Drawers for D1,D2,D3 and Defender $950

[Jimbo61]

Hi, I'm Jim and I own Best Off Road.

We've been building quality, affordable Drawer Systems for three years at our factory in Melbourne.

We do Two Drawer Units for the Discos. The D2 and D3 bolt into the luggage hook points and take about ten minutes to fit. The D1 requires drilling some holes in the floor.

The Defender is a Single Drawer Unit. To ensure strength is has a steel rail running underneath the deck to support heavy loads.

They are extremely strong yet light (40 to 45 kg).

All units come with a two year warranty and we freight Australia wide.

Check out our website

Car Drawers, Car storage and Camper Trailers | Best Off Road (http://bestoffroad.net.au)

Cheers,

Jim Best.

[Disco_owner]

Hi Jim

I quite like the double stacker

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

how much for the above units ? are those still $950?

[Jimbo61]

Hi Jim

I quite like the double stacker

http://bestoffroad.net.au/thumbnailmedium/P1010778.JPG

how much for the above units ? are those still $950?

Excellent question. I'll whip into my website and make that more clear.

No they are $1400 including the fridge slide.

Cheers,

Jim.

[Disco_owner]

that is a very reasonable price for the double stacker compared to the black widow or outback designs I've seen which are up around the $2k.

would a 40L engel fridge fit in easily enough in a N-S orientation into the back of a Disco 1 ?

[Jimbo61]

that is a very reasonable price for the double decker compared to the black widow or outback design I've seen which are up around the $2k.

would a 40L engel fridge fit in easily enough in a N-S orientation into the back of a Disco 1 ?

It would be tight. I'm in the middle of redesigning a D1 unit (two drawers side by side) with a cargo barrier fitted. Based on the dimensions of that unit (given that the cargo barrier pinches some of the available length) it would be a close call.

Until I can measure up a D1 without a CB I can't give you a definitive answer.

Cheers,

Jim.

[dullbird]

hey Jim

I'm curious to know if have you fitted any units to the new puma defender? and if so has it had a cargo barrier fitted.

So far we are looking at having a draw custom built....

I do like your units that are very well made..but the Puma has subtly differences over the older TD5.



the seat boxes have a step down on the top to accommodate rear seats..this I dont think would effect fitting of the draw but may effect aesthetics
the second set of seats also have large anchor points with plastic surrounds on the floor for the flipping of the second row...I wonder if this would interfere
also I believe the second row of seats also sit back a fraction further meaning possibly that cargo barriers are also situated slightly further back..again I wonder if this would interfere with the fitting of a draw.

Hopefully you have fitted one and can answer all my questions..we are looking to fit a Milford barrier to ours in the not so distant future and looking to have a draw in at the same time...if your unit fits would be a considerable contender:)

[Jimbo61]

hey Jim

I'm curious to know if have you fitted any units to the new puma defender? and if so has it had a cargo barrier fitted.

So far we are looking at having a draw custom built....

I do like your units that are very well made..but the Puma has subtly differences over the older TD5.



the seat boxes have a step down on the top to accommodate rear seats..this I dont think would effect fitting of the draw but may effect aesthetics
the second set of seats also have large anchor points with plastic surrounds on the floor for the flipping of the second row...I wonder if this would interfere
also I believe the second row of seats also sit back a fraction further meaning possibly that cargo barriers are also situated slightly further back..again I wonder if this would interfere with the fitting of a draw.
Hopefully you have fitted one and can answer all my questions..we are looking to fit a Milford barrier to ours in the not so distant future and looking to have a draw in at the same time...if your unit fits would be a considerable contender:)

It really is just a matter of dimensions. It is basically a case of keying the numbers into the computer and the machine does the rest. If you have a look at our website you will see that we can make units to fit damn near anything.

www.bestoffroad.net.au (http://www.bestoffroad.net.au)

I can see that I am going to be asked a lot of questions. I will put these altogether and visit a Land Rover Dealer later in the week to make all necessary measurements.

Cheers,

Jim.

