"Consumer grade" drawer systems?

[btcsxj]

I have actually been working on a concept and was considering offering it for sale to people on this forum. Fact of the matter is, I am going to generate all of the CAD and detailed drawings to make my own anyways... this isn't going to be built "Free-Hand." So if I can turn a small $50 or so profit for the time it takes to order these from my shop, pack and ship... then it will give a lot of people a more economical option to building their own simple drawer setup. Of course it is nowhere near as feature laden as some of the other options out there, but I would argue that a simple drawer is more useful, and it should be able to be built for a 1/3 of the cost.

Anyhow,

The idea would be that I would produce the sheetmetal components and sell those along with a parts list for the slides, latches and hardware. In addition, I would provide large paper templates, printed on a plotter, for the pieces of plywood that would need to be cut. Someone could buy my kit, which ships in a small and relatively light weight package, and assemble it with the parts in my list and cut out the drawer bottom and top using a jig saw and some plywood from their local hardware store.

I would use 3/16" Aluminum Plate, PEM style insert nuts, 500lb capacity drawer slides and locking paddle latches. The drawer top would be cut to precisely fit the contour of the rear cargo area.

Still working on how I will secure it to the cargo area, my thoughts right now are provide holes for attaching D-rings that can be used to strap it down to the existing tie downs. I think asking people to pull up their trim and carpet and bolt it to the floor will be going too far for some.

What do ya'll think?

 

[e60ral]

I'd buy your kit, if recommend something for the back though, at least cross braces if not a full back

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[DZNUTS]

I have actually been working on a concept and was considering offering it for sale to people on this forum. Fact of the matter is, I am going to generate all of the CAD and detailed drawings to make my own anyways... this isn't going to be built "Free-Hand." So if I can turn a small $50 or so profit for the time it takes to order these from my shop, pack and ship... then it will give a lot of people a more economical option to building their own simple drawer setup. Of course it is nowhere near as feature laden as some of the other options out there, but I would argue that a simple drawer is more useful, and it should be able to be built for a 1/3 of the cost.

Anyhow,

The idea would be that I would produce the sheetmetal components and sell those along with a parts list for the slides, latches and hardware. In addition, I would provide large paper templates, printed on a plotter, for the pieces of plywood that would need to be cut. Someone could buy my kit, which ships in a small and relatively light weight package, and assemble it with the parts in my list and cut out the drawer bottom and top using a jig saw and some plywood from their local hardware store.

I would use 3/16" Aluminum Plate, PEM style insert nuts, 500lb capacity drawer slides and locking paddle latches. The drawer top would be cut to precisely fit the contour of the rear cargo area.

Still working on how I will secure it to the cargo area, my thoughts right now are provide holes for attaching D-rings that can be used to strap it down to the existing tie downs. I think asking people to pull up their trim and carpet and bolt it to the floor will be going too far for some.

What do ya'll think?

I absolutely love it!!!! This is exactly what I need. I use my 4th Gen for work as an electrical contractor. This would be awesome!

Would it be possible to put dividers in as well?


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[btcsxj]

I absolutely love it!!!! This is exactly what I need. I use my 4th Gen for work as an electrical contractor. This would be awesome!

Would it be possible to put dividers in as well?


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The reason I made one large drawer is because everyone's needs are different, and sometimes your needs change overtime and may require a different configuration. My plan is to carpet the floor of the drawer and use Velcro Dividers. I had them in a Volkswagen and they were great.

https://www.amazon.com/Cargo-Organi...488584226&sr=8-2&keywords=velcro+cargo+blocks

I'd buy your kit, if recommend something for the back though, at least cross braces if not a full back

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Thanks, I plan on building this in the next few weeks. Slides are on order. Once I receive them I will be making my final design prints and get it quoted. Stay tuned for cost and finished product pictures.

 

[tristero]

Thanks, I plan on building this in the next few weeks. Slides are on order. Once I receive them I will be making my final design prints and get it quoted. Stay tuned for cost and finished product pictures.

I like it. Count me in as well.

 

[TacoRunner_]

My drawer/sleeper system cost around $800. Roughly $400 of that was for the locking sliders alone. As soon as I can make a new thread I'll make sure to show you my build thread. Now, its a permanent fixture. I no longer have back seats. Sleeps 1 + my dog. I have a 60" and 36" drawer, both are 11" tall, 18" wide. I use 4" memory foam mattress to sleep on. I made a cutout on the passenger side to make climbing in and out of the truck easier.

As others have stated you can spend as little or as much as you want on something. It's your project after all. But I will agree that you get what you pay for when it comes to building/buying something as custom as you're wanting.

