Drawer Systems

[Strop]

Hi,

Still planning away. I have seen a few drawer systems fitted to the rear area but I am very surprised I could not find a thread just dealing with them. So if you have one fitted how about a central place for some pics and information on them.

The question I do have from those I have seen, held down to floor by turnbuckles, is, can you still access the factory jack or tow ball when they are stored in the compartments provided for them. I am thinking not.

When I was looking for ideas I came across a company called Outback Touring Solutions (no connection with them) and they sell a system that lifts up that would give access to the spare wheel winder. Has anyone done something similar to this or have one fitted?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/56.jpg

Also, why don't I see any protection for the side windows so things stored on the tops of drawers don't slide and break things. I know tie them down.

Ideas, pictures appreciated.

All the best

Laurie

[BMKal]

I use the BOAB drawer storage system. It is held in place in the D4 using turnbuckles to the OEM floor anchors and works well. I have offset it slightly to the driver's side so that I can fit a jerry can plus oil container and bottle jack alongside the system on the left side, while I still have enough room to slide my folding 80W solar panel set alongside the system on the right side. There is still enough room to access the storage compartments for jack / tow hitch etc on both sides of the vehicle - it's a bit fiddly but I still store everything in it's original home. [wink11]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/53.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/3lhw8eqd7/)

The big advantage of this system is that the "drawer/s" consist simply of a sliding steel frame with a number of plastic boxes sitting on them (you can get different configurations with different numbers of plastic boxes). You simply lift these boxes out of the frame and take them to where you want them (eg campsite) rather than having to go back and forth to get things out of the drawer as you need them. When you are at home, you can remove the boxes (and their contents) from the vehicle to reduce weight - you can either replace them with some other boxes - or in my case I just drop a couple of sheets of ply into the channels where the boxes would normally sit and I can put anything I like in there - usually the shopping - but there's enough room for me to slide my chainsaws in there when I go out cutting firewood.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/54.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/wgho0kypd/)

I have had this set of drawers in three different vehicles now - Disco 4, Disco 2 and Prado 120. Easily removed and interchangeable into most wagons. Another advantage with it installed in the Disco 4 is that it is just the right height to allow the fridge to slide out the back without having to lower the bottom tailgate. [biggrin]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/55.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/g0x0n31xh/)

Having used this system for years now, I would never even consider conventional "drawers" where you have to go back and forth to individually load / unload each item you store in them as you require it. The BOAB system is so much easier IMO - especially when you are camping. [wink11]

[DiscoJeffster]

BMKal. Is it possible to only install one side to retain usage of the other third row seat? I rarely need all seven, but will sometimes need six seats. I'd like to put a draw and fridge slide on the right.

[rhinosm]

I too like the look and flexibility of this system.
Found this info online.
Looks like you can buy a single draw.
Sizes on website

Roller Drawer Single Layer Including 3 Removable Gomo Storage Boxes | Jamie's Touring Solutions (http://www.jtsonline.com.au/4x4-4wd-products/storage-drawer-systems/roller-drw-single-3-box-kit.html)

[Trngia]

Worth also checking out the drawers from Drifta, they have done a few Discos now. They include access to the space underneath if you have removed the rear seats. Also have an extended socket extension that fits in the drawers and allows you to use for the spare wheel mechanism. Lots of options for having a pull out drawer that is a kitchen, built in water tank etc. Etc.

[RobA]

This is what we had engineered and built in Adelaide. Works perfectly for us, weighs bugger all, can be quickly and easily removed and serves a purpose every day

Rob

122595122596122597122598

[Strop]

BMKal, I can see all the advantages you are talking about. Very interesting setup, though not cheap initially. 3 cars in, probably paid for itself. I see that you have a rear wheel carrier and I am assuming no spare under the back. So, could you access the rear wheel winder with the BOAB unit in place?

Good to hear about the solar panel because that is one of the things I wanted to fit in the back.

Trngia, I have seen the Drifta drawers and they are just down the road from me. Would still like to know about access to the side pockets. Might have to send a PM to Scott who was writing about installing them.

Rob, good looking slide. I can see the uses for it.

