I finally finished the rear storage shelf I've been contemplating for months. Turned out pretty well. Here's the finsihed pic with a bunch of gear loaded:


I did a write-up on my site:
http://www.geocities.com/transalper/...rrearshelf.htm

We have a big trip planned to Glacier and Banff this summer so it will defintely get a workout.

 

It appears as though your dog really enjoys it too!

 

Looks good
I could have used one of those when I went camping last week.

 

I like it--and the dog too

 

It's fun to watch him jump up there. He can get 3/4 of his body in there but then needs a bit of help to get his rump up. I think I'll try having him use one of the big action packers as a step to help him out. Once he gets up there, he doesn't want to leave. This afternoon my 4 and 7 year old daughters climbed up there with him and were having a great time.

 

So what did you use? Like 3/4" plywood or 1" maybe?

 

3/4" plywood. It's plenty stiff.

I got all the hardware and will be adding the bed extension as soon as I get another board cut and buy more carpeting. I'll post pics when it's done.

 

Great stuff! Thanks for the photo!

~a

 

Ya, use 3/4". I did mine with 5/8", and it's not quite as solid as I'd like. Had to add center supports for when we had two people plus two dogs on there. (Although my main supports are closer to the edges that these.)

 

Cool, I think I will be taking this project on for a rainy weekend.

 

NICE!!!

I love the photos with the dog - too cool. I am curious to know more about the bed extension that you mentioned. Also, wondered if you had considered installing a cargo barrier between the deck and the rear seats, so that in the event of an accident (or a serious off-road descent) that the dog and /or gear stays back there instead of flying into the rear/front seat occupants.

Very nice job - looks like you can fit alot of stuff in there!

 

Thanks. Yeah, I plan to add a bed like I had in my montero. Just a board, really. It will store on top of the shelf and then just slide forward. The rear will be supported by brackets and the rear shelf. The front will be supported by hanging straps/clips and probably a central support leg. Here's the monty bed (notice the massive headroom):


I do not plan to add a barrier. I just store soft and light gear on top of the shelf (clothes, pillows, etc), and generally it is stuffed in there so it won't move. The dog is on a leash when we're driving so he can't jump into the back seat.

 

Looks like you might need to add a pair of 'OS' handles if your are going to hook it up like in your Montero. yeh?

 

Yup. I will have to support the front of the bed with a leg or something like that. I will just stare at it for a while and an idea will come to me. I will use the existing passenger "o sheit" handles will support the center of the bed extension.

 

Ahhhh! OK, I see what you mean about the bed - good pics. That's a great setup. Have fun with it!