James,

Can you supply some pics to illlustrate the weak points
of the flex-a-trunk? It might assist many of us in
deciding if it's right for our needs.

Thanks

 

I just installed the trunk this past weekend. Like James, I only received two of the three top panels, and it took two weeks to receive the missing one (ordered through Quadratec, but shipped directly from Bestop).

The rear panel, which prevents access via the rear seat, is metal. It attaches to the two plastic side panels with four small carriage bolts from the outside, secured with thumbscrews inside. This allows you to remove the top panels, unbolt and remove the rear panel, drop the rear seats, and have full access to the cargo area.

The passenger-side panel has a pre-scored section that can be cut out to go around the subwoofer. The side panels secure via long bolts to existing holes hidden beneath the carpet below the rear mounting point of the rollbar. The bolts screw into RivNuts inserted into these holes, but if you have the sub, the bolt to the passenger side connects to a long nut that then screws onto the existing bolt at the top of the sub. I don't really like the fact that these bolts are exposed, and therefore visible, and hope to figure out something to make them less obvious (any ideas are welcome!).

Once the sides of the box are connected and secured by the bolts, supposedly self-tapping screws are then used to secure the side panels to the tub. Two screws secure each panel, but if you have the sub, only one is used on the passenger side.

I had some difficulty at this point, even after pre-drilling with a 3/8 drill bit. Each of the screws uses a plastic spacer that was difficult to fit, given the small amount of clearance between the panels and the sides of the tub.

Once everything was in place, I discovered the two screws closest to the rear seat actually went through the plastic wheelwell liner and protrude about 1/4 inch! It doesn't look like there'll be a clearance issue with the tires, but nothing was mentioned about this and I would have liked to have seen something different. I realize, of course, that anything secured to the tub will protrude, but I think this could have been better thought out.

The top panels slid in well (reminds me of putting together Little Tike toys for my kids), and the last panel has a rubber seal that seats against the tailgate and will hopefully keep dust out.

I thought about the metal box before choosing this trunk. Though it would be more secure, it could not be removed easily. I like the idea of being able to pull the top panels out (and store them behind the rear seat) if I have something tall, plus I like having complete access to the load floor if needed.

Yes, the plastic box could probably be opened a bit more easily by a determined thief. However, the same pry tool the thief would use on the Flexatrunk would probably tweak and damage a metal one, and the plastic piece would probably be less expensive to replace (I hope).

I've been a cop for seventeen years, and most vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles occur when 1) valuables are left in plain sight, 2) doors are left unlocked, and 3) no security measures are taken. Crooks are generally lazy, and if it looks like it'll take some work or cause a bunch of noise, they'll usually move on to another victim somewhere else. Just make sure that when you load the trunk up and secure it, you do so without attracting attention of an

Ultimately, anything I leave in the vehicle will be something I can replace. Heck, the trunk could be Fort Knox and the crook might resort to towing it away! (We'll see what LoJack will do for me - I've nabbed a couple of car thieves thanks to LoJack!).

On a scale of 1-10, I'll give the Flexatrunk a 7 for install (good instructions are provided), and an 8 for overall design and funtionality.

Hope this helps.
Kevin

 

Is the trunk big enough to fit a set of golf clubs in it?

 

pics ventura911?

 

Ditto that question!

 

Great descriptions and info. Thanks Ventura.

Pics would be icing on the cake.

I'm reconsidering the flexatrunk now, based on
your observations. I intend to have a perimeter
alarm installed and that should be an effective combo.

The only stuff I'll have in the "trunk" with the hard top
off will be sporting equipment anyway. Replaceable.

I too like the idea of easy removal to use the floor space.

So flexibility seems better than greater security (Tuffy) to me
right now.

If I had a soft top only I'd probably get the Tuffy box.

 

I ordered one from 4WD.com. UPS dropped it off today. It's missing a top panel as well so I called Bestop about it since 4WD.com customer service has banker hours. The Bestop rep was less than helpful and told me I needed to go through 4WD for the replacement. Lousy manufacturer support ....

The top panels don't look particularly strong and I think it's way over priced, but I needed something like this to stow my computer bag in when picking up the kids and doing the honey-do errands after work. It should ward off the opportunistic thieves but probably not any determined ones.

 

I ordered mine from Quadratech 3 days ago and found out its on backorder at least until next week. Hopefully mine arrives with all the panels!

 

I've since replaced the self-tapping screws that went through the fender liner with 2 1/2" bolts and locking nuts that (hopefully) won't be an issue with the tires.

I've also taken small pieces of plastic electrical conduit and covered the two bolts that attach the side panels to the tub just below the roll bar.

Here are some photos of the trunk and its hardware. Hope these help.


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Thanks for the pics. I am still on the fence on this one vs. building my own. all this info helps.
Now that it's installed does it seem any stronger? how much weight do you think it will support on top?? can you stand on it??