Topic: Tuffy Expandable Trunk

[chrisfranklin]

Any of you guys using this: http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-140-071-expandable-rear-security-lockbox.aspx.   I've got a bunch of work-related gear in hard cases that I need to store in the back end of my YJ.  The existing trunk I have is too small so I've been looking around for a a full trunk.  But frankly, I do use my rear seat, it is foldable and I'd prefer to keep that in there if possible.

[chrisfranklin]

Also, if I get something like this expandable job mentioned above, I'll have a lightly used Bestop Instatrunk for YJ (maybe TJs) to sell for $65 + shipping.

[DodgeMudder]

Also, if I get something like this expandable job mentioned above, I'll have a lightly used Bestop Instatrunk for YJ (maybe TJs) to sell for $65 + shipping.

That instatrunk won't fit a TJ, I think it would work in a CJ, and I have a new one I would sell for $100obo if anyone wants one.

[chrisfranklin]

Mine would be for YJ and Part # 42624-01. 


The TJ version is Part # 42634-01.  Is that what you have DodgeMudder and are selling?

[Jeffy]

Have you thought about making a rear compartment from something like fiberboard or even marine grade plywood?  Tuffy's stuff is nice but $$$$.  I also don't like how the expanding box isn't full size though.  I would guess if you could get something under it, you could pry it up.

Otherwise, I'd probably consider one of these: http://www.fourxdoctor.com/catalog/jeep_box/

[chrisfranklin]

Have you thought about making a rear compartment from something like fiberboard or even marine grade plywood?  Tuffy's stuff is nice but $$$$.  I also don't like how the expanding box isn't full size though.  I would guess if you could get something under it, you could pry it up.

Otherwise, I'd probably consider one of these: http://www.fourxdoctor.com/catalog/jeep_box/

I noticed that leverage issue with the expandable setup.  I'd prefer a setup like the 4xd one but I have actually used the backseat  in mine to haul people around and I'd rather keep it in there; it's foldable too.  The room for the expandable isn't as good as on a full trunk setup, but it's good enough for the stuff I have to cart around.  The price on that expandable job is a kick in the nvts though.  But I do like the flexibility it seems to give you.  But its at best a compromise solution really, not exactly optimum across the board. 

[Jeffy]

Pull the box when you want rear seats...

[chrisfranklin]

Pull the box when you want rear seats...

Don't have the room at my place to store a box trunk or a rear seat. If I did, I'd do the 200-300 dollar 4xd job.   

[DodgeMudder]

Mine would be for YJ and Part # 42624-01. 


The TJ version is Part # 42634-01.  Is that what you have DodgeMudder and are selling?

Yes it is, I some how ended up with 2 have one in my YJ, and have a brand new one still in the box in my parents garage.

[neale_rs]

Have you thought about making a rear compartment from something like fiberboard or even marine grade plywood?  Tuffy's stuff is nice but $$$$.  I also don't like how the expanding box isn't full size though.  I would guess if you could get something under it, you could pry it up.

Otherwise, I'd probably consider one of these: http://www.fourxdoctor.com/catalog/jeep_box/

That one looks pretty good for a conversion from hard top to soft top while retaining some security.

[chrisfranklin]

I won't spend $629.00 just for additional storage... There are better alternatives available which you can get at cheaper price and at the same time give you storage solution same as that one...

I didn't spend $629 for that either.   My tab last week for the Tuffy Expandable trunk actually worked out closer to $700     

What kind of cheaper, better storage alternatives are out there, YJeeper? (knowing the alternatives won't help me any at this point, but others here might pick up a few things that'll save them some money).

[Mozman68]

X2....I think it's worth it.  For those of us using our rigs as daily drivers, nothing is much more important than having a place to keep my stuff safe when parked.

I was looking at this one as well as the Bestop InstaTrunk isn't big enough to hold my basic tools I always carry as well as my computer bag or other work stuff.  Makes it tough to stop at the store on the way home from work in the warmer months when I have no place to put that stuff...usually end up running home first and then back out again.

[chrisfranklin]

Got this installed the other day.  4 wheel parts dropped the tank a little to get it in there.  Will have to take a few pictures of it and post them here.  

Personally, I was kind of skeptical about how it was going to work since I'd never seen one in use.  The technicians hadn't appeared to have installed one before and they were also kind of skeptical.  But by the end of it, they were showing me how to use it without busting fingers and seemed to like it pretty well.  And the design is kind of clever.  

The rear seat belt buckles fit through slots in the metal floor and are fed up through the rear seat when you want to use it instead of the trunk extended to its full dimensions.  

Of course, with the trunk, you open the thing when it's extended and you are always staring at a pair of seat belt buckles coming up through the floor and in the storage space (same deal probably with full trunks with no floors).   But the small space loss there from the belts/buckles hasn't effected the usability on my end as yet.  

Obviously doesn't have the space of the full trunks with the back seat removed.   But if you have items you need on hand that the instatrunk or insta-trunk-sized lockbox can't fit, don't have the space in your place to store a removed back seat and/or have actually found yourself regularly using your SWB Jeep to haul 3-4 people on days off, the Tuffy extended trunk may work for you.  Will see how well I like it after 6-12 months

[chrisfranklin]

A few photos of the expandable trunk