Let’s talk organization for the bed of your Tacoma. When it comes to packing all your gear, there are a few ways to go about it.
You can get storage cases, affordable and easy to pack. But not much organization inside.
Let’s say you want to keep most of your gear in your rig at all times. That way you can be ready to go without having to worry about packing. In comes a drawer system, very useful but also heavy and bulky, taking up a lot of bed space, and most importantly extra weight.
Then you have bedside molle panels. Versatile, lightweight and doesn’t waste bed space. Keeps your gear organized and easily accessible.
Table Of Contents
Overview
AOD Fabrication is based out of Canada, making bedside mount panels for both 2nd and 3rd Gen Tacomas, short and long bed. Made from CNC cut steel and finished with a powder coating that’s able to handle any abuse you throw at them.
Each panel comes with variable mounting points, making it extremely versatile. So whether you have a tonneau cover, previously installed gear on the T-rails, or any other bed cover for your Tacoma, this panel should work for you.
Vibration dampeners are also included to help keep those annoying rattles away. If you’re thinking about molle panels, this is the option for you.
Find It Online
- 2005-2023 Tacoma Bed Molle Panels: Check Price
Tools & Materials
- Mechanic’s Tool Set: Check Price
- 3/8 Ratchet
- 7/16 Wrench
- 9/16 Wrench
- Allen Wrench Set: Check Price
- 5/32 Allen Head
- 7/32 Allen Head
- Torx Bit Socket Set: Check Price
- T30 Socket
- T40 Socket
Hardware
All the hardware comes in separate bags, keeping everything organized.
So you don’t have to worry about rummaging through a big mess of hardware to find what you need.
Each bag comes with a detailed label showing the bag number, hardware, quantity and also install notes to keep things simple during install.
Let’s get started!
Step 1. Remove Hook & Bolts
The front tie-down hook and the top two corners of the factory storage bin bolts will need to be removed before installing the mounting panel.
Tie-down hooks can be removed with the T40 hex.
The top two corners of the factory storage bin can be removed with the T30 hex.
Step 2. Panel Assembly
The panels come in two pieces and need to be bolted together. But first, let’s install the emblem.
With the emblem being in bag #13, utilize bags #1, #2 & #3 for the hardware needed. You will need four of each piece of hardware using the 5/32 Allen head and 7/16 wrench to install.
If placing the panel on the passenger side of the bed, then the emblem will be installed on the bottom right corner, then the driver’s side will be on the bottom left corner.
Now you can bolt the two panels together using the joint bracket in bag #12. When lining up the panels together, the plate will need to behind the panels when bolting together.
With the hardware located in bags #6, #7 and #8 (4 of each). Bolt panels together using the 7/32 Allen head and 9/16 wrench.
Next up are the mounting brackets found in bag #11. The hardware needed to mount the brackets to the panel will be the remaining items found in bags #1, #2 and #3.
The mount brackets can be mounted anywhere along the horizontal slots making it very versatile to work with any existing gear or mounts on the T-rail. Use the 5/32 Allen head and 7/16 wrench to install.
The hardware needed to bolt the panel to the T-rail will be in bags #4, #5, #7 and #10. After you have collected the needed hardware, they will be mounted in the following order. Bolt, lock washer, bracket, vibration washer then T-slot nut.
The T-slot nut is specially made to go into the T-rail while remaining on the bolt. Only tighten the nut one full turn so it may catch the lip on the T-rail.
The last piece of hardware remaining will be the rubber vibration bushing located in bag #9.
This will be installed into the single hole on the corner of the panel. Use the 7/32 Allen head to install.
Step 3. Mount Panel
Now that everything is pieced together you can mount the panel to the T-rail.
Simply align all the T-slot nuts horizontally so you can insert them into the T-rail.
Adjust the panel to where the bottom holes line up with the top two corners of the factory storage bin holes. Once aligned, bolt up the panel using factory storage bin hardware and insert the vibration dampeners between panel and storage bin.
The final step will be to tighten the panel mounts to the T-rail. When tightening the mount bolts, apply some pressure as you tighten to ensure the T-slot nuts catch the lip of the rail. Use the 7/32 Allen head to install.
That’s it!
Final Thoughts
Before switching to AOD mount panels, I had tried a drawer system and storage cases. I decided to ditch them because they weren’t the best fit for me. Right away, the most noticeable difference is that I have my entire bed space back! Now that I can organize and store all my gear on the bedsides, it leaves a lot more space on the bed floor.
The panels are tough but also lightweight and the install was straightforward. I can’t wait to get all my gear organized! Highly recommend you check out AOD if you’re in the market for some molle panels. They are super well-priced compared to other options on the market, and you’ll be supporting a small business in the meantime.
