Outback Solutions (ARB) Drawer Install and Review 2011

[nakman]

Alright, here's how I trimmed it out. Ended up putting the right side wings on the higher drawer, leaving the far right side open. This makes for a larger gear & sleeping platform (same width as that bigger seat) and I think is going to work out well. Plus, the side pieces would have needed a lot of trimming to work that low, since the wheel well is so much closer. As I did it, all I needed to do was saw zall the brackets shorter, then drill a couple holes for an additional bolt to make them super snug.

Question: how do you guys manage the fridge cord on the slide out? I put some loom on it, but it's still kinda just kickin' around in there, I did zip tie it to one of the tie downs but other than that

 

[80t0ylc]

............ Question: how do you guys manage the fridge cord on the slide out? I put some loom on it, but it's still kinda just kickin' around in there, I did zip tie it to one of the tie downs but other than that ........

For my National Luna 50L, I ordered the mounting plate also. From all the pics that I've seen people using tie downs and such to secure their fridge, it's worth the $80 for simplicity and peace of mind. The cord follows the fridge and stays out of harm's way, as it is pulled out with out any problems. Might be different if it was loaded to the gills, though. Here's a pic of my 80 series install:

 

[yeti in ga]

Looks great ! I have not really had a problem with my cord getting closed up in the slide but jackets and other items stuffed back there in a hurry because the wife is still packing and I am trying to leave..... What a pain !!

 

[sk8salomon]

Looks great!

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

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...

For those running one low drawer, can you buy the fit kit just for one side? And is it wide enough to sleep on? I would think so since my sleeping pads are 25" wide.

 

[nakman]

For those running one low drawer, can you buy the fit kit just for one side? And is it wide enough to sleep on? I would think so since my sleeping pads are 25" wide.

I don't believe so, IIRC the fit kit was for both sides. But the driver's side is definitely wide enough to sleep on, as that's the 60% side of the 60/40 split. I slept there once last summer and it was ok, had enough room.




Of course now I've gone a completely different direction. have had my "third drawer" installed for a couple months now, so time for an update. I had to buy the "shorter" of the two drawer depths, which allows the back seat to still recline one click- which is a lot, if you ever have to sit back there. Also it leaves a little shelf at the front of the drawer for whatever, I leave a shovel there but when camping a few weeks back that's where I shoved my tent, small awning, & thermarest. kinda out of sight, out of mind...

Few pics.

 

[nakman]

I left the trim kit low on the left side, but raised it up on the right side next to the fridge. On the left under the covers are my jumper cables, work light, saw, and 12v compressors.. most of which I only need once per trip, if at all.

This allowed me to now use that space next to the fridge for more practical needs. I have two plastic containers screwed down, each holding random kitchen items like spices, silverware, utensils, foil, cooking spray, etc. Above them I mounted a paper towel rack. You can't see it in the picture, but there's also a toilet paper holder mounted up there, closer to the back seat.

 

[nakman]

This setup has completely eliminated that "tub of camping stuff" I had been carrying. I'm able to put a stove, extra gas, and most of our dry food into the top drawer, including our cups, coffee pot, etc. Everything I needed from my big tub o' camping I was able to transfer to the top drawer.

The big drawer on the bottom holds everything recovery- tool bags, spares, recovery gear... also my RTT poles, stakes, another shovel, and hi lift parts (everything but the standard).

The short drawer on the right as turned into a split toolbox&kitchen junk drawer, a solution that seems to be working well. I cut down a cutting board to just barely fit across, perfect place to store it. Underneath are some simple dividers for all the hand tools, also some soap & wipes, just stuff you want to have right away while out & about. Behind all that are some larger tools, patch kit, etc.

 

[nakman]

I use that spider web bungee thing on top to secure what gets tossed up there. the secret to happiness is not allowing anything to fall down behind the fridge when you slide it out, and that helps out with that job significantly. overall I am very happy with this setup, it's fast to load up for camping, & easy to access just about everything even when it's all packed up.

My only complaint so far is I've started to bow the top of the fridge slide, it looks like I've got those turnbuckles cranked too hard. But any looser and they rattle, so what are you going to do. I may find myself reinforcing the underside of that top with a piece of steel in the future, seems to be holding fine but visually you can see that it's flexed a little bit.


This would be a terrible mod for anyone who still wants to sleep in the truck, or needs to haul more people, or take home big loads from Ikea. But since we've also got a minivan, and I've got a utility trailer for the really big stuff, I'm able to leave the 100 a little more dedicated to expo duty.. so this works.

 

[RobRed]

I considered a third drawer as well but I use a pelican case instead. That has allowed me to swap optional gear quickly. I use L-Track Singles to secure the Pelican, fridge or other cargo.

