Mulgo Ex Box vs Front Runner safe

[Ranga]

Anybody had a chance to compare and contrast both of these?

Ex-Box - Mulgo Pty Ltd - Australia (http://www.mulgo.com.au/p13_Mulgo-Ex-Box.html)

LR Def Console Safe - Dolium Pty Ltd (http://www.dolium.com.au/Retail_Catalogue/LRCS_item.html'ref_cat_id=Land_Rover_Accessories)

[JayBoRover]

I have fitted a under-cubby safe. I figured the chances of me wading through water so deep in my >$40k vehicle that the electronics under the seat would get soaked is fairly low. For the once or twice in a lifetime that water is that deep I will wait for it to recede or find another way.

The safe, however is constantly used and I love it. The lack of storage space in the Deefer is a problem largely solved by the safe. It's somewhere I keep the manual and service folder, maps, handheld UHF, tyre deflaters, pressure gauge, a notebook and pen, trailer keys and a few other odds and sods.

When I'm out somewhere, like for a long cycle ride event where I drove to the start, I then put all sorts of other things in there too like wallet, phone, all keys other than the car key and FOB itself, etc.

It might not be as much storage as under the drivers seat but a heck of a lot easier to get at, so for everyday benefit it faaar outweighs the Ex-box. This is of course entirely in my opinion and for my lifestyle.

[mools]

My two-peneth.

Thats interesting, never seen the Dolium 'safe' before, actually quite like the idea. Same, same but different from the Ex box.

As far as compare and contrast goes surely they are just different things, with different purposes.

Ex box if you want to get the ECU up high and some extra, albeit, vague 'safe' storage. They're not exactly inconspicuous and raise the centre console considerably.

Dolium if you want some 'safe(er)' storage that would probably even pass a cursory glance by someone who knows a landy as not really being there. As far as I can see it wasn't drilled for nor marketed as an ECU replacement solution, not even sure you could fit the ECU in there if you wanted and didn't look like it would be much higher than it already is.

Attach the ECU to the roof and weld a steel box to the chassis - best of both worlds.

What's the price difference?

Good to see that there are more seemingly well thought out products around though.

ian.

[carlschmid2002]

If you install an XBox you free up a lot of room under the driver's seat. You also create an extremely comfortable arm rest. I have put a compressor and all ancillaries under the seat where all the electrics used to be.

[JayBoRover]

If you install an XBox you free up a lot of room under the driver's seat. You also create an extremely comfortable arm rest. I have put a compressor and all ancillaries under the seat where all the electrics used to be.
Not intending to get into a pi55ing competition or anything, just pointing out facts someone that hasn't seen the safe might not know;). The safe also lifts the cubby the same amount as the Ex-box so makes for the same comfortable arm rest. In fact, it's almost the same box, mounted the same way, just with a hidden key to enable locking it:cool:.

Without knowing there was a safe there, but noticing the cubby is higher than stock, won't help if you don't also know how to access the key lock and also have the key:nazilock:.

I can't recall off-hand the price differences but a quick check of Mulgo's web site would sort that out. The Ex-box will be more expensive because I would think it comes with additional stuff to mount the relocated electrical bits and probably has holes drilled and grommets to enable cables to come through. Then again the safe has the lock and keys so maybe evens things out.

I do agree that being able to mount a decent compressor under the drivers seat is a good thing about using an Ex-box to free up that space, but once again I use a compressor faaar less than I do the safe. The safe is like a glove-box without the disorganisation of the cubby chamber:D. The compressor will get mounted out back, underneath or inside a front guard somewhere. Tank will go underneath somewhere.

Defender Mike has a Dolmio safe too, after considering the Mulgo Ex-box for a while. Both are excellent products so the choice is a tough one.

[Drover]

I've got the Xbox and very happy with it.

It still provides some storage as the electric only half fill it. (FYI - the ECU is in the engine bay)

Under the drivers seat is freed up and gives excelant storage. One of the members on here had an access hole cut int the the drivers seat box with lockable door installed ( by Mulgo ) to make access easy.

At the Cape this year I had 3 or 4 inches of water splashing about in the front foot wells after Nolan's brook......that's when you are thankfully for the Xbox.

