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2 members (L. Brown, 1 invisible),
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Forums10
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Most Online9,918
Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 238
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 238 |
I own a truck Vault type box that I built from 1/2" plywood about 9 or 10 years ago. I recieved plans from the to fit my Dodge Ram. I then adjusted dimensions that best fit my particular needs. I lined it with fabric that is used in truck caps. We use this day in and out carrying up to 8 dogs in airline crate and regular "chores". I have a "Penta liner" rubber truck bed liner over the top. This takes care of any moisture issues. For the guns, I always transport them in soft gun cases and the make sure the "dividers" are snug to each of the guns. I also feel that no one ever notices that the unit is there if the truck box is empty, and they look into the bed/cap. Have a minimal amount of dollars in it and will last MANY more years. It's on its second truck.
Last edited by Fred Lowe; 02/03/08 04:32 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19 |
Snug Top makes the best shells in the business, but their quality is inconsistent and their customer service is nonexistent. I have had three of their shells, and even though they have pi$$ed me off something awful, I still bought another one because of the design and the feature combinations.
For a gun drawer, I had mine made up by Ainley Kennels and Fabrication in Iowa (I'm in CA). Aluminum and stainless, completely custom to my specs, less expensive than any competitive product, fabulous quality. Will take as much weight as I'm ever likely to put on top of it. Because they are a kennel manufacturer, they know how to build the drawers with lips and seals so that miscellaneous liquids emanating from your pooch do not enter the drawer when the kennel is on top of the drawer. Highly recommended.
You might also look at Hagerstown Metal Fabricators in MD. Looks like good stuff, and I was going to buy one of their stock units until I discovered Ainley. Did I mention that I really like Ainley? Thanks for the tip Rp. I dropped an email to them.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 81
Junior Member
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 81 |
I've seen Ainley units and they are nice.
I have a Kalispel TSS and love it. There is no problem with stacking stuff on it and I've filled the drawers with cases of ammo with no problems. Couldn't have taken 4 guys with their gear and the dog to SD from VA for a week without it. I highly reccomend it.
DH
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,475 Likes: 54
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,475 Likes: 54 |
Chuck: Chad seems to be the shop foreman and customer service guy at Ainley, but I worked out the details of the drawer with Jane Ainley. There are all kinds of options and choices, and she will give you good advice. Mine is 24" wide x 70" long x about 11" deep, with a diamond plate aluminum top and stainless drawer front; 60" full suspension glides that do not rely on the tailgate for support, and 500# carpeted drawer capacity. About $800 delivered to the freight depot in Montebello. If you want to see it, we can arrange something.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19 |
Rp,
Much obliged. I was about to ask about pricing.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,475 Likes: 54
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,475 Likes: 54 |
Chuck, a lot of the pricing is in the details. I had mine made up with a stainless drawer front at Jane's suggestion; that was maybe $40 and worth it from a maintenance standpoint. Also ordered the fancy GRP lock mechanism so that I would have both a keyed cylinder and the option of a heavy duty padlock when I felt the need for additional security. The other advantage of the GRP lock is that it latches flush so that you can pile stuff at the back of the bed, between the drawer face and the tailgate. I also went with 1"x.125" wall square tubing for the frame to maximize interior dimensions. I think their standard frames are 1.5"x.095" or something like that. The extra 1/2" in height and 1" in width made a difference in my truck. They also built mine with a flared section at the rear to support a big water jug, while still giving me full access to my 5' Hi-Lift, and storage in front of and behind the fender well. Another point that's probably important to your dog is that there are NO sharp edges. Everything is rolled or radiused and the welds are absolutely clean. I did not have to dress anything with a file.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 42
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 42 |
I have a custom built vault that I had in my Toyota Tacoma. It has a sliding compartment in the back for gear and one in front for other stuff. It has always had dog crates on top of it and has otherwise supported all the gear two hunters needed, icluding cases of shells, for 2 week hunting trip. It is well built.
It is black and acts as a false floor. I've actually been checked by gendarmes who never even noticed it.
I also have a integrated dog box vault that fits a SUV from a RAV4 on up.
Let me know if you'd like to purchase either one or need more info. I can send pick and dimensions.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250 |
A soft case in the trunk of my Carolla, and I can drive for miles and miles and miles ...Oh yeah! A stop for a pee and I'm off again!
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19 |
Rp,
I called Jane Ainley and we're on a path to get built what I want. 'Probably won't fit in LG's Corolla, but then neither would my 180qt Igloo, a few lawnchairs, a few guns, a dog, a kennel, ammo, hunting clothes for a week, firstaid kit, a floorjack, toolbox, and a few other things for a 4k mi roadtrip for a couple guys and a little bitch.
Last edited by Chuck H; 02/24/08 07:35 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,475 Likes: 54
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,475 Likes: 54 |
Chuck, you'll be happy.
Why a floor jack instead of a Hi-Lift?
Last edited by Replacement; 02/24/08 09:07 PM.
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