This may be off-topic, but I didn't know of a better forum.

I have a 01 F-150 extended cab. I don't have enough room for my tools, jacks, come alongs, etc... to keep under the back seat and still have room for people to sit there. I don't like tool boxes in the bed because I barely have enough room as it is now (flare-side) to cary mattresses, couches, washing machines, etc...

What I would like is an under the bed storage compartment, something like the new Honda Ridgeline's have:



There isn't a lot of room under there, but I think there is enough between the leaf springs to put a box that would contain the tire and enough extra room for other stuff.

Has anyone ever tried this? I nervous to be the first because I don't know what types of problems I could run into.

Thanks.

 

Wouldnt it be just as easy to add a lock box in the bed?

I know its not hidden but if you want storage that is a whole lot easier.

 

My DU-HA works for all the stuff I put under the back seat. I carry my jack, jack crank, lugwrench, recovery strap, first aid kit, search light, car vac, ball mount, jumper cables, emergency cb radio, and a few things I probably forgot in there with no problems. It's like having a trunk under the back seat.

 

It would definately be easier. The problem is, I carry big things that barely fit the length of my truck now, like mattresses. If I put any kind of box it, it would decrease the amount i could put in the bed.

 

I keep all of my stuff under the back seat now, it just slides around alot. Speaking of that DU-HA, I was looking at the pictures of them on thier site. Maybe it's just the picture, but it looks like the plastic DU-HA doesnt come all the way to the front of the seat? Meaning, it looks like if you drew an imaginary line down vertically from the seat edge, the front edge of the DU-HA would be several inches back. Is that the case or?

 

Ah yes, the Ridgeline, the pickup truck for those that need a pickup truck less than those that don't need a pick up truck. Thing of the logic of a trunk under the load that you are hauling...

What about the boxes that fasten to the side, instead of across the bed. If I had time I'd find a picture, but they are triangular shaped (more or less). Under the bed would (IMHO) expose your stuff to hardship and weathering. And, if you look close, there's not very much room around the spare. And, if you go under the bed, you have to unload if you need anything while hauling.

Remember back in the '70s? Ford offered a toolbox that was accessed through the outside of the bed? That might be a more viable option.

 

Anything can be done I guess.
A storage box under the bed?

Off the top of my head I'd suggest wrapping anything you store in there in plastic and remember to poke some drain holes in the bottom of yer box.
And would you get to your Spare?
Seems like you'd have to give it up or cut the crossmember.

 

http://www.truckstuffusa.com/plastic...tsbydelta.html

Last one on the list there. Not that big, but easily removed.

 

For $400 dollars I could get something a whole lot better than a plastic box.

 

I use a trailer for big stuff.