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Rear storage - My box build

1K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  AustinCJer 
#1 ·
So let me start by saying I am not a craftsman. I dont own any wood cutting tools.

I had an idea to build a "trunk" in the back of the Jeep for when I travel. It wont stop thiefs, but at least it will slow them down or hopefully deter them from stealing my stuff. My wife and I are traveling to the coast this summer and want to go to an amusement park on the way and possibly stop and do a brewery tour at Shiner, TX... So while we are away from the Jeep, we needed a way to lock our belongings. Just like any other time, we wont be leaving anything valuable in any of the compartments, but its too easy to walk by Jeep and just grab our suitcase out of the back. So once again, this is just to deter theft, not stop it.

1st I measured my space and wrote up a pretty simple design. Next, I went to Lowes, got a 4x8 piece of MDF and 1 2x8, and was able to get all of my pieces for the box out of one sheet. I had Lowes do all my cutting, and luckily my measurements were spot on, because I didnt have any issue with overlap when I assembled it. Then I took it home, wood glued and screwed all my pieces together, spray painted it, added hinges, a lock, some rubber bumpers, and how I have a storage box.

It fits perfectly between the wheel wells... I left my back seat brackets in place and it fits between the wheel well and brackets. It took a little grinding to get it to fit, but now it wedges nicely in place. Soon ill drill a hole on each side of the box right where the hole is for the seatbelt mount and reuse the seatbelt bolt to secure the box in place.



Sits flush with the tub.



Thats a full size suit case that fits with room to spare.

 
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#2 ·
Ummm, I'm playing devil's advocate, but that box is easily broken into either by prying off the the hasp or just breaking that wood. Besides, that wood will warp in the elements. At least drill through the wood to make the hasp more secure with nuts and bolts rather than wood screws. That goes for the hinges as well. I would install two hasps on the front instead of just one.
 
#3 ·
Im aware that it isnt the best quality, like I was saying, its just to deter... If someone has to work for it, maybe theyll just pass. Plus, if someone sees a thief prying open the box, then maybe theyll say something.

I dont plan on keeping it in the back, its only for when I travel, plus it doesnt rain much here in Texas.

The hinges and hasp ARE secured with nuts/bolts.
 
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