DIY Wooden and Plastic Dividers for Custom RamBox Storage
There’s a certain quiet satisfaction that comes from opening your RamBox and seeing everything exactly where it belongs—your recovery gear on one side, your tools on the other, nothing sliding around, nothing buried. But here’s the problem: those factory dividers from Mopar cost real money. A three-piece vertical divider kit runs about $103, and a full cargo management system with horizontal panels and nets will set you back closer to $193 . That’s a lot of cash for a few pieces of plastic. The good news? You can build your own dividers from wood or plastic for a fraction of the cost, often in an afternoon. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it.
TL;DR: RamBox bins have built-in vertical slots on the inner walls designed for factory dividers . You can cut your own from 1/4-inch plywood, plastic cutting boards, or 3D-printed files for a fraction of the OEM price. The slots are about 9 1/4 inches apart, and you’ll want to match the height to your storage needs. For wood, use 1/4-inch plywood with a 1×4 top rail for stiffness. For plastic, cutting boards are durable, easy to work with, and won’t rot or warp. Templates exist online, or you can make your own with cardboard first.
Key Takeaways
- RamBox bins have factory slots for dividers—you don’t need to drill or modify anything
- 1/4-inch plywood with a 1×4 top rail is a proven DIY solution used by Ram owners
- Plastic cutting boards from Walmart are a popular alternative—durable, waterproof, and cheap
- Free 3D-printable STL files exist for RamBox dividers if you have access to a printer
- Making a cardboard template first saves time and material
Why Bother With DIY Dividers?
Let’s be honest about the OEM pricing. Mopar’s three-piece vertical divider kit (part #82215793AB) lists at $137 MSRP, though you can find it discounted to around $103 . The full cargo management kit with six vertical dividers, four horizontal panels, and two storage nets runs $249 MSRP, often around $193 discounted . For some owners, that’s worth it for the guaranteed fit and finish.
But for others—especially those who want custom compartments that match their specific gear—DIY makes more sense. One Ram forum member put it simply: “How could six pieces of plastic cost soooo much?” . That same owner built his own dividers from 1/4-inch plywood and a 1×4 top rail, creating designated spots for screwdrivers, chisels, and hand tools. The total cost was minimal.
Here’s the thing about RamBox storage. The bins are 60 inches long on the 6’4″ bed models and 50.5 inches on the 5’7″ version . That’s a lot of space, but without dividers, everything slides to one end. Dividers turn that long, empty bin into organized compartments. And if you want a compartment sized exactly for your impact driver, your recovery shackles, or your fishing rod tubes, DIY gives you that control.
What’s your biggest RamBox organization frustration right now? If it’s “everything ends up in a pile,” dividers solve it.
Understanding the RamBox Slot System
Before you cut anything, you need to understand how RamBox dividers actually work.
The RamBox bins have vertical slots molded into the inner walls. These slots are spaced along the length of the bin and are designed to hold factory dividers upright . The Mopar kit includes three vertical dividers—two labeled A and one labeled B—that slot into these positions .
For the horizontal panels (the ones that create shelves or floors), Mopar uses a different system. The full cargo management kit includes four horizontal HDPE panels that fit into the contours of the bins . These are more complex to replicate because they need to match the curved shape of the RamBox interior.
For most DIYers, vertical dividers are the sweet spot. They’re easy to make, they don’t require complex curves, and they solve the biggest problem: things sliding forward and backward.
The Key Dimensions
According to a Ram forum member who made his own templates, the width between vertical guides is 9 1/4 inches . That’s the width your divider needs to be to fit snugly in the slots.
Height is more flexible. The Mopar dividers are a fixed height, but you can make yours taller or shorter. The forum member who built wooden dividers made his test template 6 1/4 inches tall to see if he wanted more or less height . The top of the vertical slots curves slightly outward on the outer side, so if you go very tall, you’ll need to account for that curve.
Here’s a tip: Start with a cardboard template. Cut it to 9 1/4 inches wide and your desired height. Test the fit in the slots. Adjust. Then transfer the template to your final material. This is called “Cardboard Aided Design,” and it’s how most successful DIY projects start .
Option 1: Wooden Dividers (Plywood and 1×4)
Wood is the most accessible DIY material. You probably have scraps in your garage right now.
Materials You’ll Need
- 1/4-inch plywood for the main divider panel
- 1×4 lumber for a top rail (optional but recommended for stiffness)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Paint or sealant (optional but recommended for moisture protection)
- Cardboard for template
Why the 1×4 Top Rail Matters
One forum member who built wooden RamBox dividers used 1/4-inch plywood with a 1×4 piece on top . The plywood alone can flex and bow under load, especially if you’re storing heavy tools against it. The 1×4 top rail adds rigidity and gives you a handle to grab when pulling the divider out.
