Rear Storage Solution (pictures)

[dclee]

I think they make a good makeshift tie-down/lashing point for certain types of cargo. Use a carabiner, hook to the belt clip. In an accident or emergency braking, the belt will lock anyway, so it is fairly secure.

IMHO, no real reason to take them out unless it's for aesthetics.

BTW, very nice job on the drawers!

 

[kennyv0826]

IMHO, no real reason to take them out unless it's for aesthetics.

What about the weight savings of having the seatbelts removed. I removed mine and save about 1.4lbs per side! Do you have any idea how much that helps performance and fuel mileage!?

But seriously I think the whole thing looks very good indeed. I have been debating back and forth if I should build one myself, but once in a while I actually sleep in the back of my 80 (when the weather is REALLY bad or if I'm afraid a bear may come into my tent and eat me). And if I had a storage system like that one I wouldn't be able to do that anymore. Still a really good idea though. Congrats on a great job!

 

[Grench]

And if I had a storage system like that one I wouldn't be able to do that anymore. Still a really good idea though. Congrats on a great job!

The magic to these, and the reason everyone makes them all about the same height... The 2nd row folds down to make a queen size bed.

At my rate of mods, doing this is a 2008 project. I'm envious.

VERY nice work.

 

[kennyv0826]

The magic to these, and the reason everyone makes them all about the same height... The 2nd row folds down to make a queen size bed.

At my rate of mods, doing this is a 2008 project. I'm envious.

VERY nice work.

When I fold my seats down they are at the same level as the rear floor. So wouldn't they be lower than the drawer system?

 

[Rich]

When I fold my seats down they are at the same level as the rear floor. So wouldn't they be lower than the drawer system?

What's up with your rear floor? My floor is flat from behind the front seats to the lift gate.

 

[gbell210]

When I fold my seats down they are at the same level as the rear floor. So wouldn't they be lower than the drawer system?

When you said fold them "down". DO you really mean fold the seatback down, and then the whole seat forward?

 

[Rich]

When I fold my seats down they are at the same level as the rear floor. So wouldn't they be lower than the drawer system?

I'm guessing you must have meant when you recline your front seats the rear of the seat back goes down to the floor. That's not folding, that's reclining.

...the reason everyone makes them all about the same height... The 2nd row folds down to make a queen size bed....

Grench means that with an appropriate height rear storage platform, when the 2nd row seats are folded (not reclined) flat they are level with the top of the platform, and form an extended area for sleeping on the platform.

 

[kennyv0826]

Yes, that makes sense now. I was thinking of tucking them up against the front seats like I would normally do. But just folding them would keep them higher. Sometimes I just don't THINK!!! lol

 

[docbluedevil]

Sweet system! I wish I had your skills.

It makes sense to me to put carpet on the drawers like you did to avoid slippage issues of things placed on top (e.g. pet crate, coolers, etc).

 

[kennyv0826]

Now of course I am thinking about making one of these cool storage systems and I am pondering what the best layout would be as far as what makes sense for storage and using the room as effeciently as possible.

Any ideas on the best design (drawer size, additional compartments and what not)

 

[Epic Ed]

I really like the idea of having two full-length drawers that pull out all the way. The only flaw with that is the deeper into the drawer, the less accessible stuff tends to be. I plan to mitigate this problem by cutting access hatches into the platform (especially in the are closest to the reaer seats) so I can access stuff both by pulling the drawers out or by lifting the correct hatch. I also plan to cut notches into each drawer and add adjustable dividers, so I can create what ever sizes or number of compartments I want within each drawer.

Ed

 

[kennyv0826]

I really like the idea of having two full-length drawers that pull out all the way. The only flaw with that is the deeper into the drawer, the less accessible stuff tends to be. I plan to mitigate this problem by cutting access hatches into the platform (especially in the are closest to the reaer seats) so I can access stuff both by pulling the drawers out or by lifting the correct hatch. I also plan to cut notches into each drawer and add adjustable dividers, so I can create what ever sizes or number of compartments I want within each drawer.

Ed

Very good ideas. I can't wait to do mine!

