How to open tailgate from inside on an '05?

Hey CR,

Here is what I came up with so far. I think it will work well for my current needs.


I've had a high-lift for about 4 years, never used it. I don't like the idea on having it on the outside of the jeep, so I mounted it internally. Also plan to add some eye bolts to it for additional light weight tie down spots.



Main idea for the box is to eliminate all the totes I carry and have a smooth bunk should I decide to sleep in the Jeep on a stormy evening. I didn't think I would need drawers, just more weight, so I sized it for a couple long totes and that also leaves an area for spare parts, tools, etc. I like the idea of the tote for keeping dust out and containing any fluid spills. It also eliminates the need for expensive drawer slides or other type of sliding mechanism, material. Want to keep it simple, should I decide to modify it down the road.

Took the bottom carpet out. Used the rear seatbelt bolt to hold the base down. I also worked around the rear seat mounts on the sides. Don't lose much space and they also provide excellent tie down spots should I need them.



Used my Kreg Jig to drill pocket holes to attach the sides to the base. Best tool I ever bought for working with cabinetry.



Here you can see the pocket holes and side attached.



Cut the tops. This was a pain. I would of preferred to have some nice curves following the wheel wells, but my skills only go so far. Hahaha. This is cool though, depending on whether I go with carpet or paint, it will be fine.



The top piece by the tailgate will get permanently attached and the front section will be able to be raised. Still have to figure out the hinge issue though. I may split the front down the middle to make it easier to lift from each side or I may add a strut or two, we'll see.



Box height is 8" with an interior height of 6.5". I will add a 20" section of plywood behind the passenger seat when pushed forward. It will be held up with a couple of removable heavy duty shelf brackets. That will give me a total 6' length. Plenty of room to stretch out...

CRJeepin said:

That platform looks excellent, Dave!

Is that 3/4" plywood? I would think that's thick enough you won't need any support down the middle? I see you've got the plys running across the jeep also, rather than lengtwise - that should help support more weight without sagging.

Click to expand...

Yep, 3/4, I was try to keep cost low. I found some 6.5" totes that are just a little snug when I slide them in. They actually support the rear top, so I won't need an additional support. Since the rear top in currently screwed down, I added a couple plywood hinges to keep the front top centered. When down, the hinges keep the back of the top from bouncing around. Just have to add a front latch. Also added the removable brackets to extend the area behind the passenger seat.



My homemade hinges...hahaha



Can't see it, but the top is held up by a bungee wrapped around the roll bar and eye hook on the top.




I was thinking about ways to add a tray to the tailgate. Finally came up with this. It's a GSI small aluminum table. I just added a couple of L-brackets so they would slide into the current vent openings and then extend the legs of the table for support. I added a couple of small rubber bumpers to level it out. I'm not looking to have it hold a ton of weight, and I wanted it to be multi-purpose, use the table off the door. I think this fits the bill. It easily stows away for the ride.