I’m not sure what boat you are running but but I had the same thought for my Alumacraft Navigator but I opted just to use rod sleeves. I can stack 6-8 rods and don’t worry about them getting tangled up anymore. I use the fabric ones, like drift master brands so there is some cushion to protect them too. I really decided I did not care for hard tubes and have never looked back 
My Navigator has two rod lockers of the same size, one on each side. One has tubes, the other is open. The one with tubes has 5 tubes. I can get 7 trolling rods in it if I put two in the bottom tubes. I routinely carry 8 jigging rods and 4 leadcore rods in the open one, along with the rear running light, a tiller extension handle, and mooring ropes.
Leave it open and use rod socks. I use rod socks on all my rods, no exceptions. I’ve never had an issue with a rod getting damaged.
If you plan to carry more than a few rods, I would leave it open.
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