AirDownGearUp SS1: Storage, Sleeper and Drawer System for 200 series (1 Viewer)

[Air Down Gear Up]

Hello Everyone,

AirDownGearUp has been selling a storage, sleeper and drawer system for the 100 series Landcruiser since 2017. As a brief overview of the SS1; it is a modular system that can be configured as a simple storage platform, storage+sleeper, or the full storage+sleeper+drawer system, with the ability to install drawers individually. The drawers are full extension, ball-bearing, lock-in and lock-out. The drawers and sleeper can be purchased up front or added later and retrofitted. The system is comprised of CNC cut Baltic Birch, with recessed mounting hardware and fold-up wings to retain access to the side cubbies. Details can be found at Air Down Gear Up

I have some inexpensive carpet installed on my system, with some pics to show the general idea.

We have been receiving a lot of interest in a 200 series offering, and recently had the opportunity to perform an install of a full system on a 200 series. We found the fit to be very close, requiring only a handful of modifications.

So this is where the ever-so-wonderful Mud community comes in!! We are seeking someone in the Denver metro (and surrounding) area that is interested in having an SS1 System in their 200 and would be prepared to do a few meet-ups as we dial in the last final details. We learned a lot from the first install, but would like to really dial in the design before we open this up for general sale.

 

[TimCFJ40]

Looks like a great product. I've been considering a similar build out myself and your system looks very close to some of the ideas I've had. Too bad I'm not in that area, or I'd be game.
'

 

[suprarx7nut]

Bump for folks in or around Denver.

We're looking for somebody in the general Denver Metro area to help us ensure we've got dimensions dialed in. You'd get free complete assembly and install of this product. We don't generally offer install, so this is a unique offer. We can travel (within reason) to meet you somewhere around Denver.

If you're interested, please reach out to @Kyle Bell or myself. You can also email info@airdowngearup.com

 

[jfrench]

I'm your huckleberry. Been meaning to contact you about this very thing. Let me know when and where. Unfortunately I'll be busy with work and trips 2/1-2/10 and 2/15-2/20

 

[kms254]

I sent an email.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I'm your huckleberry. Been meaning to contact you about this very thing. Let me know when and where. Unfortunately I'll be busy with work and trips 2/1-2/10 and 2/15-2/20

I sent an email.

Alright, awesome. We'll reach out to you both and see what makes sense. Watch out for an email/PM shortly.

 

[Aeromat209]

I could help out If you are interested in using interior dimensions for a 2014 LX570 I have removed the third row seats that came with it.
I live in Denver .

 

[krice118]

What are the Pros / Cons of this compared to an ARB system?

 

[suprarx7nut]

What are the Pros / Cons of this compared to an ARB system?

The most functional difference in drawers is 100% full extension. The ADGU drawers come ALLLLLLLLL the way out. ARB does not. This is huge when you're filling the drawers and something we've only seen in high end systems.

The ADGU lock out feature is superior. The ARB lock is prone to failure and just a friction based mechanism. The ADGU actually locks open. It will not fail.

ADGU install/removal is easier in case you want to take the system out to move a piece of furniture or something. This one has been big for me. My rig is my daily driver and our family hauler for everything. A semi-permanent drawer system would be really annoying.

I think the most commonly used "Pro" of the ADGU system is the sleeper. The ARB system doesn't have a sleeper provision. You can cram blankets and pillows into the gap between the ARB system and seat backs, but it's not going to be flat like the ADGU sleeper.

Another Pro for the ADGU system is that the drawers are much larger (and we believe much more practical). With the shorter drawer height, you're limited to short items. With the ADGU drawers, you can fit far more items inside the drawer, keeping the top surface perfectly clear. For instance, I commonly use the drawers or under platform area for groceries. Being able to put most anything from Costco or King Soopers underneath the platform or in a drawer is significant peace of mind. A loose jar of pasta sauce can be a missile in an otherwise minor wreck. There are many trail and camp items, but if I'm honest, I use the under platform area for suburban shopping as much as anything.