All the best,

Laurie

[rocket rod]

I made my own drawers from plywood so ended up costing about $100. I made wooden drawers on sliders to fit but you could buy some plastic boxes instead so you can remove them to take to camp site if required. It suits a 60L Waeco fridge or similar. I have a RWC carrier so I have no need to get access to the wheel winder (long range tank underneath). It bolts onto the tie down points and I've left room on the LHS to slide in a Bunnings plastic folding table or solar panel. Although you can't see it on the drawing, at the back of the box are some cutouts so I can fit two jerry cans behind the back seats for water. With this system you can not access any side panels or underneath to get the jack etc so I have relocated these to under the rear seats as there is a lot of room there. BTW don't rely too heavily on the measurements as I made a few adjustments during the build.

[DieselLSE]

BMKal. Is it possible to only install one side to retain usage of the other third row seat? I rarely need all seven, but will sometimes need six seats. I'd like to put a draw and fridge slide on the right.

I just removed my third row seats and the seat bases are joined together as an integrated unit. Not sure how you could separate them and stay compliant. I can have a look tomorrow and post some pics if you like.

[DiscoJeffster]

I just removed my third row seats and the seat bases are joined together as an integrated unit. Not sure how you could separate them and stay compliant. I can have a look tomorrow and post some pics if you like.

Let's say I keep it there and put a drawer OVER one seat. The other seat could still be utilised.

[DieselLSE]

Let's say I keep it there and put a drawer OVER one seat. The other seat could still be utilised.

Of course. Since getting a D4 I've been conscious of weight, particularly over the rear axle. So I have a mindset of removing everything I don't need to fit in the stuff that I do! The weight of the third row seats is around 60kg.

I've just trawled through some threads and it may be possible to remove one seat and build a cover. The space reclaimed will allow you to store odds and sods like tools, recovery gear etc.

[jon3950]

I also used the BOAB boxes, but had a unit custom made with only 4 boxes and a fridge slide. This is short enough to put a water tank in front of it and still be able to access the spare wheel through the floor and the side panels.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/37.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/38.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/39.jpg


It's still sitting in my garage doing nothing if anyone has a use for it.

Cheers,
Jon

[Strop]

Jon, does your unit have a solid floor , so if you put some supports under either side, you could lift it and make a space for a solar panel underneath. Or, is the bottom of the unit not strong enough for that?

Can you still access the side pockets in the back for the jack etc?

Thanks

Laurie

[DiscoMick]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/34.jpg
I had an Off Road Systems single drawer unit made for our Defender. It is aluminium and only weighs 45kg.
It is the short drawer version which means at the rear behind the rear seat is a covered space with a lift off lid. In it I have an AGM battery and some electrics hidden away, but easily accessible.
The unit is bolted through the floor at four points and is very solid. Tie down buckles allow the fridge to be strapped down.
The drawer is wide and holds lots of stuff, such as tools, straps, jump starter, spares and other gear. A recovery kit lives between the fridge and seat. A compressor is tucked away in a corner.
Being only one drawer tall, the unit leaves plenty of space for luggage without having to remove anything. I once loaded 13 bags of goat poo in there! We loaded luggage for four people in there recently and I didn't even have to remove the two camp chairs that live in the back.
It cost about $1400 from memory. I am very happy with it. Hope that helps.

[SimmAus]

Here's mine. Home madehttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/22.jpg

12mm marine ply.
Boat deck carpeting
Stainless steel eyelets, bolts and turnbuckles
Fridge slide

Making yourself allows you to custom size shelves, space for water etc.

Base plate has a whole cut out, to allow a thin socket extension bar to be inserted down to the spare wheel winder.

Have fun.

[jon3950]

Jon, does your unit have a solid floor , so if you put some supports under either side, you could lift it and make a space for a solar panel underneath. Or, is the bottom of the unit not strong enough for that?

Can you still access the side pockets in the back for the jack etc?

Thanks

Laurie

The base is 3/4" marine ply so pretty solid. I don't see why it couldn't be lifted. From memory the base was no wider than the seats. I think the supports wouldn't need to sit outside the seats though to make it more stable.

With the water tank and cargo barrier the unit overlapped the side pockets a bit but they were still pretty easy to access.

Cheers,
Jon

[ATH]

This is something I must do and have just made a bodge up thing to hold plastic containers for the mo. 60ltr Engel sits on the right and leaves no room to access the tyre mechanism. If I was to fit the fridge slide it would be even worse as it is about another 80mm wider than the fridge is. Damn and blast!
So it'll have to be an RWC from someone then I'll design my own system which I did with a Prado and that lasted 4 years of off roading and cost very little. Didn't look flash enough for some owners though.... [smilebigeye]
AlanH.

