Tailgate table idea???

So I’m not too sure where this is supposed to go, so here seemed like the best choice.

I am in search of some advice or ideas on what I’m trying to do.

what I’m trying to do:

I want to use a hard shell rifle case (specifically the Apache 9800 from HF) as a “slide out” camp table/prep area. I don’t want to build out a drawer system, just have something that will hold all of my camp kitchen items and be easily removable. This Apache 9800 checks all of those boxes for me.

my conundrum:

I want to use this exactly like a slide out drawer system, where the case overhangs the open tailgate but is also somehow attached or mounted to the bed/tailgate so I can use this as a table without it tipping off the tailgate (hopefully that makes sense).

My first idea was to install a d ring to the rear most, passenger side bed bolt, then either use a carabiner to affix one handle of the case to that (or some other similar connection). Then also mount another d ring to the second from the passenger side tailgate bolt (top position when the tailgate is closed) and use a cam strap (or similar) to run from that d ring to the other handle. I am just concerned that those two mounting points would still allow for the entire case to swivel a bit.

Below are some bad mock up ideas.

 

All I can add is I like the idea you have! The case is a cool idea to use as a sliding drawer.

 

To me, it seems like the best of both worlds as far as usability and removability

 

Damn. This is genius. Following.

 

Here is what I did

 

LOL, sweet but not exactly a low cost option...

 

I was also thinking about maybe figuring out how to either bolt/rivet/epoxy a piece of 2x2” aluminum angle iron to the bottom of the case to “catch” on the tailgate (obviously when down) then the strap, or whatever that would be connecting the d ring in the bed to the handle would pull and put tension on that angle iron, effectively not allowing the case to swivel. The one downside to this would be that the bottom of the case would no longer be flat for storage in the bed when not in use.

 

@excorcist i love that, however, my budget doesn’t, hahaha

 

Think I was at about $200. Plano case ~$40, Swingout materials (hinge, and metal) were probably another $150 as I bought an expensive hinge.

 

Something like a drawer slide. Fixed to the bottom of the rifle case and the other piece on tailgate. The slide would restrict movement in the directions that matter. - Kind of hard to visualize, but basically an interlocking track on the bottom of the plano box and tailgate that can be separated.

This on the box: https://8020.net/40-6808.html#
This on the tailgate: https://8020.net/40-4020.html

 

That's cool but I don't want a swingout.

 

Cool idea but I just don't see how you will get it done. There's no way to stabilize it well enough with straps without a 10 minute setup time. Definitely not something I'd want to cook on either because that is a lot of weight on the hanging end to not be stabilized by at least three points on the front and two in the rear.

Definitely going to need to build a swivel or track system or something to make it work.

 

yeah something like this-

 

Its not for everyone, works great for me though.

 

attach a piece of wood on a hinge on the bottom of case for a fold out leg for stability.

 

That's what I was thinking, some legs on the case.

 

Yes I was definitely thinking about hinged legs for the overhang portion

 

You could probably attach some bed stiffeners and use that to mount a swing out/folding table.

 

Looking at the dimensions of the case and taking the tailgate measurements into account, the case would overhang the tailgate 30-33”, and 20-21” would be supported on the tailgate. I’ve got some ideas a brewin’ standby for more bad iPhone markup pics.

 

So here is what I have so far:

the handle of the case would still attach to a d ring I install in the bed with a hook, carabiner or something (figure 1)

figure 2 is a piece of aluminum c channel with some foam or rubber to protect the paint of the tailgate. However, that c channel would attach to the bottom of the case using key holes in the c channel and bolts in the bottom of the case. That piece of aluminum can live in the case when not in use. The tension of the handle being pulled towards the d ring (being pulled towards the cab) would in turn pull the c channel (when mounted on the case) forward as well, essentially “locking” it on to the tailgate.

figure 3 would be hinged legs on either side of the case (not the bottom to preserve the flat bottom of the case). I could use Velcro loops to keep the legs folded in when not in use, then just in Velcro, and they would fold down. For this I have some extra hiking poles I could use for their ability to be adjustable.





Do you guys see any inherent issues with this?