Drawer/Storage for an Electric Cooler/Battery Questions

[wakeskate]

In figuring you leave it in the vehicle all time and don't ever take it out for storing/non-use?

Yes, pretty much leave it in all the time - mostly laziness. Not that much effort to remove. If you need to access the battery, you can disconnect and push the system into the car for access. It does take 2 people to remove, especially due to the fridge weight. I did consider different configurations - including single drawer. That would be easier to remove and store! Make sure to share your solution - interested where you end up!

edit: We use the fridge a bunch for grocery shopping, especially in the summer.

 

[evillinux]

Yes, pretty much leave it in all the time - mostly laziness. Not that much effort to remove. If you need to access the battery, you can disconnect and push the system into the car for access. It does take 2 people to remove, especially due to the fridge weight. I did consider different configurations - including single drawer. That would be easier to remove and store! Make sure to share your solution - interested where you end up!

edit: We use the fridge a bunch for grocery shopping, especially in the summer.

Oh man you are selling me good on this single drawer fridge. I do like that idea of using it for summer or even just as an extra coolbox to store my water that I typically haul around in a packing bag in the back.

I'll definitely post when I can draw up some diagrams and will post a full build once I decide and execute. I have a good idea from all the suggestions here and your design and build has definitely helped figure out some of the hurdles I am going to have to work with. I think I am accepting that I should design to my LC primary and then I can figure my Tacoma's design separate which I think is easier - giant flat open or closed (soft topper) bed lol.

 

[evillinux]

Here is the initial start of the storage system that I am building. I've continued to look at a million different store organization systems and all the suggestions and ideas and what folks are doing here really has helped get an idea of define what I true need and want. As I mentioned my biggest thing was being able to remove the whole system with some ease, I'm still 50/50 on that idea because getting the base platform in I am absolutely loving what I've started and probably won't ever want to remove at least the base platform.

The base platform is a custom bed platform my dad had made for me a long time ago that we reused by cutting about 1/4 of the length of it.
Dimensions: 42W (side to side) X 38L (front to back)
Wood: thick piece of oak

We added 2 legs on each side to raise up the platform 4 inches so I could be able to slide the CORE 5' Flexrail Table(Costco Link) that I use for camping under it. Also a benefit of the 4 inch lift is I can still store the 2 - Greenmade InstaCreate Collapsible Storage Bin(Costco Link). I love these crates a lot and use them for shopping runs, storage, camping and I beat them up really hard and they are durable and survive after years of utilization.

Additionally on the right hand side where the cooler and the Bluetti battery sits I shove 2 extra 4 inch wood legs that just slide under the platform to give it more strength as my dad noticed that it was bowing slightly in the middle. This instantly fixed the problem and also allows me to add/remove them as I need. I will most likely long term screw them into the platform, but for trail and error purpose they are working perfectly with fitting into the grooves of the toyota OEM heavy duty plastic mat.

Updates that I am mauling around and planning to continue to add to the base platform:

1. I bought the Extrusion T-Slot aluminum rails. I'm planning to cut those to size and attach them to the front and back area where the cooler and battery sits. This will solve my tie down point for those two items so they don't move around.

2. The left side where I have my REI packing bag I am mauling around the idea of a double storage stacked container system on that. This is the part that goes back to the 50/50 of potentially wanting to remove the whole platform and items from time to time that I don't want to have storage that screws into the platform and I got to kill myself pulling the whole thing out. My current idea that I keep playing in my head is that I can create a base storage box that lacked or locks into place with some type of hardware so I can take it in/out when I want pretty easy but it doesn't move around. Additionally, I'll probably use the heavy duty locking slides to great a drawer-like pull of storage bin with it.
2A. The second part of the storage bin is that when I was playing around with the platform and visualizing what I really want is that I realized now that the cooler is higher up on the platform all I have to do is open my glass window in the back and I can quickly and easy get into the cooler. This gave me the realization that if I create a 2nd tier storage cabinet and utilize heavy duty sliding/locking sliders like EOD recommended earlier on I can accomplish my pull out organization box on top of the bottom storage. Now give that it is much higher up and harder to see into this box I'm looking to design a cabinet that is a 3 side box with the front of the box with lachets or potentially the front part can swing to the right/left to see what is in the cabinet/drawer system and still be pulled out. The main things I'd throw in here is probably some of the recovery gear, lose items or even my camping stove which I recently bough the Dometic 2 Cook 3 Pro grill and used it on a trail run the other weeks - hands down absolutely love it!

