I typically don’t do installations late in the day, but since this was my last step installing the one remaining “lower shelf” in my “Cartrimehome” set up - I gave it a go with an hour and 1/2 of sunlight left.
Before I talk through the simple install i want to give a few tips on the system so fellow GX owners order the parts that will best serve their specific needs.
Important details: (see diagram)
The “Cartrimhome” (CTM) upper shelf has 3 attachment levels, attaching with thumb screws to support angles that attach to each of the Molle side shelves..
The CTM lower shelf, on the other hand, can ONLY mount (at one level) to the sides of the “storage frames.” If you did NOT order the “storage frames” you cannot mount the CTM lower shelf.
The CTM lower shelf is a tad narrower than the CTM upper shelf (so the upper and lower shelves are NOT interchangeable). Again the CTM lower shelf mounts BELOW the level of the vertically oriented “side Molle shelves.” (CTM calls them side shelves but they should be called “Molle side panels” to avoid confusion).
Both upper and lower shelves are very functional, but if you have a drawer/ platform set up, and wish to choose one, the upper shelf is definitely the one that you want to choose as it is wider and has 3 higher mounting positions options, giving greater versatility. In fact, one option is simply buying 2 upper shelves and not picking up a lower shelf.
When installed the lower edge of the CTM lower shelf is about 19.5 inches above the base of the cargo area (allowing you to fit a cooler underneath). If you add a drawer system, the space between the drawer and the lower shelf drops to (19.5 minus the height of your drawer). In my case with 12 inch drawers being installed, the lower shelf will only accommodate items that are 7 inches or so in height below it.
In my particular case, once my “Overlander Woodworks” Black Edition drawer and sleeping platform set up is installed, I will only mount my CTM lower shelf on an as needed basis and attach it with a single thumb screw for ease of removal. In fact, once the drawer system is installed, I may take the approach of swapping the lower shelf with a second upper shelf.
Personally, I absolutely love the entire CTM Molle system!! (High quality construction, GREAT price, and the most versatile of the cargo molle systems that are out there.)
Another aspect I love about it is that the “top shelf” protects the headliner from getting damaged when loading the upper shelf.
Now that all being said if you wish to maximize your rear view mirror view the Victory cargo shelf (mounting closer to the ceiling allows a completely unobstructed rear view and for owners wanting no rear view mirror interference, may be a better choice).
As I understand, CTM is considering a redesign of the upper shelf mounting brackets that may push the uppermost position of the upper shelf to something similar to the pricier but also good quality Victory product.
Now regarding cargo area installation… it’s not bad at all…. Just tedious - as with all the cargo systems out there.
The lower shelf came together flawlessly with 20 screws, 20 washers and 20 split washers. (Extras were included). Mounting brackets require placement of included “anti-squeaking” foam cushioning (a smart detail). They mount to the storage frames with 5 thumbscrews for each side - 2 to attach the bracket to each storage frame and 3 to connect the lower shelf to each bracket on each side. Whole process took an hour.. I highly recommend using a drill driver and setting the clutch to 8-12 and then hand tightening with the provided Allen wrench.
Have fun! Don’t forget to use the forum coupon code if ordering - it’s listed in one of my other posts about “Cartrimhome.”
Emed.
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