Our Self-Made Drawer System and Its Amazing Potential

[inky_black]

Developed Together:

In the world of vehicle customizations and DIY projects, there is an endless variety of ideas and solutions to make the most of your car. Today, we would like to introduce you to one of these ideas, the result of a creative collaboration between three dedicated minds: @Jaro, @Pavo , and myself (@inky_black ). Together, we have developed our self-made drawer system, which holds an additional surprise - the ability to transform it into a plug-in bed. In this blog post, we would like to present our unique drawer system and share how it can transform your Grenadier into an organized and versatile mobile base for your adventures. Whether you are a passionate traveler who values functionality and comfort or simply seeking an intelligent solution to maximize your vehicle space, our drawer system with the additional plug-in bed option may be an inspiring choice. In this post, we will explore all aspects of our self-made drawer system, from its inception to practical applications. Together, we will delve into the world of this project and discover how it can help turn your Grenadier into a multifunctional, organized, and comfortable environment – precisely what like-minded individuals like you are looking for to make the most of their vehicles.

The image shows our self-made drawer system, located in the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle, immediately behind the second row of seats. The system consists of two pull-out drawers that maximize available space. The drawers are equipped with heavy-duty slides and sturdy frames to securely hold Euro crates. The fronts of the drawers are individually designed and feature the Grenadier logo and "A". The low profile of the system ensures a flat loading surface when the seats are folded down, allowing for versatile use of the vehicle's interior. The drawers can be locked but are easily opened and closed with one hand. The drawer system seamlessly integrates into the vehicle's trunk or cargo area, enabling efficient use of the available space.

Features of Our Self-Made Drawer System:

• Two pull-out drawers with heavy-duty slides: Our drawer system features two pull-out drawers equipped with heavy-duty slides. These drawers provide ample storage space and are perfect for accommodating Euro crates. The Euro crates come in two different sizes: 400x300x120 mm and 600x400x120 mm.
• Frames for Euro crates: Each drawer is equipped with a sturdy frame that securely holds Euro crates. The frames have dimensions of 910 x 410 mm, maximizing available space.
• Flexibility in Euro crate use: Euro crates can be easily inserted and removed at any time and can be exchanged for other Euro boxes as needed, whether for everyday use or camping equipment.
• Low profile: The drawer system has a height of only 180 mm, ensuring a flat loading surface when the second row of seats is folded down, allowing for versatile use of the vehicle's interior.
• Individually designed fronts: The fronts of our drawers are individually designed and feature the Grenadier logo and "A", adding a "personal" touch to the system.
• Easy operation: The drawers can be locked but are easily opened and closed with one hand, enhancing user-friendliness.
• Adaptation to vehicle contours: Our drawer system is perfectly tailored to the contours of the vehicle's interior in all directions, ensuring that the entire vehicle space remains usable without sacrificing essential vehicle functions. Seats can be folded down, and compartments and covers can be easily accessed.
• Expandability: Our drawer system offers the option of expansion. You can simply add another structure, the bed setup, which does not compromise any vehicle functions. On the contrary, it provides the opportunity to sleep in the vehicle and makes your car even more versatile.

Our self-made drawer system offers flexibility and opportunities to optimize your vehicle space without compromising on comfort and functionality. It is an intelligent solution for vehicle enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

The image displays our expandable bed setup, placed on top of the drawer system. The bed setup offers a comfortable sleeping option within the vehicle, significantly expanding the vehicle's utility. It is easy to install and does not impact any vehicle functions. The image illustrates how the bed setup creates a flat surface above the drawers, ideal for sleeping. The bed setup is constructed to be robust and stable, providing a comfortable sleeping environment for on-the-go adventures.



Let's Evolve Together:

We hope this post has inspired you and offered insights into how you can transform your Ineos Grenadier into a multifunctional and well-organized mobile base. Our self-made drawer system with the additional plug-in bed option has taken our three Ineos Grenadiers to a new level, and we are delighted to use it daily.
Now, our three Ineos Grenadiers are equipped with this system, and we take pride in incorporating this expansion into our everyday adventures. However, this post is not just for us—it's for the entire Ineos Grenadier community. We look forward to your feedback, comments, and your own experiences with similar projects. Your ideas and suggestions are highly valuable and can assist other enthusiasts in optimizing their Ineos Grenadiers.
Thank you for taking the time to read our post. If you have further questions or would like to reach out personally, please feel free to contact @Pavo or @inky_black . We look forward to hearing from you. We hope this post has encouraged you to embark on your creative projects and explore the versatility of your Ineos Grenadier. Together, we can continue to evolve the world of vehicle customizations and discover exciting new possibilities.
We are already looking forward to receiving feedback and comments from you and other members of our community! Until then, let's continue our shared journey on four wheels with our Ineos Grenadiers. Cheers!

 

[DaBull]

Hi Inky_Black, Jaro, Pavo, Congratulations on a fine design.

