Thanks for the comments..

Yes, you load it from the front (the back seat area). The drawer however pulls out towards the back of the X.

I never really though about using a hinge system. I've never had any problems loading or onloading it.

As far as things flying off of it, nothing has yet. It has a rim around it that stands a little over an inch high which keeps everything in there nice and secure. Nothing slides around and nothing falls off. I've had it off-roading several times and have also made several hard stops and nothing has shifted. I still keep the bungy coard hooked on the handle of my toolkit just to make sure it is secure.

As far as supporting the weight, those tie-downs are pretty beefy and nothing has loosened up on me so far (I've had this shelf in for about 7 months now).

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Sgt_Lobo
2000 4X4, SE, White
http://www.cableone.net/sgtlobo/xterra.htm