jeffreycowart
Active Member
- Joined
- October 6, 2008
- Messages
- 54
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Chattanooga, TN
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2013 Explorer Limited 4WD
As others have pointed out, the 5th Gen Explorers are really lacking on storage space. The only closeable storage are the center consoles. Where are you supposed to store basic items like jumper cables or tire inflators???
I was able to stow the drivers side 3rd row (with the passenger side in the fold position) and slide my cables in the small space between the bumper and seat. However, you have to remember to slide it out before you attempt to move the drivers side seat, because the seat needs this small space while moving from one position to the other.
I typically like to have a collection of tools with me, way more than any vehicle could offer storage for. So I picked up a 4 drawer Husky tool chest from Home Depot, drilled two mounting holes that line up with the cargo anchor points, and used eye bolts and wing nuts for easy mounting/unmounting.
Here is my end result. I would like to know what others have done for storage solutions in the Explorer. I have seen a police cargo box, but it took up the entire rear cargo area.
Opened Tool Chest:
Side view, Chest has to be closed for trunk lid to close:
Closed view, can still use the passenger side 3rd row:
Closed side view:
Bolt with wingnut, eyebolt is attached to the toolbox:
Bolt and wingnut, attached to side anchor:
This mounting makes the chest very solid and does not slide or move at all during driving. The factory anchors do not appear to be very strong. I have searched all over, but could not find any type of load rating. The full box weighs about 80-100lbs. Only concerned about the anchors failing in a serious accident.
Would be very interested to see pictures of others storage solutions in your explorers!
I was able to stow the drivers side 3rd row (with the passenger side in the fold position) and slide my cables in the small space between the bumper and seat. However, you have to remember to slide it out before you attempt to move the drivers side seat, because the seat needs this small space while moving from one position to the other.
I typically like to have a collection of tools with me, way more than any vehicle could offer storage for. So I picked up a 4 drawer Husky tool chest from Home Depot, drilled two mounting holes that line up with the cargo anchor points, and used eye bolts and wing nuts for easy mounting/unmounting.
Here is my end result. I would like to know what others have done for storage solutions in the Explorer. I have seen a police cargo box, but it took up the entire rear cargo area.
Opened Tool Chest:
Side view, Chest has to be closed for trunk lid to close:
Closed view, can still use the passenger side 3rd row:
Closed side view:
Bolt with wingnut, eyebolt is attached to the toolbox:
Bolt and wingnut, attached to side anchor:
This mounting makes the chest very solid and does not slide or move at all during driving. The factory anchors do not appear to be very strong. I have searched all over, but could not find any type of load rating. The full box weighs about 80-100lbs. Only concerned about the anchors failing in a serious accident.
Would be very interested to see pictures of others storage solutions in your explorers!