 

[btcsxj]

My drawer/sleeper system cost around $800. Roughly $400 of that was for the locking sliders alone. As soon as I can make a new thread I'll make sure to show you my build thread. Now, its a permanent fixture. I no longer have back seats. Sleeps 1 + my dog. I have a 60" and 36" drawer, both are 11" tall, 18" wide. I use 4" memory foam mattress to sleep on. I made a cutout on the passenger side to make climbing in and out of the truck easier.

As others have stated you can spend as little or as much as you want on something. It's your project after all. But I will agree that you get what you pay for when it comes to building/buying something as custom as you're wanting.

Woof. What sort of sliders did you end up with? As far as I can gather, the Accuride 9308 28" Full Extension, Locking (IN/OUT) sliders are the cats ass... That's what Mr. Trekboxx is using as well. They can be had for $160.00 from McMaster-Carr, which is usually NOT the cheapest source.

Judging by my years of design and manufacturing experience and the shop I am choosing to have these built by... I am guessing $2-300 in Sheet Metal (Unfinished), $30 in hardware, $160 on Slides and maybe another $60 in Plywood and carpet puts this setup at ~$550-650. Should be much nicer than an all wood solution and for most people will take the real difficult fabrication out of the project.

 

[S54MCoupe]

Woof. What sort of sliders did you end up with? As far as I can gather, the Accuride 9308 28" Full Extension, Locking (IN/OUT) sliders are the cats ass... That's what Mr. Trekboxx is using as well. They can be had for $160.00 from McMaster-Carr, which is usually NOT the cheapest source.

Judging by my years of design and manufacturing experience and the shop I am choosing to have these built by... I am guessing $2-300 in Sheet Metal (Unfinished), $30 in hardware, $160 on Slides and maybe another $60 in Plywood and carpet puts this setup at ~$550-650. Should be much nicer than an all wood solution and for most people will take the real difficult fabrication out of the project.

I'd definitely be interested in something like that. Two drawers and a sleeping platform would be even better hint hint.

 

[TacoRunner_]

Woof. What sort of sliders did you end up with? As far as I can gather, the Accuride 9308 28" Full Extension, Locking (IN/OUT) sliders are the cats ass... That's what Mr. Trekboxx is using as well. They can be had for $160.00 from McMaster-Carr, which is usually NOT the cheapest source.

Judging by my years of design and manufacturing experience and the shop I am choosing to have these built by... I am guessing $2-300 in Sheet Metal (Unfinished), $30 in hardware, $160 on Slides and maybe another $60 in Plywood and carpet puts this setup at ~$550-650. Should be much nicer than an all wood solution and for most people will take the real difficult fabrication out of the project.

I got Ryadon 3600 series 500lb rated lock in/out sliders off Amazon. Current prices are $225 for 60" and $121 for 30" (I assume 36" are sold out). I bought 4-5 sheets of $48 Baltic Birch Plywood from Home Depot. Finish was Minwax quarts at like $20 a can and whatever hardware cost....ok, maybe not $800. I really should look at my receipts again. I may be including my tool purchases in this cost as I used them as a tax write off being self employed

 

[btcsxj]

I'd definitely be interested in something like that. Two drawers and a sleeping platform would be even better hint hint.

I was originally going to develop a 2-drawer... but it increased the number of components bigly haha.

If you look in one of my previous posts I linked to some velcro dividers that can make the single drawer configurable if you carpet the bottom of the drawer as I will.

The sleeping platform is definitely in the works, I am making a solo trip to Colorado this summer and my plan is to design/build a two-piece 60/40 platform that can go full-width when I am with the lady or just one side when I am alone and allow me to store gear on the remaining side.

 

[btcsxj]

So, kept working on this drawer system... Amazing what you can do with a little bit of boredom, whiskey and CAD :cheers:

Anyhow... I found some models of the Accuride 9308s which are 500lb lock open and close slides. They have a yellow tab on the front that unlocks them in both positions. Because of this, I decided to ditch the paddle latches and locks. I added two aluminum handles below each tab and I think the operation will be pretty ergonomic. Also, took some measurements of the existing tiedowns and I think this is the best arrangement. The rears are angled downwards at 45 degrees because a ratchet strap will have to wrap the rear of the drawer and angle downwards to the rear tie hooks.

Model is just about complete at this point, just need to receive the slides and verify the model is accurate. I think I might also laser some bottle opener cutouts in the face of the drawer because... BEER

What do ya'll think? Maybe I should start my own thread...

 

[jondoe1482]

Good idea and it is something I've considered, but ideally I'd like something that locks for added security.

