My $99 no-frills rear storage build

[sundaypunch]

I've been looking at all the drawer threads for the last month getting ideas. I decided to go the route of building the simplest/easiest thing that would work for me but still be sturdy. I have limited woodworking skills and basically a circular saw when it comes to power tools. I'm into it for a total of about $100 - cheap enough where I won't have to worry if I replace it with a different system someday.

The main thing in keeping it cheap and easy to build was to eliminate a proper drawer. No need to spend $100+ on heavy duty slides or worry about getting a real drawer to fit properly. I went with an open box that I could put a rubber tote "drawer" in. I also just wanted a half-drawer as I need to be able to put a rear seat in occasionally.

I checked at Wal-Mart and found a $12 rubber tote that was basically tailor-made for the project.

[sundaypunch]

The drawer is a 40"x21"x9" rectangular box (outside dim's., not including the door) made from 3/4" birch ply. The top extends beyond the 21" width to the sidewall. If I recall, this ended up being about 29" wide with the front and back trimmed around the curves. I used a piece of cardboard as a template around the curves and then transferred this to the plywood.

Again, to keep things as simple as possible I left the little cubby to the side open rather than putting a compartment in from the top. I also like this because you can still fit longer items in there.

[sundaypunch]

Sorry, I didn't take any pic's during construction. There was really not much to show. I used Liquid Nails on the edges and drove 1 5/8" screws in every few inches. I used 4 M10 x 50mm bolts to hold it to the floor after removing the 3rd row seat hold downs.

I bought a piece of automotive carpet from my local carpet shop. It's held on with some spray on glue & staples. The carpet is a beautiful thing - it totally covered up the mediocre carpentry & upholstery skills .

I went with a simple door & latch setup so the "drawer" can't come out. It has wheels but doesn't move around when loaded up. There is very little extra space around the drawer. The 21" width was as wide as I thought I could go with and still fit a seat on the other side. It was almost too much as the carpet added a little. The seat just barely goes in. Another 1/2" or so and it wouldn't fit.

I mounted my Engel on a fridge slide and couldn't be happier. The 9" height is as high as you can go and still easily pull the loaded basket out of.

[cheap 40]

Sweet. I like that and may have to "borrow" some of your ideas at some point. I really like the fact that it can be built for less than a c-note.

Tony

[sundaypunch]

Yes, cheap was good for me. About the only thing not included in my price list here was a the Liquid Nails and some spray adhesive which I already had. I bought all of the stuff at Lowes except for the Wal-Mart tote-

$39 - 4x8 sheet of 3/4 birch ply
$24 - Approx. 2 yds. automotive carpet
$12 - Rubber tote
$8 - Hinges
$8 - Screws
$8 - Bolts

[nicholas]

I really like the half storage idea. I miggt have to borrow this idea too because I might have to put in my 3rd row on occasion.

I'm curious as to why most people mount their engle fridge's on the passenger side. Does it block your blindspot? Obviously not any more than having the passenger side 3rd row folded up would.

Nice work, it looks good!

[sundaypunch]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I mounted the Engel on the PS because the wiring was easier. The aux. battery is on the PS and it was easiest to run wire straight back to a fuse box on the firewall and then back through a grommet there.

The fridge sits a few inches above the rear headrests so it does block you vision slightly.

[AppleTech]

Great work! I think this is something I will look into making... I really like your design and the simplicity will make it very easy to put together! Plus I've already got that same storage tote under my bed

-Phil

[Doc]

since you carpeted it, couldn't you get away with using MDF or 'regular' plywood to cut costs even further? Just an idea.

[CID 96]

Another idea about mounting the fridge on the PS - Most of your weight is already on the DS (driver, gas tank, and usually the spare tire if it is moved from under the truck) So the fridge on the PS might help balance out the weight.

Sid

[Corbet]

I mounted mine on the PS due to the fridge plug being located and pointed towards the passenger side. No other reason than that.

And I like the inexpensive drawer build. Looks like more than a hundred bucks.

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by Doc

since you carpeted it, couldn't you get away with using MDF or 'regular' plywood to cut costs even further? Just an idea.

I'm not a fan of MDF but could have gone with regular plywood. At first I was planning to just hit it with some varnish and not dealing with upholstering it. I decided it would look better with carpet and be less hassle (no sanding, multiple coats, etc.).

If I did it over I would probably use the regular stuff although there isn't much price difference.

[sseaman]

good to see another approach to the rear storage, looks good finished off

[TCH2FLY]

Nice job, simple but functional and looks great!