Thread: New Storage Box

Rod, you can shed a significant amount of weight by removing the third row seats if you haven't already done so. Also, (as you have a Mitch Hitch) did you remove the OEM towbar holder bracket from the rear left hand compartment? Weighs half a ton!

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

Rod, you can shed a significant amount of weight by removing the third row seats if you haven't already done so. Also, (as you have a Mitch Hitch) did you remove the OEM towbar holder bracket from the rear left hand compartment? Weighs half a ton!

I didn't, but I don't know what part you mean. Can you explain further?

Originally Posted by rocket rod

I didn't, but I don't know what part you mean. Can you explain further?

My D4 came with a heavy steel bracket that contained a foam cutout in the shape of a UK goose neck tow bar and ball. It was completely redundant as the tow pack included the D4 locking tow bar assembly. The bracket was mounted behind the LH rear storage compartment opening. The entire compartment cover had to be removed to remove it, but I needed to do that to remove the seat belts.

If you don't need the third row seats, I would recommend their removal. They weigh 38.6Kg and you free up quite a bit of space. I have an ARB compressor, jumper leads, fire extinguisher, three snatch blocks, sling, 30m winch rope and various shackles etc under a false floor. Probably adds up to near 30Kg, but I would have had to house them somewhere anyway.

Originally Posted by rocket rod

I was thinking of using square section aluminium to create a frame and them use plastic storage boxes to act as drawers ...... The only problem is I can't find any suppliers of the aluminium that I want. .... Does anyone know of suitable suppliers? Has anyone tried this method before?

A few places have the modular aluminium storage components, including Bunnings:
Aluminium Components available from Bunnings Warehouse

Qubelok is another:
View our Qubelok Online Catalogue - Alumnium Trade Centre

I've seen a couple of good frames made using this gear on the forum and will probably go for this style when doing an expedition setup.

Cheers,
Scott

Get it from Capral if you can, about 1/2 or less than the bunnings prices. About $25 for a 6.4m length and $1-$3 for the fittings.

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

My D4 came with a heavy steel bracket that contained a foam cutout in the shape of a UK goose neck tow bar and ball. It was completely redundant as the tow pack included the D4 locking tow bar assembly. The bracket was mounted behind the LH rear storage compartment opening. The entire compartment cover had to be removed to remove it, but I needed to do that to remove the seat belts.

If you don't need the third row seats, I would recommend their removal. They weigh 38.6Kg and you free up quite a bit of space. I have an ARB compressor, jumper leads, fire extinguisher, three snatch blocks, sling, 30m winch rope and various shackles etc under a false floor. Probably adds up to near 30Kg, but I would have had to house them somewhere anyway.

I purchased a 5 seater and the jack, tow hook etc are in a foam cut out where the seats would fold into. I can't see anything in the LH rear cavity but thanks for the suggestion.

Originally Posted by rocket rod

I purchased a 5 seater and the jack, tow hook etc are in a foam cut out where the seats would fold into. I can't see anything in the LH rear cavity but thanks for the suggestion.

My mistake, I assumed yours was a 7 seater. Wow! You're still 60Kg over GVM? Not a lot of beer room!

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

My mistake, I assumed yours was a 7 seater. Wow! You're still 60Kg over GVM? Not a lot of beer room!

I bet you everyone that has set their car up as a tourer with all the usual fruit (bars, winch etc) will be over the limit. It doesn't take much.