LJ storage drawers

[ox4mag]

All
I am new to the site, and I know this conversation took place back in 2006...however does anyone know if "AT" built the boxes discussed in this thread?
I own a 2005 LJ and am currently in the market for a storage box and this seems to be right up my alley!
Any help would be appreciated.
Page

Yes, AT hand builds this stuff and the quality is tops in the market. They're currently looking to expand this for the TJ with more options that utilize the drawer system while at basecamp though that'll be something to defer to Martyn/Mario at AT on for discussion. But the answer to your question is yes.

 

[BPage]

Here are some photos of the AT drawer installed in my LJ. Martyn turns out a great product. After the install it was apparent that I could have made the drawer .5" deeper (24.25") which would have put it up against the back seat and 1" taller (10"). Again this is only because I moved my back seat forward by 2.25". The height is limited by the fridge and the tail gate latch, any taller than 10" and the lid of the fridge would hit the roof when opening it and the latch would interfere with the side of the box. The fridge is a Waeco CF-25.

Hey TCM
I am interested in having something similar built...is there anything you would have done diffrent or issues that you wish you had fixed before you built yours? Martyn mentioned that one large drawer might not have been the way to go...they are reccomending 2 drawers due to the width...what do you think?
Appreciate any help you can give me.

 

[TCM]

Hi Bpage. There is one issue that I consider minor but it is something to certainly be aware of. When the top of the drawer is loaded with additional cargo it causes the top panel to sage. Not by much but just enough that it makes contact with the drawer front and as a result it can be difficult to close the drawer if the additional cargo weight is significant. Knowing this, would I now go with two drawers instead, definitely not. This would require two more sets of slides and this would reduce the carrying capacity of the drawer by an amount I would not be willing to accept. It would also make the packing options less flexible given you would now have two narrow storage areas instead of a single large one. The best option would be to have the versa track tie down run the full length of the box. This would eliminate the sag completely.

 

[Martyn]

Hi Bpage. There is one issue that I consider minor but it is something to certainly be aware of. When the top of the drawer is loaded with additional cargo it causes the top panel to sage. No by much but just enough that it makes contact with the drawer front and as a result it can be difficult to close the drawer if the additional cargo weight is significant. Knowing this, would I now go with two drawers instead, definitely not. This would require two more sets of slides and this would reduce the carrying capacity of the drawer by an amount I would not be willing to accept. It would also make the packing options less flexible given you would now have two narrow storage areas instead of a single large one. The best option would be to have the versa track tie down run the full length of the box. This would eliminate the sag completely.

You are right on with your conclusions.

Producing a single draw this width does produce some deflection of the top surface when heavy loads are placed on it.

Ideally it's best to stick to drawers not wider than 20". If you do want to go wider then Versitrack running the length on the top of the front will help out somewhat.

 

[dp7197]

Anyone have any thoughts on getting a custom rear storage unit made from these guys?

I had something made by them and it was pretty nice.

I was thinking of removing my rear seat and have a storage unit built for my LJ. Maybe a bottom storage drawer the full width, then a "box" on one side for a fridge on a slide-out tray and more drawers on the other side.

The part ahead of the fridge and drawers could have a lid for interior storage of cubbies for stuff you want to access from the front seats. Maybe a couple of narrow storage bins on the side wheelwells for misc. storage of ever half-door tops?

http://www.plastixplustx.com/rearcargo/rearcargo.html

 

[TCM]

From the photos it would appear that Plastix Plus does some nice custom work. But I am certain that the HDPE they use for the drawer construction will be much heavier than the material used by AT. There is also no reason AT could not make a drawer just as you describe. The owners Martyn and Mario are great guys and provide top notice service. I would not hesitate to work with them again.