Do you like heading off on a road trip in your pickup?? This upgrade project for your vehicle will make getaways even more enjoyable – a sliding truck bed drawer system!
Pickup trucks are the ideal companions for adventurous journeys with loved ones. Whether it’s camping or road-tripping the bed offers a convenient spot to unwind. However, the challenge arises when the truck bed is cluttered with gear and equipment, leaving no space for comfortable rest. Fear not, as a solution exists – the sliding truck bed drawer system.
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How to Install a Sliding Truck Bed Drawer System
The solution is to build a sliding truck bed drawer system so that there’s a place for all your travel necessities and a place to sleep.
By installing this innovative system, you can effortlessly organize and store your belongings, liberating ample space for relaxation. Now, your truck’s rear bed becomes a haven for comfort and slumber during your escapades. Imagine laying out a cozy mat or mattress without any obstructions, setting the stage for relaxation and rejuvenation.
This comprehensive guide takes you through the process of installing the sliding truck bed drawer system, maximizing your truck’s storage potential. So gear up for convenience, adventure, and the perfect spot to unwind, enhancing your travel experiences like never before!
Though this might seem like a big DIY project, it’s easy to accomplish as long as you take the time with measuring and planning. This tutorial shows you the essential features of a good sliding truck bed drawer system.
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. You can also view the images as a slideshow if you prefer.
Read on and see how simple this truck improvement project can be! :)
Materials
- 1 – sheet 3/4 Plywood
- 1 – sheet 1/4 Masonite
- 1 – sheet 1/4 Plywood
- 4 – 1x4x 8′
- 7 – 1x10x 8′
- 3 – 1x12x 8′
- 4 – 1×1 Square Tubing
- 50 – Bearings that fit over a 5/16 Bolt
- (Qty.50) 608-2RS two side Rubber Seals Bearing 608-rs Ball Bearings
- 24 – 1 1/4 – 5/16 Bolts
- 12 – 2 1/4 – 5/16 Bolts
- 50 – 5/16 Lock Nuts
- 70 – 5/16 Washers
- Wood Glue
- Paint
- 1 – small box of 1 1/4″ Wood Screws
- 1 – small box of 2″ Wood Screws
- 2 – Slide Latches
- 2 – Handles
- 4 – Piano Hinges
- 4 – Cabinet Pulls
- LED strips
Tools
- Circular Saw
- Jig Saw
- Screw Gun
- Tape Measure
- Drill
- Table Saw
- Paint Roller and Brush
Steps-By-Step Tutorial
Follow these step-by-step instructions to craft your very own smart sliding truck bed drawer system:
1. Planning
When embarking on the creation of your sliding truck bed drawer system, meticulous planning becomes paramount. Precise measurements are the foundation of success, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal functionality. Take the time to gauge the dimensions of your truck accurately, paying attention to every detail.
Start by measuring the width of your truck, noting it down as 5’4″. Now, focus on the available area for the sliding bed, which amounts to 4′. It’s essential to consider the limitations posed by the truck’s side parts, which cover the wheels, reducing the usable width.
With these measurements in hand, you can now proceed confidently with the design process. Tailor the sliding bed to fit snugly within the allocated space, maximizing every inch for storage efficiency. A well-planned design guarantees a seamless installation and a sliding truck bed drawer system that perfectly complements your truck, enhancing its versatility and making your adventures even more enjoyable.
2. Cutting the Parts
When crafting your sliding truck bed drawer system, the process of cutting the masonite and 3/4 plywood is critical to achieving a perfect fit and smooth operation. To begin, gather your materials and measurements, ensuring you have masonite and 3/4 plywood sheets on hand.
First, carefully measure the inside length of your truck bed. It’s essential to be precise, as any inaccuracies may lead to misfitting drawers. Once you have the exact measurement, subtract half an inch from it. This half-inch gap is crucial for allowing smooth movement of the drawers without any unnecessary friction.
Now, mark the measurements on the masonite and 3/4 plywood sheets. Use a straightedge or a carpenter’s square to ensure clean and straight lines. Double-check your measurements before proceeding to cut to avoid any mistakes.
When cutting the sheets, employ the appropriate tools, such as a circular saw or a jigsaw, for clean and accurate results. Take your time during this step, as precision is key to achieving the desired fit.
After cutting the masonite and plywood, test-fit them inside the truck bed. The half-inch gap ensures that the drawers will glide effortlessly without getting jammed. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a snug fit while maintaining the necessary clearance for smooth operation.
After cutting the masonite and plywood, proceed to cut two additional pieces: a 1×12 and a 2×12 board. Ensure they are both 3/4 inch shorter in length compared to your previously cut plywood.
Additionally, cut one more 1×12 board to a length of 4 feet. This piece will play a crucial role in the construction of the sliding truck bed drawer system, contributing to its stability and functionality within the allotted space.
3. Assembling the Bed Frame
After making the necessary cuts, the next step involves assembling the pieces. First, apply wood glue to the edges of the masonite, plywood, 1×12, and 2×12 boards. Carefully join them together, ensuring a secure bond. To further reinforce the structure, use screws strategically placed along the joints.
