FJ Cruiser Custom Rear Cargo Drawer System

With all this "lock down" time on my hands, I finally committed to removing the back seats in the FJ Cruiser and got busy designing a custom rear cargo drawer system for our Overland needs.
Read the article with more details here:
www.thegearbunker.com/buildin...
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[@michaelwolf4484]

Nice! One of the best-built drawer and platform mods I have seen!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks a lot! It was a fun build and is proving to be among the most useful mods to our FJ thus far.

[@anteupjcook]

Best drawer/sleeping platform I've seen yet!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thank you. I’ve seen some better ones out there using aluminum and composites. But it works for me and was something I was comfortable working with.

[@gregoryyoung9314]

Very creative and a great way to use space so that it’s not wasted,

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks!

[@garyingle7440]

Wow, amazing install

[@thegearbunker9842]

Glad you like it!

[@robs_outdoors7478]

Looks awesome mate. So neat, organised and well put together👌.

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks a ton!

[@LiL13izzy7]

Very nice work! Perfect form and function.

[@thegearbunker9842]

Glad you like it!

[@KissmyBasss]

Nice work! Thanks for sharing.

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickbrown4039]

Awesome build

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks! Glad you like it.

[@bluecubejdh]

This is genius. I'm now inspired to do something very similar!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks!

[@Jax4umalta]

I just found your channel tonight. I to am in Michigan and have an FJ. I camp almost every other weekend three seasons of the year. I also sleep in the back of my FJ sometimes. I also have a gazelle T3 that I sleep in. It depends on where I’m going in for how long. If I’m over landing up in the UP And changing spots every night I will sleep in the back. If I’m going for a long weekend or several days in the same location I will use the tent. I’m actually going camping next weekend in Interlochen and sleeping in the back. I’ve made covers for the windows out of reflectix and have screens for all the windows so I can sleep with them down on hot nights. I think I’m gonna check out a couple more of your videos thanks for sharing can’t wait to see more.

[@thegearbunker9842]

Jacqueline sounds like you’ve put some time into your FJ and use it regularly. That’s great to hear. I just got back to MI after 3 weeks on the road out west. If you’re ever passing through Gaylord, reach out to me and we’ll compare rigs.

[@Jax4umalta]

The Gear Bunker A pass through Gaylord on my way to the UP. I work in Traverse city and live by the sleeping bear dunes. If you’re ever over this way look me up as well. I’d be happy to meet you and check out your FJ!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Jacqueline Sounds like a plan!

[@anth0pl680]

Thank you this is the video that helped me the most and put the vision in my head hopefully I get it done soon!!

[@thegearbunker9842]

You got this!

[@Aussieshed]

Great job. About to get myself a FJ so this video will be used for inspiration.

[@thegearbunker9842]

Good luck!

[@mikehlee1766]

I love your setup! Nice 👍

[@thegearbunker9842]

I'm glad you like it. It'll be for sale shortly

[@outdooraussie6355]

Great stuff mate. Cheers 🍻

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@steveg219]

Great build!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks!

[@TheKmkmchannel]

It is awesome and is what I am planning to do.

[@thegearbunker9842]

You can do it!

[@steveb9525]

Awesome!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks!

[@sedricjoplin7788]

Nice job

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks!

[@georgesdesk]

Nice job 👍🏼

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks! 👍

[@tijuanero4154]

Great video thanks

[@thegearbunker9842]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ashwalford34]

Matey, just finished my set yesterday 🤙

[@thegearbunker9842]

Great. Hope you found the video to be helpful

[@griffinpk1]

That design is awesome! New subscriber.

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks for the sub! The design is pretty basic. I was just really bored during the first part of the lockdown and had some time on my hands.

[@BuzzCovington]

Your reviews have been chock full of great ideas, and I thank you. I will be tackling a storage box solution similar to your beginning tomorrow, and I hope it is at least half as nice as yours. I can’t remove the rear seats unless I convince my wife that we need to sell our little one to some Gypsies, so it will be a smaller version. This leaves me wondering if I will have enough room to mount the DFG fridge slide that you have me interested in. Fingers crossed!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ghahandi]

Beautiful job- working with limited space. well thought out.

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thank you! We've loved the FJ for the past few years. It'll be for sale this fall.

[@skyroninfjscififjcruiserby8352]

From SkyroninFJ this is absolutely genius

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks man, love your FJ!

[@hojjatahangarikiasari7670]

perfect

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks

[@josediaz1719]

Tackling your build this weekend, thanks a ton for making the video helped a ton! Is there a update on how it’s held together? What would you recommend to support your head (for 2) instead of just the closet poles? Thanks

[@simfishsho]

Hi, just found your channel and this video. I am an Architect with an FJ and by far your design and video is the best I have seen, coupled with your measurements. I am looking at building something like this but leave the rear seats in place but when it comes to sleeping dropping down the smaller sleep for 1 person to sleep. While my kids and mum are on the roof. Any further tips or advice would be awesome! Thx

[@williamvovan7297]

I am a huge fan of your videos! Thank you for sharing your awesome build! Would you mind linking the cabinet slides? They are so clean!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks William. FYI, This FJ will be for sale this fall.

[@AlchmstDsgn]

Well man... I know exactly what I'm doing to ours. We have a dog, and the platform will be awesome for her to ride with us on. Currently, because she goes with us, I've gotta pack in and pack out a bunch of Plano tubs. I saw this and knew I had to do it. I have the Orangeboxx fold down rear door table on the back that I'll have to account for, but that shouldn't cause me too many issues. Loose probably 4-5 inches off of one drawer. Maybe I can come up with a unique way to use that lost space. Killer stuff man!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Glad you like it. The project is pretty simple, just take your time and double and triple check your clearances and measurements. And post up a picture when you're done!

[@AlchmstDsgn]

@@thegearbunker9842 - It may be simple, but the solution it provides to someone who is tired of packing tubs and tying them down to a roof rack... priceless. I'll absolutely post a photo! Did you just use pine plywood or is that Birch?

[@DrJohn493]

Impressive!! Very nice COVID project. Big improvement over the plastic storage bins for my FJC. Interested in how you have the fridge powered/plugged in. Do you take custom orders for the drawer system!?

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks for tuning in. I ran a 12v outlet to the rear that is switched by my sPod and dedicated to the fridge. I'm too busy to be building boxes for vehicles. Plus, with material prices so high, the price would be at least double what I spent last year.

[@aymanal-mokalafe7185]

Good job with the fj but I suggest to install the cooler under the driver set which is empty space.

[@thegearbunker9842]

Thanks for the tip

[@thekadonexperience]

Awesome platform setup, one of the best I've seen for the FJ! We're looking at doing something very similar and will definitely use some of your tips. Do you know how much the unit weighed in the end? I didn't find a reference in the comments or website linked. Cheers

[@thegearbunker9842]

Honestly, I didn't really have a way to accurately weigh the box once complete. Sorry.

[@AlchmstDsgn]

Finishing this project up tonight! I'll still have to do the drawer faces, but I can do that once the whole thing is installed. So, so pumped. Thanks for this video Eric! I stole the entire thing... I knew these were what I needed as soon as I saw the video. So yeah... I'm pumped.

[@thegearbunker9842]

Good to hear. I expect pictures

[@rogermoncada4089]

Awesome video and also your website. This is very helpful for my next project. Could you please share the dimensions used for the drawers, specially the left one with the cutting board? I have been struggling getting them and that would be a great place to start. I appreciate the help!

[@thegearbunker9842]

www.thegearbunker.com/building-a-rear-cargo-drawer-slide-out-for-fj-cruiser/

[@HammerRocks]

Nice one. I think I need to re-organise stuff that I keep on my drawers. One keeps only some of my kitchen gear, and the other all my recovery gear and tools. But I might use that drawer for the rest of my kitchen gear and for food instead. I just have to find spots for my tools and recovery gear. Where do you keep your recovery gear?

[@thegearbunker9842]

I keep my tools and recovery bag on the floor behind the drivers seat for easy access.

[@mikebailey336]

great job!!!!! where do you get the heavy dudy draw slides?

[@thegearbunker9842]

Links in the article: www.thegearbunker.com/building-a-rear-cargo-drawer-slide-out-for-fj-cruiser/

[@JayOverlands]

Nice set up. Whats the Info on that propane tank and mount?

[@thegearbunker9842]

There's a link to it in our walk-around article: www.thegearbunker.com/overland-built-fj-cruiser-walk-around-part-2/

[@mavallarino]

Well done. I would like to split my second row. Are you taking orders!?!

[@thegearbunker9842]

I wish I had time. This was just a COVID lockdown boredom project

[@k.shadburne7900]

Great build, I just got a 2014'FJ, only 38K, Mint..Want to use a similar design...where did you get those self locking drawer glides from? Those are amazing. On a 2010 I had the trail edition and had it rigged out arb, boxes ect. Thanks. Shad in Az.

[@thegearbunker9842]

There are links to all the parts for the drawer build in this article on our site: www.thegearbunker.com/building-a-rear-cargo-drawer-slide-out-for-fj-cruiser/

[@robertwenzel5517]

Where did you get the Turnbuckles? PS. Looks great!

[@thegearbunker9842]

Links in the article: www.thegearbunker.com/building-a-rear-cargo-drawer-slide-out-for-fj-cruiser/

[@BL-tr2ug]

Did you make plans of the drawers?

[@anth0pl680]

Did you get longer bolts to hold it down on the side closest to the back door?? An did you put anything under the plywood closest to the seats for support?

[@thegearbunker9842]

More info in the published article. www.thegearbunker.com/building-a-rear-cargo-drawer-slide-out-for-fj-cruiser/

[@mohamedshohayeb5499]

Hello there ! possible to share the link of the latches in case you bought the separately?

[@thegearbunker9842]

www.thegearbunker.com/building-a-rear-cargo-drawer-slide-out-for-fj-cruiser/

[@jakecarruthers6513]

Hello, what are the overall dimensions of the box without the sleeping platform extension?

[@thegearbunker9842]

The outer dimensions of the drawer system are 54" long, 42" wide and 9" tall. Hope this helps. I also have a lot more information on our website. www.thegearbunker.com/building-a-rear-cargo-drawer-slide-out-for-fj-cruiser/

[@larryfisher7056]

I like those tail lights..are they a custom item?

[@thegearbunker9842]

It's just a cover for the OEM lights

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

Why would people use 3/4' Plywood for the drawers? wouldn't 1/2 for the drawers be sufficient?

[@timothycoghlan5041]

can you share what exact drawer hardware you used?

[@thegearbunker9842]

There are links to the hardware in the article: www.thegearbunker.com/building-a-rear-cargo-drawer-slide-out-for-fj-cruiser/

[@UncleFjester]

Is this an everyday driver?

[@thegearbunker9842]

Nope, it's a dedicated overland vehicle

[@schneidaren]

How did you attach the gas tank to the door?

[@thegearbunker9842]

www.refinedcycle.com/JM2-Universal-Cylinder-Mount-for-Toyota-FJ-Cruiser-all-years-JM2.htm

[@anthonyedwardsmvp217]

How tall are you for reference for the sleeping area

[@thegearbunker9842]

6'0" 215lbs

[@borisdamole]

Carol did it

[@thegearbunker9842]

That bitch Carol Baskins?