[Redback]

I have drifta Drawers in our D4, been great so far, I removed the 3rd row seats and made a false floor also.

>> L/R DISCOVERY 3 & 4 – STORAGE DRAWER PACKAGE $1490 >> Drifta Camping & 4WD (http://www.drifta.com.au/landrover-discovery-3and4-storage-drawer-package/)

[DiscoMick]

One of the advantages of my drawer system shown above is that no fridge slide is needed, which saves money and weight.

[Strop]

I can see how rolling your own storage system can save a lot of $$$$. Built my own teardrop trailer for camping and it was a great experience. It makes carrying stuff easy.

The problem with any in car storage system, to me, would seem to be weight (or minimising it) and the ability to easily remove it and convert the car from a tourer/tow-vehicle back to a car. I suppose time is the only thing that will tell how how often that happens.

I can see the BOAB system being lighter due to material weight. Though 12mm ply doesn't have much weight it is still heavier than 1mm aluminum sheeting or equivalent used in some drawer systems. The modularity that you spoke about Jon with the water etc is pretty important. Reminds me of planning my trailer build. So thinking that perhaps first thing I need to figure out is what is all the gear (recovery etc) I need to carry and then design the storage system.

I am about to redo my pricing spreadsheet to add a column for weights to see just how much weight I am adding to the vehicle. In this regard I am thinking that perhaps weight in this case is the more important variable over cost - or at least a balance slightly in favour of weight.

Still planning,

Laurie

[Mungus]

Glad this thread was started. This is my current project. I have been deliberating over which system/design to use myself for the last few months. Do I leave the seats in? Should it be easily removed in minutes or semi permanent? Water tank? Looked at all on this forum and each had their good points, some very good designs, but none which satisfied all my wants. Looked at many on the web and also contacted a few custom fab companies for design suitability and pricing. Custom Installations (WA) and Full Boar Fourbie (Vic) do some really nice work.

I'm after a permanent drawer half filled with recovery gear and tools etc., the other half on trips filled with camping goodies. A heavy duty fridge slide with a footprint just wide enough to allow for my fridge, and a cover for stacking gear on top on trips, but removable for access to fridge around town without opening tailgate and sliding out. Space for my solar panel and Drifta kitchen. Water tank.

I have decided to make my own.
Due to several factors, mainly the size of my 90lt NL fridge and also that I wanted the extra 17mm in height required at the rear to allow clearance of the tailgate, to be built in to the drawer system sides and not just a spacer at the rear edge. I will be using 12mm & 17mm marine ply, mainly for noise absorption and 6mm ally plate. It will stay in the car 99% of the time, but able to be reverted back to original without much fuss.

Seats will be removed. It's nice to know you have that seating capacity, but I have only used those seats once anyway. Removing them will save some weight and allow space for spares, infrequent used tools, inverter, water pump and a larger capacity water tank.

I wanted a water tank behind the second row seats, but even with 900mm deep drawers, the off the shelf ones wouldn't fit.
With the fridge being so big, I need to use full extension 914mm sliders (these ones 227kg Locking Drawer Slide - Heavy Duty (http://dunnandwatson.com.au/shop/drawer-runners-direct/locking-drawer-slides-227kg-titan-series-2/) ) so when extended it will clear the upper tailgate panel mould and allow full opening. 864mm won't allow this. That makes for a total drawer length of 942mm. This doesn't leave much behind the rear seats. With the angle of the seats I would get a small tank of about 30lt; but with removing the seats, I can use that space below the false floor on each side of the centre seat support which will stay and help support the floor. Should end up with around 50-70lt.

The other thing I really wanted was a pull out table built in to the fridge slide. Unfortunately the height of standard ones are between 110-130mm, which once again didn't allow the fridge to open. After many trial setups with the fridge and using bits and pieces to replicate the fridge slide angle and final height, I will use 6mm aluminium for this part which will allow a slide out table and full opening of fridge.

The fixed drawer side will have a slide out top to allow access to the removed seat space below the floor. Something like this;

122775


The fridge slide side and cover will be similar to this;

122776

A similar fridge and unit;

122777


My design drawings.
122773122774

Not everyone's cup of tea, but I think it ticks all my boxes. I'll post up a few picks in a month or so of the finished product.