The photo in that forum thread shows the dividers in use, holding screwdrivers, chisels, and other hand tools in designated slots. It’s not fancy, but it works.
Step-by-Step: Wooden RamBox Divider
- Make a cardboard template. Cut cardboard to 9 1/4 inches wide and your desired height. Test the fit in the RamBox slots. Trim until it slides in easily but doesn’t rattle.
- Transfer the template to 1/4-inch plywood. Trace the shape.
- Cut the plywood with a jigsaw or circular saw. Sand the edges smooth.
- Cut a 1×4 top rail the same width as your divider.
- Glue and screw the top rail to the plywood panel. Clamp and let dry.
- Sand everything to 220 grit.
- Seal or paint the wood. This is important—RamBox bins can get humid, and untreated wood can swell or grow mold. A simple coat of exterior paint or polyurethane will protect it.
- Test the fit. The divider should slide into the slots with light pressure.
Does it work? The forum member who built these reported that the lid closes and secures without any obstructions . That’s the test. If the lid closes, you’re good.
The “Painted Plywood Works Too” Approach
Not everyone wants to mess with a top rail. Another forum member noted simply: “Painted plywood works too if you don’t find the printed version” . If you use 3/8-inch plywood instead of 1/4-inch, it’s stiff enough on its own for most light-to-medium storage. Just make sure to seal it.
Option 2: Plastic Dividers (Cutting Boards)
Plastic cutting boards are a brilliant RamBox divider material. They’re cheap (a few dollars at Walmart or Family Dollar), they’re waterproof, they don’t rot, and they’re easy to cut with standard woodworking tools .
Why Cutting Boards Work
- No moisture issues. RamBox bins are weatherproof, but humidity happens. Plastic doesn’t care.
- No finishing required. Cut it, sand the edges, done.
- Durable. HDPE cutting boards can take a beating.
- Easy to clean. Just wipe them down.
One forum member said: “I bought some plastic cutting boards from Wally World and cut them to size” . That’s the entire process. No glue. No screws. No paint.
Step-by-Step: Plastic RamBox Divider
- Measure your slots. Confirm the 9 1/4-inch width and decide on height.
- Buy large cutting boards. You want ones thick enough to be rigid—1/4-inch or thicker. A large board (like a commercial kitchen size) gives you enough material for multiple dividers.
- Cut with a jigsaw or table saw. Plastic cuts easily. Use a fine-tooth blade to avoid chipping.
- Sand the edges. A quick pass with 220 grit smooths the cut edges.
- Test the fit. Slide it into the slots. It should hold firmly but be removable.
Pro tip: If you want to add hooks or tool holders, you can drill holes in the plastic and bolt on small clips or magnets. The plastic is thick enough to hold screws.
What About PVC Board?
PVC board (often sold as Azek or similar trim board) is another option. It’s weatherproof, easy to cut, and available in various thicknesses. It’s more expensive than cutting boards but looks cleaner. The same process applies.
Option 3: 3D-Printed Dividers
If you have access to a 3D printer—or a friend with one—there are free STL files available for RamBox dividers.
What’s Available
A search on 3D model sites shows several RamBox divider designs. One file on 3D GO is described as fitting “my 2018 ramboxes” with an added 5-inch shorty divider for 2023 models . Another design for the 2015 Ram 1500 notes that you’ll need to print two sets per side to use all the slots, and the Ender 3 version has the top clipped to fit 250mm height .
There’s also a design specifically for the 2019+ DT body style (the fifth-generation Ram) that was created because the designer didn’t want to pay $90 for the Mopar variant .
What to Know Before Printing
- Print settings matter. One maker used 15% triangle infill with PLA+ and said it felt “plenty strong enough” . Another recommended 70% infill . Higher infill means stronger parts but longer print times.
- PLA+ vs. PETG vs. ABS. PLA+ is easy to print but can soften in extreme heat. If your truck sits in the sun all day, PETG or ABS might be better. One maker noted they were testing PLA+ in desert summer conditions .
- You’ll need multiple prints. Depending on the design, you may need two sets per side to fill all the slots .
3D printing is a great option if you already have the equipment. If you don’t, the cost of buying a printer or paying a service to print for you may exceed the cost of just buying Mopar dividers.
