When you thought you had seen it all before and there was nothing new under the sun, along comes an innovation that has you scratching your head and wondering, “why didn’t I think of that?”
Black Sheep Innovations, a Switzerland-based company, has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in pick-up storage design: hidden taillight drawers. The Rear Light Drawers, as they are called, sit in a concealed area right behind the taillight, providing an extra storage space that you would otherwise not be able to utilize.
The drawers, which are designed to blend seamlessly into the car’s body, are almost invisible when closed. However, when opened, they reveal a long and relatively spacious drawer that can accommodate a minibar, camping and hunting gear, or other objects that need to be hidden from public view. For overlanders, this storage space could be well utilized to conceal essential documents, valuable gear, and other assets commonly targeted by thieves and other opportunists when traveling through dangerous or highly populated areas. Alternatively, these drawers could be incorporated into a tailgate kitchen or used to store compact essential gear that is only occasionally used, such as recovery gear.
Black Sheep Innovations has limited the customization to just two models, the Volkswagen Amarok and the Toyota Hilux, with more models to be added in the future. The drawer’s design can be customized based on the customer’s request, allowing for a more tailored fit for various uses.
The designers claim that the drawers are easily accessible and do not impede the functionality of the vehicle. By pressing a secret button, the taillight housing can be detached, revealing a concealed drawer that can be extended to any desired length within the limits of the vehicle structure. Depending on the design, the taillight can either be folded down to reveal the drawer or remain fixed and extend outwards when pulled.
The conversion kit comes as a set for the car’s left and right sides. Due to the fuel filler neck, the left drawer is shorter than the right, which can accommodate small rifles or fishing rods. Both drawers can be locked with a key and can only be operated when the tailgate is open; therefore, it is not possible for them to open accidentally while driving, ensuring safe and secure transport. The rear lights function normally and do not require modification.
Installation must be done with great care to ensure the conversion is carried out successfully. The conversion involves significant modification to the car’s body structure, and maintaining structural integrity requires the proper installation of the conversion kit, which includes all the necessary parts for the conversion, such as stainless steel and aluminum components that are powder-coated in black, cables, linear pull-outs, and wiring.
This ingenious design by Black Sheep Innovations has limitations as the available space is not exactly voluminous, but this product will appeal to specific users with specific needs.
While a revolutionary design, these custom-built drawers come at a steep price, roughly $3,400.
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