[LRD414]

I have seen the Drifta drawers and they are just down the road from me. Would still like to know about access to the side pockets.
Access to the side pockets is possible but tight. I have left the factory scissor jack in the right side. Access to the wheel winder is provided via hole in base of unit. You have to unload one drawer to operate the ratchet and with a well-packed drawer this takes very little time. A thread detailing socket adapters for the winder is linked below. If the 3rd row is removed the space under is quite easily utilised via further holes in the base.

It's over two years now and I'm still very happy with the Drifta unit. It's been used on a few long and many short trips. We have always been able to camp close to or right beside the vehicle, so I find with smart packing within the drawers that everything is easily accessible. It always comes out when back home, being only used for trips.

If I was buying one now? I would get Drifta again and would probably get the same configuration. I would ask for a few more cutouts in non-critical areas to reduce weight. It's not excessively heavy but every little bit helps. The skinny spaces on each side between unit and trim can be awkward to utilise because of the turnbuckles that hold down the unit getting in the way but I've found a few things that can slide in (burner wind break, small shovel and wood saw). Sometimes I would like a smaller unit with perhaps just one drawer and fridge slide but not often enough to warrant doing anything about it.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/05/917.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/U1qqoF)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/89279d1421043471-d3-d4-rear-fitouts-p1040019-copy.jpg

Here's a couple of thread links that gave me inspiration and ideas:
D3 D4 rear fitouts (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/205055-d3-d4-rear-fitouts.html)
Drawer System (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/105305-drawer-system.html)
D3/D4 - Build yourself a Custom Storage Drawer unit. (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-and-tutorials/138015-d3-d4-build-yourself-custom-storage-drawer-unit.html)

Wheel Winder Adapter thread link:
Spare wheel winder access via socket extension (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/152910-spare-wheel-winder-access-via-socket-extension-6.html)

Cheers,
Scott

[Redback]

BMKal, I can see all the advantages you are talking about. Very interesting setup, though not cheap initially. 3 cars in, probably paid for itself. I see that you have a rear wheel carrier and I am assuming no spare under the back. So, could you access the rear wheel winder with the BOAB unit in place?

Good to hear about the solar panel because that is one of the things I wanted to fit in the back.

Trngia, I have seen the Drifta drawers and they are just down the road from me. Would still like to know about access to the side pockets. Might have to send a PM to Scott who was writing about installing them.

Rob, good looking slide. I can see the uses for it.

All the best,

Laurie

I have the standard 2 drawer setup, when I spoke to luke he mentioned that they will build the drawers however you want at no extra cost, so if you want them narrower they will build them for you, we asked for ours to be a touch higher, 300mm instead of 270mm, not an issue and at no extra cost, give them a ring or drop in for a chat.

[Strop]

Scott & Redback, I will probably drive down to Gloucester for a coffee at some stage and have a look at Drifta. They do sell a lot of kit now. I am glad this is something that I can not just jump into - gives me some breathing room & design time. I hope all sit down and drag out the pen and paper to rough out the design they want/need.

I had another look at the Drifta site at the combo fridge/drawer setup. Liked it the first time I saw it. It was very interesting to see all the cutouts on the unit. I am sure they could have a few more as well to lessen the units weight. The ability to get to the turnbuckles for easy tightening appears great. The same can be said for the cutouts on the bottom to access under the unit if the seats have been taken out. Also how they have the last cutout for the spare wheel winder. All well thought through. The drawers on teflon runners should make getting them in and out easy with no need to unpack them, depending on the weight they can carry (That is a question I will have to ask them). I am assuming the install process would be placing the framework in place, tightening it down with the turnbuckles and then putting in the drawers (loaded/unloaded) and the fridge. I am assuming that there is a locking mechanism to stop the drawers just sliding all the way out. They look well made. They say this unit is 50 Kg but I am assuming this is without the fridge slide and table. That would bring it up to around 65 Kg maybe a bit more.

The two drawer unit weighs 35 Kg without a top mounted fridge slide. So roughly 50Kg when slide fitted.

The Drifta units have that great kitchen in a drawer setup which must be taken into consideration if you are doing any touring without cooking facilities. Depends on how fancy you want to get. The cost really does add up though.

I have to admit I have just seen a 4WD Supa Centre drawer unit advertised for $370. I know they are not Australian made and I have no knowledge of their quality. Weigh 71Kg a bit more than the Drifta units and the drawers are smaller in depth. The price makes them very attractive. The BLUE carpet makes them UGLY compared to the Black Marine Carpet. They do not have the lovely cutouts of the Drifta units, nor the ability to access the wheel winder. The fridge will be mounted higher making it more difficult for shorter people to see in. The fridge can only be on the left side (their information). Not sure how difficult the drawers are to remove but wonder if they can be removed full or must be emptied.

