Forward extension to cargo boxes?

[CharlieS]

Has anyone made a forward extension to their cargo boxes that extends into the second row seating area? Ideally one that connects to the cargo boxes when installed, but is removable when not needed?

I'd like to make something like this to replace the 60% side of my 2nd row seats for long trips. I figure I can fab up a metal bracket to bolt the front to captive nuts where the seat hinges are normally attached. I'm scratching my head about how to attach them at the back.

 

[grinchy]

a couple 90 degree L brackets on the underside of your extension going behind some flat bar that is spaced off the vertical back of the drawers with a couple washers?

 

[TheLCProject]

Depending on if your drawer/platform has a riser due to the curving floor, you could do something like I did for my top of drawer extension but mount it on the riser to keep it flush with the platform the drawers sit on:

 

[CharlieS]

Thanks guys. I like both of these ideas. Neither had occurred to me before.

Grinchy, l like how low progile and dit yours would be. TheLCProject setup has a very figished professional appearance.

Depending on if your drawer/platform has a riser due to the curving floor, you could do something like I did for my top of drawer extension but mount it on the riser to keep it flush with the platform the drawers sit on:

Nice drawer setup! I'm striking out with my google search to find the ball and socket latching parts. Any tips you could share?

 

[CharlieS]

While googling around I also ran into these which are clever:

 

[TheLCProject]

That'd work too. For posterity, here's the link to the little ball latches I used: (BL-010) Black Plastic Ball Latch Kit | TNUTZ - https://www.tnutz.com/product/bl-010/

 

[CharlieS]

I ordered three sets (and got a shipping confirmation within 30 minutes!). Thank you!

 

[RandyDaytona]

Is this what you're talking about?

The forward box is attached to the drawer unit by a couple of lag bolts inside. Due to the slope of the floor, there's a 2" wooden spacer attached underneath the front end to keep it level with the drawer unit. The whole box can be detached and put on top of the drawer unit if you want to use the 2nd row (though I removed mine because I never use them) or just removed completely. I also made some wooden "wings" to fill the gaps between the box and the side walls/doors. They are not attached; they just sit in place and are held down by whatever is on top of them. The little railing is just to keep my air mattress from sliding around. That's easily removed as well.

 

[CharlieS]

Yes, that is exactly what i'm trying to do (but on the other half of the 2nd row). Thank you.

 

[TrekboxX]

Those different connectors are cool for stationary use, but I would recommend adding the ability to lock it in with a star knob, draw latch, or similar. It opens up the possibility of leaving the platform in while traveling. You can strap the front down to the first row seat mounts as well. Always good to have options!

 

[CharlieS]

Ahh, I hadn't considered the dynamic loads.

I do want this installed while off-roading/road tripping.

I plan to have my tool bag in the footwell, recovery gear underneath, duffels for clothes and sleeping gear under a net on top (airline e-track to tie down to).

I wonder if a hidden solution like a southco r5 panel fastening latch would stand up to the forces of a moving vehicle?

Panel Fastening Draw Latch (Galvanised Finish)

Southco; Panel Fastening Draw Latch; Concealed Draw Latch

www.gripwell.com.sg

Or even something like this, made for automobile hood latching:

Quik Latch QL-25-SB Black Anodized Universal Quick Release Latch

Quik-Latch patent pending black anodized mini latches can be used as fasteners on body panels, hoods, deck lids, air cleaners and many other purposes. They are 1.25" in diameter, about the size of a quarter, so they are very compact and neat looking. The button stays in the down position until...

www.speedwaymotors.com

 

[TrekboxX]

Ahh, I hadn't considered the dynamic loads.

I do want this installed while off-roading/road tripping.

I plan to have my tool bag in the footwell, recovery gear underneath, duffels for clothes and sleeping gear under a net on top (airline e-track to tie down to).

I wonder if a hidden solution like a southco r5 panel fastening latch would stand up to the forces of a moving vehicle?

Panel Fastening Draw Latch (Galvanised Finish)

Southco; Panel Fastening Draw Latch; Concealed Draw Latch

www.gripwell.com.sg

Or even something like this, made for automobile hood latching:

Quik Latch QL-25-SB Black Anodized Universal Quick Release Latch

Quik-Latch patent pending black anodized mini latches can be used as fasteners on body panels, hoods, deck lids, air cleaners and many other purposes. They are 1.25" in diameter, about the size of a quarter, so they are very compact and neat looking. The button stays in the down position until...

www.speedwaymotors.com

The first one I'm not sure, the second has a 150lb rating, which is way too low imo. Dynamic forces are much higher than you would think. I'd go for something like this, through bolted not screwed into the drawer system. That's of course assuming your drawers can handle the stress.

 

[CharlieS]

Thank you, I appreciate the guidance.

I just ordered 4x of that exact model on Ebay.

The boxes are pretty solid - Landshark Reef - baltic birch. I could bolt some fasteners into tapped holes in the interior aluminum sub structure, t-slot nuts or makeshift backing plates where there isn't anything already there. It is attached to floor with their mounting plates, and their ratcheting straps.

 

[CharlieS]

Thanks for the idea @TrekboxX , the latches arrived today.