A couple years ago I built the "standard" style storage unit for my 80. About 10 inches tall, covering the entire trunk with two cavities for drawers (that I never got around to building). There were flaps on piano hinges, so that when the rear seats were folded down we could have a nice big flat bed.
It was great for sleeping on. And the cubbies (with Rubbermaids) gave good access to gear. But for the other 99% of the time, it was pretty annoying to have such an elevated trunk floor. Groceries would roll around up there and my wife wasn't happy lifting things up so high. I once had my mountain bike laying on its side, and I was scared it would slide sideways and smash a side window.
And then we had a kid. So his carseat made folding the back into a bed a little more time consuming. Also we now seem to have about 3 times more gear than before. His stroller only fit on top of the storage unit, and would slide around and hit the side windows while driving. So the storage unit was causing more trouble than it was worth. I sold it, and we got a roof tent. Now the trunk could be purely for storage without worrying about making it into a bed.
Then I came across an amazing deal on a 12 volt compressor-type fridge for a boat. ($100) But it is supposed to be built in to a cabinet to protect the compressor and condenser. So... time for another storage unit. After some careful measurements, I realized I could make it fit in exactly half of the trunk. This way, if we ever get a truck with 3rd row seats (or add them to this truck) we can still use one side with the storage unit in place.
There also ended up being an awkward shaped space behind the fridge and above the drawer. I have fond memories of being 18 with a subwoofer in my Civic, so I thought hey, why don't I pick up a cheap used sub and put it behind the fridge. A quick check on Craigslist found me a 12" Almani sub with a 500w Alpine amp for $100, including all the necessary wires.
So I've been working on the new storage unit for a couple days now. I rabbeted the joints mainly to make it easier to assemble, and everything is glued and screwed. Last time I spent a fortune on Baltic Birch plywood, but this time I thought, why not just use the scraps of 5/8 I have kicking around. So far it is turning out well, and I have tested the sub and it sounds great in the 2.1 sq. ft. sealed compartment I built.
Next comes filling and sanding and filling and sanding, then then bed-liner'ing the entire box. Once I am happy with the aesthetics I will mount the fridge and the sub permanently and screw the amp and my inverter to the side. One thick power cable from the battery will power the sub, fridge, and inverter all in the one unit. Then I will build the drawer, get some drawer-slides, and it will be done!
It was great for sleeping on. And the cubbies (with Rubbermaids) gave good access to gear. But for the other 99% of the time, it was pretty annoying to have such an elevated trunk floor. Groceries would roll around up there and my wife wasn't happy lifting things up so high. I once had my mountain bike laying on its side, and I was scared it would slide sideways and smash a side window.
And then we had a kid. So his carseat made folding the back into a bed a little more time consuming. Also we now seem to have about 3 times more gear than before. His stroller only fit on top of the storage unit, and would slide around and hit the side windows while driving. So the storage unit was causing more trouble than it was worth. I sold it, and we got a roof tent. Now the trunk could be purely for storage without worrying about making it into a bed.
Then I came across an amazing deal on a 12 volt compressor-type fridge for a boat. ($100) But it is supposed to be built in to a cabinet to protect the compressor and condenser. So... time for another storage unit. After some careful measurements, I realized I could make it fit in exactly half of the trunk. This way, if we ever get a truck with 3rd row seats (or add them to this truck) we can still use one side with the storage unit in place.
There also ended up being an awkward shaped space behind the fridge and above the drawer. I have fond memories of being 18 with a subwoofer in my Civic, so I thought hey, why don't I pick up a cheap used sub and put it behind the fridge. A quick check on Craigslist found me a 12" Almani sub with a 500w Alpine amp for $100, including all the necessary wires.
So I've been working on the new storage unit for a couple days now. I rabbeted the joints mainly to make it easier to assemble, and everything is glued and screwed. Last time I spent a fortune on Baltic Birch plywood, but this time I thought, why not just use the scraps of 5/8 I have kicking around. So far it is turning out well, and I have tested the sub and it sounds great in the 2.1 sq. ft. sealed compartment I built.
Next comes filling and sanding and filling and sanding, then then bed-liner'ing the entire box. Once I am happy with the aesthetics I will mount the fridge and the sub permanently and screw the amp and my inverter to the side. One thick power cable from the battery will power the sub, fridge, and inverter all in the one unit. Then I will build the drawer, get some drawer-slides, and it will be done!
but that black looks great!
Access to the fridge contents is probably much better than any top access standard set up. Engel offers built-in RV fridges like that too. Post up some pics with in installed.