I have been thinking of something similar and love the look and design you have created.

A couple thoughts to take under consideration too;

1) Would making the base drawers in 2 side-by-side separate sections give you more flexibility. You could leave one in and perhaps mount a refrigerator in the empty space. It would also make removing them perhaps a bit easier since each section and top would weigh less too.

2) If room permits, perhaps have the end of the drawers facing the rear be a bit shorter instead of flush with the top for three reasons. Having them recessed perhaps by 13-20 mm or so would give it a nice finished tucked under look. It would also make them a bit more tamper proof since it would be harder to get a pry bar in to break them loose. It would also allow a better fitting for an integrated built-in locking system and room to put a handle on the face of the drawers.

3) Another idea I had if height room would allow it, is to build in a pull-out plywood table or shelf underneath the drawers, which would provide an additional work surface for sorting things or perhaps more room for cooking items etc. It would be great if each drawer could have it's own a pull-out shelf.

4) Unless your going to start building and shipping these to others, perhaps when designs and options are set, you could publish exact details and measurements and parts so we could make them ourselves or so we could hire a cabinet maker to make them for us.

Thanks again for posting photos of your great designs.

DaBull

 

[grenadierboy]

Great work and many thanks @Jaro, @Pavo, @inky_black for showing us.

This gives good inspiration and ideas to others thinking of what type of drawe system best fits their Grenadier use needs.

Q: what type & structure of wood have you used for the bottom, top seftions and the drawer ends?
Q: Is the bottom wooden piece of your system fixed to the cargo floor of the Grenadier to ensure no side to side & up/down movement. If so, how have you fixed the draw system?

 

[ORSO]

Great!

 

[Lollo050968]

Great Work and the drawers follow my personal thoughts for a solutions for my Grenadier. Could you share a drawing of the top and bottom plate of the system? That will help me (us all) a lot, because I want to buy the plates directly cutted in the right shape.

Thanks a lot!

 

[DCPU]

Developed Together:

[*]Frames for Euro crates: Each drawer is equipped with a sturdy frame that securely holds Euro crates. The frames have dimensions of 910 x 410 mm, maximizing available space.

Do the Euro crates sit on a lip at their edges or is there a floor in the drawers?

 

[Pavo]

Actually we have only a „hand sketch“. I will transfere this in 3D CAD in the cold part of the year. For the drawers there is no need to use a floor. The Euro crates sit on a lip. I will make some additional photos incl. how the complete setup is fixed inside the car. Questions above will be also answered in few days (I am actually very bussy). One Important detail: we spent a lot of time for brain storming in order to get the absolute maximum of space. If you shorten the drawers for exaple 2 cm, you will loose a lot of space: you will no longer be able to integrate a Euro crate 600x400 and an other one with 300x400 in one frame of the drawer. There a lot of hidden details which should be taken in account. Photos will follow soon.

 

[DaBull]

Actually we have only a „hand sketch“. I will transfere this in 3D CAD in the cold part of the year. For the drawers there is no need to use a floor. The Euro crates sit on a lip. I will make some additional photos incl. how the complete setup is fixed inside the car. Questions above will be also answered in few days (I am actually very bussy). One Important detail: we spent a lot of time for brain storming in order to get the absolute maximum of space. If you shorten the drawers for exaple 2 cm, you will loose a lot of space: you will no longer be able to integrate a Euro crate 600x400 and an other one with 300x400 in one frame of the drawer. There a lot of hidden details which should be taken in account. Photos will follow soon.

Hi Pavo, Thanks for the extra details and photos.
How many mm high are the Euro crates and do you have a link where you can buy them?
Do you have the the measurements for the rectangular metal frames that the Euro crates sit on and the measurements for the glides too and a link on where to purchase them?
Can you still access the jack, or does it need to be relocated into one of the Euro crates and will one of the Euro crates fit it?
You can tell all of you put a lot of thought into the design. DaBull

 

[grenadierboy]

Actually we have only a „hand sketch“. I will transfere this in 3D CAD in the cold part of the year. For the drawers there is no need to use a floor. The Euro crates sit on a lip. I will make some additional photos incl. how the complete setup is fixed inside the car. Questions above will be also answered in few days (I am actually very bussy). One Important detail: we spent a lot of time for brain storming in order to get the absolute maximum of space. If you shorten the drawers for exaple 2 cm, you will loose a lot of space: you will no longer be able to integrate a Euro crate 600x400 and an other one with 300x400 in one frame of the drawer. There a lot of hidden details which should be taken in account. Photos will follow soon.

Thanks Pavo.

I look forward to your more information.

You say, no need for a floor but, I would think that the floor gives the entire unit the strenght and rigidity needed.

Weight could be saved by the floor NOT being an whole piece covering the entire width x depth but, maybe 3 x 100mm strips side-to-side.

 

[DCPU]

How many mm high are the Euro crates and do you have a link where you can buy them?