[dullbird]

It really is just a matter of dimensions. It is basically a case of keying the numbers into the computer and the machine does the rest. If you have a look at our website you will see that we can make units to fit damn near anything.

www.bestoffroad.net.au (http://www.bestoffroad.net.au)

I can see that I am going to be asked a lot of questions. I will put these altogether and
visit a Land Rover Dealer later in the week to make all necessary measurements.Cheers,

Jim.

This is a good idea Jim, but can I just say what you really need is one with a cargo barrier in it....people have already fitted draws to there puma's but dont have full barriers in them and are now looking to fit the barrier realising that it may be difficult..

your not going to get a puma at the dealership with a barrier in it...of course you don't have to make them to fit a barrier, however you will find that most people that fit draws fit barriers. and namely most often the Milford...although milford have only just released their barrier for the Puma so not many people have them fitted yet and hence why some people got the draw before the barrier because milford were so slow.

[weeds]

do cargo barriers have to comply to any sort of standard?

my cargo barrier is home made and built into my home made drawer system, if i was ever to take the draws out (not likely) but it would mean i would not have a cargo barrier

[dullbird]

I thought cargo barriers had to comply with australian ADR's just like anything fitted to a car to some degree...thats why Landrover never sold there full barrier over here for the Puma as they do not comply.

in saying that I think the same may possibly apply in the uk, thats why they get called dog guards not cargo barriers...as I don tthink they are then subjected to the same compliance

[Jimbo61]

With most 4wd's we do units to suit with or without a CB. That is to say the width and height remain the same and we just make the unit a bit shorter (typically 60 to 90 mm) to allow for the CB.

If you could fond the time to take a couple of shots and email them to me I will have a better idea of what to look for. A picture is worth a thousand words :)


This is a good idea Jim, but can I just say what you really need is one with a cargo barrier in it....people have already fitted draws to there puma's but dont have full barriers in them and are now looking to fit the barrier realising that it may be difficult..

your not going to get a puma at the dealership with a barrier in it...of course you don't have to make them to fit a barrier, however you will find that most people that fit draws fit barriers. and namely most often the Milford...although milford have only just released their barrier for the Puma so not many people have them fitted yet and hence why some people got the draw before the barrier because milford were so slow.

[Jimbo61]

do cargo barriers have to comply to any sort of standard?

my cargo barrier is home made and built into my home made drawer system, if i was ever to take the draws out (not likely) but it would mean i would not have a cargo barrier

Yes there is an ADR regarding Cargo Barriers. They must go through a "drop test" that involves dropping a weight (can't remember how much) from a height of four or five metres and then they must only deform to a certain limit.

This ADR applies to manufacturers of CB's (which we are not). Whether or not you are breaking any laws fitting a home made job I'm not qualified to answer.

Cheers,

Jim.

[dmdigital]

With most 4wd's we do units to suit with or without a CB. That is to say the width and height remain the same and we just make the unit a bit shorter (typically 60 to 90 mm) to allow for the CB.

If you could fond the time to take a couple of shots and email them to me I will have a better idea of what to look for. A picture is worth a thousand words :)

Jim I can do this in the next few days as my 08 Defender is completely empty in the rear - apart from a few buckets of dust - at present.

[Jimbo61]

Thanks, that would be wonderful.


Jim I can do this in the next few days as my 08 Defender is completely empty in the rear - apart from a few buckets of dust - at present.

[dullbird]

Jim I can do this in the next few days as my 08 Defender is completely empty in the rear - apart from a few buckets of dust - at present.

derek didn't you say your cargo barrier was mounted different to the milford ones? if it is perhaps we can get the other puma member that has had one fitted recently to give pics also...can't remember his name though I would need to go search for his post

[dmdigital]

derek didn't you say your cargo barrier was mounted different to the milford ones? if it is perhaps we can get the other puma member that has had one fitted recently to give pics also...can't remember his name though I would need to go search for his post

Hmmm... good point. I'll get some pic's of mine tomorrow, this afternoon was a right-off - first day back at work:o - and at home still going through mail and all the other stuff as well as unpacking and stowing :(

I think someone should get the Milford pic's in a Puma as well if they can. I can do it for a Tdi.

[cucinadio]

looks like i didnt do a bad job after all...:D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/10/1374.jpg

cheers

[Jimbo61]

Disco Driver,

I've done a measure and an Engel 40 is about 50mm too long unfortunately. If you don't carry passengers and can fold the middle row of seats forward it certainly can be done.

Cheers,

Jim.

[Disco_owner]

Disco Driver,

I've done a measure and an Engel 40 is about 50mm too long unfortunately. If you don't carry passengers and can fold the middle row of seats forward it certainly can be done.

Cheers,

Jim.


:( won't be able to fold the back seats only because I usualy take the dggies in the back seats and/or passengers & rear parcel shelf is full of gear.

[Jimbo61]

cucinadio,

That is a work of art.

Cheers,

Jim.

[Chops]

With most 4wd's we do units to suit with or without a CB. That is to say the width and height remain the same and we just make the unit a bit shorter (typically 60 to 90 mm) to allow for the CB.

If you could fond the time to take a couple of shots and email them to me I will have a better idea of what to look for. A picture is worth a thousand words :)


A quick question for all,,
Why do we/you have to lose so much space, (60-90mm)? Is there a reason why the C/B cant be attatched to the top of the drawer system, as opposed to the floor of the car?.
If a drawer system that someone buy's (no-ones in particular, or even a home made unit) is bolted to the floor anyway, then presuming the system is well designed and manufactured to whatever the standards required, then the C/B could then be bolted straight to that. (?)
If your drawers are in the back on a more permanent basis, why do you need to have protection at the lower part of the rear seat?

Cheers, Chops

[dullbird]

A quick question for all,,
Why do we/you have to lose so much space, (60-90mm)? Is there a reason why the C/B cant be attatched to the top of the drawer system, as opposed to the floor of the car?.
If a drawer system that someone buy's (no-ones in particular, or even a home made unit) is bolted to the floor anyway,
then presuming the system is well designed and manufactured to whatever the standards required, then the C/B could then be bolted straight to that. (?)
If your drawers are in the back on a more permanent basis, why do you need to have protection at the lower part of the rear seat?

Cheers, Chops
we opted not to have a half barrier which I think you may possibly suggesting in the first half of this paragraph as if you take the draw out you have nothing..... the barrier has to come with it.

I also truly believe (although I have nothing to prove it) that a full barrier would be stronger in the event of a roll over....as I have not yet seen a half barrier that fits as well as a full barrier. (they may be out there but I haven't seen one)

The biggest thing for us is having the adaptability should be want to take the draw out for any reason.

[Mellow Yellow]

G'Day Jim,

I'd be interested in seeing a picture or two of a drawer installation in a Defender. The website doesn't have one, or not that I can see.

Also, what weight will a drawer carry and do you have dividers available?

Ta!

[Jimbo61]

G'Day Jim,

I'd be interested in seeing a picture or two of a drawer installation in a Defender. The website doesn't have one, or not that I can see.

Also, what weight will a drawer carry and do you have dividers available?

Ta!

The Units for the Defender that we have built have been freighted interstate, so unfortunately I don't have any shots.

They come with two dividers and will handle 150 kg.

Jim.

[Signal1]

would a 40L engel fridge fit in easily enough in a N-S orientation into the back of a Disco 1 ?

The 40ltr Engel fits N-S in the back of a D1 with full length cargo barrier in place sitting on a slide if you take the handles off and cut an envelope in the barrier mesh as the top edge of the fridge needs to poke through by about 10mm. Works well.

[VladTepes]

Have you mae anything up to fit a Defender 130 Tub ?
eg 1 or 2 drawers and a fridge slide, and with lift out "wing"panels ?

And if so - at what sort of $ would a johb like that come in at ?

[Les Parker]

Very tidy job...well done

[kram]

Hi all,
Jim is putting some in my defender in a few weeks - I will try and put some pics up and details of what he/ we did.

[scottygc]

Hi all,
Jim is putting some in my defender in a few weeks - I will try and put some pics up and details of what he/ we did.
would love to see the pics if you have them

[kram]

Ok well finally got some pics - Jim from Best off Road in Vic did a great job. I added the front panel with some legs on hinges so that we could sleep in the back if needed - was one of the most comfortable sleeps we have had in a long time.

