The Lair

Where do you source your metal? The couple times I’ve had to buy large sizes I just bought it online. Do you go to a local store?

 

there is a place near @Arcticelf called Metal Supermarket, I think?

 

EDIT* Beltsville, MD is near you
https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/beltsville/

 

Table space is phenomenal at camp considering you don't really want to put anything on the ground. Even with the swing out table I still wanted moar table space so depending on trips I'd bring a small rubbermaid table as well. The tailgate is the most natural table but when it gets cluttered I can't pull out the fridge or drawer. After mounting the rubbermaid table permanently in the cap, I always have 3 tables with me. The tailgate being the least used of the 3 but still a table if needed.

 

I just found that after I asked the question! I’m gonna check them out next time I need some metal.

 

probably a much better source than the local HD. There is also a place in Winchester, VA, but its more close to me, than you.. Winchester Metals

 

Yea there is a place called Fazios 30-40 mins from me. Is a commercial metal supplier with a store front for nuts/bolt, tools, shackles, welding supply, etc.. Everything comes in large sizes, if you need 4' of something you have to buy the 12' length but they can cut it for you if needed. You can also get full 4'x8' sheets of steel and aluminum..

 

Yea I never but metal material from HD. Over priced and limited selection and sizes.

 

one day sale on tools @EatSleepTacos

http://bmgmetals.com/customer/disup2/promo_files/4-24-2018_Telesales_BMG_pages.compressed.pdf

 

Those are good deals! Too bad I don’t need any of those tools.

 

@Chux how thick is your table? 1/8 or 3/16?

 

gotta match your skids.. 1/4" aluminum

 

Haha you won’t ever catch me with aluminum skids! Joo crazy

 

There is so much stuff i want to build. Just need to stop wasting money on dumb stuff and buy my damn welder! Its only $500

 

Do it! I know I’ve only welded a few things, but it’s a lot of fun

 

3/16

 

That’s what I figured. Thanks!

 

Just wrote this up, I’ll leave it here incase it can help anyone..

Anyone have any fabric rips, tares, holes that need fixing? Decided to get some pics and write a positive review on some repair tape after being happy with the fix. I started to get some small tears and eventually holes in my awning, figured it was getting old and didn’t pay any mind to any cause of the damage. I wanted to get around to fixing it cuz it was getting worse.. Ordered this Gear Aid fabric repair tape on Amazon, says it can repair jackets, tents, sleeping bags etc.. and bonds to a variety of material. Even tho it says no heat needed I warmed up the tape and fabric with a heat gun right before adhearing it. I did an inside and outside patch. In a few minutes when it was completely cooled it seemed super solid and looked like it will hold up over time nicely.

$6 GEAR AID Tenacious Tape 3”x20” Fabric and Vinyl Gear Repair Tape, Quickly Fix Holes and Rips in Puffy Jackets, Rain and Snow Gear, Tents, Sleeping Bag and More, Clear, 1 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001949Z4I?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2




While doing the repair I realized what’s causing this..
While on the beach a few years ago a gust of wind flipped the awning up over the truck. I ordered a couple parts from ARB including two new telescoping post. Never realizing at install the one mounting screw for each side needed to be inwards.. one side was in and the side tearing the fabric was out. With trail vibrations the screw head was eating away at the fabric. All fixed now and lesson learned.




While fixing the awning I figured I’d address the zipper. I lost the pull piece on one of the zippers so I replaced it with a key ring. Worked good and thought about cutting the other off and adding a second key ring.. before that the first key ring had already rusted. I scratched that idea and just used paracord. Very pleased with that fix as well. I remember reading @2012Taco build and he added heat shrink tubing to his zipper pulls to eliminate them clanging together.. this solves that as well.

 

Is anyone near SE Mass in here? Smokin deal on an OEM roof rack. Might pick it up if someone can grab for me.

 

@DoubleRGirl