Neither of the units have the flexibility of the BOAB units to have boxes to carry to an appropriate location. Though you can get lovely stackable storage boxes from Bunnings that are perhaps very useful if you wanted to build your own unit. I have thought of building my own unit but when you add up the price of all the pieces you need you come back to that price from the 4WD Supa Centre. God I hate that blue carpet.

For my specific unit I need to fit a solar panel into the design. The folding panel is 700mm x 800mm x 80mm. No matter what way I go I want to raise the drawer unit up 100mm so the solar panel can slide under the unit out of the way. Doesn't change anything with the Drifta unit but with every other unit I can now access the wheel winder by sliding the solar panel out and using a socket extension. It also limits the size of the fridge I can carry in the back. 50 Litre fridge will just about max it out. Height problem to see in fridge just made worse.

Then there are those times you want to put something in the back when your storage unit is in place. Is the flat two drawer system better then the stacked one as you still have a little bit of flat space to use.

It is all still going around in my head. I am still thinking that I need to know what I want to put in the drawers to determine the size required. Lots of threads, articles and other sources on rescue equipment being read. Thank heavens to limited finances so I have to wait and consider all options.

All the best,

Laurie

[LRD414]

depending on the weight they can carry (That is a question I will have to ask them). I am assuming the install process would be placing the framework in place, tightening it down with the turnbuckles and then putting in the drawers (loaded/unloaded) and the fridge. I am assuming that there is a locking mechanism to stop the drawers just sliding all the way out. They look well made. They say this unit is 50 Kg but I am assuming this is without the fridge slide and table. That would bring it up to around 65 Kg maybe a bit more.
Laurie, the drawers can carry a lot of weight and still operate smoothly.
Each drawer has a locking handle, you can see this in my photos.
You are correct about the install/remove process.
The quoted weights seem high. Two of us carry the unit when empty quite easily.
What we typically do is remove the drawers and the table and just shift the carcass with fridge slide. Then reinstall the drawers and table. I would have guessed a total weight of 40kg but that's not very scientific or accurate. Carrying loaded drawers would depend on what you put in them but they are certainly easy to put in and out of the unit.

Scott

[pawky]

Here's ours. This photo was taken at Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) in the middle of a big trip.
We have 3 young kids and this works perfectly for us. We carried 2 spares (one up top and one underneath the vehicle). If we punctured 2 tyres in quick succession we were able to remove the drawers in only 5 mins or so to access the spare underneath (luckily that didn't happen though).

122869

[Mungus]

Then there are those times you want to put something in the back when your storage unit is in place. Is the flat two drawer system better then the stacked one as you still have a little bit of flat space to use.

Laurie

Thanks Strop! [thumbsupbig] That point has just given me an excellent idea. As I intend to leave the unit in 99% of the time, I'll look into making the centre divider half the width of the fridge slide (about 150mm higher than what it is now to protect the fridge without the cover in place) and same on the other side of slide; both hinged so they fold flat when the fridge is not in use. Hey presto flat floor for around town storage of larger items. Back to the drawing board it is then!

[DiscoMick]

Hey Strop have you considered mounting the solar on the roof?
It could either be permanently mounted like ours, or it could be on drawer slides under a roof rack and be slid out when camped, so other stuff could still be put on top of the rack.
I have seen a Front Runner rack with a panel on runners under the back. When stopped the panel just slid out to work.
Just a bit of lateral thinking.

[Strop]

Mungus, pleased to help. I too only want to take the storage out when I have to but shopping is important.

Pawky, thank you for that photo. Very different but interesting. I think I can see in you photo that there is an elastic band attached to your unit up the top . This can then be attached to the fixing on the yellow plastic containers to hold them in place. I was trying to figure out a way to do this in case I came up with a system using plastic cases. If you have a chance I would love some more photos. It looked a good solution.

DiscoMick, never thought of that. I will keep it in the back of my mind. I use my panel mainly for my teardrop trailer and was thinking of the convenience of carrying it in the car. The underfloor storage Zi designed into the teardrop is not convenient enough. My panel is a folding one but I can see how it would work well for a fixed panel. I don't want a permanent fixture at this time.

