Rear Cabinets Removed in a Reversible Way!

phillm47
phillm47 Member Posts: 24
edited September 21 in Modifications & Upgrades

We just completed our first "modification" to our 2025 TAB 320 S Boondock Black Canyon. After my wife and I tried various sleeping arrangements such as NS, SN, EW, the above configurations in both full and twin bed modes, we decided to remove the rear cabinets. I have read countless posts of others who have done this and were happy with the results. I want the modification to be completely reversible, meaning the bottom self had to come out in one piece instead of cutting at the speaker enclosures. FINALLY figured it out. I made a couple of speaker cabinet bottoms out of 3/8" maple veneered MDF plywood. We're happy with the results! We added some poly fiber fill to the speaker cabinets while we were at it. I ordered some FastCap 3/8" white self-adhesive screw hole covers for the 4 screw holes in the rear wall.

https://ourtabventure.com/2026/09/11/removing-the-rear-cabinets-tab-320-s/

PXL_20260909_152111785.jpg PXL_20260909_121322888.jpg PXL_20260909_121309730.jpg PXL_20260909_121228804.jpg
2025 T@B 320 S BDBC
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4
NE Indiana

Comments

  • ClayC
    ClayC Member Posts: 8
    edited September 11

    @phillm47 looks great!

    How did you remove the bottom in one piece without having to cut it?

    2021 Tab 320 Boondock Edition ("Big Tex") Toyota 4runner

  • phillm47
    phillm47 Member Posts: 24
    edited September 13

    @ClayC I wish I documented it. I was derailed, but after discovering how it is installed, here is an outline on how I would do it, without my side trips:

    TL:DR

    • remove the 4 pocket screw covers along the bottom back side
    • remove the 13 screws from the bottom
    • remove the front drawer lids - 16 screws where hinges attached to top frame
    • remove the two screws holding the center frame to trailer wall, one on each side of center divider
    • remove speaker side covers - 4 screws each (#1 Roberston)
    • remove the three screws inside each speaker cabinet where the sides meet the trailer outside walls
    • roll the top frame assembly forward and down towards yourself allowing you to see inside the speaker cabinets from the top - be gentle as there are two small screw studs in the bottom shelf at the back that you will be prying the panel away from.
    • Look inside the speaker cabinets and remove the two screws in the from plastic L bracket in each speaker box. One of my detours was to remove the speakers and remove these screws before rolling the frame down. Doing this as outlined may save you from having to remove the speakers.
    • remove the wiring strap screw from each speaker cabinet to allow the wiring to flex. If you decide to unlatch the wiring connectors to make this easier, take a picture of the wiring, color connections.
    • remove the two top screws from the center divider and remove it
    • At this point the only thing holding the bottom on is two small screw studs on each end where the bottom shelf meets the outside panels of the speaker enclosures. It was impossible for me to access the outside "side", but these screws only penetrate the bottom panel by an 1/8". I used a rubber mallet carefully tapped each end to separate those connections - bottom panel is now removed, cleanly
    • I made four bottom covers from 3/8" maple veneered MDF plywood - small panel can be purchased from Menards. Why four? Two reasons 1) I didn't measure twice and cut once and 2) the screws are 1/2" and wet through my panels. I used some flat washers on the original screws so they could be used to attach the new bottoms.
    • I am not a wood worker and I do not have a router, but I made those bottom pieces with my circular saw with fine blade to cut them out, compound miter saw to angle the back pieces and a jig saw to notch the wiring inlets in the corners
    • I fine sanded the pieces and used Varathane Ultimate Crystal Clear Satin Water-Based Interior Wood Polyurethane. four coats lightly sanding between coats, no sanding last coat. Water based, spray can, drying in 30 minutes between coats, no odors.

    Not pictured: I later added 4 FastCap 3/8" white screw hole covers on the back wall to cover those screw holes. I am not worried about the hinge screw holes underneath as I usually close my eye when I lay down, lol

    2025 T@B 320 S BDBC
    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4
    NE Indiana
  • ClayC
    ClayC Member Posts: 8

    @phillm47 Thanks for such a detailed outline! I’m reading through it and trying to picture in my mind what you are describing. My plan is to bring the trailer home from storage in the next few weeks and with the actual cabinets in front of me I will better understand.

    im following most of what you describe except for removing the center frame as well as rolling the top frame down…. Are you talking about the frame that the door hinges attach to?

    Would it be okay to PM you once I tackle this project (assuming I can figure how to do that lol)

    I will take plenty of pics and post them once I do so it might help others looking to do the same.


    thanks again!

    2021 Tab 320 Boondock Edition ("Big Tex") Toyota 4runner

  • phillm47
    phillm47 Member Posts: 24

    @ClayC PM me, we will set up a direct communication - text, what's app,…etc.

    2025 T@B 320 S BDBC
    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4
    NE Indiana
  • Okpete
    Okpete Member Posts: 43

    hi, there should be a small Acela penal on each side. Back out the screw about a I/4 “ and should release. Been awhile ,but a believe there are two screws each side. Swearing is optional.