EASY DIY Vehicle Drawer System E54

For a full write up along with links to all the material used, check out the article on my website www.shawneehillsworkshop.com/...
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After a few trips off-roading and camping with a family of 5 it became very apparent that I needed a way to better organize our gear. So like many others before me I decided to build a drawer system to go into the back of my XJ. I started by building a plywood enclosure, which was basically two sides and a center divider all of the same dimension and a top and back piece to fit. I based my dimensions on my XJ. The requirements I had were to be able to fit between the fenders, fill up all the space between the gate and back seat and be able to secure it to the factory tie down points. After cutting all the pieces for the carcass, I assembled everything using a Kreg Jig and pocket screws.
The next step was to build the drawers. There are a couple of things that you have to take into account when measuring for the drawers. First, depending on which drawer slides you are using you have to leave enough room for them. The slides I used required me to leave 1/2” on each side of the drawer for clearance. The other thing I had to take into account was the plastic lip on the rear of the Jeep. Because of this I couldn’t take full advantage of the height of the carcass because if I did the drawers wouldn’t be able to open. Once I was confident in my drawer sizes I again built them from plywood and used pocket hole joinery to build them. I also decided I wanted to build a slide out work surface into one of the drawers. The same process for sizing is required here as well. Once the drawers were built I mounted the drawer slides and did a test fit. A lot of people us locking drawer slides so they can lock the drawers in and out, but they are a little on the expensive side and I already had some standard full extension drawer slides so that is what I used along with a locking mechanism I will show below and honestly I haven’t seen the need for a more advanced system.
Once I knew everything was operational, I then cut 2 drawer fronts and covered them and the top of the box in carpet. I prefer to use speaker box carpet because it is easy to stretch and hides seams well. I chose charcoal because it matched my interior well, but there are several different options. To attach the carpet to the plywood I used 3M Super 77. It is a multipurpose spray adhesive that I have used for years, but there may be a more application specific spray out there. I did not cover the sides as I was originally planning on adding “wings” to the box to cover the gap around the fender well, but I have since sold the jeep and that never happened.
The last step was to add a locking mechanism. I don’t have any close up pictures of this, but I added a cam action window sash lock to each of the drawers to hold them shut. I also used this method on the drawers in my Off-Road Overland Camper and they have worked great. To hold the drawers open, I simply drilled a hole through the drawer into the sides the diameter of a golf tee. When the drawer is fully open, I can push the golf tee in the hole and it holds the drawer out. When I’m ready to close it, I just pull the golf tee out about a half inch and the drawer will shut. Most of the time I don’t even use this feature. Only if I am parked on enough of a down hill slope that the drawer is trying to shut itself.

[@vmoregon]

looking good. i built something similar on my xj. been using it for almost a year now and i love having those drawers back there.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

NorthWest Adventures me too! Can’t imagine not having them now!

[@brucecamparmament3728]

Great video and kudos for getting your son involved! My Xterra has a very similar trunk so this is helpful

[@michaelkoenig4758]

I like the second slide out table Comes in handy I'm sure

[@beharford]

Very nicely done, Bro...truly impressed how professional the finished product is. And thanks for the tip on the Rigid toolboxes as well!

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

That was some excellent quality cabinetry you did there. Very clean and nice looking. I want something like this in the back of my JK.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks, they have served me very well

[@the703rubicon4]

Great craftsmanship, that's also a sweet work station!

[@ricksantos1926]

Nice work!!! You gave me the best Idea yet that I've been looking for.

[@netnegryy]

This is amazing. I would like to build pretty much the same design, i think it would fit perfect our family needs too for our day trips ! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@RyanBennett_Gpd605]

Jealous of your woodworking skills! Looks great man! Keep up the awesome work!

[@redgtscoupe]

You make it looknso easy to make.. good looking drawers 👍

[@davidweimer3556]

Great work. I have a 2019 I would like to do this to... Can't wait to start that project!

