My DIY Cargo Slide Drawer

[dartwest]

Put an ARE topper on my Jeep. Getting to items in the front of the bed was a pain, so I built a cargo slide. My cost for materials was approximately $350.00. Works great and allows for much better access to the cargo space.

I have attached some additional pictures. I used Vadania Ultra Heavy Duty Drawer Slides with Lock VD2576 Black - 56". They are rated for approximately 500lb. The base is 1/8" x1.5 " angle Iron bolted to the Gladiator bed in front, where the cargo tie downs were. I had to build a plate to reach up to the mount point and space out beyond the fender well. The rear mount required drilling a hole in the bed and building spacers so the slide would clear the tailgate when extended. Mounted slides to the Angle before installing in the Jeep. I used Carbon Steel Tee Nuts and Flat Head Hex Socket Cap Screws Bolts to attach slide to angle iron. I then attached 1" Angle iron to slides using same hardware. Next I built the cargo platform and bolted it to the 1"angle Iron. Hardest part is getting the slides parallel and square so that they slide easily. To DIY you need to be able to cut and weld metal, fabricate metal brackets and spacers as well as all the usual hand and power tools. I also fashioned some handles to help hold the locks open and make it easier to open. I am not satisfied with them, so I will probably come up with something else. Some of my choices were dictated by what I had on hand. I have also added a couple of strips of LEDs to the inside top of the camper.

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[ShadowsPapa]

Put an ARE topper on my Jeep. Getting to items in the front of the bed was a pain, so I built a cargo slide. My cost for materials was approximately $350.00. Works great and allows for much better access to the cargo space.

Very nicely done - and you can look at it with pride "I did that".
Don't be surprised if someone starts asking for a parts list and instructions.

 

[Backcountry ADV]

@dartwest looks solid, especially with the new topper. I'm researching similar options but my limitations are the overall height of the system off the bed as I run a tonneau cover. Very few offer a side style track that is shallow enough for me to still have clearance under the tonneau for my IceCo Fridge. I like having everything under the cover for keeping it cleaner and out of site when parked/camping especially if I'm off hunting or hiking.

Great work on the rig. Thanks for sharing.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Come on now, give us the details on how you built it!

I built one using Vevor 500lb drawer slides and 5/8 plywood. It works, but it bows in the middle too much well before getting to 500lbs. I need a redesign.

 

[TheTrailGeek]

Great job!!

 

[RCott77]

Very nicely done - and you can look at it with pride "I did that".
Don't be surprised if someone starts asking for a parts list and instructions.

Yup...Here it is. Parts and Instructions Please!!

 

[JPJ987]

Put an ARE topper on my Jeep. Getting to items in the front of the bed was a pain, so I built a cargo slide. My cost for materials was approximately $350.00. Works great and allows for much better access to the cargo space.

I put a bedslide in my Ram years ago, and with an ARE cap. One of the best investments I ever made for a truck. Bedslide was the brand I installed , w

Put an ARE topper on my Jeep. Getting to items in the front of the bed was a pain, so I built a cargo slide. My cost for materials was approximately $350.00. Works great and allows for much better access to the cargo space.

Put an ARE topper on my Jeep. Getting to items in the front of the bed was a pain, so I built a cargo slide. My cost for materials was approximately $350.00. Works great and allows for much better access to the cargo space.

I installed a Bedslide on my Ram years ago, best investment I made on that truck along with an ARE cap. It was Bedslide brand, it has two horizontal posts in front that you drill 1/2" holes in the front bed wall to hold it in position, then one bolt on each rear corner. Actually super easy to install. I know it's a Ram on a Jeep forum, but I know people were interested in how to install and how much you can do with them. I built that box for tools and the whole thing would slide out to me. They hold a crazy amount of weight too.

 

[JPJ987]

Oh, and I also have a Gladiator, that's why I'm on here. Lovin them Florida beaches!

 

[Whisperingjim]

Nicely done

 

[JPJ987]

Put an ARE topper on my Jeep. Getting to items in the front of the bed was a pain, so I built a cargo slide. My cost for materials was approximately $350.00. Works great and allows for much better access to the cargo space.

I have attached some additional pictures. I used Vadania Ultra Heavy Duty Drawer Slides with Lock VD2576 Black - 56". They are rated for approximately 500lb. The base is 1/8" x1.5 " angle Iron bolted to the Gladiator bed in front, where the cargo tie downs were. I had to build a plate to reach up to the mount point and space out beyond the fender well. The rear mount required drilling a hole in the bed and building spacers so the slide would clear the tailgate when extended. Mounted slides to the Angle before installing in the Jeep. I used Carbon Steel Tee Nuts and Flat Head Hex Socket Cap Screws Bolts to attach slide to angle iron. I then attached 1" Angle iron to slides using same hardware. Next I built the cargo platform and bolted it to the 1"angle Iron. Hardest part is getting the slides parallel and square so that they slide easily. To DIY you need to be able to cut and weld metal, fabricate metal brackets and spacers as well as all the usual hand and power tools. I also fashioned some handles to help hold the locks open and make it easier to open. I am not satisfied with them, so I will probably come up with something else. Some of my choices were dictated by what I had on hand. I have also added a couple of strips of LEDs to the inside top of the camper.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that you made that yourself, nice friggin job!

 

[Viking1276]

@dartwest looks solid, especially with the new topper. I'm researching similar options but my limitations are the overall height of the system off the bed as I run a tonneau cover. Very few offer a side style track that is shallow enough for me to still have clearance under the tonneau for my IceCo Fridge. I like having everything under the cover for keeping it cleaner and out of site when parked/camping especially if I'm off hunting or hiking.

Great work on the rig. Thanks for sharing.

What bed rack is that? I've been looking for one I could use with a bed cover? Thanks.

 

[stingrey]

What bed rack is that? I've been looking for one I could use with a bed cover? Thanks.

Info in the build thread
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/2021-mojave-overland-build…almost-there.65482/

 

[trust]

Nice work! I had built a drawer system for my scrambler before Decked was such a thing, sure was handy. Thought id do the same for the glad but I put a diamond back cover in it and use it as my "camper" so I haven't. If I were to install a topper id go your route

 

[JTGuy]

My ARE camper has the side windows that open up like the rear does so reaching everything is not an issue. I can open them from the inside where I sleep. I just store everything in plastic storage boxes that easily come out at night. You did a great job on the bed slide but for me it would just be extra weight .

 

[Blade1668]

Nice work, looks better, more efficient use of space and definitely $$$ wise with the best part of you built it. I've been less than impressed with several poly systems in the past and had my wallet violated by some metal options available.

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