Hi folks,

I recently purchased an A.R.E. Z series topper and I have one problem. Since I had to take off my toolbox, I don’t know what to do with all the stuff I had in the toolbox. I was thinking about building something that sits on top of the bed rails or in the pockets that Ford Motor Co has provided. Has anyone built anything in the back that spans the bed and doesn’t sit on the bottom? I’m looking for ideas on how to organize tools, spare clothes and all the other junk that I feel I can’t live without in the topper. Thank you in advance.

 

I know you didn't want it on the floor of the bed, but I bought a smaller plastic box to hold the odds and ends that used to go in the tool box. They also make smaller boxes out of aluminum and steel, but inside the topper it won't need to repell the weather. If you need to load things on the floor of the bed, get a few smaller ones instead of one big one, so they are easier to move out of your way.

 

I have a leer top, with side opening windows. What I did was build a shelf (3/4 plywood with 1" lip, and wrapped it with indoor/outdoor carpet that matches the interior of the Cap- also keeps things from sliding around...). It rests atop of the inside lip of the Cap (on top of the bed rails) and spans the width of the bed. I can have access to my stuff from the side windows, or from the rear slider. Most impotantly, it keeps it off the bed floor. I'll post some pics, if it ever stops raining here in the Northeast...