Drawer build...

[Plati]

Guys with Expedition (not the truck name) truck builds do this routinely. It’s a thing. ..........

This is the best website for the Expedition "thing" (that I know of). Ironically, I was searching for the "Expedition" information when I found this Ford Expedition Forum. Lucky me! To date I have never seen anybody but myself that customized and uses a Ford Expedition for Expeditions. I don't know why that is, its a great platform for that!!
https://expeditionportal.com/

I'm trying to figure out how to put Solar panels up top and use them as a power source for lighting and food refrigeration. Seems like that would be pretty easy ... but cant find either a design or a retail product for that. If anybody has any ideas let me know.

 

[barrydu4]

What about the noise of the items? That would bother me.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I'm trying to figure out how to put Solar panels up top and use them as a power source for lighting and food refrigeration. Seems like that would be pretty easy ... but cant find either a design or a retail product for that. If anybody has any ideas let me know.

Check Expedition Portal. There are tons of Solar Panel threads on that site. You won't find anything that "fits 2003 Ford Expedition" but it's all universal enough that you should be able to make it work.

I'm still trying to figure out why solar is such a big thing. On Expedition Portal, those people are supposed to be nomadic. Only staying in one spot for short amounts of time (basically overnight). I know a couple guys in my local overlanding group that run refrigerators off their main battery without issues.

 

[ExplorerTom]

What about the noise of the items? That would bother me.

All that stuff is going to be back there anyway. With drawers it will be secured and still accessible.

And to be honest, I don't hear any noises with my drawers (Explorer) or storage box (Expedition).

 

[ExplorerTom]

 

[Erzebet]

What a great job!! I have been wanting to make a drawer platform for my '16 EL for 2 dog crates too! A couple questions if you do not mind: What are the dimensions, and is it attached to the floor in anyway? The lack of cargo tie downs in this truck is still unbelievable to me. At least with the platform I can ratchet the crates down ( I have 2 RTK molded intermediate crates) to the platform - just wondering if the platform stays put if not fastened to the truck floor.

has anyone else built a drawer storage unit for their Expedition ? I just finished mine, I built mine for road trips that we love to take ! Two drawers and a lift up door on the front, and I have two dog crates that strap on top, and still have plenty of room for everything else we need to take.

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[Okgearhead]

The top and bottom are 3/4” plywood, 4’x4’, the sides, back and the middle are 1x6 pine boards , the drawer sides and front and back are also 1x6 pine trimmed down to fit inside, the bottom of the drawers is 1/4 inch plywood, the slides are 24” self closing. I do have it mounted with two “L” brackets that are bolted to the floor where another bracket is mounted, under the carpet that’s in the rear storage area, on each side, about 14 “ from the back of the cargo area, the bracket that’s there goes under the side panel on each side. I trimmed my sides and middle 3/4” on the front so the front of the drawers would counter sink into the box, ( the front of the drawers sets flush with the box ) I’ll take some more pics !

 

[Okgearhead]

Here’s the pics...

 

[Okgearhead]

In the last pic is the anchor for the straps for the dog crates, it’s where one of the third row seatbelt used to be anchored, I took the seat belts and tucked them into the side where they’re anchored at the back on both sides. The first pic is the side anchor , one on each side.

 

[mdjeterva]

I made this one last year, it's for a specific purpose. Works well, but I didn't need drawers for this project. With the hatch shut it's completely hidden. It's 5 inches tall and and cable locked through the 2 row seat brackets. Mini truck bed mat on top, cut down to fit.

 

[Okgearhead]

Looks great ! Simple with a purpose !

 

[HavasuMike]

I'm in the process of building one now. My friend built a steel frame just high enough so I can remove the cover for the jack, etc. I'm making a short bar to lower the spare with a ratchet. The box is finished and now I'm working on the drawers. I need to put four kennels on top and tie them down. I'll send pics as soon as I'm finished.

 

[Tocapet]

You are blocking access to your fuel shutoff switch behind the door on the left, as well as the return air for your rear A/C on the right. Plus, what would you do if you need to change a flat tire? In order to drop the spare, you need access to the winder that is under your storage drawers. I hope you relocated the jack and lug wrench from the compartment!

 

[Okgearhead]

There is a gap on both sides, and all it takes to move is removing two nuts off the the mounts and it will slide forward to allow access to the compartment below, and the 2017 Expedition does not have a fuel pump shutoff switch in the back, it can be enabled through the ignition being switched on and off a couple of times. And the jack and handle are in the right drawer.

 

[HavasuMike]

Here are a couple of pics. The one is the metal frame to allow access to the jack, etc. The other is the box. The top is on now and I'm working on the drawers. Not sure how to upload pics, but I'm going to try "Upload a File". If this is wrong, someone please let me know how to upload.

 

[Okgearhead]

Looks great ! I’m working on a way to lower and raise the spare tire with a 12 volt electric motor, when it comes together,I’ll post more pics.

 

[Adieu]

There is a gap on both sides, and all it takes to move is removing two nuts off the the mounts and it will slide forward to allow access to the compartment below, and the 2017 Expedition does not have a fuel pump shutoff switch in the back, it can be enabled through the ignition being switched on and off a couple of times. And the jack and handle are in the right drawer.

Then what's underneath that pop-off panel?

 

[Okgearhead]

The lift motor for the rear hatch is on the left side, the rear a/c is on the right.

 

[HavasuMike]

Finished the box today. Here is a pic and the bar I made to lower the spare. I need to find a way to anchor the whole thing down now. Hopefully I can get the drawers done this week end. I would like the drawers to be a little deeper, but I'm at the limit for the kennels. I had to buy two wire crates to fit in the back. More soon when it's finished

 

[Okgearhead]

Looks awesome ! Great job !