Need your input - would you buy a rear storage drawer "kit"

[cruzerDave]

I'm running a poll over on mud that I would love everyone's input on. Cross-posting here to catch folks who don't spend time there often:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/need-your-input-would-you-buy-a-rear-storage-drawer-kit.935342/

Thanks!
Dave

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

If it's anything like IKEA furniture, I would be more inclined to spend the extra money and have it assembled as per MFG specs.

 

[cruzerDave]

If it's anything like IKEA furniture, I would be more inclined to spend the extra money and have it assembled as per MFG specs.

ROFL - I hear ya, and I wouldn't do that to ya

Yes assembly is required, but none of those camlock things or dowels are used, and I would do an installation video on youtube, in addition to printed descriptions with 3D renders of each step (which sounds like a lot of work but as I designed it in 3D really isn't tough)

Personally not interested in installing these as it is not intended as a "business", but maybe I can "certify" (lol) some local shops and ship to them to install for people.... hmmm, have to noodle that.

Thanks for the laugh, and have you voted in the poll on mud? still trying to figure out if this is worth my time or not...

 

[Ryanmb21]

I think it's a good idea. Have any pictures of the systems you are envisioning?

 

[cruzerDave]

I think it's a good idea. Have any pictures of the systems you are envisioning?

I have not posted pics because this proto is kinda rough, and I have 2 more drawer slide concepts I want to test before finalizing that critical part of the system. So couple more weeks

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

What I dont see addressed and the most common issue with drawer systems is the ability to secure stuff on top of a pretty looking drawer system.

 

[cruzerDave]

What I dont see addressed and the most common issue with drawer systems is the ability to secure stuff on top of a pretty looking drawer system.

agreed, and testing solution now

 

[Ryanmb21]

What I dont see addressed and the most common issue with drawer systems is the ability to secure stuff on top of a pretty looking drawer system.

I agree, this is why I don't have drawers. Maybe I'm wrong but it seems insecure to bolt through plywood...

 

[cruzerDave]

@Ryanmb21 if you're taking about securing a long block then yeah I would worry, but if just talking expedition gear I wouldn't hesitate. If you haven't worked with 7-layer baltic birch before I really recommend it - the stuff cuts and looks a dream, and very strong - not your home depot plywood here. I will be recommending but not providing in the base system (2) methods - D-rings and 1/4-20 T-nuts with eye bolts. I might have a small stock on hand if folks are not wanting to research their own, but there are a lot of other options too like recessed rings and track systems to predict what a user will want/need.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

@cruzerDave if you plan to make a run a doing this may I suggest you look at the most successful Goose Gear. Modular can be adapted to more than a Land Cruiser ,a larger audience will greatly increase your odds at making it IMO.

 

[cruzerDave]

@LandCruiserPhil - thanks for suggestion, hadn't seen them yet - honestly wasn't really trying to 'make a run' as much as sell a couple nice kits on the side, share the love, maybe just pay for a bumper

And, in case you missed it on mud, I will be doing...

 

[oldfooladventures Moak]

hmmm.

Hmmm,, it is an interesting idea. If something like this had been on the market 3 years ago, depending on price, I might have gone that route instead of building my own. KISS I say, my sliders are candle wax on wood and the drawers pull all the way out and rest upon the tailgate with ease. If I had it to do over again I would of used a better plywood than the marine grade plywood that I utilized. I may yet install another set of tie downs in the middle of the deck, and I may yet install industrial carpeting up top. One of the guys in our club (TLCA) attempted to build and market his own design a few years ago to no avail. The shipping costs combined with lack of market demand killed the idea. I think he may have sold 4 or 5 units. Your idea is unique in the drawer market and may succeed. I recently purchased a Frontrunner full sized roof rack. Some are put off by the assembly process, but I rather enjoyed it, and I got the rack for the same price as the low grade steel racks. If you can keep your prices down, build a quality "kit", use the KISS principal and offer free shipping, it may take off. Not to highjack this but here is an image of my well constructed, poorly made (I'm no master carpenter by any stretch) drawers. I spent about $200 on wood, and hardware.

 

[peneumbra]

If I was going to install a drawer system in my LC, I'd have it made out of aluminum...

 

[TrekboxX]

What I dont see addressed and the most common issue with drawer systems is the ability to secure stuff on top of a pretty looking drawer system.

agreed, and testing solution now

I think the main reason most systems don't come with one method or another, is that manufacturers have found that everyone has a different idea of what they want. Also, the options are plenty, cheap, and incredibly easy for the end user to install. Some examples:

 

[TrekboxX]

@cruzerDave if you plan to make a run a doing this may I suggest you look at the most successful Goose Gear. Modular can be adapted to more than a Land Cruiser ,a larger audience will greatly increase your odds at making it IMO.

Very true! I can't tell you how many requests I get asking if I have a system that will work in a '97 suburban or some other random vehicle. Having taken the position I have in the industry, I cannot produce a one-size-fits-all system and expect top dollar for it. I have to use every inch available in each vehicle. But looking at your goals, it is definitely a worthy consideration.