Bounty system for some open source drawer plans?

[kevin604]

As a new overlander, I'm just not sure of how I want to kit out my truck. I need to get out and figure out what I want to do, but in order to do that a basic platform / drawer system is requirer/desired.

I have loved all the builds I have seen and the community on here is great at sharing ideas. But I have noticed that the quality of build reports vary and the knowledge / attention level of the questions vary as well.

In Open source software, a group of people/teams get together and build a solution. It's usually out of love of learning and achieving. A bounty system is introduced to encourage those community members that can't contribute, to support others who can.

While I can probably build a set of drawers from a detailed set of plans, I know I can definitely get help from a woodworker if needed. But myself, nor the woodworker will be able to piece together the parts.

The goal isn't to create an instructables template here at EP, but I wonder if there is an opportunity to contribute some $$ to one / team of EP members that are capable of building a set of plans to incorporate a basic set of drawers that would fit a couple different popular vehicles.

Ultimately the plans get copied and distributed. The is no expectation that this is a venture of profit. It's just one that makes sure that everyone gets an opportunity to contribute in their own way.

I just want a basic set of plans with a shopping list. I just don't want to pay someone $500 to write out the instructions. But I bet there are 25 people here that will toss $20 into a hat. I wonder if that is enough motivation for someone with the desire to write up a parts list / set of instructions.

Any interest in this at all? I can assist with bounty management. I'm looking for a software solution that manages bounties, but I'm pretty sure this isn't done outside of tech yet.

Feedback appreciated.

thanks
Kevin
16 Tacoma Access Cab

 

[Jamin_GX]

Edit: doh, some days I shouldn't drink and lurk. Comprehension and common sense slips.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rayra]

so a guy walks in here with no history at all and says 'I want to manage your money'. what could go wrong.
and on top of it all the guy asks for 'open source' plans that will fit many vehicles. Splendid. Noble cause and all. I'm sure it won't turn up as a mass-produced offering about 2 weeks after its done.

1600 posts showcasing all sorts of drawer platforms. Surely you can cadge your designs from there.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/9034-Post-up-your-drawer-storage-system/page1

 

[EVP]

Well said rayra.

No, there going to be a template that will meet everyone requirements much less fit in their vehicle optimally. Several members post plans you can download for free, not sure what you are "offering" and it seems shady...

Best of luck building a drawer platform, it may involve a little effort on your behalf unless you buy it outright.

 

[kevin604]

Thanks for the message EVP. There are indeed lots of plans. I just didn't see anything for a Taco. Lots of Jeep talk. And mostly photos, But I'll check again in more detail.

**edit I had made a comment about instructables in the opener and ironically did not bother to check. Turns out there are a couple of good guides for basic systems already. I'll post those in a new thread so this one live or die on its own.

 

[kevin604]

I thought of the idea when I came across this thread http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/47516-LATEST-PROJECT-Truck-Drawers-Sleeping-Platform that was posted on TacomaWorld. @roadtripcrazed did an amazing job and the thread is almost 5 years running. He must be sick of answering questions still some of them multiple times. But if you're paint by numbers like me, 21 pages of posts, most with just pictures is a bit of a challenge.

Having said all that, if someone is interested in helping me out with a simple drawer platform for a long bed tacoma, let me know.

thanks
Kevin

 

[kevin604]

so a guy walks in here with no history at all and says 'I want to manage your money'. what could go wrong.
and on top of it all the guy asks for 'open source' plans that will fit many vehicles. Splendid. Noble cause and all. I'm sure it won't turn up as a mass-produced offering about 2 weeks after its done.

1600 posts showcasing all sorts of drawer platforms. Surely you can cadge your designs from there.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/9034-Post-up-your-drawer-storage-system/page1

Thanks for replying. I do suppose a new member proposing $$ might get your spidey sense tingling. But managing a bounty is like managing a group buy. The bounty manager shouldn't touch the cash, just organize those that want to opt-in. On the software side, using the programmer puts out the request and waits until he has received enough cash. Doing the work on Spec using gets someone only 1/2 paid. In this case, the guy doing the plans would probably be the one that sets price / terms.
As above, I mentioned I was looking for something more than pictures. looking through the 1600 posts I saw lots of great ideas, but only 1 or 2 sketchups of plans. I'm just thinking of a way to get some more detail for those of us with zero fab skills. This guys approach didn't get alot of love http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ing-or-hiring-someone-to-make-a-drawer-system

My base assumption is that there are really three types of vehicles that might want "newb drawer plans" Jeep size, landcruiser size, tacoma size. The actual measurements aren't too tough, but in 1600 posts there are alot of questions about "where did you get those sliders / bearings / handles.." All in one 174 page thread. Its a bit messy for some!

 

[summerprophet]

I have manufactured many things out of wood (from scrabble tile holders to entire houses)

From my knowledge, here is some free advice, take it as you will.

Sizing
There is no one size fits all solution. Just drawers for jeeps are going to vary from cj-3 to cj-5 to yj to xj. Anybody offering a one size solution is just going to have side spacers to get the generic drawers to match your particular vehicle. This is an inefficient use of space.
Wood
If you have no wood experience, your first attempt will likely suck. Use cheap wood, but of significant strength. I would use 1/2 inch for verticals and drawer boxes, and depending on span, 5/8 (3 drawer), 3/4 (2 drawer), or 7/8(1 drawer) for the top.
Hardware
Most things can be sourced from McMaster Carr, or special ordered from you local hardware store. The problem is, sliders become incredibly expensive as their handling weight is increased. People seem to think they need a 10k winch for a 6k vehicle, but want to use 20 lb sliders for a 60 lb load. Catches and latches are the same.

The problem with you proposal is everyone wants something different. Jeep guys have both weight and size limitations, but if they just dropped 45k on a jeep, then a couple grand on a nice aluminum drawer set would be tolerable. If you just bought a 10 year old tacoma, the extra weight, and space needed for plywood would be irrelevant. Also some folks want a fridge, some want a stove, some want rifle storage, some want recovery gear...... And you just can't please everyone.

 

[kevin604]

I have manufactured many things out of wood (from scrabble tile holders to entire houses)

From my knowledge, here is some free advice, take it as you will.

Sizing
There is no one size fits all solution. Just drawers for jeeps are going to vary from cj-3 to cj-5 to yj to xj. Anybody offering a one size solution is just going to have side spacers to get the generic drawers to match your particular vehicle. This is an inefficient use of space.
Wood
If you have no wood experience, your first attempt will likely suck. Use cheap wood, but of significant strength. I would use 1/2 inch for verticals and drawer boxes, and depending on span, 5/8 (3 drawer), 3/4 (2 drawer), or 7/8(1 drawer) for the top.
Hardware
Most things can be sourced from McMaster Carr, or special ordered from you local hardware store. The problem is, sliders become incredibly expensive as their handling weight is increased. People seem to think they need a 10k winch for