new rear cargo rack idea (PHOTOS)

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2005 10:20 am

I just wanted to run this idea by some people and see what they thought.

So I have the security cover for the cargo area, and I've gotten in the habit of putting things on top of it, recently, it's been the snowbrush and shovel. Light things seem to sit up there fine, but it's in no way intended to take weight. But it did give me an idea:

What if we had a roll-out security cover like that that had metal bracing in it? Just a few metal rods that go the width of the KJ, secured on the ends either by hooks or supporting on a bracket of some kind. The idea is that it can be rolled and unrolled fairly easily, but can support, say, 20-30lbs or so. Main objectives would be:

Small footprint when folded up - should take up not much more space than the security cover does when it's rolled / folded up
Supports a fair amount of weight. Maybe not concrete bags, but at least some groceries, blankets, bags of clothes, etc.
Under $50 in parts

Another (related) idea is to have a net or cloth that attaches the same way, but tighter than the security cover so it doesn't droop down and drop things out. A net can support a lot of weight if secured properly.

Neither of these would be quite as nice as the rear shelf that was offered awhile back, but they are more portable, take up less space, and (hopefully) would cost a lot less.

I can probably draw up a diagram of what I'm thinking, but the description may be enough for now. Thoughts?[/list]

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:46 pm

It would not be too hard to fab up.In the rear where the net attaches you could have a somewhat stronger pipe or old broom handle to support the rear, front would be supported by the hooks in the front and the "net" would be something like chain link type stuff. It would roll up out of the way when needed and then unrolled and "hooked" when you wanted to cover, with the pipe holding the rear it should support a few pounds but still cover and be rollable. Actually have me thinking now about going out to the garage and fabbing it up right now.I have it in my mind what would work but explaing it is harder. But then maybe just go back to reading "Salty Piece of Land" will be easier on the brain.

corwyyn · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2005 1:46 pm

Oh, you should definitely finish 'Salty Piece of Land'. It thought it was a thoroughly enjoyable read; not a great work of fiction that will go down in history, just a nice bit of escapism (but then, I'm a parrothead).

CaKJFreedom · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2005 10:52 pm

So kind of like one of those roll up camping tables trimmed to KJ size? Neat idea.

Cacher123 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2005 2:57 am

Sorta like those old roll top desks..........

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:28 am

I think that would take up a little more (maybe double) space. Could be worth it though.

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:10 am

ManicMechanicJoe wrote:

I think that would take up a little more (maybe double) space. Could be worth it though.

It wouldn't have to have that bulky spring-loaded retraction thing, so it could just be a pile of thin chain and some metal bars. Might not even have to be chain, but I think chain might be the easiest. Doesn't even have to really be a security cover, maybe it's fine if it's just the supports, chances are I can find enough big things to use on it to not have a problem. Either that or just have a piece of tarp or similar that attaches at the corners. Or even a solid piece of plastic, since it could sit on the floor when not in use.

Taz · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2005 12:22 pm

How about using flipper door hardware. The shelf could sit vertically behind the rear seats and then if needed pull srtaight up and flip down to rest in the rear pockets for the privacy cover. They sell the hardware at Wood Craft.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=3754

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2005 12:47 pm

Taz wrote:

How about using flipper door hardware. The shelf could sit vertically behind the rear seats and then if needed pull srtaight up and flip down to rest in the rear pockets for the privacy cover. They sell the hardware at Wood Craft.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=3754

So that would have to attach directly to the back of the seats? Might cause some problems if I need to fold down one or both of the seats. The way I was planning on attaching it is at the four corners: the rear pockets for the security cover, and the two metal hooks that the seats clip into. Alternatively, I could try to get something that clips into the same place the security cover goes, but that doesn't look like it would hold much weight, compared to the seat brackets.

&JUSTICE4ALL · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2005 1:48 pm

"Salty Piece of Land" What a fun read.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2005 8:15 pm

OK done reading Salty Piece of Land! The things us ParrotHeads have to go through! Now back to business. A lot of good ideas floating around. Currently I have my homemade carrier attached to the front hooks behind the seat and a piece of black gas pipe across the back. The carrier itself was somekind of gate across tha back of a mini van that the neighbor tossed out and I grabbed after her yard sale. But it has held up to a good bit of weight, so I think the roll up idea would not be too hard. Heavy material like old tarps were made of would even work. You would need something clear across the front and rear to keep it tight but again would work. Also if you had two bars that ran front to bak after it was installed to keep it tighter, could be made to put in and remove in under a couple of minutes. I may try something this weekend I have a plan .......

bennybmn · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:11 pm

I like the idea Jeff, here's my thoughts...

