[SimonB]

As many of you know I built my own packing system a couple of years back



I am now in the planning stages of redoing it completely.

My main changes are:

• Lowering the fridge to floor level using the same slide.
• Raising the top of the packing system to above the (new) fridge height
• Incorporating the second Aux battery and charger into the packing system (LHS, next to fridge)(currently power supplied from Aux battery in the engine bay)
• 50l water tank behind rear seat backs
• Compressor on RHS

Anything else anyone would consider?

[andrew.ashton]

Hi Simon,

If you are considering the Pioneer 50l angled water tank then I think you will find that it sticks up above the level of your current raised shelf (the one you show with fridge and ammo boxes standing on).

I fitted a Pioneer 50l in my Gen3 earlier this year and had to raise the shelf per pictures attached so that the shelf would overlap the top of the tank. By an amazing coincidence the height between the raised open shelf and the inserted shelf is perfect for six-packs!

Although we generally travel with the 2nd & 3rd row seats removed, the Pioneer tank is fitted so that it does not have to be removed when the 2nd row seats are in place.

Picture of thumb with progressively modified FrontRunner storage system in background. Slide in extended position.

Showing drawer system in stowed position and water tank outlet bottom right

Top shelf overlaps top of water tank maximising shelf depth. Tank positioned so that 2nd row seats still fit. Top shelf cut away at rhs for ease of water tank filler access

In my case the fridge is fitted in place of 2nd row seats when we travel.

[SimonB]

Andrew.


Thanks. I will be using the flat upright front runner tank donated by a friend. Haven't checked the height yet. As regards the tank I'm not sure if a pump will be necessary, or just use gravity

[4ePajero]

I always had my doubts about the high level of the fridge.
The lowest it can go, the better, for access. There was a thread somewhere, some time about a fridge slide system that not only slides out, but then lowers the fridge by something like 200mm. I liked that one.

After you have sorted out the fridge, the rest is easy.

When i planned mine (which never materialized), I planned it on two slides only.
One for the fridge, one large one for the rest. The large one can have separate compartments for the different items you want to store.

My "expedition vehicle" would have had more than the rear packing system. It would have had a suspended cargo matt, as well as a full length roof console.
I find the small items (camera equipment, jackets, knee blankets, snacks, cell phone chargers, binoculars etc, etc) are as large a problem as the large ones.
As the kids grow up they will need more storage space as well.

[andrew.ashton]

I will be using the flat upright front runner tank donated by a friend. Haven't checked the height yet. As regards the tank I'm not sure if a pump will be necessary, or just use gravity

Hey, I want friends like yours!
I used the KISS principle - gravity works fine. And from the tank outlet isolation valve I have a 2m length of clear tubing with a second 1/4 turn valve at the end (tubing & valve from local irrigation place - way cheaper than 4x4 stores).
I have heard of people connecting their compressor to pressurise the headspace. If you do that I suggest that you use a pressure release valve to protect the tank.

NB I noticed that the Pioneer tank filler cap makes a really good seal and hence the tank would bulge as the day gets warmer - especially if the tank is near empty so I drilled a very small hole in the cap (probably < 1mm dia). This prevents the tank pressurising and allows air to displace water when you open the outlet. And at that size it does not splash out the top even when the tank is full.

[ralph]

Consider A roof rack (I used the Landcruser size) take out the strips on the roof and bend a 10mm rod the entire length, fit into clips and bond in place make suitable brackets (three each side)
Move 2nd Battery into engine compartment (change water tank to left side)
Fit long range tank (60 lit) under rear floor by getting rid of the kids, ....sorry kids seats.

I will send pic's if you want

Ralph

[SimonB]

Consider A roof rack (I used the Landcruser size) take out the strips on the roof and bend a 10mm rod the entire length, fit into clips and bond in place make suitable brackets (three each side)
Move 2nd Battery into engine compartment (change water tank to left side)
Fit long range tank (60 lit) under rear floor by getting rid of the kids, ....sorry kids seats.

I will send pic's if you want

Ralph

I already have an African outback roofrack as well as second battery in the engine compartment. This is for the third battery

Not sure what you mean about the fuel tank?

[KaiV]

Simon,

You have the same ideas as I do

1) Regarding lowering the fridge, this has its perks. But, building a shelf above it has the disadvantage that your sprog cannot access the fridge to pass your wife a cold one

2) I have a angles 80L water tank which fits perfectly.

3) I agree totally with the dual battery in the back. Mine is not even a year old and she's "cooked" agian.... New one will go in the back (just need to figure out a way to get them cables to the back without making big holes...)

4) I'm not sure if you already have a compressor. Mitsu motors have a 30 year special edition on promotion which coes with all sorts of odds n ends, including a compressor mounted in the engine bay... I like, cost about R3500

consider:
1) if you have an inverter, add in a proper three prong plug box incl circuit breaker in the back
2) if you hiding your water tank in the back between drawer and seat, add in a water pump
3) Tie down points
4) Fire extinguisher point
5) A wallet

[MThompson]

I will have to follow this thread closely.

We have a Snowmaster 70lt dbl door fridge and I just cant get to a good design that will fit the fridge, some ammo crates and still have access to the 3rd row seats storage. I've been thinking of getting a smaller fridge but I will loose out if I sell the 70lt.

[andrew.ashton]

We have a Snowmaster 70lt dbl door fridge and I just cant get to a good design that will fit the fridge, some ammo crates and still have access to the 3rd row seats storage.

Do you have sprogs? If not then consider what I do - when we overland remove the 2nd row seats and mount the fridge on a supawood base that bolts down in place of the seat. Then your fridge can be accessible from the front seat, is easily looked into. This also keeps the centre of gravity down and the weight between the axles.