Hilux 4x4 Forum

Hi All,

I built this drawer for my Fortuner, its for an upcoming trip to Namibia. I used 6 crates from Westpack, I find them very useful, cheap and its clear so you can see through them. And then also I built in some volt and amp gauges with various plugs.

Worked out very well if I do say so myself

Nice job Wayne.

Personally I still don't like drawer systems .... yes, it does make getting to what you want a lot easier but it's extra weight and you loose a lot of space.

I like the placement of the electrical plugs. Something different

Great job Wayne. One actually appreciates things when it is a DIY project and also a big cost saving.

Mud Dog, you state “Personally I still don't like drawer systems .... yes, it does make getting to what you want a lot easier but it's extra weight and you loose a lot of space. ”

You are quite right. I am confused though, whether to do it or not. I wanted to get rid of my fibreglass canopy and install an aluminium canopy with a draw system, fridge/freezer, and gas stove etc. Would you say that is not wise in terms of space saving?

Granted it does have the down side of extra weight, but I can tell you this, this one is much lighter than the same one you can buy from Fruntrunner. the dimensions and layout was taken from a buddy of mines Frontrunner drawer.

The only reason for me doing this is so that everything in the back is secure as we are going to be driving on the beach and one or two river trails. And its convenient with the removable crates plus the fact that you dont have to unpack everything to get to that one thing at the back.

So yes, pros and conns for everything.

Bear wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25, 2019 11:04 am Mud Dog, you state “Personally I still don't like drawer systems .... yes, it does make getting to what you want a lot easier but it's extra weight and you loose a lot of space. ”

You are quite right. I am confused though, whether to do it or not. I wanted to get rid of my fibreglass canopy and install an aluminium canopy with a draw system, fridge/freezer, and gas stove etc. Would you say that is not wise in terms of space saving?

Drawer systems take up space because they are rectangular, when the bak is not, they have to slide out which stops you from using the full width of the bak and you need space for the frame and the sliders etc. In my opinion it's better, simpler and cheaper to pack things in boxes/crates and just load/unload the crates. I also fairly regularly want to use my bakkie as a bakkie and carry wet things, rubbish, gravel or firewood loads and removing a drawer system would be a pain.

Very nice job indeed.

I love it. Been looking for an idea like this. I’m thinking of doing it out of aluminum Lshape bars that you can buy from Builders Warehouse. Maybe rivet some sections and bolt the larger sections. Can add in the top drawer the stove and cutting board extension.


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Here is a pick with the drawers open

Great job, makes camping life much easier. Yes it has its pro's and con's but i think the pro's are more than the con's.