Whilst you wait on an answer from OP, you could do worse than peruse the catalogue of Auer:

Euro containers | AUER Packaging

The specialist in warehouse and transport packaging for a wide range of applications. Made in Germany ✓ Direct from the manufacturer ✓ Value for money ✓ Customised ✓

www.auer-packaging.com

The joy of them is:

”EURO CONTAINERS: FITS ANYWHERE IN EUROPE
Sometimes, it is the really inconspicuous things that truly simplify the job of retailing and logistics. Euro containers are certainly one of them. Thanks to their standardised sizes, they can be optimally stacked, loaded and stored. They will fit perfectly into a truck or a storage rack in Thessaloniki or Krakow. The system is based exactly on the Euro pallet, whose standardised space serves as the foundation for the dimensions of the Euro containers.”

 

[DCPU]

You say, no need for a floor but, I would think that the floor gives the entire unit the strenght and rigidity needed.

Wasn't that in relation to the floor being part of the drawer itself? The boxes are rigid enough to carry their weight on just the lips.

Weight could be saved by the floor NOT being an whole piece covering the entire width x depth but, maybe 3 x 100mm strips side-to-side.

Yes, or boxing in the rear seat end will help stop racking and maybe remove the floor entirely.

Additionally, the lower trays could be removed and the drawer slides fixed directly to the Euro boxes?

Either way, I think incorporating Euro boxes into a drawer system is the way to go, especially as the Grenadier has relatively less payload weight to play around with.

 

[jert]

A lot more basic system at my end but cut out most of my „floor“ to save some weight.

 

[DCPU]

That's very nice.

What material have you used for the slide runners?

 

[jert]

That's very nice.

What material have you used for the slide runners?

Polyamid

 

[DCPU]

Any issues with racking? Have you boxed in the rear wall?

Any more photos of it in the construction phase?

 

[jert]

No issues and no rear wall.

 

[DCPU]

That's superb.

An almost MFT top as well!

Tell me you didn't cut all those holes by hand?

 

[jert]

That's superb.

An almost MFT top as well!

Tell me you didn't cut all those holes by hand?

I did plus a couple more for the extension in case I wanna sleep in the car. 209 holes in total.

 

[inky_black]

Great work and many thanks @Jaro, @Pavo, @inky_black for showing us.

This gives good inspiration and ideas to others thinking of what type of drawe system best fits their Grenadier use needs.

Q: what type & structure of wood have you used for the bottom, top seftions and the drawer ends?
Q: Is the bottom wooden piece of your system fixed to the cargo floor of the Grenadier to ensure no side to side & up/down movement. If so, how have you fixed the draw system?

@grenadierboy Thank you for yout interest in our drawer system!

Answer 1: We used high-quality plywood for the construction of our drawer system. The bottom, top sections, and drawer ends are all made from sturdy plywood to ensure durability and stability. This choice of material provides both strength and a lightweight design, which is essential for a mobile setup like our Ineos Grenadier.

Answer 2: Yes, the bottom wooden piece of our system is securely fixed to the cargo floor of the Grenadier to prevent any side-to-side or up-and-down movement while in transit. We achieved this by using T-Slot Nuts that are attached to the vehicle's cargo floor. Specifically, we utilized the existing airline tracks in the Grenadier, positioning the anchor points as far back toward the second row as possible. This strategic placement ensures that even when the fully loaded drawers are extended, the drawer system remains stable and does not tilt forward. It's a crucial safety feature that enhances the overall security of our setup, especially during off-road journeys or when navigating uneven terrain.

 

[inky_black]

Hi Pavo, Thanks for the extra details and photos.
How many mm high are the Euro crates and do you have a link where you can buy them?
Do you have the the measurements for the rectangular metal frames that the Euro crates sit on and the measurements for the glides too and a link on where to purchase them?
Can you still access the jack, or does it need to be relocated into one of the Euro crates and will one of the Euro crates fit it?
You can tell all of you put a lot of thought into the design. DaBull

@DaBull Thank you, DaBull, for your kind words!

Answer 1: The Euro crates we use have a uniform height of 120 mm, regardless of their size. These crates are readily available from various suppliers. You can find them at local hardware stores, online retailers, or even industrial supply shops. To purchase them online, you can check websites like ebay, which offers a variety of Euro crates in different sizes to suit your needs.

Answer 2: The rectangular metal frames that support the Euro crates are custom-made from aluminum, and they are designed to fit the dimensions of the crates, which are 910 mm x 410 mm. These frames are secured with heavy-duty slides that can extend up to 800 mm, providing easy access to the contents of the crates. To purchase them online, you can check websites like Teleskopschienen24

Answer 3: You can still access the jack without the need for relocation. We've designed our drawer system with accessibility in mind, and the jack can be easily reached and retrieved when required. Additionally, one of the Euro crates can indeed accommodate the jack, ensuring that it remains a readily accessible and essential tool for any unexpected situations during your travels.

Cheers inky_black