I have an LJ, and want to make a platform/drawer setup in the back for various tools, tie points, etc...

I have seen many set-ups like this, but have never figured out how they anchor it to the Jeep! Any suggestions?

Here is one example. it's a bit more than what I am wanting to do, but how's it mounted? Ideas?

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/My%20Rubicon/21.jpg?t=1238995435

I mounted my box with L Brackets and self taping screws through the floor you could probably also use rivets through the box securing it to the floor but that would make it a little more difficult to remove if need be.

Why not use the bolt holes in the floor that the rear seat brackets are mounted to? that or mount it from the lower seat belt mounting holes either of those are reinforced and will make for very secure mounting points. The ones for the rear seat mounting brackets will probably work best

My primary reason for not using those mounting points is because there is a seat there! I have a four person family, so they are often along for the ride.

First, it is helpful when asking for other peoples ideas that you explain that you wish to retain the rear seat for your passengers.
I regularly take the rear seat in and out of the Jeep depending upon how many people I expect to take with me.

Second, you mention that you plan on carrying tools and other heavy items in this box, as well as using it as a tie down point. Obviously, this "box" should always be secured in some manner, but the weight of the boxes content will ultimately be the deciding factor on what type of fasteners that you use.

Personally, I would consider something other than pop-rivets. They are good for small things I.E. attaching my cb bracket to the roll cage, but not much else.
If you will to remove said box on a regular basis, I am sure that you could find some quick release pins/fasteners such as:
http://www.milspecproducts.com/26002700c-lock.htm

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/My%20Rubicon/21.jpg?t=1238995435

I have used two of the "Action Packer" boxes that are shown in the picture for about 4 or 5 years now. I use one for food and the other one for jackets, maps, T.P. and the such. They hold a fair amount and claim to float. They also designed the handles to accept tie down straps and have interlocking lids so they stack and stay! Just a thought......

There are many sizes available.
http://www.google.com/products?rlz=1C1CHMB_enUS310US310&sourceid=chrome&q=action+packers&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=fCraSb_YGdnMlQfZ0ey9DA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

First, it is helpful when asking for other peoples ideas that you explain that you wish to retain the rear seat for your passengers.

You are absolutely right. I'm normally fairly articulate, but the rear storage concept I'm aiming for is still fuzzy in my mind, thus less than adequately described in text. My apologizes.

In vague terms, making it sound overly complicated, here is what I have in mind:

I have stereo amps mounted under my rear seat currently. I will be building a platform that goes over these.
The platform will be full length of the bed, but in two halfs. The permanent half will be behind the rear seat, the front half will be installed as needed when the rear seat is removed. When installed, it will form one large flat floor, but it will be modular, to allow the rear seat to be in or out as needed (typically, the rear seat will be in)
I considered mounting the rear seat permanently ontop of the platform, but I need the headroom, so that's out.
Since the rear half will be permanent, a full width shallow drawer would be perfect. I'm thinking a 3" tall drawer, about 4" tall platform overall. (+/-)
I intend to square out the sides like the photo I posted. This too will be modular, with separate front and rear components to allow the rear seat to be used as needed.
I am looking for a strong, lightweight, workable material to use. I'd prefer a composite material, but not sure what. If unsuccessful, I will use 1/2" aircraft grade spruce plywood.


I'll be sketching this out this week, and I'll post the drawings I as work them out.

I have used two of the "Action Packer" boxes that are shown in the picture for about 4 or 5 years now.

I use them also, I think they are quite good. Ultimately, I need a trailer, but here is a "typical" car camping load out for my family. We have a ways to go in consolidating and reducing our gear list :-)

http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/images/jeep/Jeep_camping_gear-800.jpg

You could use flat stock/flat bar and mount it underneat the seat mounts would not interfere with anything and make a good secure mounting point.
mounting things to sheetmetal is not all that good an idea also there is a tank in the way makes it a bit hard to get to the undersideif you mount i8t under the seat brackets and under the seat belt mounts on the side of the tub you will have some very secure mounting points all it would take is slightly longer bolts and no damage to the tub

You are absolutely right. I'm normally fairly articulate, but the rear storage concept I'm aiming for is still fuzzy in my mind, thus less than adequately described in text. My apologizes.

In vague terms, making it sound overly complicated, here is what I have in mind:

I have stereo amps mounted under my rear seat currently. I will be building a platform that goes over these. Perhaps consider mounting the amps on one side of the permanent storage box?
The platform will be full length of the bed, but in two halfs. The permanent half will be behind the rear seat, the front half will be installed as needed when the rear seat is removed. When installed, it will form one large flat floor, but it will be modular, to allow the rear seat to be in or out as needed (typically, the rear seat will be in)
I like what you are describing so far! My first thought is installation and removal of the front half...perhaps it would enter and exit via the rear gate?
I considered mounting the rear seat permanently ontop of the platform, but I need the headroom, so that's out.
Since the rear half will be permanent, a full width shallow drawer would be perfect. I'm thinking a 3" tall drawer, about 4" tall platform overall. (+/-)
I intend to square out the sides like the photo I posted. This too will be modular, with separate front and rear components to allow the rear seat to be used as needed.
I am looking for a strong, lightweight, workable material to use. I'd prefer a composite material, but not sure what. If unsuccessful, I will use 1/2" aircraft grade spruce plywood.

