Question for those with cargo drawers & Engel

[sundaypunch]

I am loving my Engel - the problem is that it takes up enough cargo space that I'm really wanting a drawer system now. The African Outback system looks great (other than the price). Not that it matters since they appear to be out of stock at Slee. I'm thinking about trying to build something, probably a half sized one with the Engel on top.

In the FAQ I see a number of people are running drawer systems with the Engel mounted on top. I am curious how convenient the fridge access is? If I build a drawer how tall can I make it and still be able to open the Engel lid enough to pull the basket out? I'm not going to sleep in the vehicle so I don't need the height to work for a sleeping platform.

[Aussie cruiser]

:http://www.platinumgear.com.au/

This mob have a drop down slde.. Very pricey though. Price went up $100 in one hit. According to the local Forums some customers have been waiting a while for delivery.. Idea is good though. With the right gear probably wouldn't be hard to duplicate.......

[vbc1_75]

I have my engel level with the tail gate on a fridge slide, I find it is easier for all to open it then. I am 6' but have trouble looking in some when they have them on top on their drawer system as well as lifted suspension. It's horses for courses I guess. With mine I have storage on one side and the engel in it's own storage area onthe other side. This leaves a flat area above that is good for bags, table, etc. I store 20 litre water containers each side just back from the wheel arch. It is a simple design that I built one wekeend and covered it all in car carpet. It also comes out very easily so I can refit the rear seats if needed.

Cheers, Jon
West Aus
105 series with 1HDT and other bits

[Romer]

Put the engel on a slide, like the african outback drawer setup. Pull the engel out, slide the top off and the basket comes out easy. I love my drawer setup

[TCH2FLY]

I built my storage to accomodate my subwoofers and after I got a fridge (wasn't planning on one ) I discovered it was too tall.

I had to modify one section (original write up) to make it work but with slider installed it is very easy to access...


I went 12" originally so I would suggest you go no higher than 6-7" if you are NOT planning on a slider and 8-9" if you ARE. That should give space for drawers but still provide reasonable access.

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by Aussie cruiser

:http://www.platinumgear.com.au/

This mob have a drop down slde.....

You just had to go and show me that, didn't you? You guys in OZ get all the good stuff That thing is so cool I would probably put off the entire project if I thought I could actually get my hands on one in the forseeable future.

It looks like the perfect solution. The fridge is great but sucks for storage as the area above it has to be kept open. This would solve the problem.

Originally Posted by TCH2FLY

I went 12" originally so I would suggest you go no higher than 6-7" if you are NOT planning on a slider and 8-9" if you ARE. That should give space for drawers but still provide reasonable access......

Good info. I also like the idea of going with spaces for bins. Seems like it would keep the weight down as well as make the design easier (for me anyway) to build.

[Romer]

why don't you contact them. I have bought stuff from Oz directly paying extra for shipping. It's a world wide economy

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by Romer

why don't you contact them. I have bought stuff from Oz directly paying extra for shipping. It's a world wide economy

I sent them an email. I'll update here if/when I hear back.

[sundaypunch]

No reply after 6 days. I guess I can write that one off.

[fzjconvert]

Hey Check out this link. It's to a slide just for your fridge.

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/campinggear/

[Russ in California]

Don't remember where I saw it, but one of the aussie boys built a fridge slide that tilts. Nice set up. Limit straps on the rear and the whole thing tipped down so one could see into the fridge even though it's mounted on top of a cargo box.
Maybe worth looking into.

[sprocket3]

I put my Engel level with the gate when it's open and sitting on plywood. Then there is another sheet of plywood on top and three verticle sheets for suppot. The engel slides on plastic bushings like a cutting board, and i took off the rubber feet. Works great and the rest of the area is open space for drawers or tubs in my case.

Above the engel it's all flat and can be used as a sleeping surface with an extension that i fabricated. You can't see the fridge or anything else in there when it's all closed.

PM me if you want details i'm trying to stay off the forum these days.