cboyd
GOLD Star
Touché!
Outback Solutions (ARB) Drawer Install and Review 2011
- Thread starter jonharis
- Start date
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Touché!
cboyd
GOLD Star
well my drawers are in! Pretty straight forward install, and I can't believe i didn't do it sooner! GOing to have to add airbags, because running Slee heavies and packed out for a trip with my AT-Chaser on board, she's sagging. looks great without the trailer on… i don't want to go up to 863s and risk the stinkbug look, so bags will probably be the best option.
I am looking to get a set of these drawers and would love to hear any likes / dislikes / things I would have done differently from those who own and use these. I am considering either one fixed floor and one roller floor or two fixed floor drawers (and the fit kit).
Not sure if I want or need the added complexity of the roller top. I will be using a fridge, so I like the idea of being able to slide it out, but the fridge would still be pretty high up requiring a step for the
so it may be just as easy to climb up on the tail gate?
Are there any noises or rattles at all with either type of drawer?
Would you buy the ARB drawers again or go with another brand or another storage solution altogether?
Any other feedback?
Not sure if I want or need the added complexity of the roller top. I will be using a fridge, so I like the idea of being able to slide it out, but the fridge would still be pretty high up requiring a step for the
so it may be just as easy to climb up on the tail gate? Are there any noises or rattles at all with either type of drawer?
Would you buy the ARB drawers again or go with another brand or another storage solution altogether?
Any other feedback?
cboyd
GOLD Star
I have the OS ARB drawers and I really like them. I really can't imagine how I would keep all the gear in the truck without them. The drawers themselves do not rattle if you install them per the instructions. They are tied down tight the mounting brackets.
Some observations:
1) install is kind of a pain, but do it per the instructions and they will turn out nice
2) depending on how heavy you fill the drawers, be prepared to put stiffer/longer springs in to fight the sag. They are heavy and so is all the gear you put in. I went up to 863s from Slee Heavies (I have a slee rear bumper and an RTT)
3) get the side wings. They hold an amazing amount of other stuff, though I used mine to install the electrical distribution for the rear (fridge, lights, etc) on one side and Ham, comm gear on the other. Very nice and tidy.
4) I didn't get a roller top, because I plan on a specific fridge slide, so I can't comment how they would work.
5) they line up level with the rear seats folded down, so it could work for a sleeping platform, but there is a good gap, so you'll need a plan to fill that for sleeping.
6) speaking of the gap, it's a handy gap to keep stuff you'll need in the cabin behind the 2nd row seats. I keep jumper cables, maps, straps in there.
7) the front runner folding chairs fit in the drawers. (I was really happy about this)
8) the drawers hold an amazing amount of stuff and still roll smoothly. They lock in and also in the out position. I would not count on the out though, if you're on a steep hill pointed downward.
That said, I love them. If you will have a fridge and don't plan on a sleeping platform, I'd really look at the trexxbox setup. I really wanted this but it wasn't ready when I bought my drawers. I really like the fridge and kitchen slide configurations, but don't know I'd be willing to give up a drawer for it. I'm basically going to have a similar setup once I add the AT fridge slide / stove combo, so for me I prefer having two full drawers. I keep all my recovery on the left and all the camping gear in the right.
Jonathan also has a newer setup than I think is documented here, so maybe he'll comment in too.
Some observations:
1) install is kind of a pain, but do it per the instructions and they will turn out nice
2) depending on how heavy you fill the drawers, be prepared to put stiffer/longer springs in to fight the sag. They are heavy and so is all the gear you put in. I went up to 863s from Slee Heavies (I have a slee rear bumper and an RTT)
3) get the side wings. They hold an amazing amount of other stuff, though I used mine to install the electrical distribution for the rear (fridge, lights, etc) on one side and Ham, comm gear on the other. Very nice and tidy.
4) I didn't get a roller top, because I plan on a specific fridge slide, so I can't comment how they would work.
5) they line up level with the rear seats folded down, so it could work for a sleeping platform, but there is a good gap, so you'll need a plan to fill that for sleeping.
6) speaking of the gap, it's a handy gap to keep stuff you'll need in the cabin behind the 2nd row seats. I keep jumper cables, maps, straps in there.
7) the front runner folding chairs fit in the drawers. (I was really happy about this)
8) the drawers hold an amazing amount of stuff and still roll smoothly. They lock in and also in the out position. I would not count on the out though, if you're on a steep hill pointed downward.
That said, I love them. If you will have a fridge and don't plan on a sleeping platform, I'd really look at the trexxbox setup. I really wanted this but it wasn't ready when I bought my drawers. I really like the fridge and kitchen slide configurations, but don't know I'd be willing to give up a drawer for it. I'm basically going to have a similar setup once I add the AT fridge slide / stove combo, so for me I prefer having two full drawers. I keep all my recovery on the left and all the camping gear in the right.
Jonathan also has a newer setup than I think is documented here, so maybe he'll comment in too.
A couple of things have reared since I was last in this thread...
- The drawer slide locks are plastic. They break. then the drawer will not "lock" open. I've had 6 replacements.
- Said drawer slide locks only take 25lbs of pressure to release and then the drawers slide closed. Ouch. Any incline and a soft nudge - boom.
- I thought the 3/4 extension would be fine - for the most part it is but, it's annoying. Wish I had full extension, esp. on the fridge slide.
I'm talking to Dave at TrekBoxx about some customizations on System Alpha. I would talk to him before you drop 2 large on the ARB / OS.
http://trekboxx.com/page1/products.html
- The drawer slide locks are plastic. They break. then the drawer will not "lock" open. I've had 6 replacements.
