How to build low profile storage boxes in your SUV

by Editorial Team

Ever wish that you could find an inexpensive way to organize stuff that clutters the back of your SUV? Do you want to be able to haul bigger cargo without unloading all the smaller stuff? Do you hunt or shoot and need a way to cary firearms and gear securely and out of the way?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then this article is for you!
You can follow the instructions precisely, or it may inspire you to come up with your very own storage solution! Anyone with basic wood working skills can do this in a weekend. This idea will work in the back of almost any SUV, truck or even in the trunk of a car.

Step 1

Before you jump right in and stat cutting you need to make a simple plan. Get a piece of paper, a pencil, and a tape measure. Measure the area in the back of your SUV, truck, or car, that you want the storage box to fit into.

First measure how long you want the box to be. Measure from the back of the rear seats to the back door or hatch.

Step 2

Measure from side to side at the narrowest place. Leave just a little space, about 1/8"-1/4" on both sides so the box will slide in and still fit securely.

Step 3

If you are good at this sort of thing, then you can make the box any size or shape to fit precisely in the back of your SUV. It is much faster and easier to simply make a rectangular shaped box. It is totally up to you. If you choose this option, measure other areas as needed.

Step 4

Once you are satisfied with your measurements and have them all written down on paper, you need to sketch a rough diagram. Draw a box on the paper in the shape that you measured for and write the measurements on your diagram.

Step 5

Here is another diagram example. This is like the box I made. It is wider in the back. Remember to use to measurements that you took and the ones on the picture.

Step 6

Decide how deep you want the box. I made mine 4" deep. I measured the height of the gear that I planned to put inside the box. I wanted it to be as low profile as possible while still big enough to hold my gear. Once you determine how deep you want the box to be you are ready to start building the storage box.

Step 7

Remember that the outside measurement will be larger. Mine is 4" deep inside so the outside height measurement is 5".

Step 8

Once you determine how deep you want the box to be you are ready to start building the storage box.

First cut the sides. Since my box is 4" deep, I cut strips of plywood that were 4" wide, then cut the strips to the proper length. If you cut the plywood with the grain then it will not splinter as bad (I learned his from experience). Use a finish/plywood blade on your saw.

Step 9

Once you get the sides cut to width and length, glue them together to form the box or boxes. You can use the long wood clamps to clamp them until the glue sets up (about 30 min). Once the glue is set up take off the clamps and use 2" drywall screws to reinforce the glue and hold the box sides together securely. It is a good idea to pre-drill the screw holes with a small 1/8" drill bit to prevent the plywood from cracking.

Step 10

Once the sides are securely together and the glue is dry, now is the time to stain or paint the sides. I used Ebony oil based wood stain on mine to make them water resistant. After the stain dried I roughed up the edges and corners with a wood rasp to make it look antique and rugged (manly).

Step 11

Measure and cut the bottom of the box or boxes out of the 1/4" pegboard. I used pegboard because I had some left over from another project. It is lightweight and sturdy, but it has holes in it... If you want you can use 1/4" plywood or a similar thin material.

Step 12

Pre-drill holes with a 1/8" drill bit, then attach the bottom with 2" drywall screws. Make sure the boxes are squared up when you attach the bottom.

Step 13

Since I made 3 smaller boxes I had to clamp them together then drill holes and put bolts in them. In retrospect, it is much easier to make one large box and put dividers where you want them.

Step 14

After the bottom is on, slide your box into the back of the SUV and decide how you want the lid or lids to open. I made 2 hinged lids and one lift off lid.

Step 15

Measure the boxes or flip them over and trace them onto a piece of 3/4" plywood. Carefully cut out the lid and then make sure it fits. Stain or paint the lid however you want it to look.

Step 16

Attach the lids with long piano hinges. It may be necessary to cut the piano hinges to length with a hack saw or angle grinder. Use the screws that come with the hinges to attach them.