Member - Vince B (NSW) replied:

Hi Wayne-o.
I have seen some for a patrol on ebay recently but no idea if they are reasonably priced.
Vince

The Landy replied:

I think the 'weight' penalty and cost of some of the ready made drawers make them unattractive. Better off making a small frame into which you can slot some plastic storage boxes.

pepper2 replied:

There is a contributer to this forum sells new drawer systems for about $900 expect he may contact you

Sand Man (SA) replied:

This is not really going to help you Wayne, but I went through a similar dilemma a couple of years ago.

I checked out the commercial offerings and most of them were lacking in some form or other.

Then I went to a 4WD show and inspected the Black Widow product.

Yes, the Cargo Drawers were a considerable investment, but mate, they are a one off.

When I change vehicles, out they come and with a new pair of side wings at a significantly low cost, I can install them in my next vehicle.

So this feature, plus the overall build quality sold me on the Black Widow product.

No ties with the manufacturer, just a very satisfied customer.
They have been in for about two years now and out once for access to the inner panels when installing my camera cable, etc. and still no rattles to annoy me.

I simply justified the price as a once only, lifetime investment.

Crackles replied:

Having built a few systems for my own vehicles I can say they are a little more complicated than a bit of MDF covered in carpet. A fair bit of labour goes into one that is going to last.
Building one to suit your own needs is certainly the way to go if you have any hands on skills, subbying out the welding of the frame or bending up of the draws. Most of the commerical offerings are very heavy & are pretty much a permanent fixture in the car, often the draws not fitting your camping gear.
For a grand you should be able to build one with a couple of draws, fridge slide & cargo barrier.
Cheers Craig........................

Wizard1 replied:

Several years ago I too was looking at the $ 1000+ draws. Then I tought, can't be that hard, its just a big cupboard with draws.

So I built a big cupboard with draws. Marine ply, MDF. some angle alunimium, a couple of Hafele ball bearing draw runners, some marine carpet and a Waeco fridge slide and there you go at a 10th of the price..

Its been in there now since 2002, travelled some terrible roads in the NT and QLD. Carryed hand winces, chains, etc in the draws and it is still fine.

So if your handy give it a go and save a few bucks.

Vince NSW replied:

Member on this site has a set of plans he is happy for people to look at. geocacher.
I am in the process of making a set for the Navara, may take a few months as I don't have much free time.
If you contact Dave he has the plans on his web site.
Hope this helps
Vince

On Patrol (Aust.) replied:

Wayne-o
August 2007 issue of Overland Mag has details of DIY drawers that might help you if you can cut a piece of MDF or Ply straight.

It lists the bits you need and where you might look for them.

Maybe worth a look.
Colin.

Brew34.5(SA) replied:

I made my own for about $200. Quebelok systems are just like playing lego when you were a kid.

Member - Uncle (NSW) replied:

Wayne,
I look at it this way mate, ya only live this life once, if ya got the money , just buy 'em. and after lookin at your rig page, whats another 1 to 2 grand?? Just do it mate!! cheers Unc.

Member - graeme W (WA) replied:

Mate made mine out of ally and we used blue board the same stuff they use on boat trailers to slide them on.Mine are in a tray back with an ally canopy and have a marine ply top so we can sleep on top.They are a metre deep by 600 wide [Each one]and the depth of the draw is 200 deep.Cost was about one third of buying a reco brand and they are about one third the weight.He is a very clever guy.