LoadBay

Isuzu Loadbay

	This is what I started with... a useful 7-seater, but more brown than is decent in civilised society.
	I wanted the Australian style drawer system popular down-under. I had loads of offcuts of steel and some ali chequer-plate, so I set to work and built a frame.
	Its bolted down to the original load eye captive bolts.
	Its pretty heavy, and full of stuff, it'll be very heavy, so I wanted it safe.
	Isuzu's seem to have captive nuts everywhere, I used a couple here to support the section over the wheel arch.
	I've got an Engel fridge. So I built a slide. This helps when loading the whole basket in/out/ The slide is from computer equipment mounted in 19" racks. I work in IT, and these rails were surplus and free.
	With some help from my friends, the drawers were bent up, and tig welded together. I wanted the fronts separate, so I could align them on the vehicle.
	After much fannying about with the adjustment of the rails, we have two fitted drawers. Handles and drop bolts perform obvious functions. The differing sizes mean I can open the larger drawer, with only one door open. The fridge is more central than ideal, but it has to slide out past the sink, still I get a decent area for stashing lightweight stuff such as camp-chairs and sleeping bags to the right of the fridge.
	I've just bunged in a load of stuff to tidy up the boot space. I'll be laying out the storage for 4x4 and camping storage over the next few weeks. A couple more sets of computer rails to make the drawers slide.
	Mounted on the smaller door is a Teal handwash. Hot water seems such a luxury, but is great for camping and days out. I already had it, so it seemed a shame not to put it to good use. Draws about 35amps though.
	The chequer plate on the larger drawer magically folds out to a table. Designed to be used for cooking with a couple of Coleman petrol stoves, but also handy for signing in etc at 4x4 events.
	Yet more chequerplate folds out to make an area about 6'3" long. Ideal for sleeping or transporting long loads. Its all hinged, I've used loose pin hinges, I can pull out the pins and remove the sections if the need ever arises. M8 eyebolts and original Isuzu tie-downs have also been installed on captive nuts.
	A couple of detachable legs in the rear footwell support the platform. I've not slept on-board yet, but it was pointed out to me that I could watch a DVD and grab a cold beer in bed - ideal :-)