I want your opinion...

[TheGetLostTaco]

I finally got around to redesigning my rear storage. The plan is to have a 2 drawer system that can hold bulky items then on the right side have 2 vertical slides, the inboard one will hold my inverter on the left side and mount larger tools on the right inside. On the right vertical slide inboard will hold more hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, etc...) on the right side will home more mechanics tools (electric impact wrench, sockets, etc...). On the left side will have a lower slide out for a table top that will have a drain hole and on top will be the slide for the fridge/freezer. The whole thing will mount directly to the rear of the trunk area with the OEM bolts that are already there. Not sure what type of wood I will make it out of yet, obviously I want something sturdy but light weight (not sure I can accomplish those 2 together) I am requesting any opinions which would make my design better.

Forgot to add that the back side would have a small cutout space with a fold down door (lockable) that I can store handguns and ammo.

TIA
Deryl

 

[AFBronco235]

What you make it out of will ultimately depend on your carpentry skills. But I think you should start with plywood, 3/4 for the main structure and 1/2 for the doors and drawers. Make sure you weather treat it once you have it all cut and before your final assembly. That way, the treatment goes into the fresh cuts sealing them as well. But also treat the interior sides since moisture can get trapped inside your drawers and cause rot that way.

 

[GhostRHR]

Pretty sweet! I would elevate the fridge slide in order to accommodate a stove slide underneath. Also I'm not sure how well would would be as far as durability and weight.

 

[rossvtaylor]

Lots of these commercially available ones seem to be made from "Baltic birch" ply. It's a void free plywood, which means (in theory) when you cut it there won't be any gaps or voids visible on the cut edge. It lets you radius the edge with a router bit, or sandpaper, and it looks pretty good. It's essentially 1/2-inch thick and is flat and strong, without being too heavy. I say essentially, because it's a metric sheet and I think it's really 12mm thick and they're not 4x8 sheets. Many of the drawers in high-quality cabinetry are made of this. As AFBronco says, protecting it is important. But with this stuff, a good sanding and then clear coating it makes a good-looking and pretty durable end product.

There's another product, called MDO, which is really weather resistant. This is not MDF, medium density fiberboard (which is heavy) but is instead medium density overlay. It's weather resistant plywood with a skin on each side. It's often used to make road signs, or used to be before aluminum ones. Not as light as Baltic birch ply, but quite durable.

I want to see photos when it's done!

 

[rayra]

The vertically oriented pullouts seem to turn a lot of volume into not much practical storage. Is there a particular reason for the vertical layout? Rest looks interesting but again there seems to be a lot of volume lost / inaccessible. Rest seems nice, the fridge pullout and drawers.

 

[TrekboxX]

Very interesting design. I've also been playing with vertical pull outs for more tactical applications. Yes, you lose some space, but it's very cool! As far as materials go, I actually recently posted a quick blog/article on my website about this very thing. There are others there that may interest you. Here's the takeaway- don't cheap out on materials. It's the least expensive part of the build (labor being the most), and the difference between the cheapest and most expensive sheet goods for a project this small isn't much. Baltic Birch gets my vote, of course, but watch out for it's splinters before sanding. They're more like spears and can go right through your hand, literally! Great job on the design so far.

Here's a link to some reading. Take it with a grain of salt!
http://www.trekboxx.com/articles/

David