3. Probably be I really dive deep into 2 and 2A I'll cut some small holes that I can feed straps (Ratchet or clips) through to leverage the cargo's tie down hook systems in the front and back area which the back ones are currently under the table. This will probably be the next item that I actually do because if I have any type of drawer system that gets pulled out a decent distance and is heavy the whole platform going to come flying out of the back and crush me lol.

4. I am still weight the idea of a drawer fridge in the mix. I found that Dometic makes one, its really hard to get in the US but I found someone on Ebay up in the LA area (~2hr drive) that is selling it brand new in the box and I keep getting tempted to buy just to have it. I really see a lot of potential for it just as a daily function to store water and other stuff I want to keep cooled. Its a 1cu-ft drawer so its on the smaller size but would fit the potential needs/wants I have with it.
I did some more looking into this and potentially wanting it and it actually won't work for the long term envision I have of things. Super cool there are products but for the ultimate general setup it won't fit in and honestly the cooler I have will work very well even if I want to use it on daily trips.

I'll probably utilize the Extrusion T-Slotted aluminum more on the platform for some ideas with the platform. The biggest thing I noted with it makes adding tie down points and other attachment items so simple and easy and if I hate how it looks/turns out its pretty easy to reverse it compared to drilling/cutting holes randomly into the wood and other stuff lol.

 

[EOD Guy]

Here is the initial start of the storage system that I am building. I've continued to look at a million different store organization systems and all the suggestions and ideas and what folks are doing here really has helped get an idea of define what I true need and want. As I mentioned my biggest thing was being able to remove the whole system with some ease, I'm still 50/50 on that idea because getting the base platform in I am absolutely loving what I've started and probably won't ever want to remove at least the base platform.

The base platform is a custom bed platform my dad had made for me a long time ago that we reused by cutting about 1/4 of the length of it.
Dimensions: 42W (side to side) X 38L (front to back)
Wood: thick piece of oak

We added 2 legs on each side to raise up the platform 4 inches so I could be able to slide the CORE 5' Flexrail Table(Costco Link) that I use for camping under it. Also a benefit of the 4 inch lift is I can still store the 2 - Greenmade InstaCreate Collapsible Storage Bin(Costco Link). I love these crates a lot and use them for shopping runs, storage, camping and I beat them up really hard and they are durable and survive after years of utilization.

Additionally on the right hand side where the cooler and the Bluetti battery sits I shove 2 extra 4 inch wood legs that just slide under the platform to give it more strength as my dad noticed that it was bowing slightly in the middle. This instantly fixed the problem and also allows me to add/remove them as I need. I will most likely long term screw them into the platform, but for trail and error purpose they are working perfectly with fitting into the grooves of the toyota OEM heavy duty plastic mat.

Updates that I am mauling around and planning to continue to add to the base platform:

1. I bought the Extrusion T-Slot aluminum rails. I'm planning to cut those to size and attach them to the front and back area where the cooler and battery sits. This will solve my tie down point for those two items so they don't move around.

