I got the DECKED storage system for my F150 truck as a way to get some storage but keep my truck bed open and not install a tonneau cover or truck cab.
The install process is identical to the videos you see from DECKED with a few exceptions for the F150 or Tacoma where the front OEM tie down need to be replaced with provided hardware from DECKED. The install manual is very dense with information, so take your time and read each page slowly and while you can do certain things out of order, it’s best to do each step in order.
DOWNLOAD THE MANUALS
You’ll find the PDF manual for Ford, Dodge, Chevy & GMC, Toyota, Mercedes and Nissan.
CAN YOU INSTALL THE DECKED BY YOURSELF?
Yes. Book a morning or afternoon in order to install this by yourself. Provided you watched the videos and read the manual, you should have no problems.
CAN YOU LIFT THE BOX?
No, Get a buddy or help when loading in your truck or unloading. The size of the box is too big to handle by yourself. If need be, simply open the box while in the truck and unload each piece individually (like I did).
CAN YOU DO THE INSTALL IN STAGES?
Yes, some items can be done independent such as the drawers and ammo cans with C channels.
DO NOT TIGHTEN ANYTHING UNLESS THE MANUAL TELLS YOU
Don’t skip ahead any steps and once you reach the spot where the action is to tighten, then tighten. This is important when adjusting the DECKED.
THREAD THE DRAWER WHEELS FIRST
The cast metal threads for the drawer wheels can be a bit stubborn, so thread them first before the actuall install, it will help as you won’t have a lot of room when putting in those final wheels.
HOW MUCH ROOM DO I HAVE?
Each drawer for the full size truck is 150 litre in capacity. Each ammo can can fit either an equivalent of a six pack and ice, or a few propane camping canisters and/or webbing. IN short, the ammo cans can fit a lot of stuff you don’t mind getting wet.
IS THE DECKED WATER TIGHT?
The main drawers are water tight but not air tight. Dust or morning dew / humidity will get in.
The ammo cans are not water tight. Drill the drain holes if you don’t want water to collect in the cans.
HOW TALL IS THE DECKED?
12 inches tall. on my F150 I got 9 inches left to store items above the deck.
WHAT IS DECKED WEIGHT CAPACITY?
Each drawer can fit 200 lbs of gear and the top deck can support 2000 lbs. As long as you don’t drop anything to pierce steel, the DECKED should support the load.
HOW HEAVY IS DECKED?
It is about 200 lbs and you should not see a difference in your fuel economy, but when loaded you will feel a difference when driving. and you have a stable load in your bed.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL DECKED ACCESSORIES?
Buy the dividers. It is something they should add as default but having 2 to 4 dividers will help you organise your gear in each drawer. Other items to consider would be the drawer locks or bed tracks to secure your load.
FURTHER VIEWING
On top of reading the manual for your truck, these install videos were a great help.