Hi all.
I drove up from Bath to Kidderminster to APB Headquarters to check out their recently arrived set of drawers for the Grenadier.
This set is the first of an initial batch of five.
They’re made by Big Country, a South African outfit, apparently with many years experience in producing overland and expedition kit.
They’re certainly solid and well put together.
Being their first set to be fitted, the guys at APB (including the boss) dove in and within a couple of hours (including a modification on the trim blanking plates that needed folding to fit correctly) the drawers were fitted.
My concerns with drawer systems has always been that for the sake of a pair of trick looking drawers, you’re sacrificing a lot of wasted space around the wheel arches etc, as some manufacturers fit a solid top deck.
Not so these. There are snugly fitted sections on each side that lift out, giving access to all the nooks and crannies, perfect for straps, shackles and other odds and sods that’ll fit.
The drawer system is designed to fit any five seater Grenadier variant, so if you have the 5 seat commercial with the seats in their original position, then there’ll be a 75mm gap behind the seats to store other kit. If however you’ve moved the rear seats back, the drawers will fit leaving no gap.
Everything is carpet lined, inside and out, with each drawer having an adjustable separator.
All hardware is supplied including four keys for the locks.
Prices have yet to be confirmed, mainly due to increasingly volatile shipping costs from overseas, so I’m not able to say how much I paid yet. Suffice to say, I must make it clear that I have no commercial affiliation with APB, and that I’m not being paid or otherwise to post this.
Having said all the above, I must also mention my one and only constructive criticism on the Big Country drawers. And that is that there’s no handle with which to pull the drawers open with. You have to use the locking mechanism once released from its flush fitting recess.
Granted they’re sturdy enough, but I’ll be fitting a set of low profile stainless steel kitchen cupboard handles I happen to have surplus from a fit out. They’ll fit nicely and suit my needs.
The second reason for calling in to APB was to check out their South African Eezi Awn roof racks, of which a consignment of full length racks had also been shipped to their premises.
Having Safari windows meant the full length rack is not suitable, as opening and removing the panes would be impossible.
Cue a meaningful conversation along with a tape measure and phone camera, and an order is on its way for some 3/4 length (180cm x 160cm) racks which will be ideal for those Grenadiers with Safari windows.
I had a really good look at the Eezi Awn racks, and they’re way way better quality than anything I’ve seen (apart from Black Sheep’s mega bucks offering).
The racks have longitudinal rails with cross member slats; much better for strength as well as wind reduction (something owners never consider until too late). What’s more, they’re fully welded as opposed to being held together with dozens of nuts and bolts.
Measurements were also taken to ensure mounting feet (bloody heavy duty) won’t obstruct auxiliary power points.
I can’t comment on any other kit made by Eezi Awn, but I’ve already put my name down for their 3/4 length rack. Very nice kit.
Finally, I must say thanks to the crew at APB for launching into fitting my drawers. Top blokes.
I’ve never used them before, nor have I read any reviews on them. I simply took them as I saw them.
Not a bad cuppa tea either. Thanks for the mug!
License plate was covered as I’d prefer not to show it. Perfect opportunity for a blatant APB plug.