2. The left side where I have my REI packing bag I am mauling around the idea of a double storage stacked container system on that. This is the part that goes back to the 50/50 of potentially wanting to remove the whole platform and items from time to time that I don't want to have storage that screws into the platform and I got to kill myself pulling the whole thing out. My current idea that I keep playing in my head is that I can create a base storage box that lacked or locks into place with some type of hardware so I can take it in/out when I want pretty easy but it doesn't move around. Additionally, I'll probably use the heavy duty locking slides to great a drawer-like pull of storage bin with it.
2A. The second part of the storage bin is that when I was playing around with the platform and visualizing what I really want is that I realized now that the cooler is higher up on the platform all I have to do is open my glass window in the back and I can quickly and easy get into the cooler. This gave me the realization that if I create a 2nd tier storage cabinet and utilize heavy duty sliding/locking sliders like EOD recommended earlier on I can accomplish my pull out organization box on top of the bottom storage. Now give that it is much higher up and harder to see into this box I'm looking to design a cabinet that is a 3 side box with the front of the box with lachets or potentially the front part can swing to the right/left to see what is in the cabinet/drawer system and still be pulled out. The main things I'd throw in here is probably some of the recovery gear, lose items or even my camping stove which I recently bough the Dometic 2 Cook 3 Pro grill and used it on a trail run the other weeks - hands down absolutely love it!

3. Probably be I really dive deep into 2 and 2A I'll cut some small holes that I can feed straps (Ratchet or clips) through to leverage the cargo's tie down hook systems in the front and back area which the back ones are currently under the table. This will probably be the next item that I actually do because if I have any type of drawer system that gets pulled out a decent distance and is heavy the whole platform going to come flying out of the back and crush me lol.

4. I am still weight the idea of a drawer fridge in the mix. I found that Dometic makes one, its really hard to get in the US but I found someone on Ebay up in the LA area (~2hr drive) that is selling it brand new in the box and I keep getting tempted to buy just to have it. I really see a lot of potential for it just as a daily function to store water and other stuff I want to keep cooled. Its a 1cu-ft drawer so its on the smaller size but would fit the potential needs/wants I have with it.
I did some more looking into this and potentially wanting it and it actually won't work for the long term envision I have of things. Super cool there are products but for the ultimate general setup it won't fit in and honestly the cooler I have will work very well even if I want to use it on daily trips.

I'll probably utilize the Extrusion T-Slotted aluminum more on the platform for some ideas with the platform. The biggest thing I noted with it makes adding tie down points and other attachment items so simple and easy and if I hate how it looks/turns out its pretty easy to reverse it compared to drilling/cutting holes randomly into the wood and other stuff lol.

As an idea, you could replace the border of your existing platform with some 3" extruded alum.

 

[evillinux]

As an idea, you could replace the border of your existing platform the some 3" extruded alum.

That is a good point, I might end up doing that.

The longer I have looked at the platform and then started sorting what I want to bring along with camping and such I realize I got to be careful what I actually put in and keep things modular because I forgot I got to shove a large 52lb canvas tent in a bag in this area lol. I think going to get a good sleep until of use if my brain keeps up with the extruded alum ideas I have haha.

 

[EOD Guy]

That is a good point, I might end up doing that.

The longer I have looked at the platform and then started sorting what I want to bring along with camping and such I realize I got to be careful what I actually put in and keep things modular because I forgot I got to shove a large 52lb canvas tent in a bag in this area lol. I think going to get a good sleep until of use if my brain keeps up with the extruded alum ideas I have haha.

Here's another thought......... If you replace the edges with 3", you can then use the sides of those to make some anchor slots for some quick buckles. Those quick buckles can be attached to some "add on" drawers, racks and or boxes............ ie buckles on the front, back and sides will keep anything stable but be removed in seconds.

 

[evillinux]

Here's another thought......... If you replace the edges with 3", you can then use the sides of those to make some anchor slots for some quick buckles. Those quick buckles can be attached to some "add on" drawers, racks and or boxes............ ie buckles on the front, back and sides will keep anything stable but be removed in seconds.

I think at the current moment I'm going to keep the current edges because I like them in the sense of holding things in place the way they are. Since I did order the previous recommended T-Slots I'm going to probably install those around the edges of the platform to provide some of the tie down functionality.

