Sounds like ramboxes are a good "fit" for you
. Through the years I've moved my kids to and from school, to and from houses, hauled mulch, bikes, rocks, grills, construction supplies, blahblablah. Other than a space to toss random stuff (or stash ice and whiskey), can't say I feel ramboxes would add any more utility for me.
Not trying to sound like a smart ***.. so please don’t take it that way.
Have you actually owned and used a truck with the ramboxes?
I was in your camp…gotta have all my bed, as I did with my 06 and 08 trucks. Got them on my 15 limited, won’t go without and never missed that room. You may like ‘em. I’ve moved everything you mentioned, along with 6 foot tables, BBQ boxes, pallet of lump chardcoal, bags for range day.. the divider is also outstanding. Tired of having your stuff slide forward/back, got that covered. Need to extend the tailgate. Done. As I’ve said elsewhere, no better place to put things like tow straps, jumper cables, tie downs, bottles of washer solvent… gloves, ice/snow scraper…
I haven't used them yet as coolers, although that is one of the design uses, but once I have had them, ( this is the first of my 6 Rams that does) I won't get another truck without them.
I have. I would say, as a cooler…and obviously, time/temp are everything…. They’re more than adequate.
Part of it is the “cool factor” when you open the side of your truck with ice/beverages.
For practicality… they’re really not very well insulated. So, for a few hours, they’re great. Party, tailgate, etc., But expecting them to be Yeti like in holding capacity… just ain’t gonna happen.
However, I’ll add… it’s super nice having drain plugs on each side to drain away the water, rather than try to scoop and move.
They work in a pinch as a cooler, but it’s easier to bring your own.