Custom storage box/sleeping platform version 1.0
First, I'd like to thank LCSteve for inspiring me to design and build my version of the rear storage box/sleeping platform. I pondered over my own requirements for a storage solution and worked on the design for a few weeks and made quite a few sketches before fabbing my own platform. For the frame, I used 1"x6" pine and the doors and slide are made from 3/8" baltic birch plywood. Marine-grade carpet is used (purchased from Home Depot) and hardware is either stainless steel or nickel-plated. All edges are protected with aluminum angle stock and glued down using Loctite structural adhesive. I completed this platform just a few days before leaving for Ouray for the first National FJ Summit and put it to some vigorous shake-down useage afterwards on my trip to Alaska.
Overall view of the storage box/sleeping platform. An ARB X-jack fits in the space between the platform and passenger's side access door.
View with the ARB MT45 fridge slide extended. There's sufficient room allotted to access the 110V AC plug which I've used to recharge my notebook computer and cameras.
One of my design requirements which I jotted down before the actual design was the ability to access the storage compartments inside the FJC. Here a photo of one of the access doors in the open position.
I made these mounting brackets from AL6061-T6 angle stock to hold the platform in place.
To faciliate installation and removal of the storage platform, I built it in two major sections which are bolted together. Here's another photo of one of the forward access door in the open position.
I also incorporated a fire extinguisher mounting area to the driver's side of the platform.
This 12V outlet provides DC power to the ARB fridge. The outlet is wired through a fuse box connected to the auxiliary battery.
Opportunities for improvement:
The heavy duty ball bearing slide and Engel slide-lock both squeak when I travelled on very rough roads; I plan to modify the rear section to accommodate an Engel slide (all steel construction)
