Hi all.

I was just wondering if anyone has made their own boot box, rather than buying the official one from MINI. I am considering making my own, and was interested in hearing about/seeing any that others may have built.

One design idea I have (not sure if it will work) is to make the box sturdy enough that when the back seats are down, you could flip the box over, and it would be level with the back seats so that you would have a larger flat space to put things on in the back. This would require that the box be sturdier than the official MINI box, and therefore probably heavier.

Anyway... it is just a thought. Would love to hear from others on this, and if I end up making one, I will be sure to post some pics here!

Bill

 

I was told by my MA that the boot box is meant to be flipped over and used as a leveler for the backseats when they're down. I ordered it, expecting it to support some weight - specifically a 75lb dog when she gets in and out of the boot.

Are you saying that the official MINI boot box won't do that? If so, I'll take it off of my order. I had thought that it was pretty sturdy, but I've never seen one...

 

I am not saying that the official one won't do that. Please don't take it that way. I am not sure.. because I don't have it, and have only seen it briefly. But from my understanding, it is collapsable... so it might not be sturdy enough to hold heavy items. I am really not sure. I was more just looking for a fun project.

 

It won't support much weight, but for versatility you can't beat it. I thought it was a bit pricey at $85, but it has proven to be worth it just for the 6 months and 3000 miles we've had the car. The fold-down dividers accommodate any size item you want to carry.

If you envision primarily using it upside down, you would be better off making one out of plywood with carpeting on it so it could hold some weight.

Jack Terrick
04 MCS LY/W

 

Sounds like a good idea to me. In fact, with the back seats so cramped, I consider my car a two seater. If I had a really slick way to just remove the rear seats and have a good looking cargo area, I would like that even better.

Back to your idea, with what material are you going to build it? I work wood alot, but that would make for a heavy piece. It would be more useful made of fiberglass or some such material.

 

Haven't decided on the material or exact design yet. My brother is the designer and builder in the family, so when he has some time, we are going to try to come up with something interesting. Probably won't even sit down to talk about it for a week or so.

 

>>it would be level with the back seats so that you would have a larger flat space to put things on in the back<<

I like this idea.:smile: I just use a nylon, zippered sports bag. It keeps things in place when I'm taking corners, is cheap, removable and noise-free. But extending the platform with the seats down sounds handy!

Dogspeed.

 

I got the boot box on my new MINI. I wasn't too impressed with it at first, but the MA sold me on it by offering me free floor mats if I buy the boot box. I was buying the rubber mats anyway, and they cost $95, compared to $85 for the boot box, so who wouldn't do it?

Anyway, the box can be flipped and it will level the folding back seats, but to hold much weight, you would need to put something under it to support. However, after using it for all of 4 days, I'm really happy with it. I used it to cart a few bags of groceries and other little things that would fly all over the place without the box.

If I were you though, I'd skim on the dealer accessories (except maybe the floor mats). Drive it for a week or two and you'll find out what goodies you really need and which ones you don't.

 

Hey all.

I have been thinking about this a bit more, and rather than making a box that you would flip over when the seats are down (to create a large, level surface in the back), I am thinking of making a box with a removable lid. This way, you can use it for day to day stuff with the lid removed, like the current official boot box, and then for a trip, you can fill the box, put the lid on, and then have a large flat area with the seats down to put luggage or large items on.

Any thoughts?

 

Just a thought for this thread.


I've read/heard that the official Boot Box does block the air flow in the boot (which makes it harder for your HVAC to do it's job). I looked at a boot box at the dealer, and it looks like this is true. If you decide to build your own, leave some vents for air flow.

Just my $.02

BB

 

Sounds like a fine idea to me. Maybe there is a way to add a velcro hinged lid to the MINI boot box. Same fabric wrapped around something like a 3/8 ply panel. If some one made that, I would buy it.

 

I made myself a cargo board:



More info ...

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34715

 

Blue Brummie - Yes.. I will be considering that if/when I get around to building this.

Johnna - That is exactly what I was thinking. A lid with material that matches the factory carpeting/interior.. that would attach with velcro.

I will get around to bulding this one of these days. If it comes out well, and people are interested, I might be willing to make them for people for the cost of the parts, and a little bit for my time (certainly won't be making a living doing this! )

I will keep you posted on my progress.

 

Can someone who has the official boot box give me the dimensions? I am curious how tall it is.


Thanks!

 

It's a bit flexible. Here are the edge dimensions.
31" x 15" and 6.5" tall.

 

Thanks Johnna!

 

No problem. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. If you need any more info., just let me know. I've got a tape measure and I know how to use it!

 

Hey guys.

In discussing this project with my brother, he has suggested that we build the sides and bottom of the box out of injection plastic, with a removeable lid made of wood (for stability). The entire thing could be covered with a felt or carpeting that would match the interior of the boot area.

The wood lid would allow you to put things in the box, close it, and then put more things on top. Or you could just remove the lid and just use the open box (like the official one). And when the seats are folded down, this lid would be flush with them to create a larger surface area.

We might try to start building one this weekend. I will keep you posted, and any suggestions or tips are welcome.

Thanks.

 

This has been discussed before. Someone made a box using fiberboard and designed it so it slots together to fit the boot area and when removed is easy to store. I've been (slowly) working on a similar one. I'd really like to have a bandsaw to cut out the final pieces and I've been hesitant to get one.

I made a simple box out of plywood but the problem was physically getting it into the back of the car as the boot opening is smaller than the area directly level with the folded back seats. We wanted something that didn't leave big gaps on the sides.

 

I have totally been thinking this too! I tend to do more upcycling than build from scratch, so checking the basement and thrift shops for component pieces to work with. Priority for me is to level the platform since I too think of the car as a 2seater.