That's basically what I did. See link below:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/177665-mod-rear-sliding-cargo-area.html#post2601446

 

[btcsxj]

Added Locks, one each side with matching keys...

 

[Capt.Canuck]

Added Locks, one each side with matching keys...

Looks very interesting. When are you planning on making the first prototype?

 

[TrekboxX]

So, kept working on this drawer system... Amazing what you can do with a little bit of boredom, whiskey and CAD :cheers:

Anyhow... I found some models of the Accuride 9308s which are 500lb lock open and close slides. They have a yellow tab on the front that unlocks them in both positions. Because of this, I decided to ditch the paddle latches and locks. I added two aluminum handles below each tab and I think the operation will be pretty ergonomic. Also, took some measurements of the existing tiedowns and I think this is the best arrangement. The rears are angled downwards at 45 degrees because a ratchet strap will have to wrap the rear of the drawer and angle downwards to the rear tie hooks.

Model is just about complete at this point, just need to receive the slides and verify the model is accurate. I think I might also laser some bottle opener cutouts in the face of the drawer because... BEER

What do ya'll think? Maybe I should start my own thread...

Looking good! Accurides are the way to go. They are the only heavy slide I've found that allow toy to "adjust" (with a hammer of course!) out any slop.

A couple of comments if I may... I would consider upgrading/ditching those cam locks. The pawls are so weak that it doesn't take much pull force to bend them. They're pretty much useless. Also, even with 3/4 ply, the span across the top will sag a lot with a couple hundred pounds of gear on it. I'd recommend a cross brace (which will eat up drawer height) or a two drawer design to allow a center support.

Which model is this design for? I know the 5th gen has a cross brace on the floor in the rear that needs to be addressed unless perhaps this system goes on top of the factory carpet/shimming?

 

[btcsxj]

Looking good! Accurides are the way to go. They are the only heavy slide I've found that allow toy to "adjust" (with a hammer of course!) out any slop.

A couple of comments if I may... I would consider upgrading/ditching those cam locks. The pawls are so weak that it doesn't take much pull force to bend them. They're pretty much useless. Also, even with 3/4 ply, the span across the top will sag a lot with a couple hundred pounds of gear on it. I'd recommend a cross brace (which will eat up drawer height) or a two drawer design to allow a center support.

Which model is this design for? I know the 5th gen has a cross brace on the floor in the rear that needs to be addressed unless perhaps this system goes on top of the factory carpet/shimming?

Thanks for the feedback!

I am on the fence about the locks, I know these Accuride slides do a good job of locking into place and if I wanted to lock my gear in I would just shut the hatch and lock the truck. Seems like people want locks anyways though. hmm.

Great feedback on the top. I wanted to avoid going with 2 drawers as you know 2 drawer doubles the number of slides, drawer faces, sides and bottoms and pretty much doubles the cost. Not what I am going for. I might sacrifice a bit of drawer height and add in some Cross Bracing of some sort, thinking 7/8" Unistrut.

 

[DZNUTS]

Any ideas on pricing for this whole setup? Any estimate on availability? Options to add additional features for specific needs?


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[RedSled]

Thanks for the feedback!

I am on the fence about the locks, I know these Accuride slides do a good job of locking into place and if I wanted to lock my gear in I would just shut the hatch and lock the truck. Seems like people want locks anyways though. hmm.

Great feedback on the top. I wanted to avoid going with 2 drawers as you know 2 drawer doubles the number of slides, drawer faces, sides and bottoms and pretty much doubles the cost. Not what I am going for. I might sacrifice a bit of drawer height and add in some Cross Bracing of some sort, thinking 7/8" Unistrut.

Just my humble opinion, but i thought you had a decent product at a decent price, i think your letting the peanut gallery sway you from your original goal. Try to stick to your guns with maybe some adjustment, use the kiss method.

 

[e60ral]

I think it's really cool of [MENTION=155093]TrekboxX[/MENTION] to be offering advice even though they are technically a vendor offering a "competing" product, that's the sign of a company all about creating a good product in the interest of furthering the lifestyle and industry. Very cool of them, kudos

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[Capt.Canuck]

Just my humble opinion, but i thought you had a decent product at a decent price, i think your letting the peanut gallery sway you from your original goal. Try to stick to your guns with maybe some adjustment, use the kiss method.

I see your point, but keep in mind he wasn't offering a product - he was proposing a concept that is just at the theoretical stage at this point.

I can't imagine anyone would be willing to spend $600-$800 or whatever it comes to without actual real product being made and shown up front, and tested thoroughly.

The input that is occurring in the thread is all really useful and constructive, IMO.