are safe and easily accessible.

Finally enjoy the fruits of my labor. Should have considered cup holders.

Materials List

3 – sheets ¾” b/c or better exterior plywood (interior will delaminate if it gets wet often): $110

2 – sheets ½” b/c or better exterior plywood (many stores will cut full sheets for a small fee): $53

1 – box of #8 x 2” Spax or GRK screws for assembly: $8

1 – 8 ounce bottle Titebond II wood glue: $6

1 – 2” x 4” x 8’ spruce stud (ripped in half for cleats): $3

4’ – of 1” x 8” wide poplar for drawer fronts: $12

4 – small rigid casters: $9

8 – 1 ¼” screws for attaching drawer fronts to drawer box:  $3

2 – stainless locking T-handles: $24

2 – rolls 4’x15’ speaker box cloth for drawer interiors (Walmart): $34

64 – ounces solvent based contact cement (water based gets very mixed reviews): $25

7’ – of 6’ indoor outdoor carpet: $27

1 – quart indoor/outdoor carpet adhesive: $6

12’ – ¾” x 116” aluminum angle: $15

25 – stainless #8 x ¾” screws for fastening aluminum angle: $5

2 – hinges: $12

4 – 516” x 1 ¼” barrel bolts (sometimes at big box stores but may have to order online): $5

1 – quart exterior paint/primer: $18

4 – tie down anchors: $10

Total: $385

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