Install of DRIFTA Drawers

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

At the Brissy 4x4 Show, I met Beechy from DRIFTA who was showing off their twin drawers. I was impressed with the quality, then after a good look over the drawers and a demo, I liked the clever design. The use of HDPE for sliders makes the most of the volume of the drawers and the slide-out table is a great little option. Soon, I was planning a trip to Gloucester for an installation at DRIFTA HQ. [Btw, they ship the drawers too].

DRIFTA supply drawers that either replaces the 3rd row seats or fits on top of them. I chose to remove my seats for the increase in drawer volume. In preparation for the big trip, the car was looking a little naked:



When I arrived, the drawers had been pre-built and ready for installation.



Beechy has been hoping to improve upon the design of the false floor to help make it easier for DIY installation. He needed a Prado for a few hours and I was able to oblige. We were given a couple of vouchers and the keys to the DRIFTA HiLux, for free coffee at Gloucester's Roadies Cafe. Whilst we were dining, Beechy was knocking up the template:



In goes the false-floor:



... cont'd ...

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

We returned from coffee and Luke (owner) gave us a personalised tour around his sizeable factory.





Back to my truck, where we watched over the proceedings



... cont'd ...

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The box was next and it needed to be fastened to the false floor. This is where the 90 degree drill comes in handy ...



With the drawer box installed, it was time to screw down the fridge slide:



In goes the last drawer:



Voia!



... cont'd ...

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And finally, a photo of Luke with the newly fitted drawers.



Great job guys!

LFaR.

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Nice work Matt
But something's missing... any particular reason you're not putting in a cargo barrier?


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[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

You are right on the money Leon. For now, the rear seats provide some protection from projectiles - I honestly don't know how much though. A barrier is the right option, though I'll be looking for one similar to the AusGuard for the 120, which I had previously. That was quite easy to remove for when I wanted to carry longer objects (like bikes).

Is there a easy-to-remove barrier for the 150?

LFaR.

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

I wonder if any one makes a fold down one :?


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[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Very nice, I was only looking at the Drifta drawers last night. I like them as they're light, easliy removed and well priced. How easy do the drawers slide with a drawer full of recovery gear?

[stewy Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close stewy]

Nice write up Matt, I'm sure Drifta appreciates the pics.
They did look like a neat set of drawers when we inspected them at the show.
I also reckon Drifta have the best draw setup for the FJ model too, considering the lack of depth in FJ, the Drifta guys have made the most out of the space available. I also haven't found anybody else offering a twin draw setup w/table and fridge slide to suit it.
I might be doing a similar trip down to Gloucester in the near future myself.

cheers

[Brains Find all posts View Profile Close Brains]

Thanks for these details Matt. I have been considering the different drawers available and this has been great to see these photos with the different stages of fit out. Stewy I take it you are getting an FJ then.

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

G'Day D4D,

How easy do the drawers slide with a drawer full of recovery gear?

I'm yet to load the drawers fully, though with some heavy gear in there, they slide smoothly and with little effort. I will point out that they use the same HDPE slide for their full-length camper trailer drawers. These drawers are about 2m long and designed to carry a *lot* of gear. I'm thinking that if you can manage to slide a 2m drawer that's full of gear, then these Prado drawers offer no real challenge.

cheers,
LFaR.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Thanks LFaR, I am pretty much sold on these. Now I just have to decide, side by side drawers with fridge on top or fridge to the side and double stack drawers...

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

I went through the same thought process D4D. Taking guidance from Beechy at DRIFTA, I decided on side-by-side because I can still get a flat surface across the width. Though, I already had a green light for the drop-down slide, which made the decision eaaier.

DRIFTA also supply drop-down slides (and regular slides). I recommend having a chat to Beechy about you're proposed config.

BTW, mention PradoPoint and I think the deal is a $100 discount, which is the cost of their installation.

LFaR.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Good point about the flat surface across the width. I already have a fridge slide so not keen on buying another. I'd want to be able to remove mine also. Might have to talk to Beechy.

[slatts Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close slatts]

Nice Drawers LFaR... I ordered a set about a week ago and are geting them installed on the 3rd May..... I have been looking for over a year to get the right set up and over looked Drifta a couple of times because of the timber.... thinking that they would be alot heavier than others only to find out that the runners they use actually reduced the weight lower than some of the allow setups around.

I went for a similar option with the slide out table but one of the drawers wil be made to allow for the removable kitchen in the future and also getting an extended floor to cover the 2nd row of seats... looks like I made the right choice.

Thanks for yor post and photos.

Slatts