Defender drawer system

[fatcat]

Hi Guys,

Thinking of getting some draws for the Defender, are there any brands that are good value, with a good build.


i am in Brisbane.


Thanks

[loneranger]

I have the drawers that were available through Opposite lock. I think they are the Outback branded drawers. I had them before in my Dmax and am quite happy with them. They have a partition along the middle and are relatively easy to fit once you can work out the instructions.

[Jimmy93]

Ive been looking around for some ideas to build a set of draws and for a company that have great camping orientated draws have a look at Drifta.

Heaps of thought has gone into their stuff, might be abit too far away though.

[Mjt084]

I'm a surveyor and had a custom draw system made up for work and weekend use. Don't be afraid to consider getting someone to put together a system to suit your needs, my custom draw system cost a couple of hundred more than the basic opposite lock kit.

[p38arover]

Draw:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/826.jpg

Drawer:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/827.jpg

[gromit]

You could just make your own to suit the equipment you want to carry.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/09/153.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/cradley/media/Defender%20Tanami/DSCN3271_zpsdf3f2390.jpg.html)

A weekend's work with a sheet of 12mm exterior grade ply. Stuck on some marine carpet where needed, stained the rest black

I had some bags made (by an upholsterer friend) that fit into the gap up top for all our clothes.


Colin

[The Cone of Silence]

Talk to the chaps at GoingBush (http://www.goingbush.com.au/) too - they make solid gear which is extremely sturdy and they can offer a range of options to suit your needs (which they ask you about extensively), rather than an 'out of the box' solution which you might get elsewhere.

Give Michael a call on 0410 714764 and tell him I sent you!

These guys did my solar panel and power installation and I was seriously impressed by the quality of the other stuff they were doing for clients and the service is second to none. Well ok maybe second to Daniel (Mulgo) but they're in the same league of awesomeness...and one of their installers has a Puma Defender

[CraigE]

I have had an Outback system again through OL in the Defender for the last 10 or so years, one of the first things I fitted along with their roof console. They are a good unit off the shelf.
Over again I would consider either building my own or getting someone to custom build a set.
The issues I have with off the shelf units are there are areas space is wasted in a Defender. The side supports are not flush with the side wheel boxes and sit about an inch off them with a spacer. I would consider going another 2-3inches higher overall with hinged sides so you can use the space under floor above the wheel boxes with deeper drawers or have them flush with the wheel boxes. I have also though about putting a top over the drawers so that when pulled out you have a table or work surface. Still to come but may restrict height loading.
The other issue with a defender is the door strut, it means the drawers cannot be full width and you end up with a gap about 100mm wide, full height and depth of drawers that is a void. I used this gap to fit my HF main unit, blocked it after the HF and use 1 litre laboratory plastic bottles to carry engine, trans oils and coolant.

[alien]

We fitted a Outback unit from OL as well.
Long stuff like serpentine belts slip in the wings from the front.
I made a side cover up for the "dead area".
I and have lots of spares in there and some rags.
As I have a Home - Rijidij Off Road (http://rijidijoffroad.bounce.com.au/) swing away spare wheel holder I've removed the door stay.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/856.jpg (http://s883.photobucket.com/user/aliend2/media/SDC11445.jpg.html)
I've tried but can't link a rotated pic. you'll just have to lay next to your screen.

Bolting down the wings takes a bit of thinking about to get the holes just right for access to the nuts from underneath.

[loneranger]

I put my folding shovel in the gap by the door. Bit fiddly to get out but it uses the space.

[mekon76]

My wife just showed me some pics from her most recent visit to Bunnings. Kincrome $1599

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/844.jpg

Measurements off tag were 995 x 955 x 245, they are two separate drawers. Could stack them. Internal of Defender between wheel boxes is 920 x approx 1000 deep and 185 high.

[cookie monster]

I built my own aluminium drawer system using a folded and welded 2mm ali frame, 200+kg rated lock in/out HD full extension runners and a 2mm ali folded and welded drawer.
Used 17mm ply for the top section, bolted to the original seat anchors.
All up cost me no more than $500, compared to ~$1700+ freight for a similar unit from Off Road Systems.
Have plans to add a couple more drawers on top in time.