[@theheepjeep]

Woh! That slide out table is a great idea. Your setup turned out awesome - I didn't even think about using the factory tie down mounts. Good work!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

The Heep Jeep thanks. I love the table. I use it for making coffee a lot!

[@theheepjeep]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 I may need to steal this....haha. you really hit some important details for this build. I'm stuck on the sides too but will probably start with the drawers and go from there like you mentioned.

[@321southtube]

Very very cool. I am doing this. Thanks so much. Be safe - Be well

[@joeholmberg250]

Love the pull out table idea

[@IroncladCat-wx4tt]

This is a really clean build dude. I really love your car here. Really nice! Keep up the great work dude!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Ironclad Cat7599 thanks man, I appreciate it

[@TranTheClever]

For me your videos so calms and relaxing and satisfaying 4:46

[@richardbrooks3569]

Looks good. I need one for my JK.

[@dazza777777]

Good job quite inspiring 👍

[@no_handle_required]

that's some nice work.

[@OverlandUncharted]

Great video Wes!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@rawalz1]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@SirWilliamGoes]

Def far more legit than mine!!! Looks good

[@StuffUCanMake]

This is so good!! I subscribe.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

StuffUCanMake thanks, I appreciate it!

[@garymull1972]

verry nice thanks for your videos

[@thecherokeechannel688]

That looks great! Im looking to build one out of thin metal too soon but trying to knock out too many things at once isnt helping me. Awesome.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

The Cherokee Channel I just subscribed so I will get to see it when you do!

[@poultonprojects]

These are sweet!!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Him and I 2001 thanks, I love them!

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Wow! Fantastic skills. Was just looking to make a similar thing.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks! If you do, post some pictures to my facebook page so I can see!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

or tag me on instagram/youtube

[@DreamCarGarage1]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 will do. It's a project I'm doing on my channel. We could collab. Will definitely give you a shout out when I get to that stage of the project.

[@azclimber100]

Wesley - nice job on your project. Getting ready to start the very same project and was wondering - if there's anything you'd change about your project, what would that be? Are you satisfied with the structural integrity without a bottom on the box? How about the drawer slides? Heavy duty enough? And how'd you bolt it all down to the tie down points? Turnbuckles? Finally, what about latches? Don't the drawers slide around when the vehicle is moving?

[@redroadrunner1545]

I built one myself last year. It is in a 97 4runner, it pretty similar. Mine doubles into a bed sleeping platform fits a full size bed. When I similar that's in style not quality. Your work is awsome

[@joshblancher7429]

I’m about to do this to my 99 4Runner

[@lucarodoni9849]

Awesome!

[@stevedavis978]

Awesome !!

[@OverlandGeneration]

Nice.. Uncle Rob likes the carpet!....

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks for watching!

[@marcusalancate1782]

Nice job!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks!

[@jcs5202]

@shawneehillsworkshop This is perfect for a JK too. Can you explain how you secured it to the existing loops? And also how did you overcome the different height on the floor, in order for the drawers to open up easily? Great vid. Same with the tilting slide!

[@lovablepersona5000]

Nice project.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

thanks!

[@johnhalchishick7094]

Nice work , I want to do one on my Denali but I like it the lower just high enough maybe six inches 5 in for my jack to fit. I'm also toying with the idea of cutting the floor to add a inside location for my spare tire. I really hate the under truck winch system on my 2005 Denali. Worst part about getting a flat it's getting the damn spare out from underneath the truck.

[@dickieknutz2933]

Terrific diy (?) Pocket hole production machine

[@madcat4563]

That a very cool way to make holes so you can connect the planks. What do you call that?

[@federicoareco170]

Easy diy.. has a whole woodworking shop...

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Federico Areco you don’t need a whole woodworking shop to cut plywood and screw it together with pocket screws

[@grassshadow1]

I like you left the kids in there 😁

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

They are a big part of my videos!

[@gregorioongaro8663]

Wow! I'm Building It ! I would like to Ask which drawer guides have you used? Thank's!