I was actually thinking that you could put a piece of 4"x2" timber or similar aluminum tubing under the 2 side edges of any storage unit to lift it so I can slide the solar panels underneath when I need to carry them. The turnbuckles would pull the unit down and keep the lifting blocks in place.

All the best

Laurie

[rocket rod]

Laurie

If your going to see the guys at Drifta why don't you ask them to look at a better way to lock the unit to the floor. On my drawers I made the base wide enough so I can bolt it down to the luggage points. This frees up a heap of room next to the drawers. Possibly fitting your solar panel. Another area to look very closely at is underneath the middle row of seats. I have all my recovery gear & tyre repair stuff there. Very easy to get at without unloading the car.

I haven't figure out yet how to use the space where the 3rd row seats fold into to or in my case where they put the jack etc but I'm sure it could be used for water storage in a bladder or similar given it is being sat on by the drawers.

Have fun
Rod

[Redback]

Laurie, the drawers can carry a lot of weight and still operate smoothly.
Each drawer has a locking handle, you can see this in my photos.
You are correct about the install/remove process.
The quoted weights seem high. Two of us carry the unit when empty quite easily.
What we typically do is remove the drawers and the table and just shift the carcass with fridge slide. Then reinstall the drawers and table. I would have guessed a total weight of 40kg but that's not very scientific or accurate. Carrying loaded drawers would depend on what you put in them but they are certainly easy to put in and out of the unit.

Scott

Laurie, I'm with Scott, that quoted weight does seem high, I reckon empty with my fridge slide about 40kg, I don't have the slide out table in mine, we use the tail gate or a roll up aluminium table, it's a lot lighter.

[DiscoMick]

Mungus, pleased to help. I too only want to take the storage out when I have to but shopping is important.

Pawky, thank you for that photo. Very different but interesting. I think I can see in you photo that there is an elastic band attached to your unit up the top . This can then be attached to the fixing on the yellow plastic containers to hold them in place. I was trying to figure out a way to do this in case I came up with a system using plastic cases. If you have a chance I would love some more photos. It looked a good solution.

DiscoMick, never thought of that. I will keep it in the back of my mind. I use my panel mainly for my teardrop trailer and was thinking of the convenience of carrying it in the car. The underfloor storage Zi designed into the teardrop is not convenient enough. My panel is a folding one but I can see how it would work well for a fixed panel. I don't want a permanent fixture at this time.

I was actually thinking that you could put a piece of 4"x2" timber or similar aluminum tubing under the 2 side edges of any storage unit to lift it so I can slide the solar panels underneath when I need to carry them. The turnbuckles would pull the unit down and keep the lifting blocks in place.

All the best

Laurie
No worries, just a thought.
The solar for our camper trailer lives under the bed inside.

[Strop]

Scott & Baz, you are probably correct. I was looking at the one with the kitchen. Dual drawer vertical unit - 25Kg. Fridge unit no weight indicated but guessing would max out at 10 Kg. Fridge Slide 12-14 Kg so around 40 Kg sounds correct.

When I revisited the Drifta site I read a FAQ item about building your own and mentioning that sourcing gear, e pertinent errors etc all add up. I could not agree with them more.

Very rarely do you get it right on your first attempt. I am already planning the build of my next teardrop camper, knowing a lot more after my first build. You pay for that experience and service levels - not just with Drifta.

All the best

Laurie

[jon3950]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/05/917.jpg[/url]


What's that smart looking vehicle lurking in the background of that photo Scott? [bigwhistle]

Having had the Boab and the Drifta now I would choose the Drifta. The Boab was appealing because of the ability to take the boxes out. I had different boxes for different purposes depending on what I was doing. However we always camp next to the vehicle so it wasn't a big deal.

I like the Drifta because they are a simple design and DON'T ****ING RATTLE. You can also make them whatever size you want. This can make packing far more efficient if you give it some thought. The other thing with the Boabs is the frames are quite heavy as they are steel.

Cheers,
Jon

[rhinosm]

So I was looking seriously at the BOAB style of drawers, with plastic tubs for flexibility.
Then Jon has mentioned noise, which never occurred to me.
Is it a problem?
Do the tubs bounce around?

[letherm]

For occasional use, when we had a Pajero, we just bought some plastic drawers of various sizes. It worked well as a cost effective solution. Then again, we didn't have a fridge and I stored recovery gear etc under the floor where the third seat row used to be. The third seat was easy to take in and out as it was designed to be either under the floor or in the usable position but we usually left it out.


