Expedition: Long term travel of the Americas. Approximately 3 years
Equip: SUV and Trailer
Tow Vehicle: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel
Trailer, Current: Kodiak 214 Hybrid
Plan: Move from location to location, set up trailer, and go on day trips exploring surrounding areas
Rear Drawer Requirement:
Feedback from more experienced overlanders and what they liked, missed, added, felt was necessary
Payload is an issue with the tow vehicle, so with trailer connected and tongue weight the rear storage area needs to be light weight while towing.
Here is a mockup of the basic idea. I am considering using a Wabasto Isotherme as a slide-out fridge if we decide a fridge is really necessary equipment. My idea is to make one drawer large enough to slide in an Isotherme Cruise 36 if we decide later this is a necessity.
N.B. There is a Travall Bolt in Pet Guard that separates the rear storage section from rear seats.
A lot of people make 7" high drawers, but I would be going with 10" high frame for the drawer, which would allow a Wabasto unit to slide right in.
In the photo it shows space on the left for a AGM battery (It may be mounted under the floor and not in the cab. Inverter for 110 volt, fuse panel, breaker, possibly air tank, and other permanent items.
Red box on top is locking tool drawer, meant more for electronics and higher value items that can be kept locked when rear lift gate is open without concern. Fridge can be seen on the right. This is a cheap one we picked up this summer to experiment with and see if we actually need/want a fridge with us all the time.
Feedback request
Looking for any feedback or ideas based on experience. I am located in Canada, so can be harder to get certain equipment and parts; however I do travel to the states for work, and can order online and pick things up on trips.
Thanks in advance.
Equip: SUV and Trailer
Tow Vehicle: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel
Trailer, Current: Kodiak 214 Hybrid
Plan: Move from location to location, set up trailer, and go on day trips exploring surrounding areas
Rear Drawer Requirement:
- Store necessary tools and equipment while towing trailer, and while off-road without trailer
- Lockbox for electronics tools, more expensive equipment
- Refrigerator for day trips
- Second battery system with fusing, breakers etc
- Air compressor (and tank?)
- Slide out table top?
Feedback from more experienced overlanders and what they liked, missed, added, felt was necessary
Payload is an issue with the tow vehicle, so with trailer connected and tongue weight the rear storage area needs to be light weight while towing.
Here is a mockup of the basic idea. I am considering using a Wabasto Isotherme as a slide-out fridge if we decide a fridge is really necessary equipment. My idea is to make one drawer large enough to slide in an Isotherme Cruise 36 if we decide later this is a necessity.
N.B. There is a Travall Bolt in Pet Guard that separates the rear storage section from rear seats.
A lot of people make 7" high drawers, but I would be going with 10" high frame for the drawer, which would allow a Wabasto unit to slide right in.
In the photo it shows space on the left for a AGM battery (It may be mounted under the floor and not in the cab. Inverter for 110 volt, fuse panel, breaker, possibly air tank, and other permanent items.
Red box on top is locking tool drawer, meant more for electronics and higher value items that can be kept locked when rear lift gate is open without concern. Fridge can be seen on the right. This is a cheap one we picked up this summer to experiment with and see if we actually need/want a fridge with us all the time.
Feedback request
Looking for any feedback or ideas based on experience. I am located in Canada, so can be harder to get certain equipment and parts; however I do travel to the states for work, and can order online and pick things up on trips.
Thanks in advance.