TrekboxX
Supporting Vendor
Greetings fellow mud members! It has been quite a summer so far... Due to the overwhelming feedback I received on my personal drawer system build, I decided to go ahead and produce them. I had no idea how much time and money it would require- they’re just drawers, right?!!! After working all hours- paying the government, filling out the myriad of their silly forms, meetings with manufacturers, banking, setting up credit card acceptance accounts, website, business cards, suppliers, sourcing the perfect hardware (ungodly amounts of time), ordering lots of hardware that I’ll never use, designing, and re-designing, Trekboxx LLC was born. It seems like everything is taking a long time, but if I step back and look at the progress in only a few months- I feel a bit better. I’m finishing up the re-design (again) of the 100 series drawer/cargo system. I think you’ll like it. The first system that will hopefully go into production in the next month or so will be similar to the one I built for myself (check out my sig), but better with a few key extra goodies. I will then focus on expanding the product line to accommodate those folks who prefer other configurations, as well as branching out to other vehicles.
This thread is not a classifieds ad, but hopefully a place where I can interact with you all to discuss all things drawer for the 100 series. What you like, what you want, what you don’t- and why. I’ll also try to update this thread as things progress and new products are available, but any sales will go through the merchandise storefront. I’d be happy to answer any tech-related questions regarding the drawers and their use in the 100 series here. Right now the design is just for the 100 series, hence posting here, but they should be easily scalable to other platforms. As soon as the 100 series go into production I’ll turn my attention to other vehicles. Any new products will be updated in the appropriate forum.
So we have a baseline for discussion, here is a bit about the systems: The main box and drawers will be constructed of CNC cut Baltic Birch. Most components will be 3/4” (18mm) with some key areas 1/2”. I decided on wood instead of metal for a few reasons. First, the wood (especially solid birch ply) is, in my opinion, much, much stronger than sheet metal in this application. It will not deform if overloaded. Unless you break it (good luck), it will give slightly under load and return to it’s original plane. It will not fatigue, become brittle, and crack with the stresses of off road driving like metal will. It is quieter than metal when your cargo is bouncing around. It is fairly light for it’s strength and impact resistance. Very important to me was the ability of the end user to modify the system to their needs. The wood allows this. With common tools you can add holes, mounts, accessories, etc. as you wish without any special fasteners or reinforcement. All sides of every piece will be coated with Line-X. It bonds very, very well to the wood and adds a ton of protection and sound absorption. For now the colors will be black and gray, with many more color options available if there is a demand. Line-X has sampled a new, finer texture for me that I think you will love.
The cargo barrier, divider, and shelves will be optional, of course, but are a key part of the system in my opinion. They allow much more organization and safety than just drawers can provide. Being able to access the fridge when the truck is fully loaded is imperative. They allow for this and also create a necessary air gap between the fridge and your cargo. They are steel tubing and wire mesh for better airflow, and will be either powder coated or Line-X coated, depending on final pricing. The Line-X coating on the metal is just a touch less clean-looking than the powder coat, but it really cuts down on any rattling caused by loose gear. However, spraying the wire mesh creates a lot of waste and may not be cost effective. This is still to be decided.
All drawer slides will be the heavy-duty Accuride locking slides. I decided to use these instead of using the much less expensive skate bearing approach due to their smooth action, full extension (very handy), and positive rattle-free lockup.
All hardware will be high-quality. I have been approached numerous times to make a “budget” drawer system. These are not them. I can’t do it, it’s not in me. I have no problem with those that want to build/run them in their rigs, I just can’t myself nor could I stand behind a system that I wasn’t 100% confident in. I think building your own system is a great experience, and would recommend it to anyone. As long as you realize you really won’t be saving much (if any) money, but will have the satisfaction of the build. My aim is to be very competitive price wise and provide another option in the market.
I will also be looking for a supporting MUD member to volunteer their rig for the installation of a full system (at cost, of course) in return for an honest review. Good, bad, ugly- whatever you think about the system once you’ve had a chance to use it. Preferably a SF bay area local or someone visiting the area so I can be involved with the installation. Timing for this is unknown, as everything takes longer than expected, but I’m targeting this fall. PM me if you are interested so we can sort out the details.
Thank you all for getting me started on this adventure. This is a great forum, a great group of people, and I hope to serve you well.
David
A few preliminary pics- all comments welcome!
This thread is not a classifieds ad, but hopefully a place where I can interact with you all to discuss all things drawer for the 100 series. What you like, what you want, what you don’t- and why. I’ll also try to update this thread as things progress and new products are available, but any sales will go through the merchandise storefront. I’d be happy to answer any tech-related questions regarding the drawers and their use in the 100 series here. Right now the design is just for the 100 series, hence posting here, but they should be easily scalable to other platforms. As soon as the 100 series go into production I’ll turn my attention to other vehicles. Any new products will be updated in the appropriate forum.
So we have a baseline for discussion, here is a bit about the systems: The main box and drawers will be constructed of CNC cut Baltic Birch. Most components will be 3/4” (18mm) with some key areas 1/2”. I decided on wood instead of metal for a few reasons. First, the wood (especially solid birch ply) is, in my opinion, much, much stronger than sheet metal in this application. It will not deform if overloaded. Unless you break it (good luck), it will give slightly under load and return to it’s original plane. It will not fatigue, become brittle, and crack with the stresses of off road driving like metal will. It is quieter than metal when your cargo is bouncing around. It is fairly light for it’s strength and impact resistance. Very important to me was the ability of the end user to modify the system to their needs. The wood allows this. With common tools you can add holes, mounts, accessories, etc. as you wish without any special fasteners or reinforcement. All sides of every piece will be coated with Line-X. It bonds very, very well to the wood and adds a ton of protection and sound absorption. For now the colors will be black and gray, with many more color options available if there is a demand. Line-X has sampled a new, finer texture for me that I think you will love.
The cargo barrier, divider, and shelves will be optional, of course, but are a key part of the system in my opinion. They allow much more organization and safety than just drawers can provide. Being able to access the fridge when the truck is fully loaded is imperative. They allow for this and also create a necessary air gap between the fridge and your cargo. They are steel tubing and wire mesh for better airflow, and will be either powder coated or Line-X coated, depending on final pricing. The Line-X coating on the metal is just a touch less clean-looking than the powder coat, but it really cuts down on any rattling caused by loose gear. However, spraying the wire mesh creates a lot of waste and may not be cost effective. This is still to be decided.
All drawer slides will be the heavy-duty Accuride locking slides. I decided to use these instead of using the much less expensive skate bearing approach due to their smooth action, full extension (very handy), and positive rattle-free lockup.
All hardware will be high-quality. I have been approached numerous times to make a “budget” drawer system. These are not them. I can’t do it, it’s not in me. I have no problem with those that want to build/run them in their rigs, I just can’t myself nor could I stand behind a system that I wasn’t 100% confident in. I think building your own system is a great experience, and would recommend it to anyone. As long as you realize you really won’t be saving much (if any) money, but will have the satisfaction of the build. My aim is to be very competitive price wise and provide another option in the market.
I will also be looking for a supporting MUD member to volunteer their rig for the installation of a full system (at cost, of course) in return for an honest review. Good, bad, ugly- whatever you think about the system once you’ve had a chance to use it. Preferably a SF bay area local or someone visiting the area so I can be involved with the installation. Timing for this is unknown, as everything takes longer than expected, but I’m targeting this fall. PM me if you are interested so we can sort out the details.
Thank you all for getting me started on this adventure. This is a great forum, a great group of people, and I hope to serve you well.
David
A few preliminary pics- all comments welcome!