The temporary board shown in the photo serves as a guide to align the pieces accurately during assembly. Once the glue dries and the screws are in place, you can remove the temporary board.
This sturdy framework forms the foundation of your sliding truck bed drawer system, ready to accommodate your storage needs on all your adventures.
With the assembled frame of the sliding truck bed drawer system, carefully slide it into the truck bed, ensuring it’s centred and aligned. Take your time to position it accurately to avoid any misplacement. Properly centred, the system will provide balanced weight distribution and easy access to your stored items.
Next, consider your truck’s bed liner. If present, mark the positions of the ribs at each corner. With these markings as a guide, carefully drill holes in all four corners and insert 1/2″ bolts. This addition ensures the frame remains securely in place, preventing any unwanted lateral movement during your journeys.
To construct the drawers, carefully measure and cut the board 2 1/4 inches shorter than the openings of the sliding truck bed frame. This ensures a proper fit within the system. Next, take the 1×10″ boards and cut a 1/4-inch groove at the bottom. This groove will serve as a guide for inserting the plywood that will act as the drawer bottoms.
After cutting the plywood pieces to match the drawer dimensions, apply wood glue to the edges and slide them into the grooves created in the 1×10″ boards. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly, securing the plywood bottoms firmly in place.
To complete the construction of your sliding truck bed drawer system, attach the square tubing to the sides of the drawers using bolts. Position the tubing approximately 1/4 of the way up from the bottom of the drawers, ensuring that the drawers will sit about 3/8″ above the masonite surface when closed.
Next, securely bolt the bearings to the top and bottom of the square tubing. These bearings facilitate smooth movement and support the weight of the drawers. To ensure proper functioning, maintain at least a 1/8″ gap between the top bearing and the square tubing when the drawer is fully closed.
After completing the construction of your sliding truck bed drawer system, it’s time to attach the plywood to the top of the frame. Use screws to secure the plywood firmly in place, ensuring it forms a solid and stable surface for your drawers.
Once the plywood is securely attached, carefully slide the assembled sliding truck bed drawer system into the truck bed. Ensure that it fits snugly and is centred within the bed space. Take a moment to double-check its alignment before you proceed.
Then take the 1×10 and trace the profile of your bedside.
- Cut out and connect with the piano hinge. Install pulls to open.
- I put braces down to hold weight.
- You can add level holders and such if you’re using tools.
Then paint it if you want it painted.
I then silicone a 16′ of – 5630 waterproof flexible LED’s…
and a switch to turn them on and off.
This is very bright when dark out.
I hope this helps you build your own drawers. Thanks for viewing!
4. Performing Safety Tests
Before going on a trip, it is essential to conduct safety tests on your smart trunk bed drawer system. Ensuring the safety and reliability of this integral part of your truck will provide peace of mind throughout your journey.
By thoroughly examining and assessing its functionality, you can be confident that your smart trunk bed drawer system is in optimal condition to handle the load and keep your cargo secure during the trip.
Taking the time to perform these safety tests is a proactive measure that contributes to a safer and worry-free travel experience.
Thanks to THE GOOSE for this great project!
Integrating Smart Features
Did you know… You may add fascinating features to your basic sliding truck bed drawer system, changing it into a smart and user-friendly solution.
Smart Locking Mechanism: Incorporating a smart locking mechanism enables seamless and secure access to the truck bed drawer system. Users can control the locking and unlocking of the drawer using their smartphones, key fobs, or biometric authentication, ensuring valuable cargo stays protected at all times.
Also, integrating DIY adjustable drawer dividers can take efficiency to the next level. These custom dividers allow you to create personalized compartments within the sliding truck bed drawer system, optimizing the storage space to perfectly suit your specific needs.
App Integration: Connecting the smart trunk bed drawer system to a dedicated mobile app opens up a world of possibilities. Users can remotely monitor the status of the drawer, receive notifications on its security status, and even control drawer functions from a distance.
Additionally, the app can provide real-time alerts for any unusual activities or unauthorized access attempts.
Voice Control: With voice-activated assistants becoming increasingly popular, integrating voice control into the smart trunk bed drawer system allows for hands-free operation. Drivers can simply use voice commands to open or close the drawer, making loading and unloading cargo a breeze.
Smart Loading Assistance: Utilizing weight sensors, the smart drawer system can assess the load’s weight and balance. The app can then provide suggestions on how to best distribute the cargo for optimal weight distribution and safety.
By expanding the smart trunk bed drawer system with these innovative features, drivers and fleet operators can enjoy enhanced security, convenience, and efficiency when it comes to transporting and accessing cargo.
The marriage of technology and automotive utility continues to shape the future of transportation, and the smart trunk bed drawer system stands as a testament to the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Smart Truck Bed Organization
Experience the brilliance of a clever sliding truck bed drawer system in just four simple steps. This unique guide empowers you to elevate your storage game, transforming your truck bed into a smart and efficient space.
By following these steps, you’ll unlock the secrets to maximizing organization, enhancing convenience, and taking advantage of intelligent features that make your truck bed storage truly exceptional.
Are you ready to elevate your hauling experience to new heights? Embark on a transformative journey with a cutting-edge sliding truck bed drawer system, and you’ll discover a smarter and more seamless life on the road.
