Bestop console replacement

[Synchro]

I ordered the Bestop trailmax pro console replacement yesterday. after looking at all the specs, talking to rrdstar over AIM, calling Bestop about the consoles width and the cup holders, I went ahead and ordered one. It should be here next week or so. I will keep everyone posted on the looks, fit and what not. I am going to see if i can hardwire my power inverter into it as well. this thing should be sweet!

thanks to rrdstar for all his help and opinions!!

[rhombus]

Please do keep us in the loop.
This is the next interior mod that I want to do and I also have an inverter that I would like to hide.

Thanks

[Schludwiller]

I still want to figure out a way to put a second battery in an extended console that splits the rear seats.

[rrdstarr]

Schlud, I think having a battery in the cab might not be a good thing, especially if it is a conventional battery. Aren't the gases from a battery dangerous, health wise? If the Optimas are gel cell and don't have the corrosion on top like conventional batteries you are probably safe to put it inside the cab.

my two pennies worth!

[Schludwiller]

Naw, I was thinking another Optima, but your conerns are worth considering.

Warmonger has his batteries in the rear cargo area.

[OffroadX]

The Optimas are safe in the cabin. They can't leak, and shouldn't emit any gas under reasonable conditions. The gas isn't a health hazard (just hydrogen) but is certainly flammable.
I wouldn't be concerned about having one in the cab.

Brent

[Synchro]

they can leak if you crack their casing. i know that sounds obvious, but in many cases we speak of putting these things all over the place. they have a thin plastic outer shell that can crack. that red top is the top of the battery not simply a red fascia. if you hit them hard enough or cruch them, they will break open. the one i originally ordered from OK4wd can from them with a crack in the red fascia, which i thought was nothing. i didn't install it immeditaly cause i was waiting to install my winch. 2 months or so after getting it installed and all, it would not keep a charge. i opened the hood there was a HUGE hole in the battery where the crack was when I origianally got it. my guess is that UPS dropped it and it cracked.

so don't anyone think that these things are indestrucbilble.

[ScottG]

Originally posted by Synchro
2 months or so after getting it installed and all, it would not keep a charge. i opened the hood there was a HUGE hole in the battery where the crack was when I origianally got it. my guess is that UPS dropped it and it cracked.

so don't anyone think that these things are indestrucbilble.

I read an article in Peterson's in which they shot one with a rifle. I guess they were exagerating quite a bit on how tuff it is.

[Synchro]

ok, console has been installed. looks DAMN good. fit perfectly. it is sorta strange though, it doesn't feel quite as solid as the stock console as in wiggling room. but it is a feel, when i tested it by using it to prop myself up on or other wierd and normal activities just to test the config it worked great and was very stable it just wiggles a bit. i wonder if it the plastic wiggling a bit. hmmmm. as for space. OMFG!!! it is a cavern in there!!!!!! i could fit a small pelican case with my little digital camera no problem!!! i went from not having enough room in my stock console to wishing I had dividers so things won't slide around a little. I have not wired up the power outlet yet, but i ran it and alls i need to do is plug it in. it was just too damn humid and hot today. anyways, i will get a pic posted tonight or tomorrow morning. It'll be interesting to compare this one to the steelhorse console that rrdstarr has at GOX.

[Xcanuk]

Isn't having space great. I've had my steelhorse in for over a year and a half now.. love it.

[Synchro]

ok, here is a quick pic i took this morning. i should have a full review up by COB today. then comes the roadtest on the way out to GOX and i will append the review after that as it will be the true test. BTW, i would go run out and buy one of these just yet. wait for my review. there is one problem that you need to be aware of. personally it is not an issue for me, but for others it might be. i will detail it in my review.

[superjens]

Do any of the compartments in that console lock? That's the biggest thing I miss on the stock consoles, and as a result I never leave anything in there when I leave the truck (bad car theft city). It kind of sucks to have a truck with this much room but always having to haul everything with you.

[KillerX]

If you look carefully, it looks like there is a slot for a key to lock the top compartment (where the arm rest is). I didn't blow up the picture to be sure, but it sure looks like a key hole to me.

[Synchro]

yes, it is lockable. it even has a pull out tray to write on. it comes from under the arm rest. it is snazzy.

and since someone else asked me, the storage space goes from the back of the console to where the cup holders start. and no there are no rear cup holders. which is fine with me.

here is the link to the review