Range Rover storage and slider for fridge

[spikemd]

I posted this up in the storage section as well, but thought I would put it the Rover forum.

I have a 2001 Range Rover and spent the last weekend building out the unit in wood and then covered it in outdoor carpet this week.

I opted for a large storage area for bins, rather than drawers. I feel it gives me more options for packing gear.

Next steps, d-rings to secure gear and the ARB tie-down kit is in the mail.

I made a cut-out for access to the cd changer

Yes, it covers the spare tire and tools, but the whole unit is removeable. It weighs roughly 30-40 lbs and is easily removed if it came down to a blown tire. Also, in the future, my spare tire will go on the roof rack as it won't fit below.

I used a 1/4 inch piece of birch plywood for the base to give it structure. Then added 3/4 inch pine for the sides and 1/2 birch for the top. I then put in lower braces for the smaller 3inch side piece that gives stability to the slider. I also used a 3/8 spacer between the middle side and the slider. The slider is 16 inch pine shelving with 100lb 24inch slider. My first upgrade will be heavier duty and slightly longer sliders if these sliders break. The whole unit is wrapped in Lowes outdoor dark grey carpeting with Locktite spray adhesive that sticks well.

Overall, I am quite happy with it and can't wait to test it on our trip to Death Valley with the NorCal LR club in a few weeks.

 

[4Rescue]

Nice work, looks GREAT.

Cheers

Dave

 

[sydneyman]

that looks awesome! im doing something similar but i plan on having access to the tire well below. im thinking making what will look like a coffee table. easily removed so it could function as such at the camp! no base, and just wider than the hatch door so it can open with the "table" in place... also, it will be about the same height as the rear seats so that with them folded in the first position(not all the way forward against the front seats), i can place an air mattress on top.

i actually bought the action packer boxes but ended up with some smaller but cheaper ones instead because size will be a factor since my "table" has to be so low to meet the folded rear seat height... its a work in progress though, im trying to figure out how to access the little cubbies on the side as well with the table in place...

thanks for posting your setup!

 

[spikemd]

After using this set-up for 5 days in Death Valley, it worked great, even better than I expected with the tailgate (I will never buy a vehicle without a true tailgate again). When I bring the stove down to cook on the tailgate, the area on top of the storage unit is perfect for preparing the food or holding a beer.

I have decided I need to extend a shelf over the fridge. I need the extra storage space and don't like stacking things on the fridge.

I am also looking into getting the Bundu boxes since they are more efficient and stack nicely. (www.bundugear.com)

They only issues I have had with the storage unit, is having to re-glue a few areas that came unglued after baking inside the truck in Ca sun.

 

[Rocket Ship]

Looks good, but how are you securing things on the top level?

 

[sydneyman]

you ended up getting some "d" rings didn't you?

 

[spikemd]

Yes, I put 3 sets of D-rings along the sides for strapping gear down on the top shelf. I then used ratchet straps or bungies to secure the gear. After a few hundred miles of rocks and washboard trails in Death Valley, everything stay in its place.

I took those pics before I installed the fire extinguisher in the lower left corner and the d-rings.

 

[sydneyman]

thats the other thing. i thought about sticking the fire extinguisher there as well but i wasn't sure if i could get to it quick enough if the worst should happen... and with the tailgate up i would think its almost impossible to get it out(like if theres a power issue...) i haven't found a better possibility for mounting yet though that would be out of the way yet easily reachable and still be a daily driver...

 

[spikemd]

Yes, it is in the trunk. Once the tailgate is down, it is immediately accessible. I guess you could mount one on the floor or to the drivers seat. I like where mine is and don't see me changing it anytime soon. I will try and post another pic.