Storage Boxes, Sleeping Platform
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To make maximum use of the interior space we removed the rear seats and built storage boxes that would form a sleeping platform. We love to sleep inside the vehicle, safe from storms (sand or snow) or animals.
Removing the seats proved to be a challenge with all the bolts - on my Cherokee I had a quick disconnect for the seat and two bolts for the back. On the JK there are almost countless bolts and nuts to be undone...
Well, I admit I started the first part without recording it properly. We built the trunk box and front boxes temporarily for a previous camping trip. We used those boxes and started 'fine tuning' them. A couple of drawer rails which would pull out the full 28" and carry up to 100lbs were used to hold the drawer. The rails were screwed onto the outer box symmetrically. Special care is needed to mount the rails perfectly parallel to make the drawer pull out smoothly.
Then the side walls of the drawers were attached to the rails, again checking the symmetry.
Here you can also see the metal plates which are used as a giant washer to bolt the front boxes to this trunk box when in the vehicle. Washboard roads and the stress on material when four-wheeling have proved that simple washers will work their way through wood eventually.
Next the front and back of the drawer were added, with the front being fitted perfectly to make a nice finish when the drawer is closed.
We bought cheap spruce wood in long boards and the floor of the drawer was built out of two pieces cut out of one board. Measure twice cut once :-)
Then the two pieces were fit in between the drawer side boards.
To connect all parts we used metal angles (two on each board edge). That made for solid corners. As seen on the previously built boxes everything was painted black. With the rear tinted windows those boxes are not noticable from the outside and make a good place to keep things out of sight - even when not on a trip and just cruising through town.
The two front boxes were built so that they would attach to the trunk box. They feature a lid and fill the space between trunk box and front seats. Together the three boxes make the platform for the matress.
Here the trunk box was fitted into the vehicle. There's plenty of space to store all kinds of goodies.
Then the front boxes were put in. They bolt onto the trunk box and, as described before, I used big metal plates instead of washers.
Here the front box is shown with open lid. Note again the 'washer plate'.
The three boxes sit nicely in the vehicle. The space in the center between the two front boxes is for the fridge. This is easily accessible from the front seat and is also tucked away and out of sight.