Outback Solutions (ARB) Drawer Install and Review 2011

[Warrenpfo]

Please spare a thought for us poor sods in the UK as the same setup here for the ARB draws will cost us $2023!!

 

[The Jade Bean]

Those are some stellar drawers...the weight is less that I would have thought they would be. Nice work!

~Daniel

 

[BBQ BOY]

I am thinking of getting these. One thing I just though about that would be a great mod, is some sort of interior LED light that comes on when the drawer is opened.

 

[Hellgate]

LEDs are great

 

[abewley]

jon... looks great... most likely my next upgrade... of course i am thinking "tailgating" will be easy with these added.

PBR optional..

 

[Sketchy]

I decided to put this little review in the 100 series section because I purchased them with the 100 series fit kit. The drawers are universal.

http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/newProductAdvice/ARB_drawerSystems_PR_retail.pdf

I had been looking for a set of drawers for my 100 series for about 6 months. I was really liking the quality of Slee's product so I called several months ago to learn more about them. Christo informed me that ARB was going to begin importing a new drawer system to the USA. These are made by Outback Solutions and sold by ARB.
A thread detailing the drawers can be found here.
Christo had decided to start stocking them. I began chats with ARB on the availability of the drawers in the US. I decided to order my drawers from Safari Ltd., my local Toyota shop. The drawers were at their door in a week. I was between trips when the drawers arrived (Rising Sun Camp Hale and Book Cliff Cruisers Ouray) and didn't have time to install them myself. Safari had my truck back to me the same day looking great. From what I can see, install was fairly straightforward but some finesse was required to get everything lined up right.

The price on the drawers is substantial (similar to Slee's and a little more for the fit kit and other options) but I don't have the carpentry skills or the patients to build something as nice as Zane's. I fully intend for these drawers to be used in this truck and the next and the next if possible and from the first month's use, I expect that they will be up to the task. With that in mind I view these to be a better long term value when compared to cheaper alternatives.

Here is the break down on the parts I ordered.
2x Drawer RD1045US (These are the largest that will fit and retain the second row. (21"W x 41"L x 11"H))
1x Side Fit Kit 100AIRFKUS (This is sold at a reasonable price and fits perfectly adds lots of storage options and mounting points for gizmos)
1x Fold Down Anchors BRDAPKITUS (Super sturdy anchor product for tying down items, also reasonable in cost)

The drawers are an all steel construction with plywood tops covered on both sides with marine grade carpet.

The frame is well braced with lot's of options for mounting.

All of the hardware

The installed frame system and side fitments.

The drawers mount to the 3rd row seat hardware. It's a very solid mount and provides a good ground for electronics.

Finished drawers. I also ordered one set of D ring hold downs. These are capable of securing very large loads. I am planning on adding one more set to have 4 above each drawer.

One drawer. Drawers are removed by removing 2 small screws.

The drawers are mounted on heavy duty ball bearing rollers. Even with a full load they roll very smoothly. They lock open so they wont close on you if parked on a grade.

I took advantage of the realestate under the right fitment panel to mount a fuse box (soon to be replaced with a Blue-Sea) I wired 4 gauge from the battery through a 100a fuse and to the box, currently I only have the National Luna plugged into it but I will be adding some 12v plugs and an inverter with remote house plugs mounted in the fitment panels.

The fitment panels are hand removable to store items and the flat surface provides a place to store other items.

Finished Product with Tembo Tusk Loadspotter. The Loadspotter is securely attached with 8 bolts to the plywood top. Fitment was perfect and nothing got in the way of the drawers.

Makes for a nice clean solution when loaded. The left drawer currently contains my tools/spare parts and the right drawer has camp chairs, propane and the girl's pack-n-play. Note the small gap on the right side of the fitment parts. I assume this is for airflow to the rear-AC unit. The large locable handles are easy to grap in the dark and provide a good grip when opening a loaded drawer.

Just to test it out, I put about 100-125lbs of weight in the drawers. They still opened smoothly and easily.

Thanks for reading.

Very nice! Like I'm looking in a mirror! I just wrapped-up a very similar set up (same ARBs and Tembo Tusk slide). I can't figure out how to remove the drawers... now that they are installed. The two screws you mentioned... Can you describe where I can find them and how to access them? One of my drawers is not locking out. I can't figure out how to get int there for a better look. Any help is greatly appreciated. Sorry for not posting my pics. I haven't blogged enough yet for the website to allow it.
Thanks!

 

[jonharis]

Very nice! Like I'm looking in a mirror! I just wrapped-up a very similar set up (same ARBs and Tembo Tusk slide). I can't figure out how to remove the drawers... now that they are installed. The two screws you mentioned... Can you describe where I can find them and how to access them? One of my drawers is not locking out. I can't figure out how to get int there for a better look. Any help is greatly appreciated. Sorry for not posting my pics. I haven't blogged enough yet for the website to allow it.
Thanks!

