Considering a DECKED System for My Ranger – Looking for Feedback

[Illking]

Hey all,

I’m thinking about installing a DECKED drawer system in the 5' bed of my Ranger. I don’t need to carry camping gear 24/7, but I’d really appreciate having load-out boxes that I can easily toss into the drawers and lock up when it’s time to hit the road. I’d also love to have a secure place for my fly fishing gear so I can always keep it with me for those spontaneous urban lake stops.

I don’t haul gravel or full truck bed loads, so I doubt I’ll miss the open-bed capacity. Most of my hauling is for camping trips and outdoor adventures. I’ve seen people mention the loss of bed space with DECKED systems, but I also see the benefit of gaining a wide, flat platform for stacking additional totes or gear.

That said, I’ve read quite a few negative reviews of the DECKED system on Reddit. It made me wonder if it’s kind of like Yelp—where the happy users don’t post because everything’s working fine, and the frustrated ones are just more vocal.

I’m looking at picking up a used v1 DECKED system. The v2 looks great, but it’s out of my budget, and I’ve seen some solid deals on used v1 units.

Right now, my setup is working decently: I’ve got a bedrug, MOLLE panel for recovery gear, a swing-out case for tools and my compressor, and a few totes for camping gear. But I’m getting real tired of digging through everything just to get to the one tote buried in the back corner.

Would love to hear from anyone running a DECKED system in a Ranger with the 5' bed—especially long-term impressions. Pros? Cons? Regrets?


Thanks in advance!

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[1pt21gw]

Me too! I’ll follow along, although I have a 6’ bed.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I absolutely love the Decked system in my truck. I keep my recovery gear in on drawer and some basic camping supplies in the other. I always have freeze dried meals, water, and a Jetboil.

I've been toying with taking it out as, now with the SmartCap, space is more limited. I don't need dry storage like I did before. Our last camping trip to Moab was a bit tough on space, and I am trying to figure out the best way to handle it.

So... my opinion is, if you need dry storage, there is no better option. If you don't need dry storage/secure storage, don't bother.

Mine has worked great for two years though, and I highly recommend them to anyone who needs a storage solution.

 

[OGMix376]

Hey all,

I’m thinking about installing a DECKED drawer system in the 5' bed of my Ranger. I don’t need to carry camping gear 24/7, but I’d really appreciate having load-out boxes that I can easily toss into the drawers and lock up when it’s time to hit the road. I’d also love to have a secure place for my fly fishing gear so I can always keep it with me for those spontaneous urban lake stops.

I don’t haul gravel or full truck bed loads, so I doubt I’ll miss the open-bed capacity. Most of my hauling is for camping trips and outdoor adventures. I’ve seen people mention the loss of bed space with DECKED systems, but I also see the benefit of gaining a wide, flat platform for stacking additional totes or gear.

That said, I’ve read quite a few negative reviews of the DECKED system on Reddit. It made me wonder if it’s kind of like Yelp—where the happy users don’t post because everything’s working fine, and the frustrated ones are just more vocal.

I’m looking at picking up a used v1 DECKED system. The v2 looks great, but it’s out of my budget, and I’ve seen some solid deals on used v1 units.

Right now, my setup is working decently: I’ve got a bedrug, MOLLE panel for recovery gear, a swing-out case for tools and my compressor, and a few totes for camping gear. But I’m getting real tired of digging through everything just to get to the one tote buried in the back corner.

Would love to hear from anyone running a DECKED system in a Ranger with the 5' bed—especially long-term impressions. Pros? Cons? Regrets?


Thanks in advance!

They’re awesome and I’m currently on the fence as well… (if I do I’ll hold out till I can afford the V2.)
Not compatible with swing cases I believe (probably not that big of a deal to get rid of if you do go decked.)

 

[Frenchy]

I didn't have one when I had the Ranger, but I have one with my 2012 Frontier as we speak and it is V1. Personally I prefer V1 over V2 due to the fact I want my drawers to be separate and not one giant drawer. Does it take a bunch of space? Technically yes. That said with the use I have it works for me. Just be aware that it will be a pain to find some used boxes that fit the V1.

 

[Josh Stretch]

I will never get a decked system just based on their super annoying marketing. I have a locking tonneau cover which is amazing (keeps everything dry and secure)! I’m thinking about getting a tmat system which is a bed organizer that also acts kind of like a cheap bed slide. https://www.tmat.com/
Also, OVS just came out with an affordable bed slide, but I haven’t been able to find any reviews on it.

 

[Illking]

Appreciate hearing your experiences and opinions. Im so torn. On one hand I think the v1 would be a great affordable option, however i think the v2 would actually fit my gear waaay better its just a bit out of my budget. I think im gonna go "kick tires" on a v1 since i haven't actually ever seen one in person.

 

[Illking]

Can any DECKED owners here post a pick of your drawers loaded up?

 

[Cabose-1]

I made a homemade decked system for my 5g. I did not like it one bit. It took up too much room.
Really hate the bed space in the rangers, i have a 6g, and just load and unload tools and totes depending on my needs. A hassle, but bed is just too small for storage and use at the same time.

For my needs, a deck system does not work.
2024 xlt 4x2, elocker, advanced tow package

 

[Dereku]

I would just get a cap. Whole bed becomes locking storage thats dry. What if you need to haul stuff thats bigger?

 

[Baker19]

I've had the midsize for a little over a year and a half and it's money well spent IMO. I keep my recovery gear and tools and the stuff you would just want in a truck in there. With the little storage I had under the back seat taken up by a 10" stealthbox it's even more useful now. The only issue I have though is that for something like a home depot run, things that don't fit in the drawer aren't really secure for travel on top of the deck. Recently I had to put a bunch of hanging baskets in the back seat where you would normally just set them in the bed off you go. Perfect for range days. Overall experience is the pro's outweigh the cons.

 

[ppfd]

If you never plan to haul anything look at a diamond back lid.
still have secure bed space, and can get to the front and back.
plus if you ever need to haul, the cover comes off in minutes

 

[David Ohman]

Hi Jason, I just bought a 2019 Ranger FX4 SB with Lariat trim on July 4th. I'm totally excited about my first off road adventure with this truck. It's a jeep trail in Inyo County and I'm leaving on Wednesday morning from my home in Petaluma, CA.
The reason I'm responding to this thread is that the truck came with an already installed Decked drawer system. They are pretty cool and this one works great, however I am selling it because I would rather have the full bed available. If this was a truck I use for work and wanted somewhere secure to keep my tools and gear, I would definitely keep it.
These are custom made according to make, model, and year, so I will need to sell it to someone with a truck that matches my own truck's specifications and dimensions.
If you are interested in purchasing this one, let me know. No, I am not one of those scammers this site is warning about, it's completely legit. If you are interested we can certainly work out the logistics. I used to live in L.A. and I still make it down that direction from time to time. Here's a link to my Craigslist posting for this Decked system: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/pts/d/petaluma-used-decked-drawer-system-for/7863543246.html
Let me know, thanks.
Dave

 

[Jamie Jack]

I built my own and am happy with it. 1/2 plywood and 500 pound sliders from Amazon. Cost about $200 total, took a weekend, and I've been using it for 2 years. I use it for my fishing gear and my 7' pram fits on top of the bed. In addition, I used the bed electrical plug to provide 20a power to a 12v to 12v charger for my fishing battery, which is fully recharged by the time I get home. There are many YouTube videos available. One benefit of any deck system is the fact that the tailgate locks with the vehicle.

 

[Illking]

HI Dave, Thanks for offering the sale. I happened to find a new version lightly used locally. Congrats on the new to you Ranger. I was just up that way a few weeks ago, what jeep trail did you drive and how was it?

Hi Jason, I just bought a 2019 Ranger FX4 SB with Lariat trim on July 4th. I'm totally excited about my first off road adventure with this truck. It's a jeep trail in Inyo County and I'm leaving on Wednesday morning from my home in Petaluma, CA.
The reason I'm responding to this thread is that the truck came with an already installed Decked drawer system. They are pretty cool and this one works great, however I am selling it because I would rather have the full bed available. If this was a truck I use for work and wanted somewhere secure to keep my tools and gear, I would definitely keep it.
These are custom made according to make, model, and year, so I will need to sell it to someone with a truck that matches my own truck's specifications and dimensions.
If you are interested in purchasing this one, let me know. No, I am not one of those scammers this site is warning about, it's completely legit. If you are interested we can certainly work out the logistics. I used to live in L.A. and I still make it down that direction from time to time. Here's a link to my Craigslist posting for this Decked system: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/pts/d/petaluma-used-decked-drawer-system-for/7863543246.html
Let me know, thanks.
Dave

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