Well, I don't know what you budget is for this, but I today I stopped in at http://www.industrialmetalsupply.com/ for the first time. I was impressed with the large variety of different materials they had available! They have a large selection of aluminum material, at relatively inexpensive prices-compared to steel and aluminum stock at Home Depot!

I'll be sketching this out this week, and I'll post the drawings I as work them out.
Please post, I'm interested to see your thoughts!

Me thinks that you need a truck to carry your camping gear, and a trailer to haul the Jeep!
http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/images/jeep/Jeep_camping_gear-800.jpg

Me thinks that you need a truck to carry your camping gear, and a trailer to haul the Jeep!
http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/images/jeep/Jeep_camping_gear-800.jpg

found a solution for you. is what I want actually

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/

I absolutely do want an AT. They are the best, and they are awesome. But they are EXPENSIVE. I could sell the Jeep and buy the trailer, or.....

Yes the AT trailers are expensive, but well worth it. If you think of the cost of a camper/motor home, or a diesel truck to tow with the costs are low. Have you also thought of a basket that will fit in your hitch in your bumper. Gives you extra hauling space, yet you can leave it in camp when not needed.

here is a link,,,,http://www.quadratec.com/products/12033_11_07.htm

here is a link,,,,http://www.quadratec.com/products/12033_11_07.htm

I use something similar, and less than half the price:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34313

Wait for a good sale, you can get it for $50. I've used it on many trips, and leave it at camp. Works out great and gives me some of the much needed cargo room for my TJ.

That looks like it would make a handy BBQ too.

I use something similar, and less than half the price:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34313

Wait for a good sale, you can get it for $50. I've used it on many trips, and leave it at camp. Works out great and gives me some of the much needed cargo room for my TJ.

That's a pretty good idea.

I worked on this today. I haven't made the drawer yet, but the platform is done. Photos here (http://nwoods.smugmug.com/gallery/7942917_VGLek#515498625_9Czwj), but here is a preview:

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/515499164_wGydF-L.jpg

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/515499393_r2zty-L.jpg

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/515499729_YHMJS-L.jpg

Looks really well made Nathan. I can picture you doing a nice job like this.

I'm not too keen on carrying gas inside the vehicle though. I beg you to keep it outside the vehicle. Please, it's a 5 gallon disaster in a can.

Very nice setup Nathan, I agree with roger though, the gas can ought to stay outside of the cab

Looks really well made Nathan. I can picture you doing a nice job like this.

I'm not too keen on carrying gas inside the vehicle though. I beg you to keep it outside the vehicle. Please, it's a 5 gallon disaster in a can.

Everyone has opinions on that. Don't put it up on the roof rack because your CofG will be too high. Don't put it on your rear bumper because it will explode if you get rear-ended, don't put inside because the fumes will get to you. If every way is wrong, I'm going to use what I have and not worry about it overly much. This particular can has never leaked, there are no fumes from it.

Ultimately, I would like to add the jerry can holders to my Hansen bumper/rack, but that costs money and I have a bitch of a problem with my Hansen rack right now. It completely destroyed the rear body panel of the Jeep. It simply can't handle the wieght of the tire, let alone adding gas cans to the equation. I had to take the tire off and that is part of the reason why I am building the platform, so that I can store the tire inside until I get the money to have the tub fixed and the rack modified to not fail like this:

http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/images/jeep/TireCarrier/P4051371.jpg

hey Nathan.

I prefer the fumes inside. j/k

there was a fuel container that was flat at the expo. It attached I believe to the hitch mount. I cant remember the name though. Was a 5 gallon.

If I do the dusy or Mojave I will probably just mount mine in the back. but my junk is open.

I like the drawer option.

I experimented a bit more this morning, and adding the Tuffy tie-down track to the very rear is going to work great. Because the rear seat is angled, I can fit the Slide-Lock system in the front, in the triangular "dead space" just behind the seat, and put the tie-down track bar in the very back, giving me nearly three more inches of depth, perfect for my cooler and ActionPackers.

I'm pretty happy with how all this turned out, as is my local hardware guy who now needs to restock his bolt supply :-)

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/515936581_jgP32-L.jpg
http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/515936750_PPVP3-L.jpg
http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/515936450_UW9P4-L.jpg

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/515936750_PPVP3-L.jpg

I like what you have done! Simple, yet extremely effective!

Darned if you do, darned if you don't with the gas can. No easy way to carry fuel.