Rear Loadspace Storage Box

[TONUP]

A little while ago I posted a thread to say how pleased I was with the two dog cages I got from Aldi (£24.99 each). I am still very please with them, but they have now taken up a lot of space in the rear loadspace (see pic below).

My reason for this thread is to see if anyone know if you can buy a storage box that would fit flat on the floor, perhaps with a couple of pullout drawers in, that I could put the cages on top of. I got the idea that something might be available, or could be built from an X-Trail Artic I had a look at once... couldn't afford of course.

If I were to build one, would MDF or plywood be the best solution.

Look forward to your suggestions... if any?

Thanks

Alan

 

[(RIP) PLANK]

Makeitfit has done this, he is a wiz with wood, and has posted pics - somewhere!
I'm sure he recommended OSB board, light strong and waterproof :thumb2

 

[rustic]

I would probably make 2 units side by side, as when full they could be heavy.

Some carpet material on the top and it should look good.
It will also allow the dogs to see where they have been, as the cages will be higher, and you should be able to see out of the rear window.

Also if you only want 1 cage, then you just need the one box, gives you more load options.

The boxes should be strong enough to stand on when you finish.

Consider how the dogs get in there now, if they are able to climb in, then the task will be more difficult when higher.

 

[jims-terrano]

I have the same problem as I have one big cage in mine. Good idea but first of all how do you get the pouches in to the cages? will they be able to make it all that way themselves or do you have to lift them up there. Personally I have trouble stopping my lab over shooting the car full stop:lol. I reckon ply, marine ply may be better and defo carpet to help stop the rattles. Remember due to the slop of the back seat the cages will sit further back towards the tailgate.

Jim

 

[makeitfit]

I'd use ply not OSB as it's much nicer to work with and you can get a better finish:thumbs Ply is also better for screwing into the end grain. There's only a few quid in it price wise and ply is better resistant to water too:sly
MDF is poo for this job, fact
You can get mildew proof carpet off fleabay (used in campers etc) to makeit nice and glue it on with spray on contact Evo.
The two box idea is good, but have them boltable togetherable If you're going to put drawer mechs in them then the boxes will need bolting down too, otherwise they all fall down when you open them :lol
There are some companies doing this sort of thing on the web. So have a spy and copy :naughty
Good luck

 

[makeitfit]

For doggy ramp just use your waffle boards :sly

 

[(RIP) PLANK]

I'd use ply not OSB as it's much nicer to work with and you can get a better finish:thumbs Ply is also better for screwing into the end grain. There's only a few quid in it price wise and ply is better resistant to water too:sly
MDF is poo for this job, fact
You can get mildew proof carpet off fleabay (used in campers etc) to makeit nice and glue it on with spray on contact Evo.
The two box idea is good, but have them boltable togetherable If you're going to put drawer mechs in them then the boxes will need bolting down too, otherwise they all fall down when you open them :lol
There are some companies doing this sort of thing on the web. So have a spy and copy :naughty
Good luck

I could have sworn you recommended osb last time this came up :doh sorry!

 

[makeitfit]

I could have sworn you recommended osb last time this came up :doh sorry!

I think that was Extreme when he did his back side er i mean back end:thumbs
That said, if I was on site and some fell off the lorry, well it would do nicely thankyou :lol

 

[(RIP) PLANK]

I think that was Extreme when he did his back side er i mean back end:thumbs
That said, if I was on site and some fell off the lorry, well it would do nicely thankyou :lol

i loose track of who i was winding up now, must be my age:doh

 

[makeitfit]

Phnar :lol

 

[zippy656]

there are load loops (4) on the floor, maybe you could remover the loop and bolt down to them

 

[TONUP]

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful.

I think I will go for build it in 2 parts option. It'll be easier to handle and store.

Couple questions though... what's OSB and what thickness of ply would you suggest?

I have next Monday off so I will do a bit of measuring up and pricing up of materials. If I go ahead with it, I'll post pictures later. I willingly will accept any ridicule for my joinery skills... or lack of them

I've already decided not to build proper drawers as they will be technically a step to far for me. I think I will get a couple of plastic trays, or similar.

Regards

Alan

 

[makeitfit]

OSB is oriented strand board or something like that. It looks like it's made of lots of little shavings
Ply is sheets of veneer bonded together and does cost a couple of quid a sheet more.
Min thickness ply for that 18mm :thumbs

 

[R1cho]

what's OSB

Basically chipboard the stuff you used to see sheds made out of on council estates lol

 

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

i would have thought that if can secure using some sort of screwed hook
arrangement around storage eyes, wont be as permanent so not a mod
for sake of insurance as if was bolted down to a new purpose made hole
in floor.

 

[makeitfit]

I'm so glad I've got my insurance with Adrian Flux, 350 quid fully comp AND a list as long as two arms of "mods"
From what I read here of insurance companies, the policy could be invalid if you simply have a tow bar on :doh
Chipboard I think you'll find that's been big upped to "Resin Bonded Particle Board"

 

[R1cho]

Chipboard I think you'll find that's been big upped to "Resin Bonded Particle Board"

well dont that sound posh lol

 

[makeitfit]

I used to sell kitchens back in the day in London. It was in the patter :lol
Along with many other acronyms that liberated punter's cash :sly

 

[R1cho]

wood chippings held together with pva glue just dont sell well does it lol

 

[makeitfit]

oh don't forget the odd screw, stone and finger :lol
We fitted out a showroom in the early 90's and it was all chipboard sheets for the walls.
For weeks and weeks we had streaming eyes and headaches etc.
Turns out the resin used to stick the little chips together was highly irritant, some sort of chemical abuse on a grand scale
Anyway about 3 months after opening the showroom all the chipboard had to be painted to seal in the fumes :doh