The (?) because I'm not sure if I'm done or not. I started a thread on here about a month ago, "Anyone Have a Drawer System?". So here's the process of the build:



my cardboard concept, I determined the drawers/cabinet could not be more than 8" in height if I wanted to keep a simple level platform top that would rest on the folded down rear seats. I also noticed that keeping it at 8" I am still able to access the cargo area power outlet, and can still use the storage compartments.




because the rear hatch does not open to a full 90* angle, I had to move the location of the slide-out-tray for the cooler to the right side so it can each full extension.




I left space on the sides, instead of having the cabinet touch both sides of the cargo area, so I can still reach the anchor points on the floor to strap the cabinet down.




drawer #1 is done, and I decided on using a rope for the handle instead of a metal option. I tied a knot on the back side and fused it together with a torch. It's very unlikely to fail, it doesn't make any noise, and it takes up no room.




I sprayed bed liner on all of the surfaces that will come in contact with items. I first used Duplicolor, and it was even lower quality than expected, imagine that. Then I tried Rustoleum, it worked much better and was worth the $8/can.




I bolted two metal plates to the extension board, with about an inch extending over so it can rest on the cabinet and hold my weight. I used 4 carriage bolts in each plate, with fender washers on the back side. I may add a couple more for each plate cause when I was testing it and was bouncing my entire weight I heard signs of stress to the extension board.






This is my simple way of attaching the extension board to the cabinet. After taking a drive with this, the metal pieces knocking together makes too much noise, and I have since wrapped the anchored loops with electrical tape and the noise is gone.





I'm not sure if I'm done because right now I can sit my cooler in the empty space where I planned on putting a drawer, and this leaves enough space above it to open the lid without hitting the ceiling. But keeping it this way I only have one drawer for storage, but also sliders will cost me around $50.

I feel like I have left room for modifications without causing too much extra work, so if anyone has an idea please feel free to share.

 

Looks very nice and Crazy sick. I have been thinking about building one in my 07' H3. I do not know what I am going to make it look like but yours looks very nice and I like it. Thanks for the photos.

 

thanks, I'm hoping to give other H3 owners ideas of what's possible for a cabinet/sleeping platform in their vehicle. I'm pretty sure I'm still under $100 for the entire project. The biggest expenditure was the 2 sheets of plywood, $44. Fairly cheap considering manufactured cabinets are over $500. Plus this is exactly what I want. It can be removed in 2 minutes by one person.

 

You could get a mini fridge and connect it to the Outlet. Just a thought. I am trying to find out how I could make it the ultimate tailgating tailgate.

 

I'd really like to do that, do you know of any fridges that aren't $400+ ?

And also, what kind of drain do they put on the car battery? I don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, but I guess I'll at least have cold sandwiches

 

I have a Coleman Powerchill Cooler. I like it. Only thing is that you can't let the ambient temp. in your vehicle get into the 90+ degree range for a long period of time. It's not powerful enough to overcome that.
Read the reviews and shop around.
I bought mine at Walmart for $69.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CCkQ8wIwAA#

 

sweet! thanks for that

 

oh yeah, I finished it about a month ago



took it camping a few weeks ago, and everything about it worked like a charm, exactly what I wanted!

 

Looks great manson,Ive been kicking around the idea of making a drawer system to carry some spares and tools for a while. I like your set up glad it works good for you Your drawer system gives me hope on ever getting it started and finished.

 

thanks!

it was hard for me to get started on it, but once I did I didn't want to stop. I guess what really helped in me completing it was having a clear idea of what the finished product would be. And also already having a camping trip planned that it had to be ready for