Drawer alternative - solution from Front Runner

[jeegro]

I've been trying to figure out what I want to do for rear storage. I'm a big fan of Front Runner Cub Packs (the Wolf packs are too annoying to open) due to the top locking mechanism. It seems to make a lot of sense to pack everything into these kind of boxes - instead of fix mounted drawers, for a modular system where you can easily move groups of gear around (for example, doing work under the hood - just grab the mechanic cub pack and go).

So, of course, Front Runner sells exactly this:

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c...op-single-height-double-width-970mm-long.html

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c...rs/drawer-6-box-wide-mkii-incl-cub-boxes.html

At around 140 lbs - based on what I'm reading here - that seems quite a bit lighter than DIY plywood solutions. Right?

Naturally, these things are pretty expensive. Has anyone here done a DIY of something similar or can comment on this setup vs a traditional drawer system?

I'm thinking that this may be the one case where buying may be better than building, due to the metal construction.

 

[trae]

Sorry to be a little off topic, but why do you not like the wolf packs?

 

[jeegro]

I like them, but prefer the cub packs. I have the Front Runner roof rack canvas bag, and the wolf packs fit in very snugly, so in order to pop the latches it requires a lot of finangling due to the side clearance needed to swing the latches up. And the latches are a bit stiff. Whereas with the cub packs, the latches are on the top, easy to unlock, and don't require any side clearance to pop the lid.

So does anyone have experience with these drawers or a similar DIY solution?

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

I have no experience other than checking them out at their retail store in Agoura Hills, CA. Well built, slides and latches easily, options such as add-on sections for a water tank, etc. are available...for a price, of course. Buy once, cry once. Good luck. :sombrero:

 

[jeegro]

I have no experience other than checking them out at their retail store in Agoura Hills, CA. Well built, slides and latches easily, options such as add-on sections for a water tank, etc. are available...for a price, of course. Buy once, cry once. Good luck. :sombrero:

Well said. I think the next step for me is to put this project on the back burner until my planned move to San Diego in a month or two. I can check out the FR store then. Beats paying $300 shipping.

 

[Abe Froman]

Well said. I think the next step for me is to put this project on the back burner until my planned move to San Diego in a month or two. I can check out the FR store then. Beats paying $300 shipping.

The frontrunner warehouse/store is nice with a good representation of products on display.
When I was there in August, they had several drawer systems on display.
That said; they are not less than two and a half (solid ****ty Southern California traffficy) hours away from San Diego, more like three.