[Chops]

Just wondering, in concern with water getting into the electrics under the seat.
I can understand the desire to move these, thus a good opportunity to create space etc, but, wouldn't it also be just as wise/cheaper to just silicone the box properly, thus keeping the water out? The top cover can also be "water proofed". Of course this option doesn't create storage, which seems to be a priority.

So is there a main reason for not using silastic?

[Samblers]

Both of these options must also move the cubby box backwards as well as upwards? I find with the std setup that drinks bottles and the like interfere with the gearstick, so higher would be worse?

How easy is relocating the electronic stuff to an Xbox? I'd like to free up the space under the drivers seat too but one look under there and I thought this is stuff ye should not tamper with :twisted:

[Drover]

Both of these options must also move the cubby box backwards as well as upwards? I find with the std setup that drinks bottles and the like interfere with the gearstick, so higher would be worse?

How easy is relocating the electronic stuff to an Xbox? I'd like to free up the space under the drivers seat too but one look under there and I thought this is stuff ye should not tamper with :twisted:


Looks like a nightmare, but once you start and tackle each component bit by bit, it nots not to tough.

The Xbox has all the brackets, rivnuts, holes and good set of instructions.

Many have done it without any real problems.

[Mulgo]

Although the http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/land-rover-defender-acc-/mulgo-exbox.htmlExbox and the http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/land-rover-defender-acc-/front-runner-under-cubby-box-security-safe-defender.htmlsafe mount in the same place, there are a few significant differences.

Safe:
- has an overall height of 120mm
- when mounted half of it is below the LR floor (closer to the transfer case) raising the cubby box by about 60mm only.
- key locked, access to lock under the cup holders.
- has a straight front face, not moving the cubby box backwards, making it difficult to access the diff lock / low range leaver
- electrics cannot be moved into this box.
- price: $172.00

Exbox:
- has an overall height of 150mm at the back, less at the front.
- it raises the cubby box to the same level as the side windows.
- mounted at the same level as the LR floor.
- latch with provision for padlock
- has a chamfered front face (MY07 on), moving the cubby box backwards, making it easier to access the diff lock / low range leaver
- has holes and brackets to accommodate for electrics (can be ordered without holes).
- MY07 on models only use half for electrics, the other half can be used for auxiliary electrics (fuse boxes) or general storage.
- price: $250.00

And yes, Drover is right, Defenders MY07 on have the ECU in the engine bay on the firewall just below the windscreen.

Cheers,
Daniel




-----------------------
Mulgo Pty Ltd
Expedition Vehicles & Equipment
69 Anderson Road, Mortdale NSW 2223
P 0438183507 - www.mulgo.com.au

purchase your 4WD equipment online:
www.expeditioncentre.com.au

Family Off Road Trailer:
www.missiontrailers.com.au

[CraigE]

I have the safe. I was not after moving the ECU so additional height was not an issue. What I like about the safe is it sits low. I have used mine to set up an additional fuse box and storage. I did not go down the path of attaching directly to the lid. I modified the cubby box to have a gap of about 50mm so I can unlock and also slide other items underneath.
I am mor than happy with it.

[Michael2]

I have the safe, as it's a bit more discreet. Friends with 300Tdi & PUMA Defenders have the X-Box, so I can compare them a little.

The X-Box has more volume and raises the cubby more. The Safe is recessed, discreet and secure.

I've relocated the A/C electrics into the safe, as well as an auxillary fusebox, and still have room for storage. Because it's closer to the gearbox, the safe does absorb more heat, and I've insulated mine inside and out, otherwise you might be limited in what you can store there.

In mounting the safe I removed the two wooden runners under it, and screwed the lid to the base of the cubby, hence the rise of elbow height is marginal.

[JayBoRover]

I've relocated the A/C electrics into the safe, as well as an auxillary fusebox, and still have room for storage. Because it's closer to the gearbox, the safe does absorb more heat, and I've insulated mine inside and out, otherwise you might be limited in what you can store there.

I'd be interested in some details of the A/C electrics move. Why the move? Where exactly did you move them to? Are you talking about just the a/c on/off push-button from the centre dash? Photo's of the move?
Good point about the heat in the safe. Don't leave a bar of chocolate in there, that's for sure!

[chook73]

Possibly the t/c (abs) electrics I suspect.


