Has Anyone Used AT Composite Drawers In Open Pick-up Bed ?

[Skim]

I would like to use Adventure Trailers Composite drawers in the bed of my 85 Truck.

Does anyone know if they would stand up to the elements ?

Could they be made water proof or at least water resistant ?

Has anyone tried this ?

 

[gabepari]

Call and talk to Mario about this. Knowing how they are built, I have some ideas how to make them water/dust resistant without too much work. But I would go straight to the man with any questions :victory:

Gabe

 

[Skim]

Ya- I fired off a couple questions to him via PM. Just waiting for a reply.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Just looking for anyone who has considered or has actually tried it.

 

[Hawkeye]

I belive the composit material is quite water resistant, The problam is the hardware. From what I can see none of it is stainless steal (SS) accept the studs/nuts that are used with screws to attach the boxs. And over time It will rust, There are things you could do to keep it relatively dry, but water will get in.
If you decide to go for it. You should do the following.

Raise the drawers off the bed of the truck by at least 1/2".

Use silicone as glue on all joints when assembling.

Replace all screws with SS screws.

I don't know of any SS drawer glides that are rated for over 100lbs, but there may be somthing. This would be nessary to find becouse other wise you will be replaceing the glides every couple of years.

It would be possible to do a low teck drawer glide made of HMWP (High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)

SS latches.

You should ask maybe they can sell you some of these options.

 

[Skim]

I have never seen the drawers up close, is there a way to add a rubber gasket to the drawer or the drawer opening of the box ?

 

[JohnnyS]

I have a Truck Vault drawer system in the bed of my work truck and it's totally water/dust proof.
It's one of the newer ones designed to be in an open bed.

 

[theexile]

Gary over on Mud installed a set in his FZJ45 here is a link

http://forum.ih8mud.com/4321782-post1032.html

I have a set of the drawers in my 80 and will be up in Union City with it in a couple of weeks if you would like to see them in person.
All the hardware is coated or stainless. I think it would take some heavy abrasion or a salt water bath before any corrosion would set in.

 

[Hawkeye]

I have to disagree about (coated in stainless)

Gary over on Mud installed a set in his FZJ45 here is a link

http://forum.ih8mud.com/4321782-post1032.html

I have a set of the drawers in my 80 and will be up in Union City with it in a couple of weeks if you would like to see them in person.
All the hardware is coated or stainless. I think it would take some heavy abrasion or a salt water bath before any corrosion would set in.

 

[theexile]

I have to disagree about (coated in stainless)

Please reread my post. I said Coated OR Stainless.

 

[Hawkeye]

I see, My bad. I think the glides are raw steal.

 

[theexile]

I see, My bad. I think the glides are raw steal.

No worries and i believe the glides are nickel coated.