4xe Rear Platform Build(s)

[bodhi]

Here is where my platform build is after a few weeks. (Still a work in progress as of June 7 2021)

After removing the battery trim (post by @jetfixer) and rear seats this is what I stared at for many hours. I also removed the rear panel the covers the storage space (you just pull it straight out toward the tailgate) and side trim pieces that have the tie downs.

My goals are

1. A totally level platform across the back for camping, napping, hauling lumber/tools and a nice place for our future dogs to ride.
2. Separate rear platform and over battery platform so if the battery need service, it can be removed easily while keeping the rear platform in place
3. A nice fit and finish
4. Pull out drawer/table
5. ability to extend the platform when the front seats are pushed all the way forward
6. Protect the battery
7. Not offend any goose loving citizens or either Canada or the US

I have only needed a few tools for this so far, a chop saw with an aluminum cutting blade, a jig saw, a drill and some 5/16th and 8mm taps.

I went back and forth many times as to what material I would use to make the platform. After going back and forth between a welded aluminum substructure, to all plywood, to aluminum extrusion to fabricating it out of unobtanium, I finally decide to use some 8020 aluminum extrusion.

I started ripping some 2x4's to 1-1/2" by 1 -1/2" to match the dimensions of the 15 series aluminum extrusions so I could get some measurements and do a reality check on my idea.

You can see in the rear section, I realized that 3 inches height was perfect to level the back with the part over the battery, so I ordered some double height extrusions for the rear, the photo below shows me test fitting the cut extrusions. (So far, I have ordered parts from McMaster, Tnutz and 8020)

The photo below shows a little more progress and how I am using leveling feet to achieve adjustability across the platform

I eventually drilled out the spot welds on the three battery trim brackets as well, just took my time with a pilot drill then a 5/16'ths bit and some 4in1 oil to keep things cool and a rag to keep the chips from falling down under the battery. It went very smoothly, and I bought some nutserts to put in the holes in case I ever need to put the brackets back. I did put a endoscope camera in the channel these brackets were welded to just to make sure there was nothing electrical in the channel.

The left and right rear extrusions are bolted in using the factory tie down bolts, and the over battery platform is bolted down using the seat bracket bolts.

I kept the driver and passenger factory steel brackets in place to use as some extra support

I wanted a way to extend the platform when the seats were moved all the way forward, so these are removable, and I think I might put some sides on them and they can also be boxes for storage. The aluminum vertical supports on the over the battery platform are just temporary (waiting for parts), as well as the wooden vertical supports on the extensions.

I plan to put leveling feet on all the vertical supports, I tapped the vertical support to accept these leveling feet, the photo below shows to M8 uneven surface leveling feet.

Any place the extrusion touches the jeep, and on the removable extensions, I used the rubber traction inserts they sell to protect the paint and the seatbacks

Next, after spending some time making a cardboard template, I cut out the rear plywood platform, this is 1/2 inch (12mm) baltic birch to start, I may go with 3/4 inch eventually.

That is where things are at the moment, still waiting for some parts. I will try and do a sketch with the dimensions so far.

Happy to help with any questions you might have for your own build.

Future plans
- Drawers/Pull out table under rear deck with locking drawer slides
- Access panels for some of the storage space
- CNC plans for the wood portion so I can get an even more precise fit
- Line-x/rhino the plywood parts to reduce glare and water resistance

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[bodhi]

Here are the dimensions so far. (The legs are 6 3/4, to accommodate adding height adjustable feet)

Rear section
3 @ 26 1/8". (these are double height 6 slot 15 series)
1 @ 41 3/4"

Battery Section
4 @ 26 1/16"
1 @ 44 3/8
1 @ 54"
4 @ 6 3/4" (these are double height 6 slot 15 series)

Extension Sections
4 @ 19"
4 @ 8"
8 @ 6 3/4"

 

[Backcountry Explorers]

Very complete and well thought out! Now I'm curious about what you will cover the plywood with and thoughts on tie downs. I'm thinking of adding a fridge next to the rear drivers side door for easy access.

 

[Dryver]

Maybe you shouldn't be sharing this with us all, but rather working with a company to produce and market it.

 

[Cno167]

Here is where my platform build is after a few weeks. (Still a work in progress as of June 7 2021)

After removing the battery trim (post by @jetfixer) and rear seats this is what I stared at for many hours. I also removed the rear panel the covers the storage space (you just pull it straight out toward the tailgate) and side trim pieces that have the tie downs.

My goals are

1. A totally level platform across the back for camping, napping, hauling lumber/tools and a nice place for our future dogs to ride.
2. Separate rear platform and over battery platform so if the battery need service, it can be removed easily while keeping the rear platform in place
3. A nice fit and finish
4. Pull out drawer/table
5. ability to extend the platform when the front seats are pushed all the way forward
6. Protect the battery
7. Not offend any goose loving citizens or either Canada or the US

I have only needed a few tools for this so far, a chop saw with an aluminum cutting blade, a jig saw, a drill and some 5/16th and 8mm taps.

I went back and forth many times as to what material I would use to make the platform. After going back and forth between a welded aluminum substructure, to all plywood, to aluminum extrusion to fabricating it out of unobtanium, I finally decide to use some 8020 aluminum extrusion.

I started ripping some 2x4's to 1-1/2" by 1 -1/2" to match the dimensions of the 15 series aluminum extrusions so I could get some measurements and do a reality check on my idea.

You can see in the rear section, I realized that 3 inches height was perfect to level the back with the part over the battery, so I ordered some double height extrusions for the rear, the photo below shows me test fitting the cut extrusions. (So far, I have ordered parts from McMaster, Tnutz and 8020)

The photo below shows a little more progress and how I am using leveling feet to achieve adjustability across the platform

I eventually drilled out the spot welds on the three battery trim brackets as well, just took my time with a pilot drill then a 5/16'ths bit and some 4in1 oil to keep things cool and a rag to keep the chips from falling down under the battery. It went very smoothly, and I bought some nutserts to put in the holes in case I ever need to put the brackets back. I did put a endoscope camera in the channel these brackets were welded to just to make sure there was nothing electrical in the channel.

The left and right rear extrusions are bolted in using the factory tie down bolts, and the over battery platform is bolted down using the seat bracket bolts.

I kept the driver and passenger factory steel brackets in place to use as some extra support

I wanted a way to extend the platform when the seats were moved all the way forward, so these are removable, and I think I might put some sides on them and they can also be boxes for storage. The aluminum vertical supports on the over the battery platform are just temporary (waiting for parts), as well as the wooden vertical supports on the extensions.

I plan to put leveling feet on all the vertical supports, I tapped the vertical support to accept these leveling feet, the photo below shows to M8 uneven surface leveling feet.

Any place the extrusion touches the jeep, and on the removable extensions, I used the rubber traction inserts they sell to protect the paint and the seatbacks

Next, after spending some time making a cardboard template, I cut out the rear plywood platform, this is 1/2 inch (12mm) baltic birch to start, I may go with 3/4 inch eventually.

That is where things are at the moment, still waiting for some parts. I will try and do a sketch with the dimensions so far.

Happy to help with any questions you might have for your own build.

Future plans
- Drawers/Pull out table under rear deck with locking drawer slides
- Access panels for some of the storage space
- CNC plans for the wood portion so I can get an even more precise fit
- Line-x/rhino the plywood parts to reduce glare and water resistance

 

[Cno167]

This is awesome! Want to build a second one and ship it to me??

 

[ujackleg]

This looks great. When you removed the back seats, is it possible to leave only the single seat still in place or is a custom bracket needed?

 

[MaskedRacerX]

That's a seriously badass bit of engineering. Nice job!

 

[bodhi]

This looks great. When you removed the back seats, is it possible to leave only the single seat still in place or is a custom bracket needed?

I think you can keep one seat in the way it is designed, things did get a little foggy in my head when I was removing it so I can't say for sure. Sorry.

 

[bodhi]

It took a few weeks for some parts to come from 8020.

So as of today this is where I am at.

I wasn't sure how I wanted to mount the plywood to the extrusions. I ended up deciding to mount it using some drop in inserts in the track with some bolts from the top of the deck.

In order to mark the underside of the plywood I bought a few packs of these Dowel Center Markers I put one in the track every 7 inches, first putting some masking tape down, marking it and them pushing the dowel inserts through and adding a little extra tape to hold them in place. I gently laid the plywood into position then gave it a bunch of whacks to get some good impressions transferred to the wood.

I drilled out only 4 of the holes on each part of the platform so far, and used a forstner bit so they would sit recessed below the platform.

Another temporary addition was adding some rubber backed entry way mat to the top surface to protect the ply and make it look a little more finished. (might be getting a dog in the next few days so I needed the platform to have some traction quickly)

Next will be finishing the removable front extension platforms and ordering some drawer sliders.

 

[devonn216]

Did you get this finished? I would love to see the progression.

 

[Grimmjpr]

Awesome looking set up!

 

[tadeh17]

Hey, I would love to see the progression too!

Mini Militia App Lock

 

[Senrusho]

I'm working on mine right now. Ill take lots of pictures and post. key difference with mine is that I am going to build the back end higher so that I can go over those trim brackets as I don't want to drill the spot welds.

 

[lhjordanlh]

Wonder if there is any off the shelf product for just the rear platform out there, so that way when the back seats are folded down, it will at least be flat?

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