 

[TicoCafe]

That's a great setup...I want one for my 80 Stat!

 

[cboyd]

I had planned on this from the beginning and utilized Slee's Heavy Springs in the rear. Shocks are Fox Remote Res running 200psi.

(2) Drawers are ~50-60#
(1) Side floor kit ~10#
(1) Tembo Tusk Load Spotter ~90#
(1) National Luna 50L ~70-80# Full
Tools, spares and recovery ~70#
Other stuff in the drawers ~30#

Total 370-380#

Note that the 3rd row seats offset a portion of this so the total added weight is probably similar to large man.

Jon - 2 quick follow ups on the loading, since I just pulled the trigger on these...

1) are you still running the slee heavies even with the adrenaline? I've got a good rake going win my RTT and all the crap I'm carrying now - but with my AT Chaser on tow and the drawers, I'm wondering if I'll need to swap up to 863s.

2) if you did it over again, would you do the Load-spotter or something else?

 

[jonharis]

Jon - 2 quick follow ups on the loading, since I just pulled the trigger on these...

1) are you still running the slee heavies even with the adrenaline? I've got a good rake going win my RTT and all the crap I'm carrying now - but with my AT Chaser on tow and the drawers, I'm wondering if I'll need to swap up to 863s.

Heavies with Airlift has worked well for me. The rear is a little floaty at times but I think that might be more of a function of the shock valving. Truck feels good moderately loaded.

2) if you did it over again, would you do the Load-spotter or something else?

I'm actually planing a change in the near future and will discuss it in depth at that time. Short answer is that I will be changing the drawer configuration and using a flat slide instead of the load-spotter. While I like the versatility, the WAF of the loadspotter has not been the best.

 

[fireball]

WAF????????

 

[cboyd]

WAF????????

Wife Acceptance Factor.

A highly important, yet sometimes misunderstood and/or underestimated phenomenon. key to success in several areas, but yet dooms many.

 

[fireball]

Ahh....gotcha! Luckily mine just rolls her eyes at me whenever I talk about or go work on the cars

 

[Bighead]

While I like the versatility, the WAF of the loadspotter has not been the best.

Same reason mine was sold.

 

[jonharis]

So after a lot of deliberation on what my ultimate goals were I went ahead and ordered a third drawer. I think I will be mirroring Nakman's setup below so will have the double stack full size drawers on the PS and the short drawer on the DS.



I ordered the RF1045 which is the roller top drawer. I am hoping that the concerns that I posted above about the strength end up not being an issue. I also don't really see an issue with things falling behind the drawer while open because I won't really have anything loose in the truck. I also ordered their fridge tiedowns (BRDFRKIT) and will post up some details on those. I have not really seen much info out there about them. I may end up using the NL mounting plate that the user above used. That's a super clean setup! Lastly, I ordered one of the universal fit kits and will trim them to fit. I think I want to close off the small pocket on the short side to have a space for the fuse block and some wiring. I am not yet sure If I will close off the side on the top drawer? I kind of like the pocket that Nakman has there. It's a great spot for towels, jackets and other small items.

A couple questions for Tim. What are your long term thought on the roller drawer? how is it holding up, how does it do with a full fridge? I assume your Engal weighs about the same as my NL (80-100lbs loaded)?

My ultimate goal once again has been safety and simplicity. I hope to completely eliminate the need to carry a Pelican and will be going through the drawers to trim the fat. Plans are for tools, recovery equipment (I keep most recovery gear in a bag tied down behind the drivers seat because there is always a good chance that you won't be able to access the back in a recovery situation) and spares in the lower large drawer. Maps/Books and electronics in the short drawer, lighter items like camp chairs, clothing, kitchen items etc in the top drawer, and spare fluids under the large drawer trim kit. Remember, I almost always have the camper with me so I don't plan on storing most kitchen supplies, food, clothing in the truck. They will all be in the camper.

 

[RobRed]

Jon I've been running a RDRF1045 for a while... my arb 63 lives on it 24x7 (75% time unloaded) and haven't noticed any issues. I'm using the ARB tie downs that you mention attached to my L-track single point rings at each corner of the RDRF1045. Super solid and no issues. Recently survived a rough 4 days in death valley and I didn't even have to retighten any of the hold-down straps.

My fridge roller is smooth and handles a full 63l (with lots of beer) just fine. I've had no issues with loose items dropping in the drawer.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

I considered a third drawer as well but I use a pelican case instead. That has allowed me to swap optional gear quickly. I use L-Track Singles to secure the Pelican, fridge or other cargo.

View attachment 839795

The ARB 63 looks like it fits better. It's not as tall, making it easier to access and seems like it takes up the entire slide. I may go this route too.