Building some drawers for a family and possibly a sleep platform

[corleykj]

I love fishing, riding bikes, camping and even some hunting in beautiful Wyoming. Most of these activities happen within a couple hours from home. I also try to do these things with my wife, 4 year old son and dog. So, after finishing a bumper for a truck I found myself bored for a couple minutes (which may not be a good thing) and decided I needed to make the 100 better tailored for our outdoor lifestyle. Our activities are not as extreme as most, but we do have frequent outings for an afternoon of fishing or day of exploring. We enjoy camping but all the gear and a crappy nights sleep in a backpacking tent isn't enjoyable with a 4 year old. What can I do to help my family experience and enjoy what Wyomi has to offer better in our 100.

WHERE TO START?

Goal: I wanted some storage to make hauling fishing gear, bike tools, recovery gear and an ice chest in a well organized manner, but not permanent. I wanted it to be the height for a sleeping platform in conjunction with the folded second row seats.

Restrictions: I want the drawers removable because we use our third row seats a couple times a year to haul people on trips, which do not include camping or exploring the mountains of Wyoming, therefor the gear or drawers won't be needed. I wanted to make them out of wood since I have access to some woodworking tools I can use. We wanted to be able to use it to sleep on and try sleeping in our 100 for quick overnight ventures instead of a backpacking tent.

Materials: I started the build with 3/4" plywood and used two full sheets. I am not using slides for the drawers, but I am leaving the drawers unglued in case I want to disassemble, cut/adjust their size and add drawer slides. Carpet will be used to cover it.

Dimensions: I decided on 38 inches wide due to them being able to fit inside the third row seats when folded up. It also allows for water storage on the side of the drawers. I chose 10" high to match the folded second row seats. 10" might be different than others because I kept my carpet in and have a rubber cargo mat. The length is about 41". This hits the back of e seat in our 1999.

Ultimately I love being inspired by other MUD projects, so thought I would share this.

I am all ears I f you have any suggestions as I finish.

I will attach one photo here of the latest stage.

 

[corleykj]

I started with 38" high and 10" wide and about 41" deep. I was hoping I could find some Rubbermaid style containers that would work under the shelf. The under bed storage with a split top were close, but left space unused. If you kept the top off of the plastic tub in the picture this would be a great way to store gear on different levels. I then decided to build some wooden drawers.

 

[corleykj]

After not finding any plastic options to purchase and use I decided to build some drawers. I wanted to keep cooking gear in one drawer and cook on my aluminum tailgate. So one drawer I made with low sides and one with high sides.

 

[corleykj]

I knew if I wanted a full sleeping platform it was time to remove the third row seats and add some sides that were hinged so I could access underneath them. The sides started full length (about 41") in hopes there is very little void when the second row seats are folded down to sleep. I initially made them one long piece, but had to fold the second row seats forward to lift the sides up and access the storage underneath. That meant if I wanted to get in the sides the second row seats could not be in the upright position. I then split the sides into two pieces so I can lift the part closest to the tailgate and have access while leaving the second row seats up, but also not have a void/space between the second row seat and platform. It also allows me to keep the side partially folded open and I can keep my water jug there for a trip.

 

[bctlex]

I started with 38" high and 10" wide. I was hopi I could find some Rubbermaid style containers that would work. The under bed storage with a split top were close, but left space unused. I then decided to build some wooden drawers.

Thank you for sharing. The LC is my wife dd. She is not as tall as me, and has limited reach into cargo area when the tail gate is down. I been thinking to build a simple structure with drawer that she can pull out, put some groceries in, and push it back in. It is a hassle when things rolls into the middle of the car - someone (usually me) have to climb up to get them. I been hesitant to build the drawer because I never build anything like this. The Rubbermaid container make this even simpler. This is just great. Its now on my list of what to do.

 

[corleykj]

My wife drives our 100 a ton. She said it was hard to lift stuff on top of the drawers last weekend when she went shopping. So I may only keep one in. Or just leave one empty for her, I never thought of that. I have thougt about a divider on top to keep things from sliding too far away from the hatch.

 

[corleykj]

One side done! Now to carpet the other side.

 

[NC-Grayson]

that looks like a solid setup. great work

 

[Magnetic 111]

Here's what I put together for mine. It fits the space very nicely, is anchored with turnbuckles to the factory loops in the floor, and (with some effort) it can be removed. Lots of storage space!

 

[corleykj]

@Magnetic 111 those look great! I am deciding how I want to secure them. I might do the turnbuckles like some. But in an accident I don't want the drawers ripped apart because the turnbuckle gets ripped out of the wood. So on a long highway trip with my son in the backseat I will probably strap down the cargo to the d rings in the floor via straps or something.

If I run the rear ac I will need to prop open the passenger side storage space lid to let in more air.

 

[corleykj]

Finally done (except for securing to the floor). The carpet added some extra width I didn't foresee, so I had to cut down the sides a little. But the fit is great. I folded the second row down and laid down and it seems to work great as a sleeping platform also. Now to wax the drawers and load them up. I am going to try keeping both in for now and go without the extra seating in the rear.

Thanks MUD for all the ideas that helped this come together.

 

[Rigger]

Those look great! Nice work!

 

[Magnetic 111]

@Magnetic 111 those look great! I am deciding how I want to secure them. I might do the turnbuckles like some. But in an accident I don't want the drawers ripped apart because the turnbuckle gets ripped out of the wood. So on a long highway trip with my son in the backseat I will probably strap down the cargo to the d rings in the floor via straps or something.

If I run the rear ac I will need to prop open the passenger side storage space lid to let in more air.

Thanks! I thought about it moving around in a crash too. So I attached the turnbuckles to eyelets that are bolted through the 3/4" ply side panels. It's pretty unlikely to move at all!