Overland Drawer Build- DIY Camping Drawers- Pic Heavy Thread

I'm probably just gonna flip it to the other side so it opens up towards the tail light. I probably wont really utilize that small space between the box and bed side.

 

You might be surprised what you’ll find to put in that space. It’s already come in handy a few times for me. Having said that, having your design open towards the taillight really won’t change the ability to use that space.

I think it’s a cool idea.

 

This is a nice build, and in doing research on storage platform beds, I'm pretty resolved to use 80/20 as well.

With you having completed this, are there any things you wish you did different, or little gotchas, etc. Just trying to get some post build feedback on things I can factor in as I plan my build.

Thanks in advance.

 

Finally finished a little DIY bedslide. I needed a very low profile slide to allow my Dometic fridge to fit under the cover. I made a basic frame out of angle iron and 3/4” square tube. Had it welded together and I riveted aluminum to the base. Slides great. I used two C-channels to hold down the front when it slides out and it works great. I have the fridge, hot water heater (depenses cold water too), and water tank. My camping set up goes in and out of the truck, so everything is easily removable. I was just tired of sliding the fridge out on the tailgate to grab stuff behind it

 

Hello! I am getting ready to build a very similar drawer system to the one you made. I think it is the best design I have seen online, DIY or manufactured! My only planned change is to make the back cubby full height and a bit deeper.

How has the durability of the system been? Do you wish you had made any changes (thicker wood, stronger slides, etc)? I believe I saw in another post that you used wood glue and nails.. If you did it again would you use the same (strong enough) or go with glue+screws to make it stronger (thin ones to not split the 1/2" wood).

Any other tips before I get started?

Thank you for such an awesome design.

 

Thanks for the kind words. The design has been totally fine as glued 1/2” nailed joints. I just got back last night from doing the Mojave Road again, and it did great. The only changes I would make to this drawer is one locking slider instead of 2, because it’s a touch awkward to push down on the knobs and pull to get it open. I usually pull it open like 2” and grab the front plate to pull open, but if you are on an incline it can be a little weird. 1 locking slider would free up a second hand, but the sliders are only sold in pairs. The drawer is heavy and so getting it in and out for me is tough, so I use my RTT hoist I made.

I’m actually building my 2.0 version of the drawer with 80/20 extruded aluminum right now. Hopefully less weight and more utility as well. So I’ll be selling this drawer soon.

Drawer 2.0



With this design the upper storage area slides to the right to reveal the sink and cook top

My new sink/burner combo made by Dometic

 

Thank you for the feedback! Regarding the one locking slider, I think I have this covered with the set I drove down to the US to get (I'm in Canada). They're the Fulterer FR 5400L model and can be setup to lock in AND out by flipping one upside down. Use the left side unlock for sliding it out, right side unlock for sliding it back in.

What price would you be looking for on your old set?

 

Hmmmmm when I flipped mine it didn’t lock at all. Hope it works! I’m not selling the sliders apart from the drawer. If you build a drawer post some photos here, I’d love to see it

 

Haha I meant the price for the drawers, not just the slides And will do!

 

Also that sink / burner combo is

 

Not sure yet. Sliders and wood are $400, plus fittings and such. Maybe around $600

 

Update: I found a local cabinet maker who does awesome work. Had to wait as he was busy with larger jobs, but he is starting the build! He had some suggestions that sounded really good to me. I'm going to let the artist do his thing. Will post pictures soon!

 

How is the new build coming along?

 

That’s awesome I hope it goes well!

My build has been slow as I’ve been crazy nuts at work the last month. Someday soon!

 

Papadave, my box is almost done! It should be ready this week (pics coming). I want to mount the d-rings in the center of the bed. I found very thin metal near tailgate and can't seem to find any near the front of the bed. How did you mount them?

 

I mounted with washers to the composite bed, it’s pretty tough. If I did it over I would use Rivnuts. But I’ve had no issue with just to the bed.

Looking forward to seeing how your project turns out

 

Finally got to work on my drawer, it’s coming along

 

thats looking awesome. Ive been thinking about building something similar to your v1 but using 8020 as well. I'm just being lazy to calculate and draw out the dimensions so I can order parts. Any idea how much your v2 drawer weighs?

 

Not yet as I have more to add. The sliders will add significant weight

 

Ah ok. looking forward to the finished product. Maybe it'll light a fire under me to start mine. Looking good though man!