Rear Storage Build, progress
So the rear storage build has been going slow. Once I actually make a decision cutting, screwing and gluing goes relatively fast. I am stuck with knowing that no matter how much thought I put into the design, more and better ideas will come up later. The design is also a bit complicated because I am allowing for two different fridge sizes and designs without knowing which if any fridge I will actually want. I am leaving space for an Isotherme Webasto CR 36 in the lower compartment drawer, but need to be able to fit my current el-cheapo fridge on the top.
https://www.indelwebastomarine.com/...tors/small-fridges-36-49-l/cruise-36-classic/
I have had several different design features go through my head, but after purchasing 500 lb lock in lock out drawer slides for more than a pretty penny, I started rethinking just having two small drawers 30" long and 18" wide. Seeing these drawers would never have more than a 100 lbs in them, I am now thinking to just use one big drawer. on the bottom, and debating whether or not to have a slide-out table that the el-cheapo fridge and toolbox sit on.
I have decided on a spot for the battery, and built a temporary shelf for the battery until I figure out my wiring and control panel location. You can see it on the bottom right, just behind the passenger rear wheel-well.
Space on the left fits my Viair compressor. No tank in the build as of yet, but almost bought one last week, but have too many variables at the moment.
One interesting Jeep WK specific decision I made was to pull plastic out in order to fit in the compartment and utilize the metal hold down slots/tabs located just behind the rear seats. This is glued and screwed 1/2" Marine grade plywood, so it should hold unless we invert, in which case there will be a steel divider to the passenger area. I may upgrade this mechanism, but for now it is proof of concept, and will stop box jumping during testing.
I made engineered wood i-beams out of the same wood for lightness, strength, and to keep it all non swelling marine grade wood.
Here you can see a couple cargo configuration options I am considering. This fridge vents out the top, so it has pretty low clearance already.
N.B. The center divider is two pieces laminated MG plywood, but it is only there for mock up. It is not glued or screwed, and will likely go away and be replaced by one big lower drawer. I will likely have to work out some sort of load bearing divider in the middle of the drawer.
The question is whether it is worth it to put the tool chest and fridge on a sliding panel. I already have the drawer slides.
