Shelves/Storage For Rear Windows of JKU?

[Jerry Ward]

I've got another question and hope someone here on ExPo has experience and knowledge to share. I'd like to construct or locate some sort of shelving system that will fit the rear windows in the cargo area of a JKU. Ideally something rigid that would rest/mount to the hardtop mounting points, block the widow out completely, fit behind the roll bar, and does not stick out past the wheel well. Has anyone here done anything similar or found a product that would work? The reason I ask is that I will be embarking shortly on a multi-year trip around North America and living almost exclusively in the Jeep, so am looking for solutions to maximize the storage/organization capability in the rig. I'm not a fan of drawers/platforms and don't have thousands of $'s to spend. Thanks in advance...Jerry

 

[jscherb]

Are you looking to access the shelves from the inside? Or through a hatch from the outside?

 

[Jerry Ward]

Great question! I'd like to access them from the interior. Thanks...

 

[Kmrtnsn]

Since the roll bar offers less than three inches of depth, there isn't enough usable space behind the window to justify the expense to access it in that manner.

 

[jscherb]

Since the roll bar offers less than three inches of depth, there isn't enough usable space behind the window to justify the expense to access it in that manner.

If you build the shelves so the back of them is at the edge of the tub and the front of them is even with the vertical part of the inner fenders, the shelves can be about 10" deep.

They'll have to be built to go around the roll bar, perhaps in two pieces - one piece the goes towards the rear of the Jeep behind the roll bar, which would be more or less triangular, and one piece forward of the roll bar/behind the seat.

Here's the space (don't mind my ammo can holder above the inner fender and the Molle pouch on the roll bar, also it's not a factory hardtop but the space is the same):

Usable space would be something like this, and about 10" deep:

In this quick sketch I just showed the usable space, I could flesh out the design later with further drawings if anyone is interested.

 

[jswift716]

How would you have access to it from inside? Open shelves, doors?

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[jscherb]

How would you have access to it from inside? Open shelves, doors?

I didn't draw anything into the quick sketch I posted because I was just trying to show the overall space.

You could do cabinet doors, or maybe semi-open shelves with elastic cargo netting to retain the stuff stored, like on this Storegate tailgate compartment:

It would depend on what you'd want to store in there I suppose.

 

[jscherb]

What elastic net constrained compartments might look like.

BTW something like this interferes with the rear seat belt, which is secured about halfway up the roll bar, so it's not a good idea if you plan to have rear seat passengers.

 

[jswift716]

I just threw it out there to help spin the wheel, if you did use doors how would you get them open when your loaded up and traveling. If you couldn't what would you build them for tools, fluids, and spare parts maybe?

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[Jerry Ward]

What elastic net constrained compartments might look like.

BTW something like this interferes with the rear seat belt, which is secured about halfway up the roll bar, so it's not a good idea if you plan to have rear seat passengers.

That's exactly what I had in mind-thanks so much for the effort it took to draw that up! And, as pointed out, a much more usable space than just the three inches between the roll bar and window. I plan to use these shelves to store some of my personal belongings, cook gear, camping doo-dads, and other such notions that I use on a daily basis so a few compartments with netting and a few with doors of some sort would be a good mix I think.

Regarding the seat belts, I plan to remove the 60% split rear and build a flat surface to sleep on with cubbies or water storage underneath. I'll need to figure out a way to retain the belt on the 40% side as I'd like to be able to accommodate a couple folks if need be. Take care...Jerry

 

[NatersXJ6]

You might be better off with a soft canvas liner of some sort and stick to storing soft stuff like jackets, sleeping bag, etc. in that space. When I travel with the family, that generally becomes a "stuffing zone" for beach towels, jackets, and the like. We are not trying to live inside of the jeep however, so our other storage is pretty solidly configured to hold bins, table, fridge, duffel bags, etc.

No matter how you go figure it, it is an odd-shaped space and you will probably find it inefficient.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

Cost vs. utility vs. access; just doesn't add up. Sorry, but there are just cheaper, easier ways to utilize the space and access it from the inside. A cheaper, easier solution for soft items is the cargo netting type surrounds for the roll cage. They create space to stuff items between the net and the side windows, as well as the roof of the cargo area and above the rear seats of the JKU.

 

[jscherb]

That's exactly what I had in mind-thanks so much for the effort it took to draw that up!

You're welcome. No big deal, it took less than 10 minutes to draw and I thought it was an interesting idea.

 

[vtsoundman]

We use bungy nets from Amazon & paracord to make a place to attach the nets - there are several different sizes on amazon that work well. I think we used the 15x15 or the 12x20. We use the side areas for paper towels, jackets, hats, gloves, blankets...soft stuff that doesn't have a good place to go. When camping, we use to for small rollup air mattresses. In the back area (between the hardtop & roll bar), I use small canvas bags and either velcro them the to roll bar to to some footman loops that I attached to the hardtop use short screws.

Those area are so awkward, that it was hard to do anything. I didn't like the idea of using ammo cans b/c it protrudes into the cargo area too much and I do far better with soft sided bags.

 

[TrailBadger]

I would be more interested in having a molle system locate in the back of a wrangler more so on the outside or the Jeep as indicated by one of Jeff's renderings. One panel located inside the roof, and two others located on the left and right of the rear of the wrangler..but nothing like a box or utility van shelving. Something slim line, tight and compact but allows for emergency packs or supplies to be attached in the desired locations.