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[robharvey]

I have the Frontrunner safe, as the X-box is not available in South Africa, as far as I know. It's come in handy, but I wish I could have gotten the X-box instead. I got stuck in a river in Zimbabwe. The water level was high enough that it entered the seat box and wet the ABS electronics, which subsequently blew. Cost to repair (for my insurer's account fortunately) was in the region of $8,000. If I had had the X-box, the electrics would have been just out of the way. The extra storage created under the driver's seat is an added bonus.

[firsttimedefender]

I have mulgo Xbox but just for storage. Not too worried about moving electrics but silastic seal under seat is good idea. Just use heat resistant/ high temp stuff. Think about long term putting electrics in even hotter location ... Hmmm.
Comment about drink holder location higher & getting in the way is true but not a problem if use passenger side holder.(keep in mind it is a pain even without the safe or Xbox - so not really a deal breaker for either choice) I actually like the extra height as an armrest it works like the open-window armrest system defender owners know well!

[steane]

The Xbox has all the brackets, rivnuts, holes and good set of instructions.


I'm glad yours did. Mine has four unexplained holes, no grommets and no instructions. Emailed and asked for some (instructions) and never got an answer...or any instructions.

I know they are like the holy grail on here, but IMO it's an expensive little metal box, at least for a 300TDi, where I guess it's main purpose (relocating ECU etc) isn't relevant.

Might grow on me if I could only work out what the holes are for... Will have to put grommets on the shopping list to fill them in.

[krispe]

I'm glad yours did. Mine has four unexplained holes, no grommets and no instructions. Emailed and asked for some (instructions) and never got an answer...or any instructions.

I know they are like the holy grail on here, but IMO it's an expensive little metal box, at least for a 300TDi, where I guess it's main purpose (relocating ECU etc) isn't relevant.

Might grow on me if I could only work out what the holes are for... Will have to put grommets on the shopping list to fill them in.
Mulgo ExBox | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/land-rover-defender-acc-/mulgo-exbox.html)
And see the downloadable instructions on this page.

[steane]

Mulgo ExBox | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/land-rover-defender-acc-/mulgo-exbox.html)
And see the downloadable instructions on this page.

Yeah, I checked there at the time but no instructions for the 300TDi. I pointed this out in my email asking for instructions. Maybe it's assumed that there isn't much to it with the 300TDi, but for the money I'd have liked some instructions that gave me a clue as to what the pre-drilled holes were for and some fitting/wiring tips. I haven't moved any of the standard wiring, but some 300TDi owners might want to.

[manic]

I have the Frontrunner safe, as the X-box is not available in South Africa, as far as I know. It's come in handy, but I wish I could have gotten the X-box instead. I got stuck in a river in Zimbabwe. The water level was high enough that it entered the seat box and wet the ABS electronics, which subsequently blew. Cost to repair (for my insurer's account fortunately) was in the region of $8,000. If I had had the X-box, the electrics would have been just out of the way. The extra storage created under the driver's seat is an added bonus.

Wow you really don't have to go deep to get water into the seatbox. If water in the seatbox can cause $8000 worth of damage then anyone with a gizmogadget landrover must be moving the electrics when adding a raised air intake - i hope !

I don't understand why land rover didn't encase the ecu's and other important bits in something waterproof.. how hard would that be!?

I have a tdi so no worries, but it has an alarm system that could drown so I put the control unit in a good tupperware box, drilled a series of holes for the wires to exit and sealed each wire in with silicone.. I can fully submerge it and not a drop will get it! Probably not so easy with the td5/puma ecu's?

[jabber]

How's the heat in the Ex-box?

I've a td5 and have been considering it or the safe.

Subscribe!

[chook73]

How's the heat in the Ex-box?

I've a td5 and have been considering it or the safe.

Subscribe!

I would strongly suggest putting some heat shield on the bottom and around the transmission tunnel when you install it. That's my only regret but as the gearbox is out at the moment I am getting them to put some in.


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[Mulgo]

I'm glad yours did. Mine has four unexplained holes, no grommets and no instructions. Emailed and asked for some (instructions) and never got an answer...or any instructions.

I know they are like the holy grail on here, but IMO it's an expensive little metal box, at least for a 300TDi, where I guess it's main purpose (relocating ECU etc) isn't relevant.

Might grow on me if I could only work out what the holes are for... Will have to put grommets on the shopping list to fill them in.

Hi,
My apologies, I must somehow have missed your email.