The draw is great and the panels on the side provide room for maps and books etc - also the gap to alllow for the drawer openning/ door hinge is great to store the jack, fishing rods, rope and extra tools!

here are some pics - Thanks again to Jim!

[Sith]

I purchased a set for my defender .
Good work on them , but they dont fit well and are 50mm above the wheel arches which make them crap for fitting up a fridge .

I am peeved off seeing how well yours fit up in the pics above , feel I waisted my money .

[fclandy]

Hey, VladTepes, if you're after drawers for 130 tub, I have a set I removed when I replaced my tub with a tray. They were custom made by the previous owner and are very sturdy. The runners are 25mm square steel tube running on about 10 x 40mm bearings per runner (x 2 runners per drawer x 2 drawers) - very smooth.

Only problem is I'm in Melbourne and you're in Qld.

Still, if you're interested, email me fclandy @ gmail.com

[kram]

HI Sith,
Yeah it was discussed that they would be higher. If they wer made to fit level with the wheel arches the draw would only be 180mm in depth which isnt much - so I asked Jim if he could make up some panels to make it all flat (much nicer job). Im sure that if you asked Jim he could supply panels using mine as a template (im not sure if he kept the measurements but im happy to provide them).

[VladTepes]

Hey, VladTepes, if you're after drawers for 130 tub, I have a set I removed when I replaced my tub with a tray. They were custom made by the previous owner and are very sturdy. The runners are 25mm square steel tube running on about 10 x 40mm bearings per runner (x 2 runners per drawer x 2 drawers) - very smooth.

Only problem is I'm in Melbourne and you're in Qld.

Still, if you're interested, email me fclandy @ gmail.com

Will do.

[Sith]

mine dont even fit side to side , there is 75mm each side of wasted space

please email me the spec's !!

silvabak@iinet.net.au



HI Sith,
Yeah it was discussed that they would be higher. If they wer made to fit level with the wheel arches the draw would only be 180mm in depth which isnt much - so I asked Jim if he could make up some panels to make it all flat (much nicer job). Im sure that if you asked Jim he could supply panels using mine as a template (im not sure if he kept the measurements but im happy to provide them).

[kram]

Hi

I will take some more pics and measurements over the weekend and email them to you

Cheers

[Jimbo61]

I'm somewhat mystified here.

I can assure you Kram's and Sith's units are identical width. There is certainly a gap on the driver's side to allow for the hinge on the back door. We have maximised the useable space.

Sith's unit was the first Defender we did and was based on measurements taken at a LR dealership. I made it clear to Sith that the unit would be higher than the wheel arches.

Unfortunately when Sith ordered we were unable to do wing extensions as we need a car on site for some hours to measure and CAD them. Kram's car is the first Defender we have had on site.

I messaged Sith earlier today to advise him we could supply the wings now, should he be interested.

Jim.

[Sith]

how much and freight to Perth

[Sith]

From your pic's , mine has the same gap you have .... but mine is on both sides not just drivers side .
mine has a cargo barrier to so that wont allow for the rear section .





Ok well finally got some pics - Jim from Best off Road in Vic did a great job. I added the front panel with some legs on hinges so that we could sleep in the back if needed - was one of the most comfortable sleeps we have had in a long time.

The draw is great and the panels on the side provide room for maps and books etc - also the gap to alllow for the drawer openning/ door hinge is great to store the jack, fishing rods, rope and extra tools!

here are some pics - Thanks again to Jim!

[Rosco]

Hey Jimbo

You old bastard. I didn't realise until now that you'd been lurking around here ... ;)

Finally broadening your horizons ... good to see.

I have no affiliation with Jim or his business, but met him a few years back, and he's not a bad cove ............. for a non Landy driver .. :D:p

[DiscoMick]

We have a half cargo barrier in our D1. Does that make any difference to the measurements compared with a full barrier?
Also, would there be enough depth and width in either side section to install a battery? Removing the fold up seat would obviously make a difference. Would the battery be covered by an extension of the drawers?
Are these drawers easily removed? Sometimes we need the extra seats, so I'm wondering if I could easily put the drawers in when needed and leave them out when we need the seats.
Sorry about all the Qs.

