Storage Compartment Idea

[Josh C.]

I have an idea and i would like some input on it, I searched around but couldn't find anyone who has done this yet. Since my 33' no longer fit underneath the rear of the truck, there is an empty space. My idea was to cut a 24"x30-36" square out of the floor in the rear trunk area and make a drop in compartment out of sheet metal, I would have a lid of sorts and the carpet in the trunk area would sit over it. I would make the top it as flush to the floor as possible and the box would only be about 7 inches deep, but thats plenty of room to store straps and tools and other things I dont need often, probably line the inside with rubber matting or similar.

My two issues are:
* If I cut the trunk floor am I going to compromise anything. The new box would probably be sealed with a gasket/sealant and bolted in, but I can weld if needed.
* my other issue is dropping down the evap canister so my box can maximize space. It looks like I can bend the brackets and/or add spacers and drop it 6 inches or so (unless the evap lines and electrical limit me). Is this an ok idea?

let me know your thoughts

 

[colintrax]

Check JD's thread on his OBA install

 

[Josh C.]

Is JD Joe Dirt?I looked through his 5 pages of started threads and didn't see anything on OBA (On Board Air correct?)

 

[colintrax]

No, JD is his name. Goes by JD242 or something like that on here. Has a lifted first Gen ex and a lowered ranger with a m90 supercharger

 

[2TimingTom]

I think its a great idea. The only down side would be that you'd need to unload your cargo area in order to get into the drop box.

I've been thinking of a way to use this space as well. I've been thinking of a water tank and/or dual battery location.

 

[RKH58]

Thinking you could fabricate some sort of storage that could be raised and lowered like the spare tire was. Maybe cutting down a 55 gal steel or plastic drum and refitting the lid to keep dirt and water out.

 

[2TimingTom]

One of the reasons why off-roaders put their spare tire either on the roof or on the rear bumper is that they don't want to have to gain access to anything under the rig.

If you use that compartment for your recovery gear and get buried up on the frame (or deeper) in mud or snow, having to get it out of a storage compartment under the rig would not be easy.

 

[Josh C.]

I found his post , JD4242. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333598
JD has a bunch of cool ideas, I like his on board water tank.

The drop down storage is a cool idea, but I can see a few situations where it can cause trouble.

As far as moving things out of the way to get to it, there is always something at the bottom of the pile you need. Maybe keep the storage compartment on the one side...you can put the large cooler over it, that way you are only moving one thing, and then i wouldnt have to move the Evap canister.
So cutting should effect the structural integrity of the trunk space?

I have to finish my front skid plate and winch set up then this will probably be my next project. I'll take pictures and you guys can laugh at my welding skills

 

[2TimingTom]

If I cut a hole in the trunk floor, I would weld in whatever I was putting in.

Do you ever think you'll put storage drawers back there? If so, obviously this would be problematic. Just something to think about.

 

[Josh C.]

I do like drawers but a lot of the time I need the trunk height, i work in construction so I have to move some of the equipment in my truck; generators, plate whackers, etc. Plus I like to be able to fold my rear seats down and almost have a real truck bed

 

[colintrax]

If you ever do do drawers, just make sure the internal structure will allow the door to still open, and make a hinged door to the top of the drawers.
Or do what I did, no drawers. Just a raised platform

 

[albi1cnobi1]

I removed my spare tire carrier and mounted my aux battery under the rear cargo area with a hatch to access it from inside. If you wanted to put some storage under there you could access it from inside and that would eliminate any problems of not being able to get to your gear if you happen to bury the truck. I put my on board air in the spot on the passenger side where the storage cubby was.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

A couple of shots of my OBA setup.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

My battery compartment. It could be modified for storage.

 

[biggon71]

Anyone ever think of putting something like this in there?

http://www.basspro.com/MTM-CaseGard-Ammo-Crate-Utility-Box/product/15013008022359/

 

[Josh C.]

Thats pretty cool, I like the water tight(?) seal. my only issue would be that the top would stick up above the floor