A.R.E. CX HD — What have you attached to the internal frame?

I recently got an A.R.E. CX HD shell. The internal frame is made up of aluminum t-slot bars. They are begging to have stuff bolted to them.

What have you attached to your internal frame? How did you attach it? Let's see some pics.

Does anyone have a good source for t-nuts that will fit in the slots?

Is the OEM hardware metric or inch?

Thanks.

 

Looking to do the same. Really want to build out some wooden storage boxes for the side doors. I know you can get them from the factory but wanted something I could remove if I wanted to and from factory they come riveted on. @Caveman Chuck you ever find any t-nuts that fit or mount anything?

 

I never found any t-nuts that fit the frame through my usual hardware suppliers. I ended up getting an A.R.E. t-nut kit from my local dealer. It had 8 black t-nuts that are shaped to fit the slots somewhat snugly, 8 washers, 8 screws, and 8 zinc-plated flat nuts (thick sheet metal) that have two threaded holes and fit the slots somewhat loosely. The black t-nuts and the smaller hole on the zinc t-nuts are 6mm. The larger hole on the zinc t-nuts are 8mm. If I remember correctly, the kit was about US$17.

 

Thinking of just trying to copy that but out of wood. 3 bolts up top and two on each side. and Connect all the pieces with something like this

 

Sweet. I'll look into that kit.

 

That should work. Be sure to post some pics when you finish.

 

You happen to have the part number for that kit? Just called a local dealer and they where lost.

 

Sorry. They came in a clear plastic ziploc-style bag. I just looked and there are no part numbers or other identifying marks on it.

 

Appreciate you anyways.

 

I see you're in Orange County, CA. You could try calling this guy. He's where I got mine from.

Snap-In Campers
1501 West Acacia Ave. Ste. #114
Hemet, CA 92543
Phone (951) 766-9425

 

Thanks for the plug. I called Fuller in Fullerton and they were like "Huh?" they asked for my SN and said they would call ARE.

 

PA-11348 is the part number for the kit. $30.00 is how much they said.

 

That seems a little pricey, but I bought my shell from the guy in Hemet so maybe he cut me some slack on the price. Or maybe different dealers charge different amounts.

In the grand scheme of things, a month from now you'll never miss the money, but you'll be happy with the product you get.

 

Yep. What did you use the kit for? Pics?

 

I got some short eye bolts with 6mm threads (

$9 Eowpower 10 Pieces M6 Male Thread Machinery Shoulder Lifting Ring Eye Bolts

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G15NF7C?ie=UTF8). I wanted something I could clip those tiny carabiners onto to hang stuff while I was camping in the back. For example, I have a small bungee cord cargo net that I put up by the ceiling to put things out of the way.

My daughter has my truck right now on a road trip so I can't get photos for another week or two.

 

Smart idea.

 

I have a factory storage box. It is attached using t- nuts and bolts. You can switch it from side to side or just remove it. It's made of diamond plated aluminum.super light and super strong. I have mounted my shovel and axe to it as well as my Air Ride compressor. Also added some blue seas switches as well.

 

Only thing I used the slots for in the frame was to secure wiring for all the electrical and lighting I have in the back using corregated tubing. 1/2" fits perfectly.