Pending your system intent, the ADGU system starts at a better price point than the ARB. By the time you outfit the ADGU system with sleeper and drawers, you're going to be at a similar price point, but if you prefer a simple platform to start, the ADGU system offers a great starting point at about 1/2 (even 1/3 maybe) the price of a base ARB system.

The pros for the ARB system for me are the aesthetically "factory finished" look. It looks like a system from a large corporation and that's something you won't easily replicate with any other system short of the $4000-5000 Trekboxx products. The ARB plastic is somewhat cheap-looking/feeling and there's thin sheet metal throughout, but it does look more "factory" on the outside.

Another good thing about ARB is their slam latch. While plastic, I do think it works well.

Hopefully that gives you some bullet points to consider, but let us know if you have any other questions.

-Andy

 

[krice118]

The most functional difference in drawers is 100% full extension. The ADGU drawers come ALLLLLLLLL the way out. ARB does not. This is huge when you're filling the drawers and something we've only seen in high end systems.

The ADGU lock out feature is superior. The ARB lock is prone to failure and just a friction based mechanism. The ADGU actually locks open. It will not fail.

ADGU install/removal is easier in case you want to take the system out to move a piece of furniture or something. This one has been big for me. My rig is my daily driver and our family hauler for everything. A semi-permanent drawer system would be really annoying.

I think the most commonly used "Pro" of the ADGU system is the sleeper. The ARB system doesn't have a sleeper provision. You can cram blankets and pillows into the gap between the ARB system and seat backs, but it's not going to be flat like the ADGU sleeper.

Another Pro for the ADGU system is that the drawers are much larger (and we believe much more practical). With the shorter drawer height, you're limited to short items. With the ADGU drawers, you can fit far more items inside the drawer, keeping the top surface perfectly clear. For instance, I commonly use the drawers or under platform area for groceries. Being able to put most anything from Costco or King Soopers underneath the platform or in a drawer is significant peace of mind. A loose jar of pasta sauce can be a missile in an otherwise minor wreck. There are many trail and camp items, but if I'm honest, I use the under platform area for suburban shopping as much as anything.

Pending your system intent, the ADGU system starts at a better price point than the ARB. By the time you outfit the ADGU system with sleeper and drawers, you're going to be at a similar price point, but if you prefer a simple platform to start, the ADGU system offers a great starting point at about 1/2 (even 1/3 maybe) the price of a base ARB system.

The pros for the ARB system for me are the aesthetically "factory finished" look. It looks like a system from a large corporation and that's something you won't easily replicate with any other system short of the $4000-5000 Trekboxx products. The ARB plastic is somewhat cheap-looking/feeling and there's thin sheet metal throughout, but it does look more "factory" on the outside.

Another good thing about ARB is their slam latch. While plastic, I do think it works well.

Hopefully that gives you some bullet points to consider, but let us know if you have any other questions.

-Andy

I really appreciate the time you took to answer. This should be on your website - gives a lot to think about. I am strongly considering the ADGU system. Still trying to figure out my needs.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I really appreciate the time you took to answer. This should be on your website - gives a lot to think about. I am strongly considering the ADGU system. Still trying to figure out my needs.

You make an excellent point. We've been saying we need to add more info like this. I'll get it on there now.

 

[USMCVader]

I didn’t see it on your website, but do you make a fascia that covers the gaps around the drawers, etc? I love your price point, sleeper capacity, drawer extension/capacity, etc, but when you look at it from the back in comparison to all of the competition it looks unfinished. It also limits the ability to put in electrical interfaces to the side like many folks do on this forum. Even a template for diy types would help. (BTW, thanks for posting this thread, I have been scouring this forum for a while and had not seen your storage options until this showed up.)

 

[ATwoZ]

I'm in Centennial- I sent a PM to Kyle

 

[suprarx7nut]

I didn’t see it on your website, but do you make a fascia that covers the gaps around the drawers, etc? I love your price point, sleeper capacity, drawer extension/capacity, etc, but when you look at it from the back in comparison to all of the competition it looks unfinished. It also limits the ability to put in electrical interfaces to the side like many folks do on this forum. Even a template for diy types would help. (BTW, thanks for posting this thread, I have been scouring this forum for a while and had not seen your storage options until this showed up.)