 

[Zane]

I really like the idea of having two full-length drawers that pull out all the way. The only flaw with that is the deeper into the drawer, the less accessible stuff tends to be. I plan to mitigate this problem by cutting access hatches into the platform (especially in the are closest to the reaer seats) so I can access stuff both by pulling the drawers out or by lifting the correct hatch. I also plan to cut notches into each drawer and add adjustable dividers, so I can create what ever sizes or number of compartments I want within each drawer.

Ed

Ed,

If you look at the pictures you will see the two hatch doors that gain access to storage up front of the box. I made the drawers short to create this storage, but you could do the same thing but have the drawers go all the way front to back. This would give you access to the back of the drawer if needed. I wanted a place to keep my tool bag and tow straps so that I could access them no matter what.

 

[Imagery]

Well, this has convinced me now to go ahead and make the drawr system my next project. Obviously if you have the tools and skill level for cabinet building, the best option would be to build them yourself. But for those who do not, what might be the best option? Would you try and find a good cabinet maker or master craftsman wood worker to build the system with your own custompersonal features, or which drawer systems commercially made are the best all around? I imagine weight is an important factor and aside from cost, would one built with aliminum be lighter? Also, what kind of drawer rollers are used both with your custom built unit and the commercial units? Can you actually get the type of rollers like they use on top of the ling tool box drawers, with the bearings for precision and smooth operation? I guess all of them might rattle in the back particularly when unloaded and with heavy J's in the rear, but they probably would always be filled with various tools and gear. Would I have to replace my full size Milford with the half version to properly fit the drawers, and I guess if you have the barrier installed, then you will not be able to take advantage of the 2nd row fold down sleeping option. Anyway, what would be the best thing to do or which manufactuer is the best to go with if I can't build it myself? Does Outback make them I wonder and I know ARB builds them also. Is there any others out there to be considered.

You did a great job on yours. How much time did you put imto this project and what do you think a cabinet builder would charge to build the system?

Mark

 

[docbluedevil]

...my next project...if you have the tools and skill level...But for those who do not, what might be the best option?... and I know ARB builds them also.

That's me. I want a DS half-cabinet but have no skills to make it myself. I would put camping stuff in it, so decent-duty plastic would suffice for me.

I'd use a rubbermaid box bolted to the seat tie-downs except I need a level surface for my dog to sit on top of. I've seen some plastic full-width, universal storage boxes, but I need one 3rd row seat.

Anyone come across a cheaper, plastic half-drawer option yet? I've searched but have had no success. I may have to pony up for a more expensive, commerically-made option.

And what? ARB makes a set?! I bet it's heavy-duty, well-thought out, difficult to get, and expensive. In other words, I want it but likely can't.

 

[Zane]

You did a great job on yours. How much time did you put imto this project and what do you think a cabinet builder would charge to build the system?

Mark

Mark,

You could find a cabinet maker to do this, but I'm sure they would charge you out the wazzo to do it. I build cabinets/built-ins on the side (I'm no expert) and I would charge around $300 labor + $200 materials to do one of these and I'm CHEEP labor... Note: I'm not wanting to do these for folks so I'm not soliciting for business. (cost would be too high for shipping to be worth anyone’s time on this site) To be honest if you have a table saw, Jig saw, nail gun or screws, tape measure, glue and can add, you could build one with relative ease. The hardest part is if you want the top to contour with the interior panels.


I purchased my ball bearing rollers from Home Depot and they are very smooth and do not rattle. They are rated to hold up to 125 lbs. I think that is just fine for what I am wanting to use this for.

 

[Haskins1111]

I am envious, thats a great job, have been wanting to do that same idea to my Fj62.

 

[jhfj80]

very nice.... looks like the only thing you guys are missing is a waterproof compartment for that emergency 12 pack of high life. also maybe a couple of holes for extra speakers...

 

[icecruiser]

Like it

Very nice job.Looks awsome.

 

[fjfar80]

ZJZ -

How did you get that contour action on the top of your drawer system. I am currently working on mine and have not seen that before. I was trying to figure out how you shaped your wood?

Thanks in Advance.