I also realized after going "shopping" in my garage that the idea of adding a organization/storage system is actually not going to work. The tent is the large bulky part that is going to most likely fit into that side of the cargo hold. Potentially I might add and/or use the T-Slots to create a platform that the tent could sit up on when being transported and I can slide either my REI packing bags or potentially a green Plano box under and make it easy to pull those items out.

One positive thing I am realizing after the fact and when I walked into the garage I completely forgot to factor in my portable grill that I recently bought and absolutely love. Well low and behold, the 4 inch leg lift I put on the platform actually allows the grill to slide under the platform along with the table if I just adjust the bottom support beams potentially. Sheer lucky is saving me on one of the critical parts of my camping gear lol.

I also accepted that if I have overflow storage that occurs I can always flip my back passenger seats forward which offers a nice space to throw a few things in that can always be pulled out if I got to haul folks when I am out and about. For the most part when I am camping or doing trips it is typically just myself or potentially me and a friend so the back passenger seats are typically wide open. But I've purposely kept my designs from relying on them being folded because I over pack at times and I am forcing myself to minimize and be extremely compact for quick throw and go.

All in all, getting pretty excited to work on the platform some more next weekend and then give it a shake down probably at that time also. I'm open to any and all suggestions further still really appreciate everyone's ideas and help on this!

 

[evillinux]

Added 3030 T-slot (3"x3") bars around 3 areas of the platform so it forms a backwards c.

This is the current setup/test fit with everything loaded up that I'd primarily care to shove into the back cargo area. Given that when I go camping or if I'm going to be hauling some of this stuff there is a rare chance I'll have passengers in the back area that I can still flip the seats down and/or fully up and utilize that extra space for extra bulk items (I.E. cot, inflatable bed, misc stuff)

The next iteration I'm looking to do are these minor items:
-lift the platform another 2-3 inches, this will allow me to fit the camp grill under which I have a wide open space even when the camp table is shoved in (storage crates are where the table would go).

-Will add a drawer on the bottom right side which will double as misc/extra storage but also the support beam for the cooler/battery area also.

-I might swap the OEM toyota LC plastic mat for a canvasback setup which will help with the weird lip/fitting items long term. I ordered one for my Tacoma so I'll wait and see how I like the quality and setup in the dog's truck before getting one for the LC.

-I've gone back and forth about adding an overhead Molle Panel to be able to tie in a few things at top - primarily looking at this one: Wolfstorm Overhead Molle Panel Interior Ceiling Storage Rack for 2024-2025 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER - If anyone knows one that is setup like this where it just ties into the back roof handles and it is made fully in the USA I'd be much more inclined.

End of March/April I'll be able to fully test out the setup as is and/or I might do a few final modifications before my week trip I have planned that has driven this. As for daily utilization it has honestly been fantastic and I haven't had the inclination of wanting to take it out of the back which is a huge plus and my ultimate worry. Its so nice having the tie down straps (added some more as of this post not in the pictures) to keep my main REI storage back from sliding around and when I do run errands and stuff I can throw stuff in the bag and stuff doesn't fly all around and such.

Thanks everyone for everyone's suggestions it has been a huge help!

 

[EOD Guy]

Added 3030 T-slot (3"x3") bars around 3 areas of the platform so it forms a backwards c.

This is the current setup/test fit with everything loaded up that I'd primarily care to shove into the back cargo area. Given that when I go camping or if I'm going to be hauling some of this stuff there is a rare chance I'll have passengers in the back area that I can still flip the seats down and/or fully up and utilize that extra space for extra bulk items (I.E. cot, inflatable bed, misc stuff)

The next iteration I'm looking to do are these minor items:
-lift the platform another 2-3 inches, this will allow me to fit the camp grill under which I have a wide open space even when the camp table is shoved in (storage crates are where the table would go).

-Will add a drawer on the bottom right side which will double as misc/extra storage but also the support beam for the cooler/battery area also.

-I might swap the OEM toyota LC plastic mat for a canvasback setup which will help with the weird lip/fitting items long term. I ordered one for my Tacoma so I'll wait and see how I like the quality and setup in the dog's truck before getting one for the LC.

