In part 01 we showed you how we started the build of our storage unit, measuring, sketching and buying the right boxes. In part 02 we mounted the roof rack for the roof top tent. Here, in part 03 “storage unit Jeep JKU” we finish building the storage unit. We try to plan a lot, the rest goes according to the principle “Try – Error – Improve”.

1. Planning

First we planned the storage unit, then we drew it with a CAD programm to give us an idea of the final product. This is what it should look like at the end:

2. Bottom Panel

For the bottom panel we chose a medium-density fiberboard (MDF). We are no carpenters, we just guessed this could work fine and it looks solid. This bottom panel is mounted to the OEM holes of the Jeep. In order to gain some more storage place, we removed the subwoofer. We really don’t hear the difference so much, especially now that the trunk is stuffed with the storage unit and other camping gear. Now we have some extra space to store the recovery kit and the rope.

Check out our Gear on KIT:

https://kit.com/VeganOverlander/jeep-gear

3. Socket

Our goal is to build a demountable storage unit and that we can mount as one. So we only have to bolt the unit to the bottom plate.

For stability reasons we build the socket and the bottom panel of the unit out of 18 mm plywood. In addition to stability, we think it looks good. The socket is bolted to the MDF bottom panel. The rest of the storage unit will be demountable and mounted as a whole to the socket.
We don’t economize on screws (actually Alex rarely does…) as we don’t want the unit to blow up in our faces while offroading.

4. Storage Unit

The storage units dividing panel, top panel, back panel and side panels are made of 12 mm plywood. The drawers are made of 9 mm plywood. One requirement being the stability, the other is to make it as light as possible.

The wooden strips on the drawers keep the RAKO boxes in place, even when the road gets a little rough.

We managed to mount the storage unit as one. There was some cursing and a little wound on Lucies lip involved, but it worked! We achieved our goal to have a demountable storage unit. But we definitely don’t plan to mount and dismount it every weekend.

Everything placed in. The drawer of the fridge can be extended so it can be opened easily. The back is perfectly accessible to dis- and reconnect the plug of the fridge. This drawer has even an additional drawer with the perfect size for food preparations and the camping stove.

The two drawers for the RAKO storage boxes can be drawn out completely, there’s even some more storage place behind the boxes.

Alex made a tray table on the inner side of the tailgate. That gives us much needed extra place for food preparations or just shelf place.

Every inch counts and is being utilized!

5. Storage Unit JEEP JKU

And here’s the finished storage unit in our JEEP JKU. On the left the drawer with the fridge. To the right the drawers for the storage boxes that contain our food, dog food and belongings, and the kitchenware. There’s enough space in the socket area for some lower storage boxes with spices, recovery stuff, tools and the camping stove. On the narrow right side we have the water tank (there’ll be a better solution soon, as we need more water).
The upper shelf space contains travel bags and camping gear like chairs and a table. We mounted a separating net between the shelf space and the backrow, so the dogs are safe.

YouTube Video

Here’s the YouTube Video. We are very thankful for your “Like & Subscribe”!

Vegan Overlander on YouTube.