4x4 Action Group

So after looking at the cost of these systems I decided to build my own.

My current needs are such that I cannot justify a 20k system, plus I want something that can be removed in under 15 min if needs be.

The chap in the picture is our boiler maker/sheet metal worker - a genius with steel!!!

He has banned me from his workshop as I work too slow for his liking

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Between load shedding and no wifi we were able to finish the centre piece.

The rest will be done on monday.

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... is that 20mm square tube Shane ?

Yes it is Chas.

I notice you are not trying to maximize space Shane...

That's just the centre piece. Still more to build on monday.

What would you have done differently?

Keep pics and report comming...

Right so finished off the sides and wood.

Because this build is not just for overlanding, but needs to work for hunting, fishing etc it differs from the standard systems commercially available. Slightly higher.

The "drawers" are two different sizes to accomodate rifles etc.

I made loose lids on the sides so that I can access the spaces below thus fully utilising them.

I have not decided if I'm going to put drawers in yet - at this point I can fit 3 x ammo crates in the one side and a fairly large meat crate in the other.

Time will tell.

I've ordered plastic garage tiles to cover the ply on the top. Should be here by next week.

It aint the prettiest - but at a total cost of 2k I'm happy - for now.

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Nice. That is the way to go. Build what works for you. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it just has to be good for your purpose.

Looks good Shane. Really.

But I still think drawers in a loadbin is a bit of a waste...

A waste in one aspect, loading / space if you’re carrying sand, but think of this scenario:

You’re going on a 4x4 trip where you move each day. You need to stop on the side of the road and eat lunch etc.

You have a load of camping equipment, bedding, camp chairs etc all lying in the bak on top of the ammo boxes or crates of food or whatever because you’re usually hungover and late so you chuck stuff in.

Now, when you stop to eat, you need to unpack some larger items to get access to the boxes, yes you can pack cleverly, but a drawer system with a solid top just makes everything so much more accessible and neatly packed that it proves it’s worth. All your crap can be loaded on top and the food and drinks etc are protected and available whenever you need it.

I had a very simple slide out drawer for my Coleman and another for food and kitchen crap in my SWB Paj on the river trips and they made life so easy.

For a bakkie builder like Manny, a drawer system is a waste

Looking nice Shane. Few trips down the road and you will know what you want.

KurtG wrote: For a bakkie builder like Manny, a drawer system is a waste

Please address him by his title: The House Doctor...

Mad Manny wrote:Shane, I would make a hinged lid of the last portion of that board over the drawers.

Basically, cut it 400mm to 600mm from the tailgate, fit a full length brass piano hinge.

Reason, then you can just lift that lid to access the stuff you need most often which will obviously be towards the back.
The way you have it, you always have to pull the drawer out a bit to get at anything.

The other advantage is, if you pull it out a little, with that lid you can easily reach stuff at the back, you don't have to oull the drawers all the way out to get at the rearmost items.

I like the idea!