Thread: collapsible boot storage drawers/solution

All storage solutions are a compromise, we trade off weight and space for convenience.

I've travelled a lot privately, and as a surveyor of over 40 years' experience, some 20 of which were spent in 'remote areas' to establish telecommunications infrastructure. I giggle at many of these 4WD shows -I'm the dill who climbed those hills to select a site, build an access track/road then put a tower on top. Space was always at a premium, and weight always a concern.

My suggestion is to critically think about what is essential, what is nice to take, and what is a 'luxury" item then prioritize. Sometimes the "luxury" item is essential and is the whole purpose of the trip! (kids bikes, water skis; a wood lathe etc).

Then plan storage around those items, layering in order of importance - with frequently used essential items easily accessible. Essential (a wood lathe, or recovery gear) but infrequently used, or only used at the destination, items can be placed in areas harder to access.

Weight distribution is a priority with heavy items placed low and near the rear axle. Then layering say suitcases, then prams, pillows and bedding etc.

Rather than go to the expense etc of making a collapsible drawer system I would suggest looking into stackable or nested boxes / crates that can be used as the bottom layer to store the clothes, woolies etc and other niceties. Then have a ply sheet/s that can the placed on top of the boxes / crates to protect them and to provide a stable platform for the pram, bikes etc.

When not required place the ply on the floor, and stack or nest the boxes / crates. This gives you flexibility with a somewhat modular customizable solution with minimal cost and weight issues. Also makes carrying the groceries easier.

we've tried a mixed bag of plastic tubs, collapsible fabric tubs etc etc and it starts off neat for a week or two then mid back seat nappy change stuff gets thrown about and never really put back for a month or so till I get the and tidy it up, which annoys the wife as she can no longer find anything.

currently we have a big duffle bag style thing in the back which has a couple of compartments, but its harder to stack stuff on it.

I found the best answer in the end is a couple/two or three cheap plastic storage boxes: easily changed out if you don't like them, but can keep crap in them, and put stuff on top - has become my preferred solution for ease/cost/durability/flexibility/set up speed.

Being a great believer in the K I S S principal, I recommend milk crates. Cheap, easily moveable (or removeable), they stack neatly on top of each other, and are strong enough to support the heaviest of items. No timber, no hinges, and no work