Just a thought for non serious use.


Martin

[Strop]

Isn't it funny how a quick off hand comment makes you rethink everything. Noise, I hate noise. I hate rattles with a passion. I was having a hard time not buying Titan even though I hated the Blue Carpet - the price difference was the main thing. But, something rattling in that back would drive me even more bonkers than I am. I am so glad you said that Jon.

I did see a second hand drifts set for sale on Gumtree. Just too far from me.

All the best,

Laurie

[jon3950]

So I was looking seriously at the BOAB style of drawers, with plastic tubs for flexibility.
Then Jon has mentioned noise, which never occurred to me.
Is it a problem?
Do the tubs bounce around?

It's not a huge problem but I did find it a little annoying. It's not the tubs but the frames they sit on. They are mounted to ball bearing sliders which always have a little clearance which gets worse as they wear. Because the frames are quite open and made of steel they amplify the noise.

Of course it didn't help that I overloaded them a bit. [biggrin] However I'm carrying at least as much in the Drifta with no problem as there's nothing that can rattle. The plastic boxes can't carry a great deal of weight and I cracked a couple carrying recovery gear because they are only supported around the edges on a piece of angle.

It was never a constant rattle, just something that would come and go, often from screws coming loose. I wouldn't give it a second thought in the Defender but the D4 was so quiet every little noise become distracting. They served me well for quite a long time, but I just prefer the simplicity of the Drifta.

Cheers,
Jon

[Aussie Jeepster]

I'm currently transitioning from a Perentie to my new D3 and I'm experimenting with the Space Cases which I used in the Perentie. Not sure yet how it might work, but I can make a very modular storage system out of the 4 large boxes and 3 smaller cases which I currently have.
When I had them in the Perentie, I removed them when I camped and used them for table stands or other things. I don't see the Disco being any different.
With the Perentie, I slept in the back, with the disco, I'll be using an Oztent which will be transported on the yet to be fitted roofrack.
122977122978122979

[BMKal]

So I was looking seriously at the BOAB style of drawers, with plastic tubs for flexibility.
Then Jon has mentioned noise, which never occurred to me.
Is it a problem?
Do the tubs bounce around?

Tubs in mine don't move at all. In fact, they are a pretty snug fit. I have never noticed any noise from the BOAB system in any of the three vehicles I've had it installed in. [wink11]

[rhinosm]

I've notice that Front Runner Outfitters have a similar system to BOAB.
Using the same plastic boxes, available thru Opposite Lock.
Does anyone know if the are one in the same,rebranded or coincidence.
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/au/storage-systems/drawers/front-runner-drawer-single-height-double-width-1252mm-long.html
Its a great thread, certainly gets the creative juices flowing.[bigsmile1]

[Redback]

I've notice that Front Runner Outfitters have a similar system to BOAB.
Using the same plastic boxes, available thru Opposite Lock.
Does anyone know if the are one in the same,rebranded or coincidence.
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/au/storage-systems/drawers/front-runner-drawer-single-height-double-width-1252mm-long.html
Its a great thread, certainly gets the creative juices flowing.[bigsmile1]

No they are a different company and BOAB is a drawer system(ie)sliding drawers, made by Dollium, Frontrunner is a different company, and their system is removable boxes in a frame.

[rhinosm]

Thanks Baz

Boab seem to have system using slides and removable boxes also.
They look very similar.

[Redback]

There ya go, didn't see those on their website, I'll stick with Drifta I think, been very good so far, I tried the whole box setup once, didn't like it, the box you wanted was alway either on the bottom or at the back, having everything in one drawer is much better, we have a devider to seperate things and the drawer opens all the way out for easy access to everything.

[Mungus]

Calculated the weight of my latest drawer design including false floor to be 75kgs + carpet, so seats will definitely be coming out. Calculated 3mm ali with ply drawer and could save around 20kgs but not keen.

I'm guessing removal of drawer system water tank, including false floor (which will include drop down in tubs for lower storage) would take an hour or so.

For those that have done it, how long does it take to remove third row seats?
Any guesses as to how long it would take to refit the seats?

[Redback]

Calculated the weight of my latest drawer design including false floor to be 75kgs + carpet, so seats will definitely be coming out. Calculated 3mm ali with ply drawer and could save around 20kgs but not keen.