It sounds like you may have a broken lockout. It is IMO a inferior piece of hardware consisting of just a small plastic tab. I broke one which cause the drawer to not lock open properly. Luckily ARB was very accommodating and sent me a set quickly. The Part # is RDSTP and they come in a pair. I'm guessing you have one or two broken tabs. The red circle is the weak point. If those are intact than you have some kind of alignment issue.


This part consequentially must be removed to get the drawers out. Empty the drawer and you will find two Phillips head screws on the inside of the drawer, near the back on each side at the level of the rollers. When you remove these the drawers will come out and you can access the mounting bolts. Removing the top plate can make this easier but I just leave it installed. The two bolts that attach each drawer to the vehicle are centered under each drawer.

Remove two screws on each side in area of red circles.

 

[r3run33]

hey jon with the 2nd row seats folded down and NOT push forward are they some what even to the drawers??? thinking of how these would be for a sleeping platform. Thanks

 

[Sketchy]

Holy THANK YOU, Jon! I was pretty bummed that they broke before I even got to hit the trail. So, a BIG thank you! I'll contact ARB, and let you know how I make out with the removal of the drawers, too. Thanks again!
-Chris

It sounds like you may have a broken lockout. It is IMO a inferior piece of hardware consisting of just a small plastic tab. I broke one which cause the drawer to not lock open properly. Luckily ARB was very accommodating and sent me a set quickly. The Part # is RDSTP and they come in a pair. I'm guessing you have one or two broken tabs. The red circle is the weak point. If those are intact than you have some kind of alignment issue.
View attachment 711168

This part consequentially must be removed to get the drawers out. Empty the drawer and you will find two Phillips head screws on the inside of the drawer, near the back on each side at the level of the rollers. When you remove these the drawers will come out and you can access the mounting bolts. Removing the top plate can make this easier but I just leave it installed. The two bolts that attach each drawer to the vehicle are centered under each drawer.

Remove two screws on each side in area of red circles.
View attachment 711155

 

[jonharis]

hey jon with the 2nd row seats folded down and NOT push forward are they some what even to the drawers??? thinking of how these would be for a sleeping platform. Thanks

The drawers are nearly level with the seat when folded, unfortunately I don't have a picture but I can get one. Using a heavy foam pad one could sleep on top with no issues. There is a 2-4" gap between the seat and the drawer when folded.

 

[r3run33]

thanks jon no pic needed; the gap should be fine because i'm going to use pads under sleeping bags for emergency sleep time in bad weather. thanks again for all your help

 

[Romer]

hey jon with the 2nd row seats folded down and NOT push forward are they some what even to the drawers??? thinking of how these would be for a sleeping platform. Thanks

The drawers are nearly level with the seat when folded, unfortunately I don't have a picture but I can get one. Using a heavy foam pad one could sleep on top with no issues. There is a 2-4" gap between the seat and the drawer when folded.

Here are pics from my setup

 

[TGPNW]

Romer- Great pictures of the drawers in relation to the seats. I am looking to purchase the ARB drawer set but often use the back of my rig for sleeping. Based on your pictures, there does appear to be a gap of 2-4 inches between the drawers and the seats pushed forward (not tumbled)- Is that accurate? Also is there a drop from the top of the drawers to the top of the seats? If so how much? That may be a bumpy night sleep even with a 3" memory foam mattress! Any additional insight would be appreciated as this could be a game changer for me!

 

[nakman]

hey did you guys remove the rear carpet before you bolted these down? Not the floor mat thing, but the actual carpet.. or did you keep that as a gasket of sorts?

 

[jonharis]

I left I in. Both to eliminate potential rattles and because it SIGNIFICANTLY reduces road noise.

 

[Bighead]

I left I in. Both to eliminate potential rattles and because it SIGNIFICANTLY reduces road noise.

Same here.

 

[nakman]

Ok right on me too, thanks!

 

[Romer]

hey did you guys remove the rear carpet before you bolted these down? Not the floor mat thing, but the actual carpet.. or did you keep that as a gasket of sorts?

I left I in. Both to eliminate potential rattles and because it SIGNIFICANTLY reduces road noise.

Same here.

X3 - You getting some drawers Tim?

 

[nakman]

X3 - You getting some drawers Tim?

Getting? so future tense.. gots is more like it.

I went with the low version on the PS.. reasons are 1. I like to be different, 2. I like to access the fridge inside the vehicle, without sliding anything out (often times while the vehicle is in motion) and 3. I like it low, so it doesn't compromise my rear view mirror.

I need to modify the side skirts brackets on the right to make it fit, I think I can get at least 2 of them to work over there.. also still need to bolt on the fridge. Here's how it looks today though. See if you can guess where I bought the drawers. And fridge. and bumpers, and brakes, and lift, and locker, and skid plates, and...

 

[jonharis]

I like it. Looking forward to seeing the lowboy drawer in person to determine usability. I wanted to go this route but tend to carry too much stuff.