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A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System
A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System
Sep 22, 2024 12:47 AM

  How do you make such a sweet piece of gear just a bit sweeter? Well, DECKED decided to fine-tune its drawer system to improve it in all the places we didnt even notice were lacking.

  With a new, square-shaped drawer box that increases overall storage capacity, a fuller extension that makes the back of the drawer far more accessible, improved truckbed space usage with the ammo can storage boxes, and a heap of other little additions, the new upgraded DECKED Drawer System promises to be a step up in all directions.

  With a predecessor that seems pretty dang sweet to begin with, its hard to imagine that these improvements would really make a huge difference. Turns out they do.

  In short: Without adding any additional weight to the overall setup, the DECKED Drawer System ($1,600) improvements mean more storage, easier access, and a weatherproof storage option for all your gadgets and gizmos. Though, just like the previous version, it does mean giving up a bit of that sweet, sweet truck bed space.

  Improved DECKED Drawer System

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System1

  Specs MSRP $1,600 Material High-density polyethylene Hardware Stainless steel Handles Cast aluminum Frame Galvanized steel Drawer capacity 220 lbs. (increased) Ammo can storage Added D-ring cargo tie downs Pros Customizable to your truck Waterproof dustproof Tons of storage customization Easier access to back of drawers Increased bed space usage with ammo cans Cons Loss of loadable bed space Rachelle Schrute Customize Your System at DECKED The Big Improvements to the DECKED Drawer System

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System2

  (Photo/DECKED) Increased Drawer Extension The drawers slide out further than they used to. This isnt a huge change, but it is a noticeable one. The back of the drawer is much more flush with the opening, meaning you dont have to struggle to reach in for the little stuff that gets shoved to the back.

  Larger Drawer Capacity The drawer itself is noticeably larger. Reconfiguring the shape to be more square means you get over 10% more storage capacity than the previous version of the drawers.

  Added Cargo Tie-Downs and Ammo Can Storage

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System3

  The added D-Rings (above red) in all four corners is an awesome addition for those of us who need to strap things in and might not have access to the factory-installed truck bed attachment points after installing the DECKED system.

  The Ammo Can Storage (above blue) is probably not something youll utilize for everyday items, but it does offer storage space where it was once just inaccessible. These removable boxes pop in and out and can be opened for additional storage you might not need to access daily.

  Included Accessory Packs

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System4

  Depending on which system you choose for your truck, youll get an accessory pack with storage options for your system. Without listing all of the options and configurations, the full-size truck bed system comes with:

  1x Sixer 16 1x Halfrack 32 2x Drawer Dividers 1x Drawerganizer 4x Stash Bins 4x D-Ring Tie Downs Testing the Upgraded DECKED Drawers

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System5

  Remodel junk being hauled off-site; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) This has been a longer-than-planned test simply because I wanted to be sure about the weatherproofnesss longevity. As a hunter, I plan on tossing some heavy, drippy cargo onto this box. I dont want those fluids and gunk to make it inside the drawers to my precious cargo.

  That all being said, I tested the hell out of these drawers. I was not nice to them. I threw stuff on them with fierce disregard for their well-being.

  In conjunction with a Leitner Rack and a Roofnest Falcon 3 Evo, I couldnt possibly fit more storage into the back of my truck if I tried.

  The DECKED Drawers have held everything from groceries to dogs. Theyve been separated into hunting gear on the left, fishing gear on the right, and just a catch-all for everything when the weather turns quick.

  Currently, one drawer is my camp drawer for early-season scouting. The previous version of the drawers wouldnt fit my rooftop tent ladder. These bigger, more square drawers fit it perfectly, with room to spare.

  Ive built so much trust in the drawers that I use them to store optics and rifles. That should speak volumes to how much faith I have in the tightness of these drawers.

  What the DECKED Drawer System Does Well

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System6

  (Photo/Rachelle Schrute) Everything. Not to sound too won over, it does everything its supposed to, and it does it well. My life is lived out of my truck, and Ive never been more organized or more confident that my stuff isnt being ruined by weather or stolen by a-holes.

  The increased extension is super helpful for someone like me. I have a hard time reaching stuff because I apparently didnt eat enough veggies as a kid. Those additional inches being brought forward mean I dont have to hobble up on the tailgate to reach the back of the back.

  Waterproof/Weatherproof/Dustproof

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System7

  (Photo/DECKED) The DECKED drawers keep everything out. The company claims that it isnt quite Tupperware waterproof, but dangit, Ive put my drawers through rain, sleet, carwashes, heaps of snow, dust, debris, and blood. Not a drop or a dollop has made it inside.

  Storage Options

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System8

  (Photo/DECKED) The included accessory pack is probably sufficient for all your organizing needs, but you can always add more. I plan to add several more for the sole purpose of having swappable boxes.

  Right now, I have a Halfrack 32 as my toolbox, with jumper cables and all the tools I could possibly need to get me out of a pinch in the field. I also have a Sixer 16 for a general-use tackle box, full of line, hooks, some go-to lures and flies, fillet knives, and whatever other odds and ends I can think of.

  I plan to grab a few more of each so that when the seasons change, I can swap out my fishing box for an ammo box, or a bowhunting box, or a camp kitchen box. This way, nothing is forgotten; nothing has to be unpacked and repacked. Its a simple box swap-and-go.

  Where It Falls Short

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System9

  (Photo/Rachelle Schrute) The only place the DECKED system actually falls short is by not being short at all. Yes, storage is rad, but it costs space.

  Depending on what your truck bed setup is, you may not even notice the loss in bed depth. If you have a rack system like my Leitner Rack, youre going to notice that theres a whole lot less headroom when youre crawling in and out. Youll also have a higher hoist when loading things into the back of your truck.

  This is something to remember if youre on the shorter side. Its also something to keep in mind if you find yourself loading things with some serious height, like dirt bikes or mountain bikes. Trust me when I say that a 50-pound bag of feed feels heavier when being loaded into my truck now. Those elevated inches matter.

  If you use your truck bed to haul a mass of things, you have less volume. Thats just the tradeoff for the storage.

  But thats all a reach for a flaw. It isnt really a flaw at all, as much as its just part of the setup. For me, that trade is well worth it.

  Is It Worth the Price Tag?

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System10

  (Photo/Rachelle Schrute) I wouldnt trade this setup for pretty much anything else. It keeps all of my gear clean, dry, secure, and organized. For people who are always on the go, particularly those on varying adventures, the DECKED Drawer System ($1,600) is worth its weight and then some. The price is more than reasonable for a setup that is secure and capable of keeping your gear pristine.

  For me, the value of the items in the drawers far exceeds the price of the setup itself, and that fact just hammers home the value of these drawers. They keep my most important gear safe and secure, and the peace of mind alone is worth it.

  

A Better Use of Space: I Field Tested the Latest DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System11

  Next-Level Gear Organization: Leitner FORGED Active Cargo Truck System ReviewThe Leitner Designs Forged Active Cargo System, complete with GearPODs, has changed the way I haul my gear in all the best ways. Read more

  Rachelle Schrute Customize Your System at DECKED

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