Cheers Cookie

[DiscoMick]

Very happy with my Off Road Systems aluminium drawers. Light but strong.

[Jeff]

Today I put down a deposit on an Outback drawer. I looked at the others, but I have one in my TDi and am impressed with it, so ordered one for the Puma.

Jeff

:rocket:

[karlz]

You could just make your own ...

I did the same in as Gromit (not as fancy). Used marine ply and marine carpet as well. I made an entire box (2.x m x 1.xm)that could be lifted out when not in use. Best of both worlds.

I contemplated buying a commercial solution with the nice drawers and all. Best is to build your own. As Gromit said, it only takes a weekend.

Best

My last ones lasted 6 years without an issue.

[karlz]

I built my own ...
Noice :)

[Jeff]

Draw:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/826.jpg

Drawer:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/827.jpg

Does it make you feel better now you have corrected someone?

When I went into Opposite Lock to order my Outback drawer, I said drawers, and the bloke said 'you mean drawer' I nearly walked out. You know what I mean.

Jeff

:rocket:

[Xtreme]

I also built my own drawer system (about 40 years ago), have used the drawers in various Landys from Series to Discoverys and Defenders and despite travelling all over Australia, they are still going strong and serving their purpose.

They were built on the 'kiss' principle before the days of roller drawer runners and are made from 8mm marine ply, glued and screwed with reinforced corners and removable 3ply centrally hinged lids, which double as wind shields for the stove when required.

They are 840mm long x 400mm wide x 170mm high and simply slide in on the rubber matting. In the Defender setup, the shelf above them is also made of 8mm marine plyreinforced with 3 cross pieces of 20mm SHS and is supported by 20mm SHS screwed to each side box.

The area in front of the drawers is used for tools/spares/recovery gear stored in ammo containers of bags and is accessed by removing one drawer and using my 600mm long camp oven lifters to hook and drag the item I require.

A few pics, which probably explains it better -

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/796.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/797.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/798.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/799.jpg

Just an alternative, cheap and proven way of doing drawers that may give you some ideas.

[karlz]

great work roger

[PTC]

I had my drawers custom made by Full Boar Fourbie Drawers (http://www.fullboarfourbiedrawers.com.au/) 90 mins outside of Melbourne. Dion is easy to deal with and will measure up your car and custom make drawers for you.

I was his first Defender and he did a great job.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/729.jpg

[Bess]

Hi fat at, this is the second time I have made my own using a ORS draw as a DIY system. The alloy draw saves a lot of wait & you can make up what ever combination you like. Also saves a lot over having them make you a custom system.97570

[cookie monster]

That looks very neat Bess, top job.
I also considered the ORS DIY kits as they are very well priced and come as a complete assembled unit from memory.
Only went with building my own, as I have known my sheet metal fabricator for years and he looks after me with pricing.
Cheers Cookie

[Bess]

Gday Cookie,
Yes mate the lads @ ORS certainly do have full kits that they will install or you can buy what ever else you want to do it yourself. The draws I used are both full length stacked which the lads didn't think could be done. I wanted a fold up bed extension that could be split as this time I wanted to keep one rear seat. ORS quoted me a price to do the lot which was not unreasonable but a little steep for me at the time so with some time on my hands I set about doing it myself. All up saved me about $1.2k. The system works well with deep side pockets as well but I have yet to work out a good lock system to hold the draws open!
Best Regards, Chris.
97571

[cookie monster]

Chris,
I used HD roller sliders that lock in both the closed and open positions, as previous systems I've built didn't lock in the open position.
Cookie

[Jeff]

Has anyone put Dynamat or similar between the floor and the drawer top cover?

Jeff

:rocket:

[mekon76]

Saw this as a demo today at Lifestyle4wd tried in my Puma.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/663.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/664.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/665.jpg

[Photodude]

I have got 2 draws from off-road systems. They do custom drawers to whatever size you need.
Can even opt for duel running for added strength.

