Building up my rear cargo area...few questions

[ntsqd]

Thinking on KC's comment, I think that I'd want both drawers and a way to access what was in the drawers from above. Maybe not full length from above, but in sections.

Wouldn't hurt if there was a volume with unobvious (non-obvious?) access that could be used as a 'safe'.

 

[kcowyo]

In a 6.5 ft or 8 ft truck bed, drawers may be preferable. But with an SUV, where there is access to cargo from the rear doors, I believe a simple frame with a hinged lid, will allow for maximum storage room vs. losing some space from drawers and/or slides.

Plus, the other thing I don't like about drawers? If you have stuff set up on your tailgate and need something from a drawer, guess what? You're relocating everything off the tailgate to pull the drawer out. Kind of a PITA if you're cooking and have a hot stove out. Whereas with a flip up lid, you can still access whatever you need without disrupting your work on the tailgate.

But I realize everyone's needs are different. These are just some things I learned during my storage deck build and using it thereafter.

:campfire:
.

 

[firemansxterra]

Targa88 that is a sweet looking setup you have going there...I was wondering if you can post some more pics of how the headrest part of your build works/attaches? From the one pic you have posted it looks like it either flaps back over on top of the rest of the box or it flaps down, but I can't tell. I am going to do a build very similar to yours and I'm 6'4" so I am going to have to do some type of extension for my headroom. So if you can put up some more info/pics it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance...
C. J.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Headrest extension - platform is 6'3" long

I am amazed that you can get a 6'3" platform in a FJ! Can you gain more room by sliding the seat farther forward?

I am 6'4" and I had to build an extension for the long bed of my Tacoma.

 

[ExploringNH]

This was my first cargo system, and it worked great. Simple and cheap, but effective.

It has three sections, lengthwise. The center one is full length and allows for storage of most of my recovery gear in a rubbermaid 6" high tote thing that runs about 2/3 the length of it. It allows just enough room for a milkcrate at the end. With this, a shovel can be put in (creatively), and a bunch of other stuff stacked on the bin. The top is three sections and each one lifts out independently. The two side sections have braces in front and behind the wheel wells. This allows for a somewhat "hidden" section at the front that can be accessed easily by folding down either rear seat, or by lifting up on the section. The rear seats are at an angle, and with the rear hatch closed, its hard to lift them from inside the vehicle.

As an added bonus, the dog bed is at a perfect height for him to be able to lay down and keep an eye on the road and ay passing scenery, as well as rest his head on the back seats, looking forward.

 

[targa88]

I am amazed that you can get a 6'3" platform in a FJ! Can you gain more room by sliding the seat farther forward?

Exactly - driver side seat is all the way forward.

 

[Funrover]

I am going with the drawers and not flip up for a few reasons, the main being that I will set items on top at times and don't want to have to unpack to access.

 

[Funrover]

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

I am going to build a swing away for the rear, My wife and I both fit when the seats are moved foward a little.. benifits of being short I guess LOL.... I may do one tote and one permanet drawer that will serve as a stove/sink and such

 

[the dude]

I am going with the drawers and not flip up for a few reasons, the main being that I will set items on top at times and don't want to have to unpack to access.

I have both, kinda. You can see that the back of my "bed" the last 10" or so is hinged for access from the top. It works well. I can also pull the drawers forward with the seats flipped forward and access them that way.

I don't store any recovery gear in the drawers anymore, as access to them can be cumbersome in a recovery situation. Everything is kept much more accessible.

 

[latinoguy]

Here is a link of pics to mine

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v...t Storage/?action=view&current=project010.jpg

I went with a simple design. I am short, so I can drop the rear seats and make do to sleep inside. But I generally prefer to sleep outside in a tent.

 

[Funrover]

I like it, basic but gets the job done. Very nice!