Maximise Storage Efficiency: Reasons to Install Drawer Slides

When it comes to UTEs or motorhomes, space is always at a premium. To make the most of such limited space, you need efficient storage organisation. One of the best storage solutions is installing drawer slide systems, which can turn awkward cargo areas into accessible, organised storage systems. Let’s explore the advantages these hardware components offer and the best installation techniques.

How Does a Drawer Slide Work?

A drawer glide or runner is the hardware component commonly used in UTE canopies that allows a drawer to slide smoothly in and out. It is usually composed of a stationary track mounted inside the canopy and a sliding track attached to the side of the drawer. The sliding track has ball bearings or rollers that glide along the stationary track, allowing the drawer to move easily in and out. You can find them in different lengths, weight capacities, and mounting styles.

Reasons to Install Drawer Runners

The installation of drawer slide systems in utes and motorhomes is a game-changing modification to how you store and access your gear. The primary advantage is the improvement in storage organisation and accessibility. Instead of digging through a jumbled cargo area or stretching awkwardly into deep, dark spaces, drawer systems let you effortlessly pull any required equipment. This is especially important when you need to reach for tools, camping gear, or emergency supplies.

These systems also do a great job of maximising the available space, utilising the full depth of your vehicle bed. While conventional storage generally leaves dead space at the back of the cargo area, drawer slides let you store your gear across the full depth of the space while offering full access. You can set up several layers of storage for different categories of items.

Storage drawer glides are also extremely important when it comes to keeping supplies and equipment safe. Most systems are equipped with travel-locking mechanisms that keep valuable tools safe while travelling. This is vital for tradies who carry expensive tools around in their Utes or travellers who store valuable equipment, such as camping gear, in their motorhomes. Locked drawers will prevent items from becoming projectiles in case of sudden stops or accidents, offering increased safety for all vehicle occupants.

Protection from the harsh elements of the Australian climate is another significant pro. For utes, in particular, sealed drawer systems can protect sensitive gear against mud and water. This means your tools will be clean and dry whether you drive through the dusty outback roads or during heavy rains.

From an organisational standpoint, drawer slides offer flexibility in your storage solutions. You can install dividers, small compartments, and speciality holders into each drawer for the optimal custom storage feature specific to your needs, saving you time and frustration in trying to find that elusive item.

Selecting a Drawer Slide System

Load Capacity

When you buy drawer slides for your vehicle, load capacity should be your first consideration. Most components are rated from 50 kg to 250 kg per pair. Make sure to pick ones that can carry the weight of your cargo, plus some additional weight from forces created by vehicle movement and sudden stops. Full-extension slides are widely preferred as they give complete access to the contents of the drawer, while partial-extension options may also be good for light loads or when space is limited.

Material Quality

Material quality plays an important role in durability and performance. High-grade stainless steel or zinc-plated steel with sealed ball bearings offers more longevity. They resist corrosion and can withstand extreme conditions. While aluminium slides are somewhat lighter, they aren’t generally as durable as heavy-duty drawer slides. The best options feature multiple ball-bearing races for smooth operation and increased load capacity.

Environmental Factor

The environment where your vehicle operates also affects the choice. For those frequently travelling in coastal areas or dusty conditions, sealed stainless steel slides offer superior protection against corrosion and contamination. Some manufacturers also have slides that protect against debris when working in challenging circumstances.

Installation Requirements

Installation demands planning and precise measurement. Begin by taking proper measurements of your vehicle’s storage area while considering any obstruction posed by wheel arches, frame members, and other obstacles that might interfere with drawer placement. Remember to take into account the space required for the slides drawer, generally 2 to 3 cm on either side, plus the clearance required for the bottom and top ends of the drawer. It’s also good to consider the mounting surface. Many motorhome and ute owners install a false floor or a mounting frame to provide an even surface for the slides.

Precision is crucial when installing slides. For smooth operation, they need to be level and perfectly parallel to each other. Professional installers suggest using a laser level and accurate measurement to achieve proper alignment. Make sure that the mounting surface is stiff enough to prevent flexing under load, as this can bind the slides and cause premature wear.

While selecting and installing slides, consider ease of maintenance. Select slides that enable easy lubrication and cleaning, and set them so that they can be adjusted or replaced, if necessary. Some high-end slides have maintenance ports for lubrication, allowing for significant long-term functionality.