Project FJ: Building the Ultimate Off-Road Vehicle for Outdoor Photographers

[brushogger]

Low profile rack is already on the list for the reasons you listed and to lower the center of gravity a little bit. I haven't decided which rack I'll go with yet as I may opt for a different RTT to free up a little room on the rack for additional gear storage. My only gripe with the FJ is that it's a bit small for a family of three and I'm having to get creative with gear stowage options.

Thanks for subscribing for future updates and for the rack suggestion!

Love the truck man. We were also in a quandary about storage solutions. I looked at the ARB drawers, and while they were very high quality, they were crazy expensive. My wife came up with the idea of mounting a tool box base in the rear of the truck. It holds our kitchen, toiletries, and miscellaneous stuff. It had ball bearing slides and we found it on sale at Sears for $120. I mounted it to the floor using the stock lashing points, and for the FJ I had to fab a point for the drivers side. Between the Land Rover and the FJ it has traveled around 50k miles, probably 2500 of that truly off road. I has worked without a hitch. My wife found a soft side bag that I screwed to the top for soft goods (paper towels, sheets, etc) and I mounted some Dollar store LED click lights on spring hinges that rotate down to illuminate the drawers at night but flip up out of the way. I also put a piece of clear vinyl tubing over the lock bar. With that and the drawer liners it has virtually no rattles. We also keep everything in zip lock bags to prevent noises and leaks.

 

[ANDYROO]

Come on Bret, you know the real answer to extra space....I am sure Mo will let you...

 

[BOHICA]

Love the truck man. We were also in a quandary about storage solutions. I looked at the ARB drawers, and while they were very high quality, they were crazy expensive. My wife came up with the idea of mounting a tool box base in the rear of the truck. It holds our kitchen, toiletries, and miscellaneous stuff. It had ball bearing slides and we found it on sale at Sears for $120. I mounted it to the floor using the stock lashing points, and for the FJ I had to fab a point for the drivers side. Between the Land Rover and the FJ it has traveled around 50k miles, probably 2500 of that truly off road. I has worked without a hitch. My wife found a soft side bag that I screwed to the top for soft goods (paper towels, sheets, etc) and I mounted some Dollar store LED click lights on spring hinges that rotate down to illuminate the drawers at night but flip up out of the way. I also put a piece of clear vinyl tubing over the lock bar. With that and the drawer liners it has virtually no rattles. We also keep everything in zip lock bags to prevent noises and leaks.

Great storage solution!
Ken

 

[BretEdge]

Love the truck man. We were also in a quandary about storage solutions. I looked at the ARB drawers, and while they were very high quality, they were crazy expensive. My wife came up with the idea of mounting a tool box base in the rear of the truck. It holds our kitchen, toiletries, and miscellaneous stuff. It had ball bearing slides and we found it on sale at Sears for $120. I mounted it to the floor using the stock lashing points, and for the FJ I had to fab a point for the drivers side. Between the Land Rover and the FJ it has traveled around 50k miles, probably 2500 of that truly off road. I has worked without a hitch. My wife found a soft side bag that I screwed to the top for soft goods (paper towels, sheets, etc) and I mounted some Dollar store LED click lights on spring hinges that rotate down to illuminate the drawers at night but flip up out of the way. I also put a piece of clear vinyl tubing over the lock bar. With that and the drawer liners it has virtually no rattles. We also keep everything in zip lock bags to prevent noises and leaks.

This is freakin' genius! Really great, and cheap, solution. I'll have to seriously consider something like this. Thanks for the great idea!

 

[BretEdge]

Come on Bret, you know the real answer to extra space....I am sure Mo will let you...

Trust me, I've been working on her for a while and I'm making very little headway. Maybe we just need to borrow yours for a trip and she'd be convinced. ;-)

 

[BretEdge]

It was great meeting you in Moab last month, hopefully seeing Ace's and my FJ helped you out with some ideas. Your FJ is looking good. Will have to get together with you sometime and do some wheelin in Moab or the San Juans. Doug

I enjoyed meeting you guys, too. Thanks for taking the time to show me how your rigs are set up. I definitely got some ideas from both of you!

 

[ANDYROO]

I'm not bringing it to Moab at Xmas, but if you guys ever want to take a trip to SoCal......JT, Anza, Death Valley, Mojave......you're welcome to borrow it Bret. That might just make Mo see the light....:Wow1: