I built a box for tools and gear.

[richk225]

Hello! I'm new to the forum and purchased a JL last year. I go wheeling often and like to always have tools/gear on-board. My last Jeep was a JKUR and I built a full platform box with a drawer to keep tools and parts. I found it much more difficult to find space on the 2 dr JL with the rear seat installed. I was hoping to build another drawer, but the added layers of a box and drawer didn't leave enough room for tools. Anyway, here's what I came up with:

Nice Job!!!

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[Swissswiss]

I built a similar box with drawer, fridge and power outlets.

That’s nice. What made you go with that dometic vs the other one that opens from the top? What do you use it to power it?

 

[bjm00se]

I like the design, and especially the use of aluminum angle bracket for reinforcing. Based on the wood you chose and the polymat covering, I'm guessing you've built speaker enclosures before. Heavy speaker enclosures are desirable for their sound characteristics.

But overloading our Jeeps is always a problem. So for others considering a comparable design toolbox project, I might suggest some 1/4" or 7/32" plywood glued together, perhaps reinforced with some 1x1 firring strip framing supplementing the aluminum angle framing, in order to save weight.

As always, advice on the internet is worth what you paid for it, and sometimes considerably less than that.

 

[Dobies Run]

That’s nice. What made you go with that dometic vs the other one that opens from the top? What do you use it to power it?

I didn't want it to be any higher. I took the rear seats out and installed a https://www.cargo.dog/ storage unit. I'm building a sleeping platform that will extend from the front edge of the drawer system to the back of the front seats. This allows me to do short trips solo without a tent of any type. It's built with 1/2 inch Baltic Birch, covered with automotive carpet. The fridge and power outlets run to a Garmin Power Switch https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/718849. The Garmin is wired to the secondary battery https://www.genesisoffroad.com/gen3-jl-dual-battery-kit

 

[Cyber_Jeeper]

For those that have built cargo shelves, do you just ignore the built in storage bin? Or do you try to find a way to keep it usable if needed?

 

[WhiskeyDelta]

I hear ya. I've got an 8 year old daughter, so the rear seat is necessary for most adventures.

I always wanted a single rear seat mod for the 2dr to make it a 3 person vehicle. I also have a youthful captain back there and in any case 4 people + camping kit is impossible, while 3 would be doable.

 

[Jeepin_OLB]

I built a similar box with drawer, fridge and power outlets.

I definitely miss the cargo space on the 4 door. I was showing an option specifically for the 2 dr with rear seat installed.

 

[Jeepin_OLB]

As always, advice on the internet is worth what you paid for it, and sometimes considerably less than that.

I hear that lol! Just run topless to account for the extra weight!

 

[Offroadgranny]

Great idea! We have a lot of gear too because we also go a lot of exploring. ????

 

[JourneyGirl]

well done sir. did you bother to write down the dimensions so if I want to build a similar box you can save me a step?

I keep my backseat for grandkids who live 1 mile away and like going on jeep rides with Pops.

A similar project that is on my list is to take some thick plywood and build a shelf that is cut out to fit at the same level as the top of my tailgate. It looks like I'll need two boards. One behind the roll bar for when the back seat is being used, and one in front of the roll bar for when the back seat is tumbled forward. I'll use the existing hard top bolts to hold it down. I'm not all that worried about security, but it would be a mild deterent to thieves. I could use some funky star bit bolts to slow down a thief I suppose. Mainly it would keep the rain out, and make it easier to organize.

the guys at dirt road cred designed something like this and now have it for sale in their website!

 

[Moblrn]

For those that have built cargo shelves, do you just ignore the built in storage bin? Or do you try to find a way to keep it usable if needed?

Watching for the answer to the question too.

I have a tool box that fits easily in the bin and several other items. No tow strap or winch stuff because I rarely go off pavement. The Jeep fits perfectly in my Home on Wheels and has no problems with the ramps. Maybe someday I will explore the wilderness with the Jeep, but currently it's the weekend trip vehicle when I don't want to move the whole home just for a few days and come back to the same place.

Rod

2019 in the photo has been replaced with the 2022 Hardtop.

 

[wheelsfeels]

Hi!
I made a similar one and added a pullout platform and a hatch cover for more convenience.

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