So my Jeep build started a few years ago little by little (this is my first Jeep) and I wish that I had written about the journey to how it sits now. But anyways Ill start with my current project that I am working on. It is a rear cargo drawer system that includes a ARB fridge and slide that I am trying to build and then test for my groups big trek of the year, this year to Canada! with 2180miles custom '17WK2 trailhawk...his build is a must see as well
First things first I started out by researching everything I could find on drawer systems out there for JKs, I did want to spend the $$ so I figured I would build my own after seeing multiple people accomplish the task... So after I removed the rear subwoofer to gain more space in the back. After taking countless measurements I went to my local Home Depot and picked up two 4x8 sheets of 3/4 plywood. I'm not sure if its cabinet grade or not but its not the cheapest stuff either. Not being a carpenter I had to borrow a lot of tools from friends and family to get this project done. So for the sake of making it easy on me I had the guy at Home Depot cut one of the sheets into pieces that I needed and worked out fairly well.
After getting the material home I mocked up the base plate with the ARB 50 quart fridge and ARB slide. I wanted the fridge on the left hand side as it would be easier to access the fridge from that side with the tailgate open and me still being hooked up to my custom M416 overland trailer I camp with.
My measurements for the base of the drawer system is 38"x 30"
I debated for a long time how I would build the drawers and then if I wanted to build a frame around the fridge so it wouldn't get damaged from gear being tossed around. But I choose to go with the frame, I did not have big enough cardboard lying around so I went to staples and got a small sheet of foam board to make my own template of the walls and to get both angles cut right. Below is the two walls that will go around the fridge. These will have ventilation holes for heat from the fridge motor.
More to follow!
First things first I started out by researching everything I could find on drawer systems out there for JKs, I did want to spend the $$ so I figured I would build my own after seeing multiple people accomplish the task... So after I removed the rear subwoofer to gain more space in the back. After taking countless measurements I went to my local Home Depot and picked up two 4x8 sheets of 3/4 plywood. I'm not sure if its cabinet grade or not but its not the cheapest stuff either. Not being a carpenter I had to borrow a lot of tools from friends and family to get this project done. So for the sake of making it easy on me I had the guy at Home Depot cut one of the sheets into pieces that I needed and worked out fairly well.
After getting the material home I mocked up the base plate with the ARB 50 quart fridge and ARB slide. I wanted the fridge on the left hand side as it would be easier to access the fridge from that side with the tailgate open and me still being hooked up to my custom M416 overland trailer I camp with.
My measurements for the base of the drawer system is 38"x 30"
I debated for a long time how I would build the drawers and then if I wanted to build a frame around the fridge so it wouldn't get damaged from gear being tossed around. But I choose to go with the frame, I did not have big enough cardboard lying around so I went to staples and got a small sheet of foam board to make my own template of the walls and to get both angles cut right. Below is the two walls that will go around the fridge. These will have ventilation holes for heat from the fridge motor.
More to follow!