[@parkerrinn7733]

Hey I know this is a older video but I was just wondering if you had any measurements that you would be willing to share with me or plans for it

[@TheMultisportGeek]

I have all of the tool you have including the pocket hole jig but my boxes always end up being wonky as hell.

[@antonyoneil294]

love it

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks

[@timothyspringer1876]

Did u make the rear bumper or buy it. Can't find one that opens toward the driver side lol good video!

[@TheSoloman27]

Looks 👍

[@1unkn0wn]

Thank you for sharing :) What do you think it weighs?

[@corybrewer7235]

floyd co here watching

[@fearghal]

Super cool, love the timelapses!! Quick question for you as I'm considering something similar and in the planning phase.... In an effort to save a little weight, I'm considering 1/2" birch ply and assembling with the pocket hole screws (and glue). My question is, do you think that pocket hole assembly will be strong enough when built with 1/2" ply? I've read the screws don't get quite enough purchase. Appreciate any insight!! Thanks.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

I’ve never had great luck with pocket screws in 1/2” plywood

[@fearghal]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 - Thanks! I'll take a run at it with 3/4". Cheers.

[@fishhuntadventure]

@@fearghal did you do it? Personally I’d use 1/2” and 1/4” but assembled to take advantage of strength characteristics without needing so much weight in plywood to achieve durability. Pocket screws are great for many applications but remember people have been joining wood successfully for thousands of years before pocket screws were invented.

[@TheMourningLight]

Great!

[@colemiller6692]

Did you make note of the final measurements you had on each piece of wood you cut?

[@jailbreakoverlander]

wingin is way too go, bult mine first time perfect. doing second set soon video will be up.

[@restrada]

Hey man thats a nice build right there, awesome work!! BTW, be careful with your hoodie cords when operate a table saw.

[@willkidd12]

I can't wrap my head around how you made that sliding table lol

[@MovingToMnPro]

Yeah, I agree that slide out table is pretty cool. I did something similar, but mine straddles over the drawer, but my drawers are quite shallow. Thanks for sharing :)

[@AnthonyStabler]

Tell me more about your pocket hole tool. Is that homemade?

[@officialWWM]

Also, make sure you leave space between the rear door and your draws to get your hand in there to open the hatch when the outside door handle eventually fails…

[@stevenharden5586]

Where did you get the carpet? local fabric shops?

[@jackross3385]

how did you attach the drawers to the car?

[@robertg262]

Nice

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thank you

[@akmedia2313]

I’ve been wanting to do a drawer system on my XJ. Do you have the exact dimensions?

[@S_Bonham]

Have a list of wood used or am I missing it? Looking to tackle this project soon on my xj. Any advice you wish you had known before starting?

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

I don't have any plans of cut list for this project, I just built it from scraps I had in my shop.

[@S_Bonham]

SHAWИEE HILLS WORKSHOP any recommendations on what to use? Plywood, 2x4s?

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Steve Bonham I used 3/4” plywood

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

The Rigid Professional Toolboxes that I use to store all of my overland gear are a fraction of the price compared to the ones that are targeted toward Overlanding and in my mind are equally durable or superior! Check them out at Home Depot bit.ly/2S9fV2b

[@klumsytone]

I was thinking of mounting Milwaukee Packout boxes.

[@fishhuntadventure]

That’s a Walmart link ? Or broken internet

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

@@fishhuntadventure not sure why the link broke, Made it 3 years ago, when I’m around my pc I will fix it

[@itsGreghere]

Awesome. But why the shallow drawer? Would a longer one put too much stress on the slides with drawer and table pulled out together?

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Not sure what you mean? The drawer system goes all the way to the back of the seat and the drawers are full depth

[@itsGreghere]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 Maybe I misunderstood, but at 6:42 you said you did a shallow drawer on the left side. Either way, it's an awesome build. I watched the build videos for the trailer yesterday too. Amazing work, and great videos!

[@jcs5202]

He meant shallow drawer as in the height, not the depth. In order to accommodate the sliding table beneath the drawer (and still keep it the same height as the other drawer) it has to be "shallow".

[@jacobstein7179]

I'm looking to build something like this and I don't know anything about woodworking. When do you choose to use wood screws over staples?

[@fishhuntadventure]

when you want stuff to last. The fastener needs to cooperate with the glue; staples eventually loosen when the glue bond is the strongest connection.

[@Leilthold-]

Did you purchase back your Jeep?

[@Mcrash306]

man can i get the specs for a cut list. think this would work perfect in my xj

[@joshuasprings6927]

About how heavy would you say this is

[@alexa-nd6fe]

Do you have the measurements?

[@littlerufe]

I'm curious why the use of pocket screws everywhere instead of just screwing through the face into the legs. Is there an advantage, or is it just for aesthetics?

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Rufus Littlefield it’s stronger that way, the screws are then screwing across the grain instead of into end grain

[@siltrpr]

No eye protection?

[@evaribeiro2696]

Amazing can you make me one for my Land Rover.?

[@bbqgriller45]

How did you mount it to the vehicle?

[@fishhuntadventure]

It’s in the video…

[@andresmartinezarribas1276]

how many mm of thickness

[@samsandler6005]

what type of wood are you using? what's the thickness? thanks

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

sam sandler I used 3/4” plywood. The drawers where pre finished ply while the box was just builder grade ply

[@fishhuntadventure]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 all plywood is used by builders. there’s no such thing as ‘builder grade’ plywood. There’s different grades of plywood no matter who uses it

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

@@fishhuntadventure www.woodconcepts.ie/products/builders-grade-plywood

[@gmcgaffey35]

What was the thickness of the plywood that you used?

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

gmcgaffey35 3/4”

[@gmcgaffey35]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 Thank you

[@enice617]

I wish I had a table saw....

[@Achisachis73]

Easily done if you have a full wood shop

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Achisachis73 easily done with a circular saw and a drill

[@Achisachis73]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 sure, plus all the tool I saw that I do not have. Great build by the way, thanks for sharing

[@JUGGERNAUT____]

No safety glasses, no guard on the table saw, no problem... I've done this kind of work long enough to know that being lucky is not the same as being experienced. This guy is going to end up a statistic. Which one depends on if he loses a finger or gets shrapnel in his eye.

[@kurtmyers297]

Nice but you need to be careful with your hoody. Not a good idea to wear loose clothing around a table saw!!!

[@fishhuntadventure]

Safety is more than signaling. But the safety glasses are important

[@RevereOverland]

Nice! Wanna build me one?

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

that's a negative ghost rider

[@jailbreakoverlander]

dude build your own its not rocket science easy to do and plenty of vids like this that can guide you.

[@RevereOverland]

@@jailbreakoverlander why build it myself when I can have someone else build it for me? ;)

[@bobbieminor1263]

I noticed that you used pocket holes on this build but your kits do not use them and just use glue and screw straight into the end of the ply. Why did you make the change?

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

When using pocket screws only about 1/2” of thread goes into the wood. When joining the way we do now about 1-1/4” of thread goes into the joint and holds the joint much better. We now use trim head screws and fill the holes before bed lining them.

[@bobbieminor1263]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 Thank you for taking the time to reply. This makes a lot of sense and also, saves a ton of time!

[@MapToNowhere911]

Is that a red river gorge sticker? Haha

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

It is! I’m just 30 min away

[@MapToNowhere911]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 NICE! I’m an hour away! Haha

[@BeeeHonest]

Easy! LOL...

[@kg7yts187]

Safety... Goggles... Dust... Mask

[@tomw6485]

P

[@yakkintyler7293]

“Easy”

[@prepperboss]

The audio blows, bro

[@nannettebattista6224]

I did it with Woodprix.

[@bebbuinc7611]

Not trying to be that guy... but no riving knife and loose long sleeve sweater? Okay.