But how much did the bottle opener set you back @erfworm
Drawer builders on the forum?
- Thread starter aaronrules
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
- Thread starter
- #22
I have some serious respect for anyone that can build a quality product for themselves. But like many of you have said, I don't have the time nor the correct tools and barely the skills to build a good quality drawer system. This why purchasing a set is what I will end up doing.
My last hundy I was thinking about just building a platform with a hinge but even that wouldn't have been the best option.
The Trekbox looks like a very awesome set up. But I can't justify over 4K. But again they are the best looking system on the market.
I have no need for third row seats, so a double drawer system with maybe the option for a fridge slide that is solid and won't rattle...I'm good.
My last hundy I was thinking about just building a platform with a hinge but even that wouldn't have been the best option.
The Trekbox looks like a very awesome set up. But I can't justify over 4K. But again they are the best looking system on the market.
I have no need for third row seats, so a double drawer system with maybe the option for a fridge slide that is solid and won't rattle...I'm good.
Yes thats how I know they are crap. I'll put my money where my mouth is, I've been talking to David (Trekboxx) about the transition from current to one of his systems.
You dont have to get every option on that system. Call or email David, discuss your needs - it might be more affordable than you think.
[ More Thoughts]
For reference the ARB's with fridge slide and fit kit is $1900 landed. They attach via bolts where the third row anchors live. I would say to remove and make ready for third row seats (not including emptying the contents of the drawers) 90-120 minutes.
The Trekboxx full system includes metal work and shelving that the ARB systems just dont have, so its not apples to apples in the price game. A simple cargo partition added to the ARBs adds $500 for example.
I applaud folks who can build their own systems but as several stated costs escalate fast. The full extension locking Accuridde slides that Trekboxx uses in that system are $150 a pair. The hardware and materials are not cheap. Contrast the ARB system is stamped steel and MDF. The drawers are 3/4 extension and the lock open feature is a joke. And the locks constantly break causing a disassembly of the system to swap in new parts.
Last edited:
+ you can always get the basic and modify/add to your needs!
Hey guys! Thanks for the kind words. I know I haven't been on mud much lately. There's a good reason for it, but maybe that'll be another thread.
I have found out the hard way that there's a reason there aren't many guys making drawer systems. They're super labor/design/component intensive and frankly there's not much money in it. I think Slee even did it for a while before throwing in the towel. I do it because it's fun, and I can use it to help pay for my addiction. I've learned a lot in the past few years with Trekboxx. There was no need to compete with the ARB's of the world. If you want a mid-priced, mid-performing (generous I hear, but no personal experience) then they already have it. Just buy it from them. If you have a lot of time and enjoy it, then I fully support home builds. Just don't think you'll get high end components cheaply. My first system I built for myself before Trekboxx ran about $1200 just in materials. An Alpha System for example, has $450 just in slides alone. It's just a matter of taste, skill, and spare time. My first system took the better part of a month, and that's AFTER the more time-consuming design phase.
I get the comparison to ARB a lot. It's apples to oranges, but the closest comparison (in a thread here somewhere) is comparing a System Alpha to an ARB 2-drawer with fridge slide system, and add in a cargo barrier and a divider. Still not apples to apples, but generally the same functionally. The ARB set totaled about $3000 if I remember right, vs $4600 for the Alpha. And they probably have a much better profit margin. You can make your own comparisons as far as quality.
I used to sell these a la carte (and still will if you ask), but I learned that almost no one bought less than the full setup. Actually, I've only ever sold one set of drawers that wasn't the full deal. So it's easier to just make it a package. I know I'm turning some away by not "luring" them in with a lower base price, but I think it's a more honest representation. My systems are designed to be a complete solution, and to provide some components basically unattainable for a normal guy without a wholesale/bulk price (Line-X and Richlite, for example).
If you want to constantly put the system in and out, any of the production systems are going to be a pia, especially if you add switches, power, etc. My new systems go in and come out in about 15 minutes (after the initial install), but honestly I would not want to do it all the time. I'd buy another car before I relegated myself to that! But I also have wiring looms and all sorts of stuff hooked up to it...
I love to see home builds and am more than happy to help, give advice, help source hardware, etc. Just give me a call or shoot me an email.
I have found out the hard way that there's a reason there aren't many guys making drawer systems. They're super labor/design/component intensive and frankly there's not much money in it. I think Slee even did it for a while before throwing in the towel. I do it because it's fun, and I can use it to help pay for my addiction. I've learned a lot in the past few years with Trekboxx. There was no need to compete with the ARB's of the world. If you want a mid-priced, mid-performing (generous I hear, but no personal experience) then they already have it. Just buy it from them. If you have a lot of time and enjoy it, then I fully support home builds. Just don't think you'll get high end components cheaply. My first system I built for myself before Trekboxx ran about $1200 just in materials. An Alpha System for example, has $450 just in slides alone. It's just a matter of taste, skill, and spare time. My first system took the better part of a month, and that's AFTER the more time-consuming design phase.
I get the comparison to ARB a lot. It's apples to oranges, but the closest comparison (in a thread here somewhere) is comparing a System Alpha to an ARB 2-drawer with fridge slide system, and add in a cargo barrier and a divider. Still not apples to apples, but generally the same functionally. The ARB set totaled about $3000 if I remember right, vs $4600 for the Alpha. And they probably have a much better profit margin. You can make your own comparisons as far as quality.
I used to sell these a la carte (and still will if you ask), but I learned that almost no one bought less than the full setup. Actually, I've only ever sold one set of drawers that wasn't the full deal. So it's easier to just make it a package. I know I'm turning some away by not "luring" them in with a lower base price, but I think it's a more honest representation. My systems are designed to be a complete solution, and to provide some components basically unattainable for a normal guy without a wholesale/bulk price (Line-X and Richlite, for example).
If you want to constantly put the system in and out, any of the production systems are going to be a pia, especially if you add switches, power, etc. My new systems go in and come out in about 15 minutes (after the initial install), but honestly I would not want to do it all the time. I'd buy another car before I relegated myself to that! But I also have wiring looms and all sorts of stuff hooked up to it...
I love to see home builds and am more than happy to help, give advice, help source hardware, etc. Just give me a call or shoot me an email.
- Thread starter
- #28
I truly wish I could afford your system. It by far the best I have seen out there so far. My options are open at this point.
I have built a system for my truck, and a few systems for other local members. I own a construction business and we have a pretty nice woodworking shop that does fun stuff like this on the side from time to time. As David says above, there isn't much money in it when you factor in using quality materials, tweaking every system a bit to appeal to individual owners and the time it takes to execute it nicely.
- Thread starter
- #30
That second and third picture looks like what I'm looking for.
Aaron yes the 2nd and 3rd photos of the system in the 80 series is a very nice setup and how I'd likely go if I rebuild mine. I got the 63qt ARB for the lower height so I could build two same height drawers and the wife could still see into the fridge. The ARB fridge slide isn't near as nice as a custom made slide using the accurate heavy duty full extension slides.
@REZARF yes that is a pop top troopy. Awesome truck!
@REZARF yes that is a pop top troopy. Awesome truck!