Comparison: DIY Options vs. Mopar
| Option | Best For | Difficulty | Material Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden (plywood + 1×4) | Custom sizing, heavy tools | Low | $10–$20 | 1–2 hours |
| Plastic (cutting board) | Weatherproof, easy clean | Low | $5–$15 | 30–60 min |
| 3D Printed | Precision fit, repeatable | Moderate (needs printer) | $5–$15 filament | Several hours |
| Mopar 3-Piece Vertical Kit | Guaranteed fit, no effort | Very Low | ~$103 | 5 minutes |
| Mopar Full Cargo Management | Complete organization system | Low | ~$193 | 15 minutes |
Real-World Tips from Ram Owners
Talking to owners who’ve made their own dividers reveals some practical wisdom.
The Cardboard Method Works
Multiple forum members recommend the cardboard template approach. One said: “Grab some cardboard and start trimming till it fits” . It sounds crude, but it’s effective. You’re not wasting good material on a bad fit.
The 9 1/4-Inch Rule
The width between vertical guides is 9 1/4 inches . That’s your starting point. If your divider is too narrow, it’ll rattle. Too wide, and it won’t fit. Measure twice, cut once.
Horizontal Panels Are Harder
Vertical dividers are easy. Horizontal panels—the ones that create a floor or shelf inside the bin—are more complex because they need to match the curved interior contours of the RamBox . Most DIYers stick to verticals. If you want horizontal organization, consider a simple plywood floor panel cut to fit the bin’s bottom dimensions, or use small plastic bins that sit on the bin floor.
Seal Your Wood
This can’t be overstated. RamBox bins are weatherproof, but they’re not climate-controlled. Humidity happens. Untreated wood will swell, warp, and eventually grow mold. A coat of exterior paint or polyurethane takes 20 minutes and saves your dividers.
Test the Lid Clearance
The lid closes over the bins. If your divider is too tall, the lid won’t latch. One forum member specifically noted that his wooden dividers didn’t obstruct the lid . Check this before you commit to a height.
What About the Bed Divider/Extender?
There’s a separate component in the RamBox system: the adjustable bed divider/extender that fits in the main truck bed . This is different from the bin dividers. It creates compartments in the bed and can unfold to add 2 feet of length for longer loads .
Here’s an important note for 2019+ Ram 1500 owners: the bed extender function may not work as designed on newer trucks. MotorTrend discovered that 2019 and newer RamBox beds are missing the tailgate posts needed to convert the divider into an extender, due to LED taillight regulations . The divider still works as a divider, but it won’t extend the bed. Ram said they were working on a compliant version .
If you have a 2019+ Ram and you want bed extension capability, you’ll need to look at aftermarket solutions.
FAQ: DIY RamBox Dividers
What material is best for DIY RamBox dividers?
1/4-inch plywood with a top rail works well and is cheap . Plastic cutting boards are more weatherproof and require no finishing . 3D-printed designs offer precision if you have a printer .
What are the dimensions for RamBox bin dividers?
The width between vertical guides is 9 1/4 inches . Height is flexible based on your storage needs and lid clearance. The bins are 60 inches long on 6’4″ beds and 50.5 inches on 5’7″ beds .
Do I need to drill into my RamBox to install DIY dividers?
No. The RamBox bins have factory vertical slots designed for dividers . Your DIY divider simply slides into these existing slots.
How much money can I save making my own dividers?
Mopar’s three-piece vertical kit is about $103, and the full cargo management kit is about $193 . A DIY plywood or plastic set typically costs $10–$20 in materials.
Are there free templates for RamBox dividers?
Some forum members have shared printable templates or trace patterns . The most reliable method is to make your own cardboard template—it ensures a perfect fit for your specific truck.
Will wooden dividers rot in the RamBox?
Untreated wood can swell or grow mold in humid conditions. Seal your dividers with exterior paint or polyurethane to protect them .
Can I use cutting boards for RamBox dividers?
Yes. HDPE plastic cutting boards are durable, waterproof, and easy to cut with standard tools . They’re a popular DIY choice.
The Verdict: Build Once, Organize Forever
The factory Mopar dividers are nice. They fit perfectly. They look professional. But they cost real money, and they’re not customizable.
DIY dividers give you control. You can make compartments sized exactly for your gear. You can use materials you already have. You can build them in an afternoon for less than the cost of a tank of gas.
Your action plan:
- Make a cardboard template. Test the fit in your RamBox slots.
- Choose your material. Plywood for custom sizing, cutting boards for weatherproof simplicity, 3D printing for precision.
- Cut, seal, and test. Remember the 9 1/4-inch width. Seal wood. Check lid clearance.
- Organize your gear. Designate compartments for recovery gear, tools, camping supplies—whatever you carry.
The best organization system is the one that works for you. If that means spending a few hours in the garage with a jigsaw and a cutting board, you’ll end up with dividers that fit your truck and your life.
What’s your favorite Ram truck feature or upgrade? Share your experience in the comments below.
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