The previous Decked Drawer System iteration featured two drawers, but this updated version I have installed in my truck features one larger drawer instead. That means I can toss in all my gear and know it’s in one place. But there are still a few spots to stow smaller stuff and scratch my over-strategizing itch.
Decked’s system makes the bed of my truck far more logical and useful for storage, whether it’s for camping or for hitting up Home Depot for a materials and tools haul. It does take up a lot of space, though, and yes, you could absolutely build your own platform and drawers for less money. But it won’t be as refined as the Decked Drawer System, nor as secure.
Rating
⭑⭑⭑⭑☆
Specs
$1,600
What I like
Lots of organizing capabilities; well-constructed and tough; convenient for camping
What I’d change
Stash bins are difficult to open and close
My call
Super useful, lots of storage space, durable, and just plain cool, the Decked Drawer System helps keep all your camping gear organized and protected from the elements. It adds weight to your truck, and takes up a lot of space in the bed, but if you’re looking to maximize your organization potential, the Decked Drawer System makes it easy to stay on top of your gear.
Decked Drawer System price and availability
Decked Drawer System[/caption]The Decked Drawer System is available for purchase through Decked’s website. You can finance the purchase at checkout using Affirm. Decked offers free shipping on its drawer system, too, which is fortunate because the box in which it arrives is pretty big.
Decked also offers a limited lifetime warranty on its drawer systems.
Decked Drawer System design and build
I love the integrated ruler on the lip of the drawer. The oversized handle for pulling the drawer out also feels great and makes it easy to pull out the drawer even when it’s loaded heavy.[/caption]My test unit fits in my 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road short bed, so all of the information here pertains specifically to that build. According to Decked, the entire drawer system weighs 177 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds. The drawer itself has a payload capacity of 400 pounds.
Decked is careful to note that the Drawer System is not compatible with certain setups, like a 5th Wheel or Gooseneck, Drop-in plastic bed liners, stepside and flareside pickups, and Service Bodies.
The structure is made from high-density polyethylene, stainless steel hardware, and a galvanized steel frame. The handles are cast aluminum. Decked notes that the drawer itself is dustproof, and weatherproof. Nothing should get in there when the drawer is closed.
My test unit takes up almost the entire bed, leaving about six inches between the drawer face and my tailgate. There are spaces to either side of the drawer as well, where my factory tie-downs are.
To capitalize on the space you’ll lose by covering the entire bed, Decked has designed stash bins near the wheel wells. You simply pull up on the handles to pop the covers off and stash away. You can use the included bins to keep your goodies organized in these spaces too.
Speaking of included extras, my sample came with an accessory pack, which Decked lists as an included extra with the purchase of the Decked Drawer System. It comes with one D-co bin, one Sixer 16 case, one Halfrack 32 case, four stash bins, and four D-ring tie-downs. All of the cases fit in the drawer itself, with plenty of space to spare.
Using the Decked Drawer System for overlanding
The build process took about 2.5 hours, and I did the job solo with hand tools. You could certainly speed up that process by inviting a friend over to drink a beverage and help you install, and by using power tools. But I didn’t want to over-torque anything and risk damage to the unit, so I stuck to hand tools.
It’s not a difficult installation process, but you’ll want to set some time aside to get it done. And removing the unit is also fairly easy, but again, you’ll want a friend to come help you heft it out.
Once installed, the drawers are held in place by installing the included adjustable hooks between the drawer unit and the bed’s factory D-rings. I’ve been testing this unit for several months now and it hasn’t moved even a millimeter.
I use the Decked Drawer System almost exclusively for hauling camping and mountain biking gear around. That means driving on a lot of dirty, bumpy trails and roads. The drawer system has stayed put throughout, and not once have I opened the drawer to find dirt or water from rain, snow, etc.
It’s important to note, however, that I also have an RSI SmartCap over my bed, so I have an extra layer of protection. Still, given the construction of the drawer seals and the solid top, I can’t imagine much getting past this tight system. I even sprayed out the bed with a hose, and no water seeped in anywhere that I could see.
The drawer pulls out easily, thanks in part to the oversized aluminum drawer pull handle. It’s easy to use, and the drawer hits a stop when you extend it fully so it stays in place, even on uneven ground.
The stash bins are clever and great for storing less-accessed gear. But I did find the access panels difficult to pull out and reinstall. It takes a good yank to get them out, and when you go to reinstall them, you’ll need to pound them into place with your fist. Not exactly elegant, but it gets the job done.
One thing I wish my test unit came with: locks. This would especially be true if I didn’t also have the SmartCap covering the entire works. Fortunately, Decked does sell Drawer System Locks for $70. I’ll be investing in them should I take my cap off at any time.
Speaking of that SmartCap: I love the security of having a cap on my truck, along with the convenience of the Decked Drawer System. But, if you go this route, understand that you can largely say goodbye to the majority of your bed space. My SmartCap comes with side bins too, further cutting down on usable space. I can still get a 4×8 sheet of plywood in there if I leave the tailgate down, but it does take some creative packing if you want to use your bed for anything except camping storage.
Largely, the Decked Drawer System has been super useful and reliable. I did notice a bit of warping on the drawer face, which I’ll be monitoring over time, but no other part of the system has shown even the slightest amount of flex or wear despite the months of abuse.
Other uses for the Decked Drawer System
The Decked Drawer System I received features one large drawer rather than two smaller ones, as was the design in the previous iteration. There are pros and cons to each style, but the single large drawer seems like it’s best for capitalizing on as much storage space as possible.
Of course, if you’re toting large power tools to a job site, the large drawer will also come in handy. Smaller tools would likely get lost in the massive space. I’ve spoken to a few owners of the two-drawer setup, and they all seem pleased with the ability to organize smaller items — though most also bemoan the lack of total storage space.
With the single large drawer, you can use the bins and cases to organize your gear. That’s super handy, especially because it’s easy to grab the handle of the case you need and yank it out. But keep in mind that those cases aren’t light, and will add more weight to the total package.
For those folks who need the Decked Drawer System to pull double duty and haul camping gear one day and construction gear the next, the single drawer system definitely seems more useful.
One final note on the overall drawer benefits. A few people have seen the system and commented, “I could build that cheaper with materials from Home Depot.”
Yes, you absolutely can, and I’ve done so in the past. That’s a totally valid complaint: it’s not a cheap system. But what you’re likely to build from Home Depot is also going to be heavier, and it’s almost certainly not going to be weatherproof. Plus, don’t forget about the man-hours you’ll need to put into building that system.
That DIY option is best if you’re not concerned with weatherproofness, and don’t mind plunking down a few hours of your time to plan and execute the build. For everyone else, it’s hard to go wrong with the Decked Drawer System.
Decked Drawer System Verdict
The Decked Drawer System is a great way to stay organized on long overland trips. It’s spacious, built like a tank, and easy to customize for your needs. The stash bins could use a hinge system or some sort of release to make it easier to access those areas, but that’s a small complaint for an overall excellent system.
Just keep in mind that the Decked Drawer System will limit your bed space significantly, especially if you’re also using a camper shell. Be intentional about planning your bed space before taking the plunge.
