ARB drawers with top slides vs. ADGU, Goose Gear, Trekkboxx, etc.,

[bicycleagent003]

Hey Mudders,
I'm looking at a drawer system for the back of Cruiser (currently an 80, likely a 200 within a couple years).
Am I mistaken in thinking that the ARB drawers with the roll tops offer 80% of the function for sometimes 33% of the price of the higher end options? I think the higher end options all look better and surely are better, but how much better is not clear to me.
Anyone with real world experience with both especially, please chime in.
Thanks!

 

[Boston Mangler]

Hey Mudders,
I'm looking at a drawer system for the back of Cruiser (currently an 80, likely a 200 within a couple years).
Am I mistaken in thinking that the ARB drawers with the roll tops offer 80% of the function for sometimes 33% of the price of the higher end options? I think the higher end options all look better and surely are better, but how much better is not clear to me.
Anyone with real world experience with both especially, please chime in.
Thanks!

I wasn’t going to do drawers right away in my 200

But I had ARB systems in both my 80 and my 100 and after years of abuse, zero issues with either

I piece mealed my 200 ARB drawers together from bits I found all used and local because they basically fell in my lap. One roller top, one fixed.

Into the whole system about half what new would of cost.

The install is wonky and a PITA. But regardless of cost, I’d still go ARB

I have friends with various drawer systems, I’ve checked them all out up close in person, but I still think the ARB wins hands down regarding fit, finish and durability.

They look damn near OEM equipment in the gray interior

 

[riffman12]

can you still slide the 2nd row of seats all the way back with those drawers? Is that just an LX thing?

 

[Boston Mangler]

can you still slide the 2nd row of seats all the way back with those drawers? Is that just an LX thing?

Edited because I’m dumb

 

[hoser]

The ARB drawers are excellent. I think the slam handles are probably the best of all drawers. Cons of the ARB drawers: the Top slide doesn't slide out very much.... nor does the drawer itself slide out fully but that has not been a problem. The skateboard bearings are very reliable and sturdy though. The plastic bits around the front edge can crack as well as the plastic "stopper." Steel construction = heavy but also heavy duty.

@Boston Mangler Your 2nd row seat isn't like this? If so, #2 is the fore/aft slider.

 

[Boston Mangler]

The ARB drawers are excellent. I think the slam handles are probably the best of all drawers. Cons of the ARB drawers: the Top slide doesn't slide out very much.... nor does the drawer itself slide out fully but that has not been a problem. The skateboard bearings are very reliable and sturdy though. The plastic bits around the front edge can crack as well as the plastic "stopper." Steel construction = heavy but also heavy duty.

@Boston Mangler Your 2nd row seat isn't like this? If so, #2 is the fore/aft slider.

Wow! That’s hilarious and embarrassing

Had this truck 1.5 years now and had no idea, just went outside and checked, yup, you’re 100% correct

 

[hoser]

It's not really obvious but does come in handy when I am really packed in the trunk and need a little extra space!

 

[bicycleagent003]

Thanks for your replies, guys. Much appreciated.
I got lost on the comments about the seats sliding. The LC second row seats do slide fore and aft, or not?

 

[Boston Mangler]

Thanks for your replies, guys. Much appreciated.
I got lost on the comments about the seats sliding. The LC second row seats do slide fore and aft, or not?

They totally do

I had no idea, after 1.5 years of ownership

 

[bicycleagent003]

They totally do

I had no idea, after 1.5 years of ownership

Well, now I know, too. I probably would have never figured that out. Ha.

 

[riffman12]

haha we learn something new every day

so thee question still stands - with these ARB drawers (or even the comparable Dobinsons) can the seat slide all the way back without making contact?

 

[Boston Mangler]

haha we learn something new every day

so thee question still stands - with these ARB drawers (or even the comparable Dobinsons) can the seat slide all the way back without making contact?

Yes, I slid mine all the way back earlier when I found out the slid it was fine

 

[hoser]

haha we learn something new every day

so thee question still stands - with these ARB drawers (or even the comparable Dobinsons) can the seat slide all the way back without making contact?

One member was ready to chop his Big Country drawers before finding about the sliding seat trick!

 

[Yuri]

I've only had the trekboxx set up and I couldn't be happier. After a couple of years and a few long trips it's still super quiet and still look great. The coating that is applied on it is so good. Can't recommend it enough. Good luck with your search!

 

[7000ft]

I've had my ARB fixed drawer system in my 2020 LC200 HE (no third seat) for over 4 years with no issues. Second seat set slide back all the way. Fit and finish is perfect. No squeaks, no drawer issues. The drawer system acts as a perfect for an Exped mattress. We've slept on it a numerous times wuth no squeaking. I sometimes load one drawer completely full with ammunition and the other with firearms. The store system is definitely worth the money. Lots of imitators but only one ARB system.

 

[dudemancool1904]

I think if money be damned I would go ADGU. But yes the price difference is quite large. I won’t argue about better quality, made in America, etc. but when you can pick up used arb drawers on OfferUp/fbm for under $1k it’s kind of a no brainer.

 

[hoser]

Lots of imitators but only one ARB system.

Actually, Outback 4wd Interiors were out way before ARB drawers. I believe 4wd Interiors manufactured for ARB in the beginning (in Australia). Current ARB drawers are made in China. I don't know if ARB bought the design or what but 4WD Interiors is still making them.

 

[Boston Mangler]

I think if money be damned I would go ADGU. But yes the price difference is quite large. I won’t argue about better quality, made in America, etc. but when you can pick up used arb drawers on OfferUp/fbm for under $1k it’s kind of a no brainer.

As ya know, I’m hyper critical about most things and usually can find issues with stuff 9x out of 10

Literally not a single complaint or issue with the ARB drawers, these are my 3rd set

Honestly not really sure what could be improved on them. Other than the PITA install

 

[Boston Mangler]

Actually, Outback 4wd Interiors were out way before ARB drawers. I believe 4wd Interiors manufactured for ARB in the beginning (in Australia). Current ARB drawers are made in China. I don't know if ARB bought the design or what but 4WD Interiors is still making them.

Dang.. never heard of those admittedly

Yeah, looks identical other than they use aluminum on the edging vs ARB using plastic

Pros and cons to both but thanks for sharing

 

[Gazziza]

I think if money be damned I would go ADGU. But yes the price difference is quite large. I won’t argue about better quality, made in America, etc. but when you can pick up used arb drawers on OfferUp/fbm for under $1k it’s kind of a no brainer.

I have the ADGU drawers and I like them but don't love them. I got in before their prices went bananas and when they offered the ability to just do a platform and choice of drawers. I went with the platform, single drawer and 60% sleeper. They have rattled and squeaked since day one. Have tried numerous remedies and even reached out to them for a fix. None of their recommendations actually solved the problem. It bugged me early on but since I have just gotten accustomed to the noises even though they are advertised as squeak and rattle "free". I had it installed at their shop and they seem like nice enough dudes but don't really have the time or want to to drive to them for a fix. For the price I paid I'm happy with them especially since I only wanted a single drawer. I really liked the flexibility and customization that they offered at the time but now they only offer just more standard units. There are also some fit and finish issues as well. For instance my folding wings don't actually line up exactly straight or flush with the main unit. It's not a big deal but just something to note.

Again this was back when they were a smaller operation and seemed like a great "semi-DIY" unit for a reasonable price. I felt good about supporting a few dudes and their "mom and pop" business. They have grown in operation and price since then. For the prices they are asking now I would hope that they have fixed their QC issues and offer a more professional product. Every Goose Gear or Trekboxx unit has felt better than my ADGU unit.

Just my 2cents.