To the 90 Owners...

[01001010]

I'd like to see some creative cargo management ideas. I'm still searchin for a 90 Soft Top and once I have it I'd like to keep it roof-rack-less.

[jozg44]

Hi,

The two most common storage solutions for 90s that I've seen have both been home made:

1) A metal storage bin that goes across the vehicle behind the rear bulkhead, obviously shaped to fit over the wheelboxes. Basically like a giant cubby box, the best one I've was made of Birmabright aluminium (just like a Landy) and painted the same body colour, and it used the bonnet lock from a Triumph 2000 for security.

2) I'm fairly sure this is also a home-build only, but maybe one of the overland preperations companies does it- take some marine plywood and cut out a sheet so that it fits in the rear tub on top of the wheelboxes. Then you can fit draws or storage bins underneath, accessed when the rear door/tailgate it open. You get a huge amount of closed, secure storage space for off-road equipment/tools under the second floor, and a nice flat load bed for the rest of the tub (the one I saw had lash-down eyes built into the ply with a cargo net fitted). Obviously this won't work if you have rear seats of any sort.

I have also seen Soft Tops with a cargo net attatched to the front wings and all their bulky camping gear lashed down on the bonnet. Definitly good for keeping the rear loadbay free for more equipment or people. Not sure what would happen to all the stuff when it rains though.

I was tempted to say the best storage solution for a 90 is a 110, but that wouldn't really be any help. However, I was constantly annoyed by the smallness of both my SIII 88 and my Ninety's load bays- everything I wanted to carry was always just a couple of inches too big!

Jack

[NASdiesel]

Tuffy security drawer works well. Also a fellow named Troy sells some nice storage boxes on the d-90.com site that are built for the d-90.

[hamiam]

I had one of these for my 4Runner and it offers a fair amount of storage that you can put a tarp over and use bungy cords to secure. If you have a hitch in the front you can use one there as well. Mine was made by SURCO but Im sure there are several choices.

[ini88]

I have two custom storage boxes coming in that go along the top wheel wells. they were custom made by another Defender owner. I don't think he is on this message board, but i can send you his info. they have more room than the Tuffy boxes and mold perfectly to the contour of the rear bed. plus he sells them for 175 each! a lot cheaper than any Tuffy.

[Thor]

http://denver.craigslist.org/car/286670963.html

[chrisvonc]

Some great storage boxes on the wheel-wells is definatly Troy Smiths storage boxes that he has sold a number of to people over on my site. Here is some more info on them:
http://www.d-90.com/mod/toolbox/index.htm

The drawer system for the rear is a good idea if thats what you are looking for. Another idea is using Pelican cases which the 1650s fit very well in the back of a D90.

[Trigger]

One more vote for the trailer hitch tray. I paid about $40 at Harbor Freight. I've got one and it's great. Put the cooler and firewood on it and it really frees up space inside the truck.