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Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Hello!
In our 2003 RB we have small wooden shelf with two drink holders and no storage in the cab.  Attached is a photo of a 2000 RK (for sale in Modesto, CA right now!) that has a much nicer console.  Does anyone know if this is aftermarket?
Thanks, Linda C

2003 RB “Lulu Boo Berry” The Blue Ghost
2008 Jeep Liberty “Mr. Toad”
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #1 –
Hey Linda,
Not aftermarket. That's the way they came in 2000.

Ron
Ron
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #2 –
"In our 2003 RB we have small wooden shelf with two drink holders and no storage in the cab."
---
Yes, my 2003 TK is the same; Ed told me that the reason for this set-up was that the doghouse on the 2003 projected farther into the cab, and using the same or similar console from earlier models would not permit "easy" access from the driver's or passenger's seat to the rig's interior.

In which model year the doghouse projected less into the cab, I can't say, but it was probably when the Ford "nose" design was changed.

I made a hanging "pocket bag" for maps and whatnot (with a cell phone holder side bag) and Velcroed a small plastic "bin" for other incidentals between the cup holders for the hobbit shelf in my rig. This setup holds most of the stuff I want to keep accessible when I'm driving.

(NB: For my situation, exiting the driver's seat to get to the interior involves stepping on the dog, so any console projection concern is not relevant.  ;) )
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #3 –

I have the same tiny drink holder in my 2003 MB as you, Linda.

I recently ordered a couple of temporary screw-on cup holders from Amazon that are working well. A cheap fix until a better solution becomes available.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #4 –
If one doesn't want to cobble up one's own console solution, this site (and dozens of others) offers every sort of "organizer" for any and all vehicles and locations, nooks, crannies, handles, and whatnot, inside and outside:

Security Check

The link connects; no idea why it says "Security Check".
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #5 –
I really like the console in the 2017 models. Much better than my ‘85 TK!  There is also lots of storage in the cab doors.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Linda C  - 
Attached is a photo of a 2000 RK (for sale in Modesto, CA right now!) that has a much nicer console.  Does anyone know if this is aftermarket?
A few years ago I searched and found that - at that time - you COULD find the same as pictured, or similar, on the aftermarket. However, there are various reasons - such as a CA smog test - why the doghouse needs to be removed, and such a cover complicates its quick removal. We settled for a hanging flexible pocket arrangement screwed into the doghouse below the shelf.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #7 –
Hi Steve; I've had at least 9 smog checks on my E350 in California, and no one has ever requested (or required) that the doghouse be removed.  And I do have a nice console, Ford type, with ash tray (money, mints, no ashes), drink holders, and mini trash can, (no trash) gas mileage book, flashlight, etc.     Does make it hard to get my feet around to the center aisle, but ok after that, as long as the seat is all the way back. (it is). 
    Maybe you need to try a different smog check place?      RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #8 –
Our 2002 MB also came with the little LD installed cup holder shelf.  But the doghouse still had the key slots under the carpet for the Ford storage add-ons.  I think in 2002 or 2003 a lower profile storage bin became available which I ordered through our local Ford dealer.  I don't recall how much carpet I trimmed off the doghouse to expose the key slots, but the new bin popped onto the doghouse and worked fine for us until we sold the LD.  The seat access was tighter than with the LD shelf, but provided a lot more storage.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #9 –
Steve, like Ron's experience, the doghouse in my 2003 has never been removed to smog test; Santa Clara county has strict smog rules, but the 6 tests have always been done with the probe in the tailpipe. Is doghouse removal a requirement in L.A. county? 
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #10 –
I’m going to have a smog test performed next week in LA County (Lancaster). I am wondering if they will need to remove the doghouse to do a physical inspection, especially since the vehicle was just brought back into the state from Florida. I’ll let you know!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #11 –
I have been looking for a Kleenex box holder. A cheap one, that I can screw under a plywood shelf I made for the rear of the Jeep. I have seen all sorts of fancy ones, but not suitable for my needs. I am tired of fishing for the crumbled box behind the front seats. [Well the only seats we have]

Darn seasonal sinus disorder which is now all seasons.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #12 –
Greg

"I am wondering if they will need to remove the doghouse..."

It depends on the guy doing the testing, will he go by State Regulations or skip the hard part. I've had it both ways. One smart ass insisted the doghouse had to come off. I told him; "Good luck with that, hope you don't damage anything!"  He forged ahead, stumbled and bumbled and never could get it off. I think he lost some skin in the effort.  :D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #13 –
Don

"I have been looking for a Kleenex box holder."

Have you checked with The Container Store? I'd give odds that they would have something that would work.

I use the 'cube' type for my Puffs Tissue, got two of them hanging on the wall with sticky tape, bathroom and above the dinette, been there for years. Got them at Camping World.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #14 –
We had our smog test in October 2020 in LA County, no doghouse removal necessary.  Sale was from LA County to LA County though.  Thank you all for console storage ideas!   Linda C
2003 RB “Lulu Boo Berry” The Blue Ghost
2008 Jeep Liberty “Mr. Toad”
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #15 –
I just had my smog done for the first time in Tucson.  The vehicle is put on a set of rollers that are too narrow and RV kept bouncing from side to side.   Even with the Banks kit and a 5 star tune, the emissions were extremely low and easily passed.  Total cost of 30 minutes of exciting pleasure,  $12.25
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #16 –
I've only had to smog our LD once. I asked where it was smogged for our purchase and took it to the same shop. They never touched the doghouse, did not use the roller system, and tested it while parked outside since its too high the fit in any of their bays. It has to be smogged again mid-2021 and I will take it to the same shop again. It's an independent local shop owned and operated by a father and son. Good people.

Charles

Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
Steve, like Ron's experience, the doghouse in my 2003 has never been removed to smog test; Santa Clara county has strict smog rules, but the 6 tests have always been done with the probe in the tailpipe. Is doghouse removal a requirement in L.A. county?
Possibly, but it's not consistent. They are supposed to check that there have been no mods that are not CARB-approved - or claim they did. I always loosen the doghouse and move anything in the way, such as the pop-off panels of the lower dash, that would hinder a quick excision.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #19 –
Linda,
Our 89 TK cane with just a shallow rectangle in the dash about 1/2” deep. 
One of the previous owners put a piece of wood in there  (secured down well) and built a custom cup holder tray on top of that.
The custom tray gave our last year.
We replaced it with this
Autozone cup and cell phone holder

It works well.  Cup holders have size
 adjustments.  Just barely holds 2 cell phone. 
I was concerned it would be too flimsy but it held up well on our longer trip in Sept.

It attaches with two downward screws which worked great for us and the size covered the piece of wood that had been previously installed.  Note we did fill in some edges around the previous wood with foam molding - I didn’t want liquids or food getting down into cracks and making a mess underneath this drink holder.

Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Drink holder/console standard or aftermarket?
Reply #20 –
This is what I ended up doing for our woefully lacking console area.  It does not help that we have an aftermarket CB installed there!  The drink holders that debinvenice suggested are going to work well, not sure the other organizer I stuck on will hold - will use that one only for non-liquid items! (TTOUADY Car Seat Organizer, Leather Cover Car Cup Holder, Universal Multifunctional Car Front Seat Organizer at Amazon).  Thanks for all suggestions! 
2003 RB “Lulu Boo Berry” The Blue Ghost
2008 Jeep Liberty “Mr. Toad”