- Said drawer slide locks only take 25lbs of pressure to release and then the drawers slide closed. Ouch. Any incline and a soft nudge - boom.
- I thought the 3/4 extension would be fine - for the most part it is but, it's annoying. Wish I had full extension, esp. on the fridge slide.
I'm talking to Dave at TrekBoxx about some customizations on System Alpha. I would talk to him before you drop 2 large on the ARB / OS.
http://trekboxx.com/page1/products.html
Thanks for the feedback.
For those that have the drawer with the roller floor (not a separate fridge slide), does it rattle at all? It seems like it would with the extra moving parts.
Does the roller floor extend far enough to allow the shorter ARB fridge (37/63qt) lid to open all the way or does it hit the hatch/roof?
I would like to hear from anyone that has just one drawer. Any issues other than hard corners to bang body parts on? Does it feel rock solid? Or is there some play that a second drawer would eliminate?
I think I will stretch my budget and get two drawers. I want one of each type, but am concerned about noises/rattles.
For those that have the drawer with the roller floor (not a separate fridge slide), does it rattle at all? It seems like it would with the extra moving parts.
Does the roller floor extend far enough to allow the shorter ARB fridge (37/63qt) lid to open all the way or does it hit the hatch/roof?
I would like to hear from anyone that has just one drawer. Any issues other than hard corners to bang body parts on? Does it feel rock solid? Or is there some play that a second drawer would eliminate?
I think I will stretch my budget and get two drawers. I want one of each type, but am concerned about noises/rattles.
I have the roller floor with a National Luna 50L Fridge/Freezer. It does not rattle and pulls out far enough for the lid to open fully. I ordered the optional mounting plate for it and it makes it very secure for the pounding it takes off road. No worries or hassles that folks that use bonji cords have. 2 latches and it is free to remove from the rig. I highly recommend this combo for Overland setups. I also have the roller drawer underneath with one regular size drawer next to them. I have a RTT, so sleeping inside the rig is not an issue. Rock solid setup, but as you've already seen - pricey.
Pic from post# 62 in this thread, about 1.5 yrs ago:
Any more info on this? I cannot seem to find it on their website.
I have one fixed and one roller drawer, and it does not make a peep. I've literally sold cars because of a rattle I couldn't track down (Volvo S70 - turned out it was a Corona in the spare tire well the new owner found - kicked myself after that), so being silent is of utmost concern to me. I find the drawers to be of top notch quality, and they are heavy but probably only marginally heavier, unloaded that is, than the factory 3rd row seats.
Here is a shot of the tie down system I use....
Arline L track singles with ARB handle straps
Arline L track singles with ARB handle straps
mine is the same setup for tie downs
I googled this:
http://www.equipt1.com/item/weekender-50-52-liter-fridge-freezer-mounting-base-plate
I purchased with fridge at: ColumbiaOverland.com - they should be able to help you find a local rep.
cboyd
GOLD Star
I also use the ARB tie-downs, but i have aircraft track down the length of the drawer on both sides of the fridge and also on the far drawer so I can tie down pelican cases, etc.
Soon, I plan to switch to the AT-Overland combo fridge-slide + stove, and I hear that has a dedicated method for tie-down of the fridge. Another reason I didn't go with the roller top.
I'll echo mcgaskins - I hate rattles, and these don't. I'm sure the gear inside does, but i can't even hear that!
Soon, I plan to switch to the AT-Overland combo fridge-slide + stove, and I hear that has a dedicated method for tie-down of the fridge. Another reason I didn't go with the roller top.
I'll echo mcgaskins - I hate rattles, and these don't. I'm sure the gear inside does, but i can't even hear that!
fireball
SILVER Star
Got it thanks. I thought you were refering to a base that the drawers mounted to.
I will be using L-track as well. They work great for cargo management and are low profile when the anchors are removed.
I need a full-width flat surface and need to be able to remove the cargo and roll out a sleeping pad, so I don't want anything above the drawers that can't be easily removed. That's one reason why the trekboxx won't work for me. Looks nice though.
How does everyone keep the fridge vents from becoming blocked with other cargo? I notice if I don't leave enough air space around the vents it gets hot and the fans work harder. On my last trip I had to wedge a couple of small pieces of wood in there to create an air space. It seems that at least 2"-3" in front of both vents is required.
I think my slide locks are broken on one side. Do you have any info or part numbers for them? Were they hard to replace?
Is anyone using the optional accessory drawer divider kit? do you have pictures?
http://store.arbusa.com/OUTBACK-SOLUTIONS-DRAWER-DIVIDER-DD435-P22681C75.aspx
Just call ARB up in WA and tell them they broke - they will mail you what you need.
If you keep you truck loaded it's a bit painful to replace the slide locks - you have to take the drawer tops off and get to the rear of the drawers. R&R the stop locks.
If you keep you truck loaded it's a bit painful to replace the slide locks - you have to take the drawer tops off and get to the rear of the drawers. R&R the stop locks.
Yup, ARB has great Cust service. They once sent me a new cover for free foran RTT that was two years old when I wanted to buy it
To an earlier question, you will have problems opening and accessing the fridge if you don't have a slide. You still can, but the lid won't be able to open as far. My daughter is 5'4" and is able to access the fridge fine on my slide using the tailgate. Without that she would have to stick her head in the back with a lid open only part way.
3 years with my ARB drawers and I am still very happy with them
To an earlier question, you will have problems opening and accessing the fridge if you don't have a slide. You still can, but the lid won't be able to open as far. My daughter is 5'4" and is able to access the fridge fine on my slide using the tailgate. Without that she would have to stick her head in the back with a lid open only part way.
3 years with my ARB drawers and I am still very happy with them