-I've gone back and forth about adding an overhead Molle Panel to be able to tie in a few things at top - primarily looking at this one: Wolfstorm Overhead Molle Panel Interior Ceiling Storage Rack for 2024-2025 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER - If anyone knows one that is setup like this where it just ties into the back roof handles and it is made fully in the USA I'd be much more inclined.

End of March/April I'll be able to fully test out the setup as is and/or I might do a few final modifications before my week trip I have planned that has driven this. As for daily utilization it has honestly been fantastic and I haven't had the inclination of wanting to take it out of the back which is a huge plus and my ultimate worry. Its so nice having the tie down straps (added some more as of this post not in the pictures) to keep my main REI storage back from sliding around and when I do run errands and stuff I can throw stuff in the bag and stuff doesn't fly all around and such.

Thanks everyone for everyone's suggestions it has been a huge help!

Looks good!

 

[wpage]

Added 3030 T-slot (3"x3") bars around 3 areas of the platform so it forms a backwards c.

This is the current setup/test fit with everything loaded up that I'd primarily care to shove into the back cargo area. Given that when I go camping or if I'm going to be hauling some of this stuff there is a rare chance I'll have passengers in the back area that I can still flip the seats down and/or fully up and utilize that extra space for extra bulk items (I.E. cot, inflatable bed, misc stuff)

The next iteration I'm looking to do are these minor items:
-lift the platform another 2-3 inches, this will allow me to fit the camp grill under which I have a wide open space even when the camp table is shoved in (storage crates are where the table would go).

-Will add a drawer on the bottom right side which will double as misc/extra storage but also the support beam for the cooler/battery area also.

-I might swap the OEM toyota LC plastic mat for a canvasback setup which will help with the weird lip/fitting items long term. I ordered one for my Tacoma so I'll wait and see how I like the quality and setup in the dog's truck before getting one for the LC.

-I've gone back and forth about adding an overhead Molle Panel to be able to tie in a few things at top - primarily looking at this one: Wolfstorm Overhead Molle Panel Interior Ceiling Storage Rack for 2024-2025 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER - If anyone knows one that is setup like this where it just ties into the back roof handles and it is made fully in the USA I'd be much more inclined.

End of March/April I'll be able to fully test out the setup as is and/or I might do a few final modifications before my week trip I have planned that has driven this. As for daily utilization it has honestly been fantastic and I haven't had the inclination of wanting to take it out of the back which is a huge plus and my ultimate worry. Its so nice having the tie down straps (added some more as of this post not in the pictures) to keep my main REI storage back from sliding around and when I do run errands and stuff I can throw stuff in the bag and stuff doesn't fly all around and such.

Thanks everyone for everyone's suggestions it has been a huge help!

^^^ Like what you did. Careful with measurements if you go with a top panel.... Its tight vertically in the cargo bay to begin with.

 

[evillinux]

Here is the final conclusion of the platform system for the Land Cruiser, I am beyond happy with house it turned out and being able to shove the couple larger bulk items under the platform now. I changed out the supports for 6 inch height ones which allowed me to slide my extreme and potentially overkill camping table (left) and Dometic gas grill (right) under the platform. Also have a divider that also doubles as a support leg for when the cooler/battery and tent are all thrown on top just for long term stability. The support leg is easily removable if I don't want/need it there, I may attach it permanently later down the road.

Outside of that added a bunch of tie down points all around the platform with the t-slot which has worked our perfectly being able to adjust those as I need. I specifically bought ones that are called "kayak tie downs" and then got a handful of alligator teeth straps of lengths to handle the tie down portion they've worked great - thank you for the recommendations!

The last thing that is on order was I did order the full back canvasback lining which I'll put in place in stead of the heavy plastic mat and carpet mat that are currently back there. While I like the heavy plastic mat and it is seriously heavy duty and durable its finally driving me a bit nuts with sliding things in/out on it and also the small notch ledge that is all around it is mildly annoying when I try to push items into place.