I'm guessing removal of drawer system water tank, including false floor (which will include drop down in tubs for lower storage) would take an hour or so.

For those that have done it, how long does it take to remove third row seats?
Any guesses as to how long it would take to refit the seats?

I'd allow 30mins, the seats don't seperate and are joined by a flimsey piece of metal, so be careful when pulling them out, idealy it's a 2 person job to not damage anything cause they are heavy and awkward, remember to put the retaining bolts back in to block up the holes.

[DiscoMick]

OffRoad Systems 4WD Drawers Toyota Prado, Landcruiser, Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero (http://www.offroadsystems.com.au/pricelist_Landrover_Defender.html)
No rattling from mine.

[BMKal]

There ya go, didn't see those on their website, I'll stick with Drifta I think, been very good so far, I tried the whole box setup once, didn't like it, the box you wanted was alway either on the bottom or at the back, having everything in one drawer is much better, we have a devider to seperate things and the drawer opens all the way out for easy access to everything.

Mine's a BOAB system with four removable boxes on a frame Baz. [wink11]

I'm hearing ya on the comment that whenever you want things, it's always in one of the back boxes - or you can't remember which box it is in and you end up searching through them all - and the item you want is ALWAYS in the last box that you look in. [bawl]

I've recently overcome this to some extent by painting a section of each lid white, and listing the contents of each box on the lid using whiteboard markers. Now as long as nobody swaps the lids around ........................ :bat::bat::bat:

The great thing about having the removable boxes is that you can quickly lift boxes out of the system and take them and their contents to where you need them. Great on camping trips - we use one box as a "pantry" and another contains cookware / plates / cutlery etc. Much easier having these items where you are cooking than having to go back and forward to the back of the vehicle every time you need something. [wink11]

And when you get home, you can simply lift the boxes and their contents that you do not need in the vehicle on a day to day basis out and store them in the shed, reducing the weight in the back of the vehicle and freeing up the room on the bottom drawer slide for other uses. You can even purchase additional boxes if you want them for other purposes (work related maybe). I leave only one box in the back when I'm at home. It has a bit of basic recovery gear, a few tools and some tie-downs etc that I might use to chuck something on the roofrack down at Bunnings. I have made up plywood panels that sit in the "frame" where the other three boxes would normally reside. When we go out on big shopping trips, the bulk of the shopping goes in here, with the cold stuff in the fridge on top.

From my experience with having this system in three vehicles now (two Disco's and a Prado) - I would never buy a system with fixed drawers only .................. but everyone has their own preferences. [wink11]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/05/494.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/y6ayx5ti7/)

[g5k]

Anyone recommend a setup that is painless to install and remove? We need to keep access to the 7 seats between trips so would install for trips only.

[RobA]

Anyone recommend a setup that is painless to install and remove? We need to keep access to the 7 seats between trips so would install for trips only.

If you go to my post on page one you will see our solution. Simply remove four long bolts where the tie-downs are and two people can easily slide it out all inside 10". BTW it weighs less than 25kg but with the folds in the tray making for a very strong, rigid and quiet tray system. Flexibility and access to the spare wheel winder guaranteed

Rob

[AndrewM]

... painless to install and remove?
I'm very happy with my Drifta drawers which I had in the D3 and now in the D4. They only take a few minutes to install for one person and are held in place with 4 turnbuckles attached to the 4 tie down points. Component wieghts are carcass 22kg, drawers 7kg and 8kg, and the optional table about 3kg. So all up about 40kg.

This is without the MSA DS40 fridge drop slider that I have bolted on top of the carcass and weighs in at a staggering 35kg! Great device, but almost a 2 person installation job. I'm thinking of trying to rebuilding it with an aluminium base and side frames.

Andrew

[BMKal]

Anyone recommend a setup that is painless to install and remove? We need to keep access to the 7 seats between trips so would install for trips only.

The BOAB system I have shown above is secured in place by four turnbuckles attached to the existing Land Rover luggage tie-down points in the rear of the vehicle. Couldn't be simpler. [wink11]

I would imagine that many of the other systems discussed on here are secured in a similar fashion.

I can remove my system by myself in no more than about 10 minutes.

Empty and remove the fridge.
Remove the four plastic boxes from the drawer system.
Undo and disconnect the four turnbuckles, one on each corner of the "box".
Lift the drawer box assembly out of the back of the vehicle - without the fridge and the plastic boxes, it is not heavy at all.