You should have four holes in the floor of the Exbox and four holes in the lid. The ones for the lid are for the actual genuine cubby box to fit onto and the four holes in the floor should line up with four holes on the steel plate above the transfer tunnel.

If this is not the case, please send us a picture and we will look into it.

As with all products manufactured by us, if a customer is not happy with it and the item is still in a sellable condition, we will take the goods back and refund the amount paid for it (less freight charge).

Regards,
Daniel

[firsttimedefender]

How's the heat in the Ex-box?

I've a td5 and have been considering it or the safe.

Subscribe!

Gets hot alright hence the hmmmm.... with relocating electrics. Chance of water damage very slim, chance of heat long term damage, unknown! Having said that the seat box gets fairly warm too. In my mulgo box I store jack, nut breaker bar, street directories, and a twelve-volt socket for rear seats (kids DVD players, charger, etc. Beats drilling into car body!) Using for storage I find handier than under seat.

[steane]

Hi,
My apologies, I must somehow have missed your email.

You should have four holes in the floor of the Exbox and four holes in the lid. The ones for the lid are for the actual genuine cubby box to fit onto and the four holes in the floor should line up with four holes on the steel plate above the transfer tunnel.

If this is not the case, please send us a picture and we will look into it.

As with all products manufactured by us, if a customer is not happy with it and the item is still in a sellable condition, we will take the goods back and refund the amount paid for it (less freight charge).

Regards,
Daniel

Hi Daniel,

Mine came with four in the lid, four near the edges for fitting to the floor and another four holes in the base of the box that are unexplained.

These additional 4 holes were maybe 10mm diameter and not in the right spot for what I was looking to do, so I've ignored them and drilled some more...

All I got in the box was the box...some instructions would have been great and given me some idea what to do at least for a basic fit-up.

I'm going to hang on to it. I've drilled more holes, fitted a fuse box and a bunch of heat and sound deadening so I'm not real keen to pull it all apart. Appreciate the offer though.

Cheers,
Steane

[Michael2]

I'd be interested in some details of the A/C electrics move. Why the move? Where exactly did you move them to? Are you talking about just the a/c on/off push-button from the centre dash? Photo's of the move?
Good point about the heat in the safe. Don't leave a bar of chocolate in there, that's for sure!

It's a 300Tdi, so no ABS stuff, I've relocated the relays and fuse box from under the passanger seat. I've shoe-horned two N70Z batteries under the passanger seat, and access to the A/C electrics was very tight. I had a burnt out connector which gave intermittent faults last year, and it was a hot and difficult job to sort it out in direct sun light, in humid Darwin weather whilst on a road trip and away from workshop / shelter. I had to remove each pin from the plugs and reconnect in order to pass the wiring through. I used one of those flange type grommet things that you screw and tighten to seal over the wires. I've forgotten what they're called, but I'll edit this if I remember. Currently @ work, but will try to post a pic in the days to come.

[tonymid]

Just finished installing an ExBox in my 2011 Puma. Still not sure whether the increased height is ok. Seems a bit high to me and, as noted in other posts, drink bottles in the console now interfere when changing gears. I've moved all my electrics into the ExBox, all the original fusebox and relays from under the drivers seat as well as my accessory fuses and relays. I installed three accessory sockets and have also moved the relay and pressure switch for my compressor which still lives under the drivers seat. I will use the extra space under the drivers seat to store spare parts. At the moment I have some spare airline and fittings there. I will also add spare inner tubes and other spares that don't require regular access. The attached image shows the location of all components in the ExBox. Tony.

[lump_a_charcoal]

I ordered the Puma 2.2 kit, and I haven't installed it yet,but I hope to this weekend.

What is the small piece of SHS for? It's about 25mm long from memory...

[Mulgo]

Hi,

Thanks for the order, mate.

The 25mm SHS is to make the electrical board level, will make sense once you start fitting it.

Regards,
Daniel



I ordered the Puma 2.2 kit, and I haven't installed it yet,but I hope to this weekend.

What is the small piece of SHS for? It's about 25mm long from memory...

[landy]

Not sure if it's a Puma thing. I have a Td5. But I've got the FR safe and can say it makes no difference to hi-lo or diff lock selection.
Love the safe. Its nice to know that I can lock my phone, wallet etc when out on the kayak. My only criticism of the safe is that it gets bloody hot in there after a run.
I agree that if Im worried about water depth then I'll find another route.