Organize Your Truck Bed Without Losing Bed Space
Most of us buy a truck because we need the functionality of the bed for work or play. While many accessories you can buy take that functionality away, the Decked Truck Bed Drawer System does not. We reached out to local rancher and country singer Eli Mosely to install one on his truck to see how it stacks up to its claims.
advantage
- Holds 200 lbs per drawer
- Top load capacity 2000 lbs
- Ultra-smooth drawer operation
- Optional drawer locks add an extra layer of security
- You can add various accessories (several are included with purchase)
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- made in America
shortcoming
- Embedded sheets must be removed prior to installation
- Cannot be installed with a truck kit unless you have an 8ft bed
Want to take a closer look? Check out our video review!
Deck Truck Bed Drawer System Installation
While it's not as easy to install as Decked's truck toolbox, it's not terribly difficult either. The drawer system weighs over 200 pounds, so you'll definitely need some help.
Each box is specifically designed to fit the length of your truck and bed, so be sure to choose them when shopping. Any built-in bed liner in your truck will need to be taken out due to the fit. Spray liners are fine.
Some assembly is required. It's not terribly complicated, and Decked's instructions are good. However, give yourself a few hours to work on.
Once assembled, the team lifted the drawer system in and slid it all the way back. We waited to install the drawer until the frame of the drawer was in and it worked great.
Each Ammo Box has channels and a through hole to reach tie down points on the truck bed. Decked supplies J-hooks to secure each corner – screw them on and you're ready to roll.
For most trucks, no drilling is required. However, you may need to drill holes in the bottom of each ammo box for drainage. The truck we installed the system on had a nice roof, so we decided to skip this step.
material and structure
Decked uses HDPE as the main material, which comes from recycled resources. They add carbon black coloring to keep the look consistent and some UV inhibitors to protect it.
From there, corrosion resistant steel and some aluminum reinforce the box for added strength.
The way this all fits together is weatherproof, but not completely sealed to the point of water/dustproof. While your gear will stay dry in the rain, if you spray it directly on the drawers from the side, dust/mist may get in or water will get in.
space considerations
The whole point of using the Decked Truck Bed Drawer System is to gain truck bed organization without losing the functionality of the actual bed. So how is it doing?
The system sits 12 inches below your bed. If you have a tonneau lid or top hat, you lose some vertical storage space. With an accordion style tonneau cover, you most likely won't be able to fold it back, so keep that in mind.
As a loft bed, the design does a good job of maximizing space, so you don't lose much. There is 3 inches of clearance between the drawer and the backsplash, and that's it.
The bonus is that the metal reinforcement of the case means you can place up to 2000 lbs of gear on it. You read that right – it can hold a ton!
drawer
Moving on to the drawers, Decked uses a polyurethane wheel system instead of drawer slides. This design eliminates some of the sticking or derailing of drawer slides over time. Considering it's in the back of the truck and subjected to all kinds of forces, that's a smart decision.
The interesting thing about wheels is that the more weight you have in the drawers, the smoother they will roll. That's the joy of premium sealed bearings. Speaking of weight, each drawer is rated to hold 200 pounds.
The drawers slide most of the way, but not all the way open. As you come to the end, you feel a brake nudge into place. It helps keep the drawer from sliding back closed if you park on a slope. When you close the drawer, the spring-loaded handle securely prevents the drawer from sliding open.
As for security, you have several layers. The first is your tailgate. When closed, there isn't enough room to open the drawer and access your gear. If you have a locking tailgate, it's an insurmountable extra layer of security. The second comes from an optional drawer lock that you can add for only $50.00. Decked includes plugs for keyholes by default.
Even the box height itself is an advantage. Since the system is located in the bed, most passers-by won't even know it's there when the tailgate is open.
ammo can
In the corner, there's what Decked said was the ammo can. That's actually a bit of a misnomer, as they're not weatherproof. Still, it's certainly handy to have extra storage. Just make sure that whatever you put in it can get wet without causing a problem.
Can I use the drawer system with the truck tool box?
In some cases, you can combine drawer systems and truck boxes. However, you'll need an 8-foot bed to pull it off. Standard bed and short bed options don't have enough room.
If you look at Decked's CargoGlide, they do make a drawer system compatible model that you can add.
Deck Truck Bed Drawer System Prices
The Basic Drawer System is priced at $1449.00, comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is Made in the USA. It comes with several accessories:
- Crossbox (desert brown)
- D-Box (Desert Brown)
- drawer organizer
- 2 x drawer dividers
Here's a little tip: If you need additional accessories, please order them at the same time as the drawer system. Decked will pack them in the drawer for you, and you won't have to pay extra for shipping.
the bottom line
The Decked Truck Bed Drawer System earns two big accolades from our team for its well thought out design, load carrying capacity, durability and ease of use. It neatly accomplishes the goal of adding organization without losing the functionality of a truck bed. The design team clearly put a lot of effort into anticipating the needs of truck owners, and its American-made offering adds to its appeal.