We have not yet, but have considered it. Honestly, we've been more focused on function and the aesthetics have been secondary. Many users (ourselves included) store quick access items or long and skinny items in that space. A fascia looks nice, but it's in the way. In regards to electrical panels or outlets, I have mounted a USB hub/12V outlet hub on the side of our cargo dividers, outboard of the drawer space. It works really well and maintains full access to the cubby area. See below.

This all being said, we get that the finished look is worth something, especially on the forums, internet and parking lots/camp sites where we are marketing the product (and you would be showing it off!). We do want to create something that finishes off the design and maintains better usability than any of the competition out there. We could create a simple static panel like some other makers, but we'd rather come up with something more clever that is better for functionality.

 

[Air Down Gear Up]

Thanks to an incredibly generous return visit by our first 200 customer (who was on a ski trip I am shamelessly jealous of), We can now say this 200 offering is polished and ready for sale!

We were able to address all the finalization activities and the end result was exactly what we wanted to achieve. New additions include some custom 3D printed carbon fiber feet, dialed in the wing contour and were able to adjust the overall positioning to allow the rear seat to fully recline!

We have updated the website to reflect these can now be purchased!

Drawers

Stowed Sleeper

Wing Contour

Carbon Fiber Foot (with customer supplied protective cover)

Drawer Extended & Cargo Divider

 

[sdnative]

ARB drawer installation in a 200 was a pain, and the drawers BARELY fit between wheel wells. There is actually negative clearance and they must be pressed down into place. Very difficult to avoid scratching up the wheel well plastic trim.

I have no experience with the ADGU drawers so cannot comment which is better, but it seems installation/removal would be easier.

 

[wingshooter8800]

What is the dimension of the drawers? Height to top of platform? I did not see any on your website.

 

[suprarx7nut]

ARB drawer installation in a 200 was a pain, and the drawers BARELY fit between wheel wells. There is actually negative clearance and they must be pressed down into place. Very difficult to avoid scratching up the wheel well plastic trim.

I have no experience with the ADGU drawers so cannot comment which is better, but it seems installation/removal would be easier.

ADGU drawers are well within the wheel wells. We made sure not to intrude on the interior trim. Removal takes around 10-15 minutes once you know what you're doing. Probably closer to 30 minutes the first time. I think it's the easiest system out there to remove. Just 4 turnbuckles, that's it. Super secure and easy to remove.

The ARB systems have static wings, to my knowledge. The ADGU system has higned wings so your storage along the sides is easily accessible from the rear or above.

What is the dimension of the drawers? Height to top of platform? I did not see any on your website.

Drawers are 18x37x10 (exterior dimensions) and the wood is 1/2 Baltic Birch. The interior has absolutely ZERO hardware intrusion. Every inch off the volume is available for storage.

Platform height ends up being right about 13" from the floor to bottom of platform, but you have some flexibility as we use threaded feet with can be raised or lowered a little over 1/2". If you opt for the sleeper (most people do) the deployed platform surface is all pretty well lined up with the seat backs, giving you roughly a queen bed size, perfectly flat sleeping area. Throw down a mattress pad and you've got your own mobile hotel on demand (almost).

 

[ga12r1]

@suprarx7nut Andy is the platform strong enough to mount a fridge slide and an ARB 63?

 

[suprarx7nut]

@suprarx7nut Andy is the platform strong enough to mount a fridge slide and an ARB 63?

Yeah, should be more than strong enough. If you give me a weight example I could test it out to verify. I have an ARB fridge and fridge slide I could test on an actual SS1 platform. We could even supply some additional 1/4-20 prop nuts for you to make the fridge slide easily removable.

The material we use is top notch stuff. My favorite use so far was bringing home a 300# gun safe. Platform didn't creak or budge at all. The fridge slide can be a little different if you've got 100 #'s cantilevered out, but I still think the platform is more than strong enough.

The ARB systems use a plywood top if I recall correctly. We use the best Baltic Birch available. Should be similar or better than what's in the ARB systems.