So I am going to be building a false floor in the back of my jeep on Thursday and I did a cardboard mockup today and wanted to get your opinion on it. It will have 6 inches of storage space underneath and I will put the spare under there along with other random items. I also plan on building some kind of rack to hold the front tire to my bikes (as you can see in the first pic). After it's finished I plan on bed lining it that way it's water proof. I will post pics of the finished product, I just want to know what ya think and if ya have any recommendations or ideas to ad to it.

 

Nice plan so far

I'm going to be helping a friend build on in his this spring. going to use 2x6s for the supports then 3/4 ply wood for the floor. you may want to look into getting some heavy duty drawer sliders to make pull outs or have cut outs with hinges to get access to the storage areas.

its always a good idea to pull the rear carpet out as well and put down a bed liner product.

 

Thanks, I was gonna use plywood for the floor as well as the supports, do you think I shouldn't? And I'm not sure if I'm gonna rip the carpet out quite yet...

 

I wouldn't use plywood for the supports as it will split easy you should be able to go to lowes/home depot and get some short lengths of 2x6s fairly cheep

 

Ok yea your prolly right. I'll do that then, thanks for the advice!

 

NP man. I'm going to build one in mine but not untill I've got the cage all set

 

Why?

 

At least for me the false floor under area is going to have tool's straps, fluids ect that might be wet or greasy. with the carpet it will sit in there and had to clean once you finish the floor above it.

 

id suggest getting a full size spare before you make your plans around the spacesaver.. those things are pretty sketchy on and especially off road

 

Thats what I was kinda thinking. What are your future modification plans for your XJ? And lifting or bigger tires? Would hate to have to do it twice.

 

Agreed. A space saver isn't going to help you. Maybe a tire mount on top of the false floor?

 

I don't plan on really wheeling this XJ, it's a DD so I fine with having just the crappy spare for now. Thanks for lookin out though.

 

I'm interested in this as well mainly because I enjoy Mountain Biking as well. I have a Giant VT2 26" full suspension with upgraded....everything. Cuz everything else broke or wore out.

 

Lol nice, yea I'm excited to build that part, I think I'll make 2 slots that way I can put another one in there in case a buddy rides along

As for plywood, what kind should I use, hardwood ply, or regular?

 

Keep in mind that the 2x6 isn't actually 2"x6", it's less due to the cutting blade. Just spend the extra $0.37 and buy a 2x8, and that way you will also have room to get your hands under the spare to pull it out. It's not that big of a change. But otherwise a great idea.