TrekboxX
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Well, the system would function exactly the same, and look pretty much the same. In an attempt to lighten the design for the Jeep system I've been working on, I worked through quite a few design challenges. The end result is a system that has the following pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Lighter. For the 100 series a ball park guess is 50lbs lighter.
2. More lateral space gained in the drawers due to a re-designed center section and fridge slide.
3. Very little assembly required at the customers end.
4. New very cool custom handle/drawer lock release makes opening and unlocking the slide a one-motion affair.
5. Saves on Line-X cost due to the system being assembled prior to coating. This also removes any varying tolerances that can (potentially) cause fitment issues.
Cons:
1. Lighter. Lighter almost always means "less robust". I hate to use that term, but it's true. Now, the current system is probably way overbuilt (which I personally love), so there was definitely some wiggle room. I think I did a good job with the new systems saving weight while not sacrificing the robustness. I'm going to beat the snot out of the Jeep system and find out for sure...
2. Cost. A re-design is not free, and with this being a niche market it's hard to recover those costs, especially with the fact that the existing system is very well received by all of my customers so far.
3. Cost of assembly. If the customer is not assembling it, that means we are. Labor isn't free.
4. Shipping. They will have to ship freight, which adds a while new dimension with regard to logistics and end cost to the customer.
Having said all of that, I personally have the current setup in my truck. If I do a re-design, I'll probably have to put the new system in for obvious reasons. But if I didn't have to, I would see no need to make the switch, personally. My 100 series does not notice 50 lbs. She's a fatty anyways.
Thoughts?
Pros:
1. Lighter. For the 100 series a ball park guess is 50lbs lighter.
2. More lateral space gained in the drawers due to a re-designed center section and fridge slide.
3. Very little assembly required at the customers end.
4. New very cool custom handle/drawer lock release makes opening and unlocking the slide a one-motion affair.
5. Saves on Line-X cost due to the system being assembled prior to coating. This also removes any varying tolerances that can (potentially) cause fitment issues.
Cons:
1. Lighter. Lighter almost always means "less robust". I hate to use that term, but it's true. Now, the current system is probably way overbuilt (which I personally love), so there was definitely some wiggle room. I think I did a good job with the new systems saving weight while not sacrificing the robustness. I'm going to beat the snot out of the Jeep system and find out for sure...
2. Cost. A re-design is not free, and with this being a niche market it's hard to recover those costs, especially with the fact that the existing system is very well received by all of my customers so far.
3. Cost of assembly. If the customer is not assembling it, that means we are. Labor isn't free.
4. Shipping. They will have to ship freight, which adds a while new dimension with regard to logistics and end cost to the customer.
Having said all of that, I personally have the current setup in my truck. If I do a re-design, I'll probably have to put the new system in for obvious reasons. But if I didn't have to, I would see no need to make the switch, personally. My 100 series does not notice 50 lbs. She's a fatty anyways.
Thoughts?
