Drawers with some plans (1 Viewer)

[B-RAD]

I am just finishing up my drawers. Attached are some sketches I used to build mine, with measurements, for my year 2000 LC. Hopefully these might be helpful to anyone out there, thinking about building their own. A couple of comments, I would make them 1" shorter in length, and not use the paddle latches, due to my limited carpentry skills, but instead just drill a hole from the top and drop a nail in to keep them from sliding open and/or to hold them open if parked on a slope.

 

[B-RAD]

more photos

 

[tarmacblack]

Very nice!

 

[mechanixhorseman]

Definitely some cool ideas you've got there. I'm about to start designing my own, as well using the same locking device/handle/anchor in the slee drawer systems. I like the extra storage compartments in the front. Did you find that your design was pretty quiet, or does it make a lot of noise over bumpy roads?

 

[RobRed]

I cant tell from the pics... did you use some kind of bracket to reinforce the "wings" (overhang) of the tops?

I have begun design and acquisition of parts for my system and I going to use 4 steel L brackets under each side of the tops overhang.

 

[B-RAD]

The design is quiet so far, but have not been off pavement yet. I did not use any extra supports for the wings on top, but feel that they are pretty stout, for what I plan to stack there, maybe a sleeping bag and thermarest. I decided to go with the cubby's toward the front for two reasons. 1. Compartmentalization - (if that's even a word!)...and 2. 24" drawer slides are cheaper than 36" ones. As it turns out, when fully opened, by drawers come right to the edge of my tailgate.

I have an ARB Fridge that will be on the left side as well. There's also a small hatch door to gain access to the bottle jack on the left. I just cut two small sections about 3 inches wide, mounted underneath the wing, to support this little door.

I mounted false fronts on the drawers and would suggest putting some liquid nails on it to help secure it better to the drawer front panel. After a little more work on them this morning, everything is working great!

Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions!

 

[FullyLitLED]

Not sure if you can see the wing supports but I got them at home depot for 99 cents each IIRC. They are able to handle 120lbs each!

 

[MoLS]

Thanks for these!

Is there a specific name for that aluminum corner trim? Google is NOT being helpful.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

that looks like "channel aluminum." Also try "flight case extrusion". They have all sorts of aluminum edging.

 

[patrickfinley]

Do you know how much those drawers weigh? What width wood are they made from?

 

[B-RAD]

I used Marine grade plywood, 3/4" thick, approximately 75 lbs. per 4x8 sheet. They have been rock solid for the past few years. In addition to having the drawers and cubbies I created for camping gear, the other benefit of having them is their height, because it is really great for things from groceries and my kids sports bags only have to lift the top half of the split gate to get to whatever we are loading and unloading, which has been great. Hind sight is always 20/20. So design your drawers a 2-4" shorter than I did, and use the space to stach "stuff" behind the rear seats and prevent rubbing. What you might put there might include, ice scrapers, maps, blankets, first aid kits, recovery gear, tools, and other stuff you might not need all the time but want it when you need it.

 

[patrickfinley]

So do you think it's about 2.5 to 3 sheets of 4x8 total? Or roughly 190-225 lbs?

 

[B-RAD]

That's about right I think. In looking at other designs, you could reduct this and minimize the bottom of the frame or box the drawers slide into, and simply have smaller pieces maybe 2-4" wide connecting the sides instead.