Building up my rear cargo area...few questions

[Funrover]

1992 Range Rover, plan to sleep in the rig on top of the box, keeping the back seats and folding them down as part of sleeping surface. now that you have a backround idea here area a few q's

1. Are drawers worth it or should I just have open space under the platform?

2. Pics of good and bad... if bad tell me why and what you didn't like (please)

3. What did you use for a cover (carpet, padding etc)

4. Links to places that have hinges, slides etc.


Thanks!

 

[Hltoppr]

Here's a pic of my super simple, quick, system...worked great for our Mexico trip....

I've had drawers too...I think it's personal preference.

I'm currently doing a cargo floor design in the Troopy, using Tuffy tie-down rails (look for a future write up for ExpeditionsWest). The rails are from TRDParts4u, a forum sponsor:

Usage really depends upon how you build your system. A nice, integrated storage/sleeping system is Graham & Connie's Defender 110; however, it is a dedicated expedition rig, and not much use if you want to throw a bunch of landscaping bricks or sod in the back at the Home Depot. The Troopy is my all around rig, so I'd like to have the ability to throw lumber, SAR packs, people, dogs, bricks etc. in it when needed, and a cargo floor seems to be the best, yet simple, solution. (for now...)

As for a cover, I've used auto carpet in the past, but now prefer either a rubberized bed mat, plain wood, or possibly metal. It's easier to clean, and allows somewhat of an ability to slide things in and out of the cargo area.

Here's a pic of the simple rail system I had in my FJ80. It was modular, so I could have full length rails when the rear seats were taken out.

Hope that helps a bit.

-H-

 

[Funrover]

Nice, I am trying to avoid a lot of items sticking up as the wife and I will sleep back there, I figured I can always do a fold down tie down and lay a pad or such over. Did the items under the box make a lot of noise or was it not to bad?

 

[Hltoppr]

They were pretty well packed in there...but it's like a series rover...the rattles from the cargo just kinda blended in at that time....

If you used a thick enough piece of plywood (3/4") you could get some recessed tie downs, and have the ability to store items underneath, as well as on the top if needed.

Another factor is how "tall" to make the drawer system, as you are giving up headroom to sit up, etc. I can imagine how Po'd my wife would be if she forgot where she was and cracked her head on the roof upon awaking....

If I raise my cargo floor, it would be just enough to throw the camp chairs, stove, etc. under....maybe 6-8" high or so.

I guess you'll just have to get out the sawzall and make the RR's roof a pop top....:chowtime:

-H-

 

[Funrover]

I guess you'll just have to get out the sawzall and make the RR's roof a pop top....:chowtime:

-H-

I have actually thought of building my RRC as a homebuilt pop top....

 

[the dude]

our set up. Can be used with the seats in or out.

No slides, or locks or handles. Very simple.

 

[the dude]

 

[Hltoppr]

Funrover...the Dude's got it....that's simple, modular and well designed...

-H-

 

[Overland Hadley]

No slides, or locks or handles. Very simple.

A very good design philosophy.

Here are the links to the posts about my sleeping platform on my build thread.

Post 1

Post 2

Post 3

 

[86cj]

1992 Range Rover, plan to sleep in the rig on top of the box, keeping the back seats and folding them down as part of sleeping surface. now that you have a backround idea here area a few q's

1. Are drawers worth it or should I just have open space under the platform?

2. Pics of good and bad... if bad tell me why and what you didn't like (please)

3. What did you use for a cover (carpet, padding etc)

4. Links to places that have hinges, slides etc.


Thanks!

I have the rear of my Jeep LJ set up with a Tuffy box along with a couple of lockable toolboxes. I had them on the floor at first then raised up 6" with most of the floor as lockable storage.

It is a great idea, I found that after a season of camping most items that all of us use have one dimension of 8". It really is amazing how raising "The Hole" 2 inches helped stuff fit under the boxes for a flat tidy surface. I don't sleep on top of the box but want the most flexability for hauling big stuff in a pinch.

I bought a set of Accuride drawer slides to make a pullout drawer and have not installed them yet, they are very high quality and heavy. I can access "The Hole" from both front and rear, so getting the Pelican cases out is working great for now as the LJ is short. I have also found that the Pelican's dust and waterproofing to be very much needed in a Jeep.

Did I mention making your storage 8" tall minimum!!!!!!!!

 

[lostworldexpedition]

There are tons of great ideas here in ExPo and in MUD. I really like the simplicity yet utilitarian set up that Kevin Rowland came up with. Check out his rig's thread in MUD on post #20 you'll find the bed/storage set-up.

You might also get some cool ideas from James Stumptaco's US homemade version of the Drifta kitchen. Very cool set up.

Post pics of your project when you start. It is always nice to follow build threads. Is your Range Rover the old school large Rover model? I can't remember when they started coming out with the smaller model.

Cheers.

 

[Funrover]

Is your Range Rover the old school large Rover model? I can't remember when they started coming out with the smaller model.

Cheers.

Here is mine.

 

[kcowyo]

I prefer hinged lids that lift up, rather than slide out drawers.
.

 

[targa88]

Drawer/sleeping platform

This is the system I built for my FJ - all self contained. Modular so that I can keep or remove what I need based on the purpose/trip.

Drawer for recovery gear

Drawer for cooking gear

Headrest extension - platform is 6'3" long

 

[Pad]

Funrover- If you carry your spare inside, I would build a deck over it (aluminium diamond plate?) then have it line up with your back seat laid down (4x4 under the back for shim) and hopfully that lines up with the front console which would give you over 6' ? Put your feet on the console.
I skipped the drawer system, no flexibility, I like to be able to change things around depending on the 'job'. I use the space under the deck for the spare, a tote with all my spare fluids/hoses/parts, jack, tool bag and recovery stuff. Tote tubs are great because you can fit a gallon size jug in them and be able to Just pull the whole thing out at once. I also like the dog guard for packing stuff to the ceiling in the back. If you had the back seat out you could have the dog guard fold down to be the other haif of the bed and store your clothes and food under the bed or fold the guard flat against the spare tire deck in the way back to keep it out of way when not in use. You would have to have little legs or some thing to prop the bed up.

Good luck,
Pad