[Bess]

Thanks Cookie Monster but as Photodude just mentioned I also got my two draws with twin runners. Now that it's all fitted up it would be a lot of work to swap out the slides for ones that lock out. I will think of something eventually. Problem is work keeps getting in the way of having a life!
Regards Chris.
97654

[Photodude]

Thanks Cookie Monster but as Photodude just mentioned I also got my two draws with twin runners. Now that it's all fitted up it would be a lot of work to swap out the slides for ones that lock out. I will think of something eventually. Problem is work keeps getting in the way of having a life!

Regards Chris.

97654


They look great Chris.
I have gone for the bottom drawer 300mm high. The top platform will sit at on the moulding at the bottom of the windows.
Also I went for the standard depth (750mm) drawers so I can fit a water tank behind.
I have not installed yet but did get little plastic thingys from ORS that lock the drawers out.

[Jeff]

Mine arrived today.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/471.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/WP_20150819_002_zpslvveuhvz.jpg.html)


Jeff

:rocket:

[fatcat]

Thanks Jeff,

Its the one i am thinking of going with.

does it have a floor that covers over the the wheel arch, love to see some pictures of it all and going in.

cheers

[Jeff]

Thanks Jeff,

Its the one i am thinking of going with.

does it have a floor that covers over the the wheel arch, love to see some pictures of it all and going in.

cheers

Yes. I will try and put it in tomorrow.

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o646/Jeff_8/Land%20Rover/WP_20150819_003_zpsngofm9vf.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/WP_20150819_003_zpsngofm9vf.jpg.html)

Jeff

:rocket:

[Jeff]

The old one in the TDi is a little different. The handle, and the top is in two pieces, where the new one is in three.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/464.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/280820131759_zpsyj8bbyxc.jpg.html)

http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o646/Jeff_8/Land%20Rover/280820131760_zps2b2b2as4.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/280820131760_zps2b2b2as4.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/465.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/280820131761_zpshvqkwnhn.jpg.html)

Jeff

:rocket:

[Jeff]

Thanks Jeff,

Its the one i am thinking of going with.

does it have a floor that covers over the the wheel arch, love to see some pictures of it all and going in.

cheers

I fitted them today, bit of a rush after work trying to finish before dark, but ended up finished in the dark. The drawer is quite a bit shorter than the TDi one, and may even fit a full height cargo barrier between it and the rear seats.

I found the instructions confusing, and if I followed them to the letter the drawer would not open and the tyre on the door would dent the rear panel.

Having been caught before I did a few dry runs assembling the drawer in position and first up the drawer caught on the lhs door rubber. I moved the whole assembly around until it would open, then carefully disassembled it and drilled the holes, again, not where they said as there was something underneath. I then removed everything and cleaned away the metal shavings before final assembly.

I also reverted to the original door bracket after the one in the kit made the door open so far the tyre hit the bodywork. I spaced it out with washers and now it clears both the drawer and the exterior bodywork.


The supplied bracket meant the door opened too far and the tyre hit the bodywork.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/420.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/WP_20150820_006_zpsklrtrdpi.jpg.html)

The drawer fouled on the door rubber, luckily I hadn't drilled anything yet.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/421.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/WP_20150820_005_zpsohc9xnq0.jpg.html)

Finally in position, but still nothing drilled.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/419.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/WP_20150820_003_zpsbq2qk0be.jpg.html)

Drilled and bolted and fast running out of light. Luckily I had installed and removed a few times by now so could do it in the dark.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/422.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/V__32B5_zps1f6fnsoa.jpg.html)

The short carpeted piece is meant to go on the rhs, but would foul the door stopper.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/423.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/WP_20150820_002_zpscmqbsxle.jpg.html)
Jeff

:rocket:

[loneranger]

Doesn't the short carpeted piece go on the left hand side. That's where I put mine.

I agree the instructions were confusing but I had no problem with the drawer hitting the sides. I didn't use the supplied bracket because I couldn't see the difference. (I have a Rijidij wheel carrier)

[Jeff]

Doesn't the short carpeted piece go on the left hand side. That's where I put mine.