Outside of daily utilization I'll have the full system used late March/early April when I go out on a ~3 day camp trip with my friend and his kiddos. So that will be the ultimate test of the full setup, as I have it right now I can fit everything I truly need to take with me and still have the back seats pretty much available. All in all super happy how this turned out and actually was a really fun project. My dad helped me out huge as a woodworker hobbyist who has all the tools and knowledge of things, so that made this project extra special and means a lot to me that it is something that him and I got to work and accomplish.

^^^ Like what you did. Careful with measurements if you go with a top panel.... Its tight vertically in the cargo bay to begin with.

At this point I think I'm going to skip the internal roof top panel. The more I've though about it I just couldn't find a purpose in which I truly needed other than "I want this because it looks cool." It most likely would take up more space than truly be worth it, the most I could see I'd use with it is to hang the 2 green bags that are located in the cup holds that hold my reusable bags and probably a first aid kid that I have hiding somewhere in one of the storage holes. Also reading your comment helped me talk myself out of it because like you said it is tight in the cargo space and shoving something there further limits my cooler's lid opening which was another realization.

 

[sweet5ltr]

Looks great, I've just never been a fan of the platform. We already have minimal floor - to - ceiling height. I keep a 55L ICECO fridge in the rear, haven't had it strapped down in 10,000-miles. It's tilted over once, after my wife took a very sharp turn going way too fast. I'd love to strap it to the OEM tie down points, but I doubt they would hold up and likely would just break off.

It sits perfectly in the rear, the weight of the fridge and the Jackery 1000 V2 behind it, make it stable enough, and the seat being in the upright position doesn't make me feel concerned in regards to an accident. Also, it slides very easy to the rear for access. IN ALL FAIRNESS, we could get by with a much smaller fridge for our daily commute, but on trips, the larger fridge is really a necessity. Living out West, you're lucky to find a gas station out here within 100mi while off-grid.

IN REALITY - we really need a fridge slide that's often sold in Australia. They not only slide the fridge to the rear, but tilt towards you as well for easy access with lifted vehicles.

 

[EOD Guy]

Here is the final conclusion of the platform system for the Land Cruiser, I am beyond happy with house it turned out and being able to shove the couple larger bulk items under the platform now. I changed out the supports for 6 inch height ones which allowed me to slide my extreme and potentially overkill camping table (left) and Dometic gas grill (right) under the platform. Also have a divider that also doubles as a support leg for when the cooler/battery and tent are all thrown on top just for long term stability. The support leg is easily removable if I don't want/need it there, I may attach it permanently later down the road.

Outside of that added a bunch of tie down points all around the platform with the t-slot which has worked our perfectly being able to adjust those as I need. I specifically bought ones that are called "kayak tie downs" and then got a handful of alligator teeth straps of lengths to handle the tie down portion they've worked great - thank you for the recommendations!

The last thing that is on order was I did order the full back canvasback lining which I'll put in place in stead of the heavy plastic mat and carpet mat that are currently back there. While I like the heavy plastic mat and it is seriously heavy duty and durable its finally driving me a bit nuts with sliding things in/out on it and also the small notch ledge that is all around it is mildly annoying when I try to push items into place.

Outside of daily utilization I'll have the full system used late March/early April when I go out on a ~3 day camp trip with my friend and his kiddos. So that will be the ultimate test of the full setup, as I have it right now I can fit everything I truly need to take with me and still have the back seats pretty much available. All in all super happy how this turned out and actually was a really fun project. My dad helped me out huge as a woodworker hobbyist who has all the tools and knowledge of things, so that made this project extra special and means a lot to me that it is something that him and I got to work and accomplish.


At this point I think I'm going to skip the internal roof top panel. The more I've though about it I just couldn't find a purpose in which I truly needed other than "I want this because it looks cool." It most likely would take up more space than truly be worth it, the most I could see I'd use with it is to hang the 2 green bags that are located in the cup holds that hold my reusable bags and probably a first aid kid that I have hiding somewhere in one of the storage holes. Also reading your comment helped me talk myself out of it because like you said it is tight in the cargo space and shoving something there further limits my cooler's lid opening which was another realization.