[fishobob]

Ok well finally got some pics - Jim from Best off Road in Vic did a great job. I added the front panel with some legs on hinges so that we could sleep in the back if needed - was one of the most comfortable sleeps we have had in a long time.

The draw is great and the panels on the side provide room for maps and books etc - also the gap to alllow for the drawer openning/ door hinge is great to store the jack, fishing rods, rope and extra tools!

here are some pics - Thanks again to Jim!

Looks great mate. I've got a few questions for you if you don't mind and will also send Jim an email with some more questions..

By the look of it you have removed the rear seats from your Defender?

I'm looking at purchasing a new Defender and a set of drawers to go with it. Like yours, I'd like an extendable section on top of the drawers so I could sleep in the back on the odd occasion. Have you ever had the rear seats in with your drawer system in place? Is it possible to get an extendable section that covers the rear seats when they are folded down so you have a flat base to sleep on?

Cheers and the the best,
Rob

[kram]

Looks great mate. I've got a few questions for you if you don't mind and will also send Jim an email with some more questions..

By the look of it you have removed the rear seats from your Defender?

I'm looking at purchasing a new Defender and a set of drawers to go with it. Like yours, I'd like an extendable section on top of the drawers so I could sleep in the back on the odd occasion. Have you ever had the rear seats in with your drawer system in place? Is it possible to get an extendable section that covers the rear seats when they are folded down so you have a flat base to sleep on?

Cheers and the the best,
Rob

Hi Rob,

Yeah I removed the rear seats, mainly for extra storage for when we went away - we didnt need them in at all.

The wings next to the draw section are really good an hold quite a few things - as they are raised off the wheel arches by about 40mm or so I have put maps, books etc etc in there and in the gap that is on one side i put tools, jack, fishing rods etc etc - it will hold quite a bit of stuff.

There is one trick, when we put the drawers in we discovered that the tie down points for the seatbelts are just under the edge of the draw. At the time as I didnt need the seats I took the seat belts out as well.

Jim gave me a piece of marine ply and covered it with carpet. I put a couple of hinges to the edge of the drawer and then made some legs to support when flat. I hinged the legs and put a piece of velco on them so that when we needed to get stuff out from underneath we lifted up and the legs folded out of the way and stuck to the under side of the front panel. I can take some photos if you like.

Since returning I have taken the front panel out and I am hopefully going to put the seats back in on the weekend. I would say that the panel would be able to folded up when the seats are in (but you wont be able to see out the back window)

In my 1997 TDI the seats do not fold completely flat so that is why I took them out - not sure how the new model defenders rear seats fold - so you may be able to keep them in.

If you are close to jim and Best off Road you should perhaps drop in so that he may take some measurements (if it is a newer defender)

Let me know if there is anything else - p.s. it is really quite comfortable sleeping in the back when you need to pull over at a rest stop somewhere overnight! We had an oztrail double 4x4 mattress and it was really comfortable.

Cheers
Mark

[kram]

We have a half cargo barrier in our D1. Does that make any difference to the measurements compared with a full barrier?
Also, would there be enough depth and width in either side section to install a battery? Removing the fold up seat would obviously make a difference. Would the battery be covered by an extension of the drawers?
Are these drawers easily removed? Sometimes we need the extra seats, so I'm wondering if I could easily put the drawers in when needed and leave them out when we need the seats.
Sorry about all the Qs.

Hi Mick,

I guess it depends on how often you need to put the seats in and out - if it is only a few times a year then it shouldnt be too much of a problem. bbasically you remove the drawer and unscrew about four bolts that go through the floor.

Re the battery - the depth in mine from memory is about 220mm (thats the standard) but i will have to check.


Hope this helps

[VladTepes]

Hey, VladTepes, if you're after drawers for 130 tub, I have a set I removed when I replaced my tub with a tray. They were custom made by the previous owner and are very sturdy. The runners are 25mm square steel tube running on about 10 x 40mm bearings per runner (x 2 runners per drawer x 2 drawers) - very smooth.

Only problem is I'm in Melbourne and you're in Qld.

And they truned up today..

Haven't unpacked them yet though - that will be a job for the weekend.

You packed them very well they appear to have arrived in one piece.

Thanks Champ !!!! :twobeers: :thumbsup: