Jacks or Better

Mopar's add-a-trunk stinks!

It doesn't fit well with the Mopar soft top boot.
It doesn't fit at all with the factory subwoofer...

I was willing to over look thos two items until..

I realized that the add-a-trunk isn't even remotely weather resistant. I've pulled my carpet, all of my drain plugs, have the "Yes essentials", and get pretty wet fairly frequently, and love it!

BUT I NEED TO PROTECT MY CARGO!

Any of you out there have storage area solutions that are both weather resistant and secure?
I'd like to hear what you found on the market, but I'm especially interested in homegrown solutions.
(thought about making something out of plywood myself, sealing it, then rhino lining the exterior portion and adding hard points to it to bolt down things like a trail toolbox and on-board-air. Steel would probably work better, though I don't have the tools to work with metal)

Please include pics if you have 'em.
Thanks,
JoB

Jacks or Better

This needs to enclose the entire cargo area.
Needs to allow room for my windows and door frames to be stored whenever they aren't in use.
needs to secure my toolbox
needs to secure factory sub
needs to secure recovery gear
needs to be solid enough to strap a cooler to
needs to be solid enough for mounting fire extinguishers and an airtank for oba

Come on where the real DIY guys/gals out there??

Soup

someone needs to make a hard tonneau cover like for pickups!!!!

Jacks or Better

something like that could work, but it's got to be recessed enough so it doesn't interfere with raising/lowering the soft top...

Maybe though you're on the right track here. thanks for the thought!

anyone else?

james90755

I am thinking the same thing.... need something homegrown.... something like:

(think in terms of standing at the hitch and looking in... 2dr X, back seat removed)
36" wide box
just deep enough to meet the front loops in the floor that the seat mounts to
maybe as high as the tub, or a bit more, maybe 16-24"
lid hinged at front, opens at back, like tonneau
fingers come out of box at floor, and fit tightly under seat mounts
box meets flush with rear door when closed
more fingers at back of box (at floor) that slide under the rear door when closed to prevent box from being lifted out (like the little storage cubbie lid thing)

option B is no lid, just a box with no floor, with opening at the back only, then add cargo hooks to top to strap down other items... same security, easier to make.

keep in mind either way there is nothing bolted in, only hooked under seat mounts and under the rear door when closed... wen not needed, just open door and slide out.

feel free to critique...

Jacks or Better

I've actually got soemthing else in mind... and I can't take credit for it.

Essentially I plan to get one of those heavy duty locking Rubbermaid totes. Then taking the measurements from it and using some strut-channel to make a sort of mounting system on my floor.

I'll have 2 boxes, a trail box with spare parts, tools, etc. and a clean box for when I have the wife and or company along.

This will require some drilling into the sheet metal (on the unlimited) but when finished will be secure, weather proof, and easily removable for when I need the room to haul larger objects.


I have to give full credit here to W3CSX who did it first on his 2 door.
When I get into the project, I'll post up some pics.

james90755

I thought about that as well... Lowes has a "SUV cargo box" on its website.... but I don't like the plastic... I was thinking something a little more sturdy..

search google using "aluminum chest" "atv box" "cargo box... there are plenty of average solutions there, but nothing is really big enough... except for the Tuffy product.. but its like $550.

Definitely isn't an easy problem to solve with a couple hundred dollars.

BYU JK

Woods, sounds like your next challenge

Jacks or Better

Tuffy makes a decent product.. but as I understand it's not truly "weahterproof". I need something that will keep things dry when I'm topless and in a downpour, or worse yet.. a sideways pour. lol

I also need something that is quick to remove when I need the cargo space, but secure to the vehicle in case of a roll-over or attempted theft.

I really think I'm on the right track here.. Just need to get a design together and make an attempt.

james90755

we can talk about it tomorrow on the trail... Woods needs to come.