No sense in reinventing the wheel. Someone suggested a roll up desk top, or something like that, might want to see what's available now and cut it to size, ya know?

Also loved the flip up idea. Doesn't have to attach to the seats, could attach to the privacy cover mounting points, but lay flat against the seat backs when not in use. Love that one...

Also, consider a folding accordian style thing. Make it out of like a bunch of 1x3's or something, all hinged together to fold up into a stack? Something along those lines.

I think the flip up/slid down behind the seats has the sturdiest potential! Looking forward to all the ideas.

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:12 am

Great ideas guys. I think the flip-door sounds like the easiest and sturdiest. I may have to look into that myself.

Oh, and I want to remind everyone to be sure to secure anything you put on any type of shelf in the back of your Jeep, as heavy (and even not so heavy) objects can become nasty projectiles during a sudden stop or accident. Be safe!

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:25 am

bennybmn wrote:

I like the idea Jeff, here's my thoughts...

No sense in reinventing the wheel. Someone suggested a roll up desk top, or something like that, might want to see what's available now and cut it to size, ya know?

While it would probably work, it might be overkill - I don't need it to have a solid shelf or anything, just like, a basket or grill-like shelf. One of those rollup desks would take up a ton of space. I should really draw a picture of what I mean. I wish I weren't so busy this week, or I'd just get to home depot and get some parts to get started.

Quote:

Also loved the flip up idea. Doesn't have to attach to the seats, could attach to the privacy cover mounting points, but lay flat against the seat backs when not in use. Love that one...

But then you still have to figure out what to do with it when the seat is folded down. I suppose you can just detach it and lay it flat on the floor of the cargo area.

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:42 am

Here's the moment you've all been waiting for - the mspaint-style (actually drawn in gimp) of my idea:

The black is the jeep, including the seat brackets and both slots for the security cover.

The red lines are thin metal bars, probably 1/2" diameter or so. The blue lines are a thin chain or some kind of cord.

The bar towards the back of the jeep will be cut to the length to fit in the slot where the security cover goes. The other end will be secured by some combination of S hooks, tensioners, and metal rings. Seeing as how there are only 4 metal bars and 5 segments of chain (in my drawing at least), it should take up very little space, and could even be coiled up around the bar closest to the seat with some velcro straps when not in use.

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Dec 29, 2005 6:41 pm

Pretty much what I had floating around in my head and scratched out on paper. Would work!

phxtoad · **Posted:** Fri Dec 30, 2005 6:30 pm

Se7enLC: Is this what you were thinking?

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/683398/9

Check out the last picture on this Cardomain page for a design based on Se7enLC's idea. It should work for light loads. The guides at each side capture the shelf so it doesn't fly up. Adding the extra panel to close the gap at the rear door might be tricky. You could add a angle ledger(s) along the door itself to carry the extra panel's weight...

Todd

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Se7enLC · **Posted:** Wed Jan 11, 2006 10:33 am

phxtoad wrote:

Se7enLC: Is this what you were thinking?

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/683398/9

Check out the last picture on this Cardomain page for a design based on Se7enLC's idea. It should work for light loads. The guides at each side capture the shelf so it doesn't fly up. Adding the extra panel to close the gap at the rear door might be tricky. You could add a angle ledger(s) along the door itself to carry the extra panel's weight...

Todd

Yeah, that does look pretty nice! Kind of overkill compared to what I was planning, though. I was hoping to avoid using wood entirely, I'm thinking something less solid, really just a basket or net-like tray back there.

Here are the parts I'm using (so far, they may change):

46" Shelf Track. Sorta like a small C-Channel beam with slots and bolt-holes in it. I may go with something stronger down the line, but these only cost $2.97:

3 22" lengths of double-loop chain. I really only needed 19", but I wanted to make sure I wasn't 1-link short or anything. $0.53 / foot, 90lb load rating. Bolts directly to the C-Channel shelf-track beams:

2 hook-and-eye turnbuckles. Unfortunately the wrong size, but once I get the right size they will hook onto the seat rails and be able to adjust the tension in the rack so it can be attached/detached without having to be unbolted or having to be spring-loaded:

Once I get the right hooks and get it attached I'll post some photos.

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:06 am

First Prototype: Still missing the cover and possibly more supports, but it works great, it's solid with those turnbuckles, I can support at least 30 lbs or so, I bet.

More Photos Here: http://photos.djali.is-a-geek.org:8000/Jeep/Cargo%20Rack/

bennybmn · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 10:12 am

Interesting idea Jeff. I like that everyone has come up with their own solutions for their needs with this. I'll have to take a pic of the back of my jeep to give you guys an idea of what I carry around for work...

new rear cargo rack idea (PHOTOS)

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