Thread: Custom boxes on top of wheel arch

Originally Posted by steane

I'm half way through a similar build but for a hardtop. Two 1300mm long boxes on each wheel arch that sit just below the window line. One houses a 58ltr water tank and pump and the other an aux battery and ctek. Both have separate storage compartments towards the rear so weight is kept closer to centre of vehicle and storage can be accessed easily from the rear.

Lids won't be hinged, they will be a routered fit and have latches at each end set into the top of the lid. I'm not convinced hinge screws into ply will last long on rough roads.

My boxes are larger than the wheelarch tops as they fit snugly against and will be bolted to a 660mm wide x 400mm high (approx) centre drawer box. The gap between the drawer box and the sides of the wheelarch will be where I run power and water to the rear.

I'm using 17mm form ply. Has a black coating on both sides that keeps it all looking neat but is harder to work with as the coating needs to be routered off so glue works. Galv screws and selleys durabond on all joints. Will weight around 120kg including a set of 227kg drawer slides.

Will transform the useable space and mean I dont need to unpack the back to get to things.

IMO if you were to use piano hinge I think youd be fine screwing into 17mm ply. But I do like your idea of having them drop in, that means the lids can be fully removed out the way, and may provide a dual use?

Sounds like you are using a sort of form ply. If you are worried about vibrations, maybe use a flexable polyurethane adhesive

Originally Posted by uninformed

IMO if you were to use piano hinge I think youd be fine screwing into 17mm ply. But I do like your idea of having them drop in, that means the lids can be fully removed out the way, and may provide a dual use?

Sounds like you are using a sort of form ply. If you are worried about vibrations, maybe use a flexable polyurethane adhesive

I think drop in lids will actually be easier and more convenient to use. Like you say it also allows for dual use. Fitting items in that will sit above the lid when needed, without the lid getting in the way or flapping around.

Should be right for vibrations, it's a very strong construction. The drawer and side boxes are also sitting on (and bolted through) 10mm closed cell foam and marine carpet, so that if I remove the drawer and side boxes (it's modular so removes easily) then the tub will still be carpeted. Should help dampen the vibes a little at least.

The Raids will have to do the rest

Pics of mine. One bolt through the wheel arch towards the rear, and another near the front, but can't remember what it secures to without going and having a look


Watertank behind the box across the load barrier.


Martyn

Originally Posted by Bushie

Pics of mine. One bolt through the wheel arch towards the rear, and another near the front, but can't remember what it secures to without going and having a look


Watertank behind the box across the load barrier.


Martyn

I like your set up Bushie. What do you have underneath the centre? Draws?

Earlier shot



Obviously the fridge has moved (replaces the single seat in the rear) now we aren't transporting the kids, but the draw is the same. Pretty simple setup.


Martyn

Originally Posted by Bushie

Pics of mine. One bolt through the wheel arch towards the rear, and another near the front, but can't remember what it secures to without going and having a look


Watertank behind the box across the load barrier.


Martyn

This is neat am impressed. Is that marine carpet you have?

Just cheap waterproof carpet from Bunnings.


Martyn

Originally Posted by Bushie

Just cheap waterproof carpet from Bunnings.


Martyn

Thanks I will keep it in mind