Rear seat recline kit is a trade-off...gain comfort but lose some cargo options

[Imajeepnut]

I recently installed a seat recline kit in my '08 JKU. My children were not enthusiastic about long trips in the back seat. Like everyone else, I installed the kit and they preferred the better reclined position. I think you gain some 2.5" of recline as measured at the headrest. Now they somewhat enjoy the ride. It's still not like the Tahoe's seats, but it's doable and that means I can move forward with my build. The problem is the trade-off. Now my National Luna 50L weekender won't fit on my AT combo slide. The Stage 1 drawer fits just fine and I do have a Trailgater installed. The combo slide fits fine...but the length of the fridge can't absorb the reduction in length due to the new seat position. The only option seems to be going to a smaller fridge. The NL 40L is three inches shorter...right at 25"...and that will be a tight fit still. I'll have to remove some of the Partner stove's handle(used for pulling out the slide) to allow for the swell in the tailgate. I may have to reconfigure the left locking latch for the fridge also...if possible. Have any of you run in to a similar situation after installing a recline kit? I knew it would present a problem, but I'm hoping the additional comfort for my kids will outweigh the loss of a freezer or possible fridge space.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[muddyluxury]

what about turning the fridge sideways? will it fit and pull out in the opening in the top? My GC has the adjustable recline and I have been looking at a way to solve the problem as well. My current theory is a sideways install and using a bat wing awning to cover the cooking area.

 

[GFA]

Could you figure a way to lift the rear of the fridge creating a tilted slide? I'm not sure it would help and it may be hard to operate but it's worth looking into I guess

 

[Omar Brannstrom]

I offen sitt in the backseat in my 2013 Rubicon unlimited when my mate drives and I sitt comfortable. In my case I would not like to recline the seat because it will probably cause a less flat area for sleeping and probably my frontrunner interior rack would not fit anymore.

 

[Comanche Scott]

What could be more important than plenty of cold beer?
Children come, and children go. Beer is forever. :beer:

 

[Imajeepnut]

Sweet tea AND children!

I'm 6'3" and the slight 2.5" recline makes a world of difference for me so I'm sure the children prefer it. I know the fridge should be able to operate on a 30 degree angle, but I'm not sure I could lift the back enough to make it work and feel good about the angle. I have the FoxWing and it covers the back area. Maybe I should just put wheels on the fridge and pull it! :victory: Then I'd look like those guys selling steaks out of the back of a pickup...that won't work


I thought about turning the fridge and changing the hinges to open on the long side...but if I keep my Stage 1 drawer, the fridge would have to rest above it...and it would be too high to reach...especially down in the bottom of the unit. If I could make the fridge slide swivel, I could possible have it rotate towards the back of the seat while traveling and pack in front of it. I would have to lose the Stage 1 drawer and build something lower profile. While parked, I could swivel it back over the combo slide and keep it in that position while camping/cooking. That would be a lot of work just to keep the freezer, and lose the nice AT drawer setup. I guess it could be done, but I'm sure it would take some time to get it right and workable. I'd be better off selling the 50L and buying the 40L I guess.

I could build a trailer, but I'm not quite sure I want to go that route yet. If there was an aftermarket swinging tailgate...without the huge hump for the door latch and whatever else is in there...that would fix it! It's a tough tradeoff for sure.

When is the Africa concept going to be a reality???!!!