Looks great! I have to agree the overhead takes up a lot of space and the juice isn't worth the squeeze.

Something I'm considering.......... utilizing the 2nd to 3rd row grab handles to make a skinny storage pocket/shelf. I've been thinking about removing the handles (on the pass side) installing some "through" brackets (like I did for my cargo lights) and making a 4" wide trough that would run the length and stay above the side window. When camping in the back, there's just not a good place to stash your pocket junk when you sack out for the night. Still in the thinking stage, but on "the List".

 

[evillinux]

Looks great, I've just never been a fan of the platform. We already have minimal floor - to - ceiling height. I keep a 55L ICECO fridge in the rear, haven't had it strapped down in 10,000-miles. It's tilted over once, after my wife took a very sharp turn going way too fast. I'd love to strap it to the OEM tie down points, but I doubt they would hold up and likely would just break off.

It sits perfectly in the rear, the weight of the fridge and the Jackery 1000 V2 behind it, make it stable enough, and the seat being in the upright position doesn't make me feel concerned in regards to an accident. Also, it slides very easy to the rear for access. IN ALL FAIRNESS, we could get by with a much smaller fridge for our daily commute, but on trips, the larger fridge is really a necessity. Living out West, you're lucky to find a gas station out here within 100mi while off-grid.

IN REALITY - we really need a fridge slide that's often sold in Australia. They not only slide the fridge to the rear, but tilt towards you as well for easy access with lifted vehicles.

I totally understand and see where you are coming from and fully agree there is already limited cargo space. Ironically I have found that out with the test fitting some of my gear which ultimately has made me condense down and stop bring half my house for my couple day camp trips lol. My initial design and want was to slap a fridge slide onto the platform and just do it all, but the more I looked into doing it and then the costs of doing it just kept adding up to the point I couldn't warrant it for the couple times utilization I would use it. Given that I have finalized the platform now I think I will have more of a habit of throwing the battery/cooler into the back and actually utilized it in daily life versus them sitting in my garage currently.
I also just have a bad habit of scrolling through the forums here and just seeing all the cool setups and what everyone is doing to the LC and wanting to do similar ideas. Luckily, my friends talk me out of a lot of my wants that I would love to do if I had the better skill sets and/or willing to pay the costs to do a lot of things. I will admit, I get scared away from doing a lot of DIY stuff on my LC because I always worry that I'm going to blow up/break/destroy something and then I'm going to have it sitting my driveway for weeks trying to figure what I did (I have horror stories of my years of ownership of my '97 4Runner -_-).

I know someone else has the Dometic slide fridge and I ironically went down a rabbit hole of checking it out and where I could get it. If you are honestly interested in the Dometic one you can find it on Ebay is the sources that I found it. I believe the other brand that another person in this post is using/posted can be bought, but when I looked it was out of stock. I do love the slide-fridge drawer system that would be awesome, but that again is just another want and I doubt I'd truly utilize it to full the potential for my daily life with the LC unfortunately lol.

Looks great! I have to agree the overhead takes up a lot of space and the juice isn't worth the squeeze.

Something I'm considering.......... utilizing the 2nd to 3rd row grab handles to make a skinny storage pocket/shelf. I've been thinking about removing the handles (on the pass side) installing some "through" brackets (like I did for my cargo lights) and making a 4" wide trough that would run the length and stay above the side window. When camping in the back, there's just not a good place to stash your pocket junk when you sack out for the night. Still in the thinking stage, but on "the List".

Thanks! The overhead the more I looked and though about it is just me wanting some more molle stuff so I can strap more crap onto it and not really serve any other purpose then "I installed molle capability in my LC, wahoo!" lol.
I do like your idea of changing out the grab handles to use them as storage. I know the roof molle system looked like it ties into the two bolts that hold the handles into hand. I might actually look into some type of ledge-with-pins that I could hook my maxtrac boards onto and they could just hang/lock in floating which really is partially what the molle roof idea was, but this would be simplier and also easily reversable if I didn't love it.

