ThunderUT
Member
I just finished building a baseplate and side cubbies for a Jeep JKU. I will attach a couple pics. I think they turned out OK but to design and build took some serious time. Before I go any further I want to give a shout out to Goose Gear and commend them for producing a quality product at a fair price. Prior to my Jeep I had a 3rd Gen Tacoma with a baseplate, fridge compartment and storage compartment. I had an AT Habitat installed and the GG components were what they sell for this set up. I spent time modifying it, changing up the extruded aluminum fridge compartment and storage compartment. On both the Jeep and Tacoma project I quickly realized that the time required to build these systems is significant if you don't have the proper tools and plans. I don't have all the details on the Tacoma but I kept notes on the recent Jeep build. When I started this I thought I could get it done for a couple hundred bucks and 20 or so hours.
Here's the information on the baseplate & cubbies. I had to use Sande plywood because there was no Baltic Birch in a 4x8 sheet in my area. I would not recommend using Sande plywood. Find Baltic Birch or another quality grade plywood. I did not track the exact build hours but I started on it before Christmas 2021 and just finished up last week. I would spend a few hours here and there but I did log a few long days. I know the wife was thinking I had moved to the garage. Bottom line I think the hours are a fair representation to design, build and field fit. The labor cost is low. I would never build it for someone else for $20/hour. I am retired and have time to spend on these types of projects. Of course my next one I could reduce the time by at least a 1/3 if not more because I have worked out the glitches and gotcha's. I may build one out of Baltic Birch next winter or buy a set up from Goose Gear! Let's see how this one holds up. I will be putting a fridge slide in as well as some L track or something similar to anchor things down. All the hold down t nuts are installed.
So, if you are thinking about a DIY and have a bunch of extra time on your hands you can save money. However if you value your time then cough up the cash and buy a Goose Gear set up. Having had one, I know you will not be disappointed! Where if you build it yourself and want a reasonably quality product you are going to spend a lot of time doing it.
I was thinking of sharing my drawings but I just don't feel right doing it. A true DIY project needs to start from scratch for you to truly appreciate the build. Here are some pics of the final installed product. Need to change out the hold down screws on the jack compartment but other than that it is done.
Here's the information on the baseplate & cubbies. I had to use Sande plywood because there was no Baltic Birch in a 4x8 sheet in my area. I would not recommend using Sande plywood. Find Baltic Birch or another quality grade plywood. I did not track the exact build hours but I started on it before Christmas 2021 and just finished up last week. I would spend a few hours here and there but I did log a few long days. I know the wife was thinking I had moved to the garage. Bottom line I think the hours are a fair representation to design, build and field fit. The labor cost is low. I would never build it for someone else for $20/hour. I am retired and have time to spend on these types of projects. Of course my next one I could reduce the time by at least a 1/3 if not more because I have worked out the glitches and gotcha's. I may build one out of Baltic Birch next winter or buy a set up from Goose Gear! Let's see how this one holds up. I will be putting a fridge slide in as well as some L track or something similar to anchor things down. All the hold down t nuts are installed.
| Rear Baseplate & Cubbies | Total Cost | ||
| Sande Plywood 4x8 | $49.78 | ||
| Sande Plywood 2x4 | $25.87 | ||
| Misc Hardware (Home Depot) | $22.00 | ||
| Misc Hardware (ACE) | $183.00 | ||
| Misc Hardware (Amazon) | $110.00 | ||
| Sub Total | $390.65 | ||
| Tools(not included in Build Cost) | $281.98 | ||
| $/Hour | Hrs | ||
| Build Hours estimated @ 65 hours | $20.00 | 65 | $1,300.00 |
| Build cost not including tools | $1,690.65 |
So, if you are thinking about a DIY and have a bunch of extra time on your hands you can save money. However if you value your time then cough up the cash and buy a Goose Gear set up. Having had one, I know you will not be disappointed! Where if you build it yourself and want a reasonably quality product you are going to spend a lot of time doing it.
I was thinking of sharing my drawings but I just don't feel right doing it. A true DIY project needs to start from scratch for you to truly appreciate the build. Here are some pics of the final installed product. Need to change out the hold down screws on the jack compartment but other than that it is done.
