Cargo Drawer / Luggage area dimensions

[T34]

I knew that there was something I forgot to do this weekend [bigwhistle]

Was going to measure the cargo area so that I could start on a design for some cargo drawers. But after searching and searching, I cannot find anything here, or in google either. RAVE also does not seem to list anything. Only thing I managed to find is a cargo area volume - which is not really any good to me.

Anyone know the distance from the rear of the seat to the tailgate, and the width between the rear panels? Or can point me to somewhere that might list it? I'm too impatient to wait until next weekend. :p

The reason is that I've found a modular aluminium building system that looks like it could be perfect for making some cargo drawers out of. It's the same stuff that's used to make shop display systems and custom furniture. I've received a catalogue and the prices look pretty reasonable. Just need to plan out a design and price it up (hence the need for the dimensions).

If anyone can help me out with some dimensions (even if not millimetre perfect), it would be muchly appreciated.

Cheers.

Mick.

[Hoges]

A measuring tape is your friend!;):wasntme:

[Rushy]

What about your spare tire,

[p38arover]

Don't forget that anything that has drawers has to be off the floor to clear the tailgate finisher. Also, don't forget you need to access the spare wheel.

I used two lengths of Uni-Strut to which the drawers were bolted. One was bolted to the floor using the rearmost tiedown both holes. The front length has a welded flange at each end. The flange is drilled horizontally and the Uni-Strut is bolted through the wheel well. I have a nut welded to a plate and that plate is pop riveted to the wheel well.

My spare wheel is on an external wheel carrier. I made up a new wheel well floor with an access door to gain access to the space under the floor.

I'll try to post some pics of the set up later.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/10/901.jpg

[p38arover]

Have a look here: Index of /rover/p38a/drawers (http://p38arover.com/rover/p38a/drawers/)

[PaulP38a]

Very nice work Ron. Thanks for sharing.

Just as well you don't use the dodgy CD stacker any more. In fact, I reckon you could lose that whole LHS waste of space of "sub and stacker" and turn it in to something useful... I dunno what, but I'm sure you'd come up with something cool.... hang on, a humidor or wine cooler/warmer maybe? :D

Cheers
Paul.

[p38arover]

The stacker was still accessible. I'm not just a pretty face. :p The LH space was used for an umbrella, camera tripod, etc.

I didn't make the drawers. I bought them from a bloke who'd upgraded his Pathfinder to a D3. I had to make a new top and side pod for them as well as the new access floor.

The drawers were later sold on to Steinzy as they weren't exactly what I wanted.

[T34]

Hogues, I'm out of town until the weekend, and I'm not sure that SWMBO can be trusted with a tape measure. :eek: I could wait until i get back, but I'm simply too impatient :)

Ron, thanks for the great pics, nice to be able to actually see one in place. It's made me realise that the idea I had for a taller set of drawers might not be such a good idea with the fridge sitting on top of it. Good point about the clearance for the tailgate trim too.

The spare wheel is a bit of a concern - but I intend to make the whole unit removable. It will be fitted for trips away, and then removed and stored out of the vehicle for day to day use. The reason I'm doing this is only for some family camping trips.

I'm also planning to fit a roof rack with a tent and an additional spare on it, so hopefully will never need to get at the spare under the load area. If I do need to get at it, I guess I will simply need to unpack everything. Ultimately the whole shebang is only for family trips away, and not (initially) full off-road adventures, so fingers crossed the extra spare on the roof is all we will ever need. If we get a bit more adventurous, we might need to consider carrying an additional spare on top.

After some googling, my initial idea was something long the lines of a Drifta type removable kitchen plus a cargo drawer. The removable kitchen will please SWMBO, plus I like the idea of being able to get everything set up relatively quickly when making camp (more time to spend amusing the kids).

Whilst I like the Drifta kitchens, I've also been looking at some of the stainless trailer kitchens that can also be used as a removable 4x4 kitchen, with the idea of building a lightweight frame to house it, along side a cargo drawer. Most of these seem to be about 1000mm long - a tad longer then the Drifta units (which are 980mm).

The modular material I found for the drawers is similar to this stuff - Aluminium Modular Furniture from Ullrich Aluminium (http://www.ullrich.com.au/furncons.php) you can buy it with a variety of different fittings, and in a variety of different profiles. You can also get a plain steel version too Perfect for making a cargo drawers from - quick and easy to use, and lightweight and strong. I can also use the same stuff to fab up a frame to house it all in, although I may simply use ali angle for this. The price I got for this stuff is between $12-15 / metre, depending on material and profile, with the fittings at about $7 a pop. A lot cheaper than a full cargo drawer system. I can't find the actual website at the mo, and left the catalogue at home, but will post some more info up if anyone is interested.

All I need now are some cargo area measurements :whistling:

[T34]

here we go...

Display and Storage Systems (http://www.aldadesign.com.au/speedframe.html)

They're in Marlestone SA

[Hoges]

The stuff is call qubelock anmd is manufactured by Capral aluminium. you can purchase it from Bunnings... may help to shop around...but the prices seem to be within a $ or 2 for a 1.8m length. Very effective and strong if braced with plywood.
cheers

[Hoges]

Hogues, I'm out of town until the weekend, and I'm not sure that SWMBO can be trusted with a tape measure. :eek: I could wait until i get back, but I'm simply too impatient :)

...
All I need now are some cargo area measurements :whistling:

sorry for the cheap shot :blush: can't have you out of town with nothing to do...;)


all measurements close as possible without "squeezing" the soft interior

I've not measured the "cubby hole inlet" space on each side rear of wheels where CD player etc are located

distance between wheel wells: 107cm
bottom of seat cushion to rear- most lip of wheel cover 101cm

remember the top of the seat squab leans towards tail gate, so, top of seat(not headrest) projects 22cm to floor behind seat cushion

Gap between wheel well covers to spare wheel space opening is 4cm each side

spare wheel cover is 98cm wide, 77 cm long

there's a gap between the carpet edges of about 0.5cm or so between the actual cover and the aperture it sits in except where cover hinges. Carpet to carpet gap is 1.5cm approx

Width of opening between rear aperture door seal (lower tail gate) is 130.5cm

cabin width behind (inside) rear opening is 134cm

Across-cabin width between side shelves on which folding boot cover sits is 110cm

Height of said shelves is 45cm from floor

Thus, to be able to close tail gate fully, rearmost (closest to rear of vehicle) height of drawers must not exceed 44cm


Roof to floor at rear aperture is 93cm

Top of sloping tailgate projected to floor is a point 49cm from rearmost floor point so anything 90cm tall must be pushed "inside" at least 49cm so as to close tail gates


Good luck in planning something!

[T34]

Cheers Hoges. You're a star :) :) :) :thumbsup:

It's a lot smaller than I visualised, and looks like the stainless kitchens will be too long to fit, which is a shame as they look pretty spiffy.

I've used the dimensions to make a quick model of the load area - the light block shown here is the smallest kitchen I've found - 970mm long. As you can see it's too long and clashes with the seat back. :(

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=29865&stc=1&d=1286935586

Guess this means that I will also have to make the kitchen to fit as well.

Will keep you posted of the progress.

Mick.

[T34]

The stuff is call qubelock anmd is manufactured by Capral aluminium. you can purchase it from Bunnings... may help to shop around...but the prices seem to be within a $ or 2 for a 1.8m length. Very effective and strong if braced with plywood.
cheers

Cool - me be going to Bunnings this weekend :) (SWMBO thinks I have a mistress there). Good excuse to visit the sausage sizzle too.

[WasabiPimpNinja]

I'm also planning to fit a roof rack with a tent and an additional spare on it, so hopefully will never need to get at the spare under the load area.

I have a rooftop tent on my Rover and I doubt you would be able to fit a full size spare on the roof as well. The tent is set up to extend to the side of the car, rather than the back, as the unit was too wide in my opinion to go the that way, and would make using the tailgate near impossible. With the tent set up so it extends to the side of the car, when packed up it's as far back as it can go without fouling the boot lid, and it goes to halfway over the sun roof, and is nearly the full width of the car. The only way I can see it being fitted securely is if you put it on top on the tent, in which case you have to remove each time you set up, which would be a tremendous pain in the ass.

Thats my 2c anyway :)

Or I've read it wrong and you are just throwing the family tent up on the rack for storage, in which case, ignore post ;)

Cheers,
Keels.

[T34]

I have a rooftop tent on my Rover and I doubt you would be able to fit a full size spare on the roof as well.

Cheers,
Keels.

Mnn this is exactly what I was intending. Thanks for the info.

Back to the drawing board :(

[WasabiPimpNinja]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news mate. I'll take some photos when I get home and post them up for you, visualizing it may give you a "Eureka" moment...

Cheers,
Keels.

[Hoges]

I've been wrestling for a year or so as to how to optimise the space for a long trip. For recent Cape york jolly I removed the double rear seat and left the single one in case we needed to pick up a passenger:angel:...

The classical lines of the RR design with sloping tailgate which is an endearing (to me at least) feature, is a bugger wrt practicality... truly robs a lot of otherwise useful space. Same with the manner in which the covers hiding wheel wells, seat belt retractors, stereo etc are designed.

Main challenge is how to most usefully take advantage of the spare wheel well storage space yet still have access to it...(having relocated the wheel of course :p)

I really like the recent Jeep design feature where the whole cargo floor slides to reveal underfloor storage... now that is clever. So have been wondering about removing the RR spare wheel cover and using the 4cm ledge each side for a roller track and mounting a frame with a floor made of that 1/2" aluminium honeycomb material used for rooftop tent floors. Could mount slides on the frame for fridge etc...

A rolling floor would provide reasonable access to the space without a major unpack/repack... Idle thoughts of an idle mind. First I gotta stop the mysterious water leaks... or buy a Defender :confused:...

That's the problem with the P38...it has a split personality...but then again I didn't buy it to be a boulevard cruiser so if I have to make some unkind cuts to adapt it for comfortable outback travelling so be it!:twisted:

PS: I also like the practical shape of the Disco in it's various evolutions... offers a fair bit more latitude for a serious " internal" makeover! But.... $$$$

[WasabiPimpNinja]

Here are the photos.. Sorry about the bad quality, it's tucked out of the way till the gearbox repairs so it's hard to get a good shot...

Range Rover :: Roof Top Tent Front picture by wasabipimpninja - Photobucket

Range Rover :: Roof Top Tent Drivers Side picture by wasabipimpninja - Photobucket

Range Rover :: Roof Top Tent Passenger Side picture by wasabipimpninja - Photobucket

Hope it gives you a bit of an idea...

Cheers,
Keels.

[T34]

A rolling floor would provide reasonable access to the space without a major unpack/repack...


I've come across a few system like this - here's one

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/10/775.jpg

They seem to be popular for Utes. Of course once loaded up you would need to get the spare out through the inside of the car, but folding the seats forward seems to give lots of room.

I too am also stuck with retaining the rear seats as these are required for the sprogs. I recon there's enough space in the load area to make a single drawer, along side a pull out kitchen, with a fridge on top. This is what I've come up with...

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=29875&stc=1&d=1286962093

The unit is 1000 wide, by 900 deep by 300 tall. It could be wider, but as I want it easy to install / remove, I decided to keep it a tad smaller so that it can be easily slid in / out. I think it's a reasonable size. I'm also going to add another full width area above or possibly below, to allow a table to be stored. Will probably make the table out of the same aluminium extrusion as the rest of it. I like the sound of the honeycomb boarding, anyone got a source for this stuff?

Keels, cheers for the pics. Much appreciated. I did previously come across a roof rack on ebay that looked like it might help - it's got a flat area at the back for the tent, and a rail around the front.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=29878&stc=1&d=1286964874

It might provide enough of an overhang at the front for a spare, although looking at your pics there's not a lot of room with the tent on there. Whats the size of your tent? Most I've looked at are 1200 x 1400, although I was looking at a larger one to accommodate me the missus and the toddlers. I also wanted to add a couple of jerry cans as well.

I did mail the guy about the fitment, but it only seems that they supply them for cars with gutters. I'm sure it's possible to mount it to any rack with a little ingenuity.

[Rushy]

[
. First I gotta stop the mysterious water leaks... or buy a Defender :confused:...

Sorry to get of topic, during our recent light drizzle here in Bris I discovered that my spare wheel well had 20mm of water in it, nothing else in the area was wet, no dust seemed to have entered the well previously, any suggestions or should I market my car as a new source of fresh water.

Cheers

Rushy (the drought breaker)

[T34]

should I market my car as a new source of fresh water.

Rushy (the drought breaker)

Send it to SA, the Murray still needs a top-up :D

[p38arover]

Stopping them from leaking into the wheel well ain't easy.

[996TURBO]

Here are the photos.. Sorry about the bad quality, it's tucked out of the way till the gearbox repairs so it's hard to get a good shot...

Range Rover :: Roof Top Tent Front picture by wasabipimpninja - Photobucket (http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii109/wasabipimpninja/Range%20Rover/?action=view&current=IMG_0209.jpg)

Range Rover :: Roof Top Tent Drivers Side picture by wasabipimpninja - Photobucket (http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii109/wasabipimpninja/Range%20Rover/?action=view&current=IMG_0210.jpg)

Range Rover :: Roof Top Tent Passenger Side picture by wasabipimpninja - Photobucket (http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii109/wasabipimpninja/Range%20Rover/?action=view&current=IMG_0211.jpg)

Hope it gives you a bit of an idea...

Cheers,
Keels.
Hi Keels,

I 'd like to watch your setup but i can't.
Photos aren't displayed.

Thanks

Florent

[T34]

Florent - click on the link at the top of the image.

[T34]

Took a trip to the WestBeach Leisure-Fest at the weekend, they had a few different 4x4 setups on display, but none on a Range Rover (although there was a pretty purposeful looking classic there lurking under a tree).

One thing I noticed, was that as far as rack space is concerned, the roof tents definitely appear to be better, mounted opening to the rear of the vehicle, and pushed as far back as possible. I was inspired to do a bit of measuring when I got back from the show. The roof section is approx 2 metres long. So I'm confident that if you had a 2 metre cage, mounted high enough from the roof to allow the rear tailgate to open, this would also provide enough clearance for the tent to be unfolded. At a squeeze the rack will fit a tent (1200mm deep) and a spare or two in front of it (700mm deep).

At a push you could also make the rack a little longer - it would overhang the front screen a little, but it would give you a bit more space for lights / deflector / etc if needed.

Of course, this is all very tight, and probably needs a custom rack, but there's some food for thought.

I also popped into Bunnings and had a look at the speedframe stuff that they sold. Unfortunately, they only sell one profile of tubing, which is a bit limiting when it comes to trying to build boxes. They seem to be targeting people who want to build shelving. But the stuff looks pretty good, and pretty well suited.

[Hoges]

You'll find that a tent @60kg plus roof rack/cage say 25kg plus two spares @15kg ea and you're looking at 115kg which is a 50% overload... and way over the limit for rough roads. I suspect the Defenders are better suited for such loads. As a static load ...no worries but the dynamic load means you really need to think it through.

FWIW the original qubelok product is 25mm square, the only option is the same stuff with a 6mm wide lip running 6mm below one face.
cheers

[T34]

You'll find that a tent @60kg plus roof rack/cage say 25kg plus two spares @15kg ea and you're looking at 115kg which is a 50% overload... and way over the limit for rough roads. I suspect the Defenders are better suited for such loads. As a static load ...no worries but the dynamic load means you really need to think it through.

Guess that weight is a massive factor in this - How about helium filled tyres :D


FWIW the original qubelok product is 25mm square, the only option is the same stuff with a 6mm wide lip running 6mm below one face.
cheers

The stuff I previously found has a variety of different configurations for lips and channels. I've remembered to bring the catalogue, so if I get a spare 5 or 10 I will scan it in and post it up. Maybe it's not the same stuff?? but looks very very similar.

[WasabiPimpNinja]

Because I just have the roof racks, and not a cage, the tent is only really long enough to mount to two of them. The third is just there for awning support and possibly spotlights in the future. I have the Rhino heavy duty roof racks, and across two bars, the working load limit is around 50kg. My tent is 55kg with just the mattress in it. Spread across three bars, the working limit is around 80kg. But that meant making extra brackets would have ended up being in a position I didnt really want it. I'm guessing the cages would have a better rating, but at the end of the day, the Range Rover only has 3 mount point for bars. Unless you removed the entire strip, I'm thinking 80kg would be the max you could carry on the roof. And I don't know about anyone else, but my tyre/rim combo is a lot more than 15kg a corner :P

As for mounting the tent facing backwards, well this is the best way to save space on the roof but the problems I found were that you have to mount it quite far back for the top tailgate to miss the ladder. When it was positioned like that, it wasn't long enough to sit over both rear racks. Also, my racks sit up quite high as they are, and even still the tailgate would hit on the base of the tent. Next time you're getting something out the back of your Rover, just have a look at how high the tailgate sits when it's open... With my car being lifted and on bigger tyres as well, with the current height of the tent, any more and it would just look silly/unstable. I'm not saying don't do it, I'm just letting you know it would be difficult...

Florent,
Hope you got to see the pictures. If you or any other guys want to see it setup, just let me know and I'll put it up in the driveway.

Cheers,
Keels

[T34]

I know what you mean about the tailgate kicking upwards when it's opened, I noticed this when I took the measurements, but my brain didn't register how high it was - I just made a mental note that the rack / tent would need to be higher.

The clearance for the ladder, past the tailgate is also a good observation, guess this also depends on the tent size / design too. I noticed that some tents have the ladder on the outside, and some the ladder is underneath. I was favouring the latter type, as the ladder is within the annexe (better for privacy / weather / bugs / etc), but this may put the ladder closer to the tailgate. I guess I really need to look at the dimensions.

I will weigh one of the wheels I have and find out how heavy it is when I get back this weekend. Although this time I don't think SWMBO will allow me near the bathroom scales again. I killed the last set measuring the corner weights on the race car :twisted:

At the mo I'm thinking either a super lightweight full length rack, or maybe just some ali bars mounted to the racks to spread the load and provide easier mounting - with the tent at the rear and a lightweight rack at the front. Will have to see how heavy the wheel is, then decide where it will sit.

Florent. Thanks for all the info. It's really helping to get this figured out before I go waste cash on the wrong gear. Much appreciated. :twobeers:

[33chinacars]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/10/565.jpg

Found these on ebay us. May be of help to someone.
P38A Universal Range Rover Roof Rack Mounts 1995-02
Item No 150482373063
Postage to Aust $41.25 US
Not Available for aero bars YET . If enough interest will speed up Development. Yes I asked seller a question or two
Hope this helps

Gary

[T34]

Ok, it's been a while since I posted, got tied up with some other projects.

Here's an update.

Finished the design for the cargo drawers, but not got any further. Next step is to order the stuff in. I did manage to go check out Bunnings, but they did not carry all profiles for the aluminum extrusion.

Since getting rid of the SIII, I've not had anything to haul junk around in, so decided that it was about time to sort out the roof rack.

Went to TJM here in Adelaide, they carry a few different brands of racks and bars. Explained that I wanted to fit a tent with a spare wheel, and here is what they came back with.

Option 1 - H/duty Rhino Rack + cross bars + 5 plank aluminum platform
Option 2 - Rhino 'pioneer' platform
Option 3 - Hannibal rack.

All come with some kind of wheel fitting arrangement / clamp. All look pretty good. All are expandable with any number of bolt on dookies available to do what you need.

Then we hit issue #1 - I'm told the roof is only rated to 80Kg. So the shop are apprehensive to supply rack with wheel clamp + tent as this tips the weight over the limit. Fair play. They're just covering their arses. It's no big issue, but will void warranty. There are ways around this of course ;)

This also puts the Hannibal out of the picture, as it is by far the heaviest option. Whilst it is the toughest of the 3 choices, this is not going to be an extreme off road machine, so I don't need the extra strength that this rack offers. the Hannibal is also the most expensive. *(and possibly the ugliest)

So I'm left between choice 1 and 2. The H/duty system is tried and tested, and with the addition of the platform, will do what I need and more. But the poineer platform, does not need the roof bars, as this fits direct to the roof rails - the only issue is - that roof rails will need to be swapped for the Rhino roof rails.

Both systems are similar in price, but one obviously means modifying the roof

I like the idea of the roof rails - as in either case - this offers a lot of flexibility, and am tempted to get these fitted, but I'm apprehensive as this requires some drilling / rivetting to fit, and being an engineer, I don't trust anyone to do this kind of work on my stuff.

The weight issue, is a non-issue for me - having pushed the limits of what is socially acceptable with the SIII, I am no longer scared (lol) T-34 :: 10 Years of Type 34 Karmann Ghias > My project > General > Supplies (http://www.t-34.co.uk/index.php?page=my%20project&id=168) (please ignore my claims to being an engineer whilst viewing this picture :twisted:)

Seriously tho - opinons / experience welcomed.

Mick.

[ytt105]

I've made a storage system for my P38.

I removed the spare wheel and replaced it with an spare wheel shaped LPG tank, and a 100amp/hr auxiliary battery.

On top of this I fitted a sliding panel on which my spare wheel sits when in the city, and a camping equipment drawer when the wheel is on the roof rack for the longer tripping. This allows me to slide out the wheel when needed and to allow access to the LPG tank and other spares stored there.

I also have a fridge slide and have removed the sub woofer and stacker to make room for tool bag and first aid kit.

It all seems to work well, but I would still like to get a rear wheel carrier so hurry up HardRange!! Snorkel too please!

Ill try and load up some photos.

[ytt105]

Hopefully these photos will work.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1376.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/04/387.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/04/388.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/04/389.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/04/390.jpg



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1377.jpg

[PaulP38a]

Nice drawers, and great use of limited space.

Looks like you could almost fit a few 2RU server chassis and a KVM on the LHS, UPS in the wheel well and side-mounted SAN disk shelf behind the LH wheel arch... and that still leaves all that space on the RHS for comms and crypto gear :o

Since I did the IT director gig for APEC back in 2005-2007 I've had this unreasonable obsession with turning a Range Rover in to a mobile data centre... that was after proposals to buy a C130 Herc (or DHC-4 Caribou) and Kerry Packer's yacht were knocked back by the government (damn fiscal realists!) ;)


It all seems to work well, but I would still like to get a rear wheel carrier so hurry up HardRange!! Snorkel too please!

I hear ya!

I have no hesitation recommending the rear bar/carrier sold by 4x4 Intelligence in Melbourne. Mine has lasted pretty damn well over the past 2.5 years. The Hard Range rear bar has a few tweaks to be done before it is ready to be produced, as those who saw it at the LR Expo will know.

The snorkel (aka RAI) is being fitted to the Captn's P38 at the moment... James I want photos please! I've been told the new head is much better than the one on mine, but haven't seen it yet.

Cheers
Paul.

[p38arover]

Since getting rid of the SIII, I've not had anything to haul junk around in, so decided that it was about time to sort out the roof rack.

Went to TJM here in Adelaide, they carry a few different brands of racks and bars. Explained that I wanted to fit a tent with a spare wheel, and here is what they came back with.

Option 1 - H/duty Rhino Rack + cross bars + 5 plank aluminum platform
Option 2 - Rhino 'pioneer' platform
Option 3 - Hannibal rack.

.

Mine has a Tradesman Oval rack (made in Victoria).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/1371.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1363.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1364.jpg