I agree the instructions were confusing but I had no problem with the drawer hitting the sides. I didn't use the supplied bracket because I couldn't see the difference. (I have a Rijidij wheel carrier)

I tried but the holes were off, but perfect for the rhs, until you try to close the door. It is labelled right hand side on the back too. I may re drill it later and add it when I add some dynamat.

Jeff

:rocket:

[loneranger]

I tried but the holes were off, but perfect for the rhs, until you try to close the door. It is labelled right hand side on the back too. I may re drill it later and add it when I add some dynamat.

Jeff

:rocket:


Just to clarify. I'm saying left hand side as I'm facing the drawer, ie the number plate side.

[alien]

I fitted that little panel on the left, it looked better to me.
See my earlier post for my right side cover/door.

[Jeff]

Just to clarify. I'm saying left hand side as I'm facing the drawer, ie the number plate side.

It clearly says R/H rear side fill panel, both on the part and in the instructions.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/362.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/11913221_10207211306870831_723828410_n_zpsuoqne0sj .jpg.html)

Jeff

:rocket:

[alien]

It clearly says R/H rear side fill panel, both on the part and in the instructions.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/362.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Jeff_8/media/Land%20Rover/11913221_10207211306870831_723828410_n_zpsuoqne0sj .jpg.html)

Jeff

:rocket:
Certainly does.
It does not say "Must be fitted to RH side" though:angel:


I did not want to loose the area down the side of the box for storage so did my own thing.

[loneranger]

Depends if the right hand side is when the drawer is on the floor and your standing at the other end looking at it. :p

On mine it fits perfectly on the other side and finishes it off. I can't see how it would fit on the right hand side when your facing the drawer in the back of the car.

I had the same brand of drawers in my Dmax. They're supposed to look finished without that on the left hand side it doesn't look finished.

[Jeff]

I didn't use the supplied bracket because I couldn't see the difference. (I have a Rijidij wheel carrier)

I would too if a certain supplier would answer their phone or emails. I was also going to buy his bumperettes and rock sliders, but now will make my own.

Jeff

:rocket:

[technophile]

This is what i just designed for my defender. I filled a 9l air tank and water pump hooked up the the 45l water tank in my left rear wheel arch.

[karlz]

Nice concept. Need more detail

[technophile]

Nice concept. Need more detail

Let me know what you are after and i will do my best.

[Olsey]

This is what i just designed for my defender. I filled a 9l air tank and water pump hooked up the the 45l water tank in my left rear wheel arch.

With my D90, I was thinking of putting an airtank behind the drawers but I really like your idea, as it will allow me to use the whole rear cabin length. I see you have a 110 hence the reason to put it at the side.

With the airtank, what are the dimensions and which company makes them? Is it an eBay purchase (seen a few on there)?

[technophile]

With my D90, I was thinking of putting an airtank behind the drawers but I really like your idea, as it will allow me to use the whole rear cabin length. I see you have a 110 hence the reason to put it at the side.

With the airtank, what are the dimensions and which company makes them? Is it an eBay purchase (seen a few on there)?

Yeah, the company is Air on Board (AOB). They are on eBay for $58 + $20 postage

[dfendr]

Just had A custom made system installed by Dion of Full Boar Forbie Drawers
Very happy with system which includes fridge slide and table
Pictures on his web site FullBoardrawers.com.au

[Bushie]

I also went for constructing my own set of drawers, so far they've held up well. Space on the door hinge side where I keep toolbox, sockets, axe, saw and various other bits and pieces.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/364.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/365.jpg

Fridge is now gone from this location and they are covered in marine carpet.


Martyn

[Pickles2]

Just had A custom made system installed by Dion of Full Boar Forbie Drawers
Very happy with system which includes fridge slide and table
Pictures on his web site FullBoardrawers.com.au
Just saw these on dfendr's vehicle yesterday,...very nice indeed,...looks factory.
Pickles.

[karlz]

I built my own drawers, with a 850mm slides. I reckon its as well made and as strong as as the commercial ones. (might not look as good though). I primarily built the drawer system because I wanted a fridge slide to sit on top of the drawer. The slide because it now was elevated had to be a drop down slide, but as you can imagine it not cheap.
Now that I have the wisdom (a little bit), here are my thoughts.

1. You dont need drawers that slide out on runners, simple pull out boxes would be better.
2. If you have a drawer, you loose space and increase weight. Also something more to break.
3. The fridge slide can be made redundant if you install a gullwing window. i.e. access from the side of the vehicle. This saves a lot of useful space on a defender, especially if its on the right side.
4. Although I built my own drawer system, I had fun building it, but the cost savings over buying one was not much. Also took me longer.

Next time.

[travelrover]

Hi all

Has anyone had experience with the Titan Drawers that the FWD Supercentre sell? Which one best suits a 110? They appear to be reasonable quality and the fridge slide is a bonus. They are under $400 at present which is 'very' competitive..

I am just after something basic and don't need a super expensive solution. Two drawers are ideal for my purposes.

Any thoughts, opinions?

[DiscoMick]

My BIL has a set in his 80 and says they are OK so far, although quite heavy compared with aluminum drawers.

[trout1105]

Hi all

Has anyone had experience with the Titan Drawers that the FWD Supercentre sell? Which one best suits a 110? They appear to be reasonable quality and the fridge slide is a bonus. They are under $400 at present which is 'very' competitive..

I am just after something basic and don't need a super expensive solution. Two drawers are ideal for my purposes.

Any thoughts, opinions?

I have had a set of these in my D2a for over a year now and have done at least half a dozen trips which include heavily corrugated roads and some rough tracks and they haven't given me any problems so far.
The Handles and the catch for the fridge slide are crap But they are a cheap and easy fix, Other than that they are a good set of drawers.

[travelrover]

I have had a set of these in my D2a for over a year now and have done at least half a dozen trips which include heavily corrugated roads and some rough tracks and they haven't given me any problems so far.
The Handles and the catch for the fridge slide are crap But they are a cheap and easy fix, Other than that they are a good set of drawers.

Thanks trout1105

Sounds promising.

[travelrover]

Thanks trout1105

Sounds promising.

A disco would have different dimensions to a 110. They don’t seem to advertise anything specifically for Defenders. What would be the closest fit from the range?

[DiscoMick]

I found a single drawer aluminum set from Off Road Systems (ORS) was the best choice for my 110, but it was twice the cost.

[trout1105]

I found a single drawer aluminum set from Off Road Systems (ORS) was the best choice for my 110, but it was twice the cost.

I think that supercentre sell singles now.

[Witchdoctor]

Built a set off alloy sheet draws for my 90 with 40Lt Trailblazer fridge.

Very happy with how it all works.

Cheers
Dave

[travelrover]

Built a set off alloy sheet draws for my 90 with 40Lt Trailblazer fridge.

Very happy with how it all works.

Cheers
Dave

Very cool [emoji41]

[crump]

I'm currently in the process of installing a set of Outback (4Wd industries) drawers in my 110. As already alluded to in this thread, the instructions are, how can I put this, WOEFUL !!! Anyway, moving on, the setup involves a set of four 12mm spacers between the mounting rail and the vehicle body, which have nice little locating lugs on them that fit nicely into the pre-drilled holes in the rails which is a great leap forward in the install, until you read on further that the holes that line up with the locators are not the holes you use to drill the mounting holes!! I dug around in my shed and found an old Casper the Ghost comic book, as I was getting to the point that I found the information within may have been more relevant then the supplied instructions.However, I digress. The instructions mention cutting the lugs off one spacer to allow you to use it, but according to the mounting holes I'm supposed to drill, I would need to to remove lugs off 3 spacers?? Which leads me to my main point, and pay attention, as there will be questions afterwards. Any of you peeps who have had the misfortune of installing a set of these, did you find the recommended mounting holes the ones to use, and cut the lugs from the spacers OR did you stick it to the man, middle finger raised and strike a blow for the instruction illiterate underdog by using the mounting holes that the spacers seem made for? Furthermore, there is a triangular bracket with 3 x10mm holes contained in the bag of goodies, is this merely placed there by the manufacturer to keep us plodders wondering or does it actually have a purpose? cheers