trunk usability

vap0rtranz

vap0rtranz

New member
How can I make the trunk more usable? Something like a truck bed.

I have a JK Unlimited softtop with spare still mounted on tailgate, so I have to open the tailgate, and then unzip the rear window to make use of the trunk. It's become a hassle.

Added to the hassle is towing. I often tow a small (1,500lb) trailer or a pop-up camper. I cannot make use of the trunk when towing because trailer wheel cranks are right in the way of the tailgate. Just throw everything in the trailer / camper? Yes, done that but strapping down small things is more effort than just throwing it in the trunk. I often end up unhitching just to add/remove things in the trunk, and that's double hassle.

Gladitor? OK I don't have that kind of $$$. :) These compact trucklets (Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz) are very tempting for their $ and they have a truck bed. But my partner-in-crime likes the Jeep.

Any mods that can be done to make better use of the trunk?
 
vap0rtranz said:
How can I make the trunk more usable? Something like a truck bed.

I have a JK Unlimited softtop with spare still mounted on tailgate, so I have to open the tailgate, and then unzip the rear window to make use of the trunk. It's become a hassle.

Added to the hassle is towing. I often tow a small (1,500lb) trailer or a pop-up camper. I cannot make use of the trunk when towing because trailer wheel cranks are right in the way of the tailgate. Just throw everything in the trailer / camper? Yes, done that but strapping down small things is more effort than just throwing it in the trunk. I often end up unhitching just to add/remove things in the trunk, and that's double hassle.

Gladitor? OK I don't have that kind of $$$. :) These compact trucklets (Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz) are very tempting for their $ and they have a truck bed. But my partner-in-crime likes the Jeep.

Any mods that can be done to make better use of the trunk?
Click to expand...
This thread may give you some ideas: https://www.wayalife.com/threads/show-us-your-deck.31136/

As far as your trailer crank, could you add a slight drop down hitch/ball or would that not work?
 
I am in the process of making a new one. I will post up pictures once I have it properly fitted to give you an idea.
 
vap0rtranz said:
How can I make the trunk more usable? Something like a truck bed.

I have a JK Unlimited softtop with spare still mounted on tailgate, so I have to open the tailgate, and then unzip the rear window to make use of the trunk. It's become a hassle.

Added to the hassle is towing. I often tow a small (1,500lb) trailer or a pop-up camper. I cannot make use of the trunk when towing because trailer wheel cranks are right in the way of the tailgate. Just throw everything in the trailer / camper? Yes, done that but strapping down small things is more effort than just throwing it in the trunk. I often end up unhitching just to add/remove things in the trunk, and that's double hassle.

Gladitor? OK I don't have that kind of $$$. :) These compact trucklets (Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz) are very tempting for their $ and they have a truck bed. But my partner-in-crime likes the Jeep.

Any mods that can be done to make better use of the trunk?
Click to expand...
I recently borrowed a buddies trailer and ran into this. He had the normal hand crank, but bought a second crank with a wheel at the bottom that he attached to the side of the trailer (near where the original crank was). Basically this:

If you used one of those you could cut off the old hand crank one with an angle grinder. Then be able to swing the door open as needed (assuming the trailer is far enough away for the tailgate to fully swing).
 
I used these on my trailer I built last summer:
https://www.amazon.com/CURT-28321-P...&keywords=trailer+jack&qid=1623944590&sr=8-43

They make all different lengths and weight options for them, they can be removed or swiveled 90 degrees out of the way.

The Macs box and the ARB roller drawers are both good options for cargo organizing if you can afford them. I open the gate and can roll the ARB drawer out without opening the window. I also mount my fridge to the deck on the ARB which also slides out to make opening the fridge easier.

https://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/collections/misc-taa/products/jeep-box-2007-jk-702010

https://arbusa.com/jeep-wrangler-jk-2007-2018/storage-solutions/
 
One other thing to consider may be one of the bestop glide tops. They eliminate the zippers and may make opening the back less of a wrestling match with the rear window.
 
WJCO said:
This thread may give you some ideas: https://www.wayalife.com/threads/show-us-your-deck.31136/

As far as your trailer crank, could you add a slight drop down hitch/ball or would that not work?
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I'd been looking for.

UPDATE: I've removed the rear window panels (softtop here). Now I can reach into the trunk like a truck (say that 3 times fast). One problem is water when it rains, and security. Out in the country security doesn't matter too much but rain does. So I'm poking around on decks.
 
Bierpower said:
One other thing to consider may be one of the bestop glide tops. They eliminate the zippers and may make opening the back less of a wrestling match with the rear window.
Click to expand...
The glide is a pain in the ass. Those fabric tabs they give you to pull on get weathered fast and just break. Especially if the top is cold. Even if it's hot out it's pretty hard to get a grip on the bottom and pull it down and out of the slot.
I would say if he wants a TRUNK buy a damn CAR or if he wants a truck bed buy a truck. Or keep the Jeep and maybe look at a rear CARGO area tonneau cover. Reading that was torture. I never want to hear the word trunk again.:confused:
 
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