1 Bored Clerk's Garage Built Camper

I decided that I REALLY want to wrap up the heater and a few other things so I went ahead and ordered that steel. So expensive but I just need to cross some stuff off the list. I've got too many open items right now. Tried to buy some marine grade plywood for some camper stuff I want to wrap up but they were completely out. So, that's not happening right now. I'll call them and see if I can get that on order. Just felt discouraged while I was there and didn't want to wait in line to leave with nothing.

 

There's my slider steel and new slider prime plates. Sitting there...ready for me to do something.


11lb propane tank
Tank sitting in the powertank bracket
Tank sits up off the bottom of the bracket a bit. I'll likely cut some of this off and add a feature to the floor of the recess in the slider where the tank will sit. There is some tight clearance so getting the tank as low as possible is necessary.

I also ordered these high heat P clamps to help route the heater exhaust under the camper. I believe these are capable of 425 degrees? Something like that.

Time to yank the sliders off the truck and get started on the new build.

 

Did a dirty, heavy job today

Pulled the sliders and transfer case skid plate. The sliders haven't been off since I built them YEARS ago. Frame still looks great and so do the sliders. I may have the backing plates re powdercoated but I'm not sure yet.


The truck looks both naked and clean without the sliders. Walking up to it is strange.

I'll take it to the car wash and get a good spray on the chassis to clean it up then test fit the new frame plates to make sure they fit. I'm not worried about my file but you never know how accurate the bend is and I didn't measure it yet.

I'm glad to have gotten this done...suppose to rain the next several days.

 

I'm only going to post big milestones on my new slider build here. The detailed build is in the DIY Bolt On Frame Plate thread.


Today, I cut, cleaned, mocked up and tack welded the main slider structures. Outer rails are next!

 

And where exactly is "DIY Bolt On Frame Plate thread"?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ates-for-sliders.302192/page-29#post-26292113

 

Thanks. I was too lazy to search.

 

Haha, thanks!

 

Apparently I was too lazy to link.

 

Slider update:


General shape is set

Test fit on the truck to make sure everything fits the way I want and that they look cool...because that's very important.



Then I test fit the propane to make sure it fits and is accessible for refill/replacement. It works!


Then make a mirror image version for the driver's side. Lots of stuff left to do but the bones are there and they are good.

Planning to add filler plates to the open areas to keep mud/rocks off the truck and create a nicer place to stand. Will probably add grip tape up top as well so they aren't so slippery if I need to access the roof rack.

 

I gotta ask, using your designs, how much was it to get the frame plates cut?

 

$195 total for both. That's a little higher than "normal" but everything is a bit more expensive now. Where cost got ridiculous was purchasing the square tubing. That was out of hand.

 

I had enough forsight to buy my tube like 3 years ago, shortly after buying used DCLB sliders that were originally weld ons. I bought the tube to make new 'runners' as I call them to connect the slider body to the frame. The more I think about them, the more I'm leaning towards doing bolt on plates vs welding them to my frame. 1 for easier painting, 2 for easier repairs should I somehow bend or damage these tanky things. The tube I bought is 1/4" wall 2x2" square tube. If these get bent, I'm in serious trouble. The benefits of welding them on is it'll strengthen the frame (if done properly). but for simplicity sake I'm considering the plates instead.

 

I've been working on getting my last bit of slider and water tank mount files finished for release to cut/fab. It's taken me a while...like usual. Those should be done today I think.

But I felt like actually getting something DONE so I tackled a tiny project that's been sitting around for months: kitchen box light.


Baja designs dome light.


Quick wire mockup for length, routing and to make sure the light does it's thing.


Wire routing
Just using VHB tape to mount the light for now. It may be the permanent solution. I could add some sheet metal screws through the mount holes if necessary.



Finished up the wiring with wire sheath and heat shrink tubing. Then used some adhesive backed wire retainers with zip ties to manage the wiring.

Gotta make sure there's enough service loop for the wiring and that it doesn't get chafed, cut, kinked or otherwise messed up. Good to go!

I'll get a pic of the lighting in the dark, you know, when it's dark.

 

I got all of my parts out for fab to complete my sliders as well as my water tank install. That took hours to make all of the files necessary. I'm glad it's done. The water tank mount is much more complicated than what I normally order so who knows if they can even make it based off of my crap instructions.

*Should have my parts around mid next week.*

 

New sliders and propane tank installed today. One more thing checked off the list. Only like a dozen left! I like the look of my old sliders but these are way more functional for what I use my truck for. I can comfortably stand on them and use them to carry stuff in the dead space in front of the rear wheels. I may add some grip tape to the outer edge to make standing in wet conditions easier. But it will catch on pant legs and tear up clothes.

 

What about non-skid paint or spray on bed-liner for the slide tops? It isn't as aggressive as tape but better than smooth paint.

 

My experience with bed liners is that it's very slippery when wet. I like the serviceability of grip tape. If I don't like it or it wears out, I can remove it and apply new. There are varying levels of grip available depending on the tape. I'm thinking about going full grip with the same stuff you find on skateboard decks.

 

I went with the stuff that they use for outside steps in old folk's homes for my trailer bumper. My shoes grip it like glue but it'll snag my pants from a foot away

My sliders are done with Raptor liner. I'd add nonskid to the mix if I were doing it again. The kids have learned to go slow with it.