High Drawer System in a Troopie

Submitted: Monday, Apr 11, 2005 at 19:56
ThreadID: 21971 Views:2925 Replies:5 FollowUps:5
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Hi all,
Having just taken delivery of a new 4.2L turbo diesel Troopie, we are fitting it out to allow extended touring (6 months/year) over the next 10+ years. We intend to install a drawer system (probably Black Widow), and sleep on top of the drawers, on a 125 mm foam mattress. In order to maximise storage space, we are going for the "high" drawers (ie 365 mm high, rather than 275 mm). Does anybody have a similar setup, with high drawers in a Troopie? Can you advise whether there is sufficient room to sleep, sit up and read, get in and out, and move around, with the high drawers. Are "high" drawers a mistake, from the point of view of the remaining cabin space?
Thanks,
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Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, Apr 11, 2005 at 22:43

Monday, Apr 11, 2005 at 22:43
Hi Turbo
I have the Black Widow Trades Depth drawers (300 mm Depth).

I would not even consider the lower set in a Troopie as you have stacks of height inside the vehicle.
I have the RV 5 seat model so my drawers only go to the rear of the back seat and the trades depth in this drawer model has about 1 cubic meter of additional storage than the 200 mm set.
The quality of the BW stuff is second to none, very happy with my set and if I had the 3 seat model, I would not hesitate to install the full length set in 300 mm depth.

If you would like a few photos then drop me an email address and I would be happy to take a few and send the to you.

Cheers
John
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Follow Up By: TurboTroopie - Thursday, Apr 14, 2005 at 21:41

Thursday, Apr 14, 2005 at 21:41
John
Do you have a half barrier or a full barrier or no barrier. Would appreciate a few photos when you get around to it, particularly around the barrier.
Thanks.
John at john_a_ross@hotmail.com
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Thursday, Apr 14, 2005 at 22:28

Thursday, Apr 14, 2005 at 22:28
Hi Turbo
I have the half barrier as it is the only one to fit my length drawer system.
Not sure if the full or half barrier is the required fit for the full length system you have ordered but an email to Black Widow will soon get you the answer to that.

No problems on the photos, happy to oblige.
Reminds me I think I still owe Richard K a few of the Firestone air bag system so will take a few of each and forward to you.
Cheers
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Reply By: Troopy Travellers (NSW) - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 at 09:08

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 at 09:08
The drawers in my Troopy are 255 high, giving a height of 350 to the carpeted platform. The clearance to the top of the back door lip is 700. Personally I wouldn't go any more than this, as you will be hitting your back on the top door catch, getting in & out of the Troopy (which I already have done a few times already!!!, ) I have a clear space on the platform of 2000x1450 with the rear seats folded forward. Look at my rig for picture.
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Reply By: TroopyTracker - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 at 19:47

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 at 19:47
G'day,
Going through exact same thoughts as youself at the moment. (Gotta sell the set up I have in there at the moment first) My concern with the full height draws is that access to the fridge mightn't be so easy. Something thats suprised me though is the popularity of the Black Widow make of draw systems. I would have thought the Outback systems the Rolls Royce of draws but you guys seem to think differently. I checked out Black widows price's awhile back and was suprised how exy they were. More than Outback? Any particular reason for the preference of Black Widow. Like I said, my concern over the height was fridge access. I currently have mine set up similar to britz etc bushcampers and the bed is quite high and fine for sleeping in so I doubt you'll have any problems with the trade draws.

Cya's
Matt
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 at 21:34

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 at 21:34
Matt you may regard the Outback as "Rolls Royce".
But some of us don't, the BW are far better built and finished than OA hence there popularity.
Have a real good look, you will see the difference.

In the end all these drawers are to pricey but you may as well get the best of the bunch for your dollars.
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Follow Up By: TurboTroopie - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 18:25

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 18:25
Thanks for the responses, I hope the high drawers are OK, because we ordered them today!

Regarding Black Widow vs Outback:
Had prices for both as follows, for 1800 long, 365 high, bed extension, fridge slide with 4 holddowns, plus eight more holddowns.
Outback = $3238
Black Widow = $3143.

I reckon the BW are better because:
* drawers are easy to remove for washing out
* drawers have a pin to hold open on a hill
* drawer floors are creased to give better support
* areas at the side of the drawers have better access
* fridge slide catch is neat. Outback is agricultural
* tie downs are neat and flush with the floor. Outback's arent.
* Fridge slide has a steel base, Outback's is just ply.
* I reckon they look better
* I dont see much difference in quality
* BW will cut your fingers off more easily when closing the drawers
* Outback has marginally larger drawer space.

Overall, I went for Black Widow, and time will tell.

John
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Reply By: TroopyTracker - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:53

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:53
John,
Glad for the tip before purchase. Will start investigating Black Widow now.
Thanks
Matt
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Reply By: Troopy Travellers (NSW) - Thursday, Apr 14, 2005 at 09:11

Thursday, Apr 14, 2005 at 09:11
Hey Turbo, is that 365 dimension you talk about the actual height of the sliding drawer case itself.? If so, what is the height to the carpeted platform?
Sparky
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Follow Up By: TurboTroopie - Thursday, Apr 14, 2005 at 21:37

Thursday, Apr 14, 2005 at 21:37
TT's,
Drawer height is 300 mm, and overall height of drawer package to top of carpeted platform is 365 mm. Equivalent heights for standard height drawers are 210 mm and 275 mm.

John
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