Milwaukee Packout Bed Storage

[AXE]

This is the first truck I've owned with tonneau cover. Thats 37 years of driving and just putting my gear and motorcycle in that back without issue.

This truck had a dealer installed Rev folding tonneau cover and I wanted a way to easliy carry tools and trail gear, as well as some groceries and parts. I wanted it to be at the edge of the tailgate to be accessible.

I didn't like those lightweight nets and plastic tubs they sell, as they just look.like they wouldn't last long and hold much.

So I decided to add this Milwaukee Packout system to the rear of my bed. The mounting base is actually designed to be used for garage shelving mounted vertically.

It is very convenient and functional. Easy to unlock and remove to carry full payload.

I have only used it for a few days, so we'll see how it performs and holds up over time. So far, I really like it.

PACKOUT™ Mounting Storage Plate | Milwaukee Tool

The MILWAUKEE® PACKOUT™ Mounting Plate has a 50 lb weight capacity when wall-mounted with metal reinforced mounting holes.

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[AXE]

I wanted the crates to haul larger items like these jugs of oil and propane tanks for refills.

Works like a champ.

I think I may add a couple more base units to the front of box, so I can relocate these packs, so I can throw in luggage ir other gear for a trip.

 

[AXE]

They even have this awesome cooler! I might get one for running to the lake. Pretty damn spendy.

PACKOUT™ 40QT XL Cooler | Milwaukee Tool

Our PACKOUT™ 40QT XL Cooler keeps food & beverages cold with the ability to hold ice for 5 days. The Milwaukee PACKOUT™ 40QT XL Cooler is constructed with an impact resistant body for ultimate jobsite durability. This jobsite cooler is IP65 rated to withstand harsh environments and jobsite...

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[BluGuy]

Did you see that Putco offers a Molle Milwaukee Packout adapter for their Molle bed panels? I added their panels and am waiting for this to arrive. I wanted to be able to have some of the Milwaukee boxes in the bed but wanted to keep the bed open too.

Putco MOLLE PACKOUT Bracket for Milwaukee Storage Systems

Putco MOLLE PACKOUT Bracket for Milwaukee Storage Systems - Part # 195985. Manufactured by Putco, Inc. Des Moines, IA.

www.putco.com

 

[AXE]

Those are really nice packout adapters. If these plastic ones don't hold up, I would definitely switch to those aluminum ones.

I wanted to have it mounted just ahead of the tailgate and not off the vertical walls ir bed. Primarily cause I wanted a way to carry a couple of propane tanks back and forth from the filling station. Among other jugs and boxes.

Looking forward to seeing your setup.

 

[8ball_99]

I'm guessing you screwed the mounts down to the bed? I use packouts for tools. I don't carry the large ones all the time though. When I do I just run a strap across from the tie downs. I have the strap loose enough that the boxes fit between it and the tailgate. When I close the tailgate, it wedges the boxes against the strap. Seems to work. I thought about doing something similar as you. But I didn't want the plastic mounts in the way when not carrying the packout boxes.

I do have mollie panels from built right industries and I carry the small boxes on the truck walls all the time. Similar setup that Bluguy was talking about

 

[AXE]

Yes, I screwed the packout plated to the bed. That's the only thing I didn't really like, but I tried locking it in place with some cargo bars and it moved around too much. I still place a cargo bat behind it to give it a little more support. I sometimes throw in some heavy duty totes to carry gear and secure them with the cargo bars.

The packout mounting plates are fairly rigid, so should be durable. I am 6 foot 225 and I could step on them and they only had a little flex.........I think they are rated for 100 pounds horizontally and 50 lbs vertically mounted.

I think the Molle rigs are a very nice system to get things out of the way of bed and seem very durable.

This truck will see pretty light duty use for cargo and work. I'll mainly use it for some camping, fishing, and hunting activities and running back and forth for work. I still have my Duramax and a 16' tandem axle trailer, so if I need any serious work done, I'll use it.

 

[BluGuy]

I ended up ordering the wrong Putco Packout bracket (full size versus compact) and looking to sell if anyone’s interested. I posted it in the marketplace.

 

[CanZr2]

I'm guessing you screwed the mounts down to the bed? I use packouts for tools. I don't carry the large ones all the time though. When I do I just run a strap across from the tie downs. I have the strap loose enough that the boxes fit between it and the tailgate. When I close the tailgate, it wedges the boxes against the strap. Seems to work. I thought about doing something similar as you. But I didn't want the plastic mounts in the way when not carrying the packout boxes.

I do have mollie panels from built right industries and I carry the small boxes on the truck walls all the time. Similar setup that Bluguy was talking about

View attachment 1994

What is the make of your floor jack?

 

[8ball_99]

What is the make of your floor jack?

It's a Pro Eagle 1.5 ton. I used their mount also to hang it on the wall panel. I had a 1.5 racing jack from harbor freight that I used for years that worked pretty well. But it was pretty beat up and old. Figured I'd try a pro eagle this time. I also really liked the mount they offered for them. My old jack was mounted in the same spot for a few months. But instead of a metal mount, it was attached with Rubber clamps.

 

[AXE]

I have really enjoyed having this Milwaukee pack out system in my truck. Really nice to store gear. So, I decided to at one to my 2500HD too.

One thing I discovered during installation is that the depth in the truck bed in the 2500HD is 2 inches less than the 1500. This didn't allow the bed grab handle to extend when the Milwaukee base plate was installed. I ended up having to trim the base plate to make it work. Doesn't look great, but you don't see it when a pack out is installed.

You can still add another packout on top and have just enough clearance for the tonneau cover. You can see the difference in the two bed depths.

 

[XkenX]

I have really enjoyed having this Milwaukee pack out system in my truck. Really nice to store gear. So, I decided to at one to my 2500HD too.

One thing I discovered during installation is that the depth in the truck bed in the 2500HD is 2 inches less than the 1500. This didn't allow the bed grab handle to extend when the Milwaukee base plate was installed. I ended up having to trim the base plate to make it work. Doesn't look great, but you don't see it when a pack out is installed.

You can still add another packout on top and have just enough clearance for the tonneau cover. You can see the difference in the two bed depths.

Is it still holding up. Im thinking couple up front and 2 by tail gate. Plastic all good or invest in metal plates?

 

[AXE]

Is it still holding up. Im thinking couple up front and 2 by tail gate. Plastic all good or invest in metal plates?

So far so good!. I just really like that I can have everything right at the tailgate for easy access. This crates are nice. I can take my propane tanks to get filled. I can throw my hitches in there. When I was bird hunting, I had my dog gear in there. They are really practical for my needs.

If I was Milwaukee, I would license that idea from me and then manufacture a purpose built plate for all trucks. Then I would hire me to market it for them.

 

[XkenX]

So far so good!. I just really like that I can have everything right at the tailgate for easy access. This crates are nice. I can take my propane tanks to get filled. I can throw my hitches in there. When I was bird hunting, I had my dog gear in there. They are really practical for my needs.

If I was Milwaukee, I would license that idea from me and then manufacture a purpose built plate for all trucks. Then I would hire me to market it for them.

When you make it, ill order mine with something like the EZ rail tie down movable points for heavy stuff in crates.
Also Ill take it with aluminum or steel, with a bed liner finish