 

[Redfred]

I recently installed a Colfax Campers platform system on my LC. It’s a super nice kit for the price and it’s very well made. Its has a sleeping platform option as well which was a must for me. Very easy to remove as well. I’m still sorting out how to set it up (cook top, sink, frig, etc…) and I’ve not had the chance to camp with it. Will post a pic later.

 

[evillinux]

I recently installed a Colfax Campers platform system on my LC. It’s a super nice kit for the price AN’s very well made. Its has a sleeping platform option as well which was a must for me. Very easy to remove as well. I’m still sorting out how to set it up (cook top, sink, frig, etc…) and I’ve not had the chance to camp with it. Will post a pic later.

Sounds amazing, look forward to see it! I thought about a sleeping platform initially but I just didn't see myself fitting well into something of that with the LC. Plus I have a huge canvas tent now that will outlast me beyond my lifetime lol. Now my truck on the other AI could throw a mattress in the bed and pop the soft topper and could potentially sleep in the back of it, but would still be uncomfortable for me overall lol. I do love seeing the all the different sleep platforms they are such a cool setup that people do!

 

[Redfred]

As promised, here are a few picks of my Colfax campers platform. Kit is super nice and well designed. Assembly took about 2.5 hrs. I’m a woodworker and could have tackled this myself but this kit was very affordable and saved me MANY hours. I got the standard hight kit which is 7.6” tall. It’s the only height that offers the kitchen pullout shelf. However it does pose some issues with the cooler. My 12v electric will just fit at 23” but at 5’, 9” makes it challenging to see in it. I just ordered the lowest medium size cooler I could find (Engel 45qt @ 14” tall) which works well. In retrospect I may have gone with the “shorty” version which is 2” shorter.

 

[kidcruiser]

Nice looking platforms!
One thing you might consider is taking out the driver side rear seat and placing your fridge there. That's what I did with mine, after facing the same conundrum you described in your first post. It is so inconvenient to use the fridge when it's in the back. If you keep the fridge in the back seat, the fridge is down low enough that you can see inside it, and never have to pull it out of the vehicle. There's also stuff (bolts, etc.) exposed after removing the seat that's easy to connect straps to, to secure the fridge. I just keep my fridge permanently there, which has been handy for non-camping situations too.
Also, having the fridge in the backseat has the benefit of being able to access drinks, etc. from the front while driving. And, there's more storage space with the seat gone, even with the fridge there.
I'm keeping the passenger side rear seats installed, so I can still carry 2 passengers in the back. I'm going to build a sleeping platform that will lay on the folded passenger side rear seats and the top of the fridge.

 

[wpage]

Nice looking platforms!
One thing you might consider is taking out the driver side rear seat and placing your fridge there. That's what I did with mine, after facing the same conundrum you described in your first post. It is so inconvenient to use the fridge when it's in the back. If you keep the fridge in the back seat, the fridge is down low enough that you can see inside it, and never have to pull it out of the vehicle. There's also stuff (bolts, etc.) exposed after removing the seat that's easy to connect straps to, to secure the fridge. I just keep my fridge permanently there, which has been handy for non-camping situations too.
Also, having the fridge in the backseat has the benefit of being able to access drinks, etc. from the front while driving. And, there's more storage space with the seat gone, even with the fridge there.
I'm keeping the passenger side rear seats installed, so I can still carry 2 passengers in the back. I'm going to build a sleeping platform that will lay on the folded passenger side rear seats and the top of the fridge.

^^^ Got any image to share?

 

[kidcruiser]

Sure, pics --I set this up this real fast right before a trip in the fall, and I haven't gotten around to converting it into a more permanent setup yet. But I for sure like the fridge in this spot. I may or may not keep the power bank/ Jackery 1000 there too. Here's a shot from the front seat, looking back, and then a second shot looking in from the rear driver side door.