AnswerID: 270096 Submitted: Sunday, Nov 04, 2007 at 20:51
Member - Robin M (VIC)
replied:
Hello Senk,
This post is not directly answering your question, but I am keen to point out an alternative to spending money on expensive fittings. I built a set of wooden
drawers which can be quickly installed and removed in order that the full load space of my Hilux twin cab ute is available when I'm not touring about.
The
cargo drawers are shallow - 90mm high - and run almost the full length of the Hilux tub. They accommodate the tent poles, snatch straps, flouro light, spade, bottle of red wine etc, in fact any flat-type object in common use when
camping.
The
drawers slide back and forth within two longitudinally-mounted weight-bearing pontoons whose rails fit into the flutes of the tub. At the front, these pontoons are secured to a wooden cross member which runs across the tub and is screwed down ahead of each wheel arch with a turnbuckle connected to the Hilux's cargo tie-down points. The
drawers actually slide on the floor of the tub. They don't require any fixtures - slides or catches; they are secured inside (under) the pontoons and travel between the side rails, a bearer across the front and the tailgate of the tub. The rear of each pontoon is secured to the tub with bracket and self-tapping screws.
Each pontoon has a recessed space at the front ie: between the rails - where I can tie down two jerry cans for a total of four to be carried inside the tub. Sadly, the Hilux has too small a fuel capacity for seriously-long offroad adventures.!
The bottom of each drawer - inside and out - is covered in automotive carpet. The top surface of each pontoon and the bottom of each side rail is covered in carpet to preserve appearance and the paint work of the ute.
The LHS pontoon carries a
fridge atop a
fridge slide, with space at the front for a storage box to be strapped down. The RHS pontoon is fitted out to carry a roller-type clear plastic box which usually carries food. The food box can be wheeled out over the tailgate (and further) when the RHS drawer is extended and covered with a flat board. The covered drawer can also act as a table. However, I often set up a gas stove on it as the tailgate in very handy as a preparation table. Each storage box is kept in place with a strap secured to strategically-placed eye bolts down the side of each pontoon.
You may wonder why I didn't buy a commercial set up ? I chose not to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a permanent installation. My handiwork cost about $450, which includes the cost of the
fridge slide. I wanted a set up that could be easily installed and removed and one that was light in weight. I wanted the
fridge at a height whereby my wife and I could easily see inside and access the contents. I wanted a set up where most heavy things could be strapped down.
For the price of an e-mail address, I will happily send you a picture.
Cheers,
Netnut
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| Experience; what you get when you ignore the fine print ! |
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