D3/D4 - Build yourself a Custom Storage Drawer unit.

[~Rich~]

Hi guys,
I put together a PDF file of how to build yourself a drawer unit for either a D3 or D4. But of course measurements can be altered to fit any vehicle.
Many thanks to Alan to supply his plans that are included in the PDF file.

Build your own Drawer unit.pdf - File Shared from Box.net (http://www.box.net/shared/qsbt0rfvo82vsi18jv7k) (829kb low res)

http://www.box.net/shared/jem0ilac3cner2mexq64 (3000kb - 3mb hi res)

Good luck
Regards Rich.

[Preacher]

thanks to all who had a part in this production

dj

[NauticAl]

Well done Rich - a most professional job! :TakeABow:

Cheers

Al

[Nomad9]

Hi Rich,
I built a drawer "system" but it is nothing on this unit, what an effort. I fitted the dual wheel carrier so I don't have to worry about the lowering of the spare wheel. I managed to get mine so I could open the rear top half of the door and get the Engle lid so it would just jam between the window and the fridge slide, this did compromise the height of the drawers slightly.
Great idea with the turnbuckles as a locating device, I removed the tie down points and through bolted the support frame to where the tie down points used to be bolted. I think I'll have to embark on a new mission, these look very professional and are ultimately easily removable.
What more can I say, thanks.

[harry]

wow,
that is a terrific job of preparing a tutorial.
well done.
even though i only have a d1, your presentation of the details and plans is excellent.
thanks rich and alan.

[Sleepy]

Love your work Rich:thumbsup:

[~Rich~]

Hi Rich,
I built a drawer "system" but it is nothing on this unit, what an effort. I fitted the dual wheel carrier so I don't have to worry about the lowering of the spare wheel. I managed to get mine so I could open the rear top half of the door and get the Engle lid so it would just jam between the window and the fridge slide, this did compromise the height of the drawers slightly.


Marty you have brought up a good point which I took into consideration when looking into my options of setout.

Yes I have to drop the lower tailgate to access the fridge which normally is not a problem when camping, only when you want to quickly grab something enroute on your travels is it a bit of a pain.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/1054.jpg

I have a old ( approx 30yrs!) 29ltr Engel fridge, the motor and workings are exactly the same as the 39ltr Engel, just the height of the case is different. So this is where I came up with the idea of extending the lid of my 29 so bottles could stand vertically within it. It is actually better for me as you have easier access to contents. The lid is basically two plywood boxes with expandable foam between the two for insulation.
As you can see with the lid open it just clears the rear window and stays open by itself.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/1055.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/1056.jpg

Yes with bigger fridges I'd have the fridge slide on a plywood base down low with two drawers or more on one side or purchase a drop down fridge slide:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/1057.jpg

[But 'n' Ben]

Hi Rich! really professional looking job. I will have to get my 'Triton' woodworking system out of 'Retirement', and give it a go myself.
Could you please give us a bit more information on the carpet you used, ie; what it is, and where did you get it. I was looking at the range that my local Whitworth have in stock, but it did seem a little on the thick side.
Thanks mate,
Don.

[Nomad9]

Hi Don,
I'm not sure if you have Bunnings stores where you are but I got mine from there surprisingly. A local car trimmer I've just found also has now been able to get me some "not so thick" carpet.

[~Rich~]

Yes Bunnings!
The Whitworths stuff is a bit thicker and more expensive.
If you are a Greenie they even have synthetic grass if you want. ;)

[oldsalt]

Local vehicle trimmers call it "front-runner"
cheers

[Disco_owner]

G'day Rich , very professional Tutorial mate . well done :)

Edit: sorry should have said well done to you both.

[~Rich~]

Thanks,
Has anyone got some pictures of their Storage System and in particular different layouts?
It would be good to show possible options.
Rich

[Sadie]

Rich, thanks for posting up these pdf files.

I'm planning to build a set of these for my D3, but I'm hoping to make the drawers a little deeper, and angle the front end so they fit snugly up against my cargo barrier. Nothing like making the job more challenging!:(

Just a question....for those who have this setup fitted, with cutouts to access the area under the drawers with the rear seats removed: When the seats are removed, what actually supports the drawers??

[~Rich~]

Thanks Sadie,

Where is the Cargo Barrier fitted to as the plan measurements are just about tight to the back of the second row seats. I guess you will have to make your set shorter by quite a lot if the barrier is behind the seats.
You won't gain much by putting an angle on it, just more difficult to construct.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/62.jpg

The drawer case and levelling strips are supported at the sides on the solid floor sections. With the case sides being solid pine the back section will easily span the width of the case. At the front there is a 40mm leveling strip which with the rest of the construction stiffens the front.
If you remove the seats I guess you could fit an additional support under to the sub floor.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/63.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/64.jpg

[lpj]

Hi Rich and all,

I'd like to add my thanks for the tutorial as well as everyone's suggestions. I'm just planning out my set up in the back of my MY12 SE and wanted to incorporate a a half height cargo barrier. I'd appreciate any thoughts/suggestions.

1. Does anyone have the half height Autosafe barrier? If so, would the drawer system measurements need to be amended?

2. In the instructions, the sides and middle support of the cabinet are of pine (185 x 19). Is there any reason that i couldn't use the same marine ply for the sides and middle? (I'm not a carpenters bootlace so maybe this is a dumb question)

I'm considering going to 235 for the extra room. Has anyone tried this and are they happy? I have a 40ltr Engel that will sit on top. maybe it will be too high?

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

LPJ

[~Rich~]

Sorry to take so long to answer your questions:


Hi Rich and all,

I'd like to add my thanks for the tutorial as well as everyone's suggestions. I'm just planning out my set up in the back of my MY12 SE and wanted to incorporate a a half height cargo barrier. I'd appreciate any thoughts/suggestions.

1. Does anyone have the half height Autosafe barrier? If so, would the drawer system measurements need to be amended?
No sorry I don't I just lash everything down well

2. In the instructions, the sides and middle support of the cabinet are of pine (185 x 19). Is there any reason that i couldn't use the same marine ply for the sides and middle? (I'm not a carpenters bootlace so maybe this is a dumb question) No reason apart from the fixing may expand the thinner ply causing the drawer not to slide too well.

I'm considering going to 235 for the extra room. Has anyone tried this and are they happy? I have a 40ltr Engel that will sit on top. maybe it will be too high? Factor in: Your fridge height lid closed and wide open, your chosen fridge slide height. You may also wish to use a drop down fridge slide which may be good but take up more room!

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

LPJ

[lpj]

Thanks Rich,

I have already started the build and do really appreciate all the work that has gone before me!

Luke

[MY14D4]

Thank you for this, you have clearly invested a lot of time, and has been of a huge help. I am planning on building a similar setup, but modifying it so as there is just a shelf and one half drawer. Hopefully allowing for more packing room.

[ADMIRAL]

I'm considering going to 235 for the extra room. Has anyone tried this and are they happy? I have a 40ltr Engel that will sit on top. maybe it will be too high? Factor in: Your fridge height lid closed and wide open, your chosen fridge slide height. You may also wish to use a drop down fridge slide which may be good but take up more room!

Also check out the weight. The drop slides are heavy !

[~Rich~]

If you want to give me those measurements on you fridges, I'll do a check on clearances for yours.
Do you have a fridge slide brand in mind?

[Spike The Cat]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/376.jpg

My finished drawers

[jliquorish]

I everyone. I am after the PDF for Rich's build. It is not on Box anymore.

Cheers
John

[vojtech_k]

Hi guys, is there a chance to reupload this amazing tutorial pdf ? The download link is not working anymore. Thanks in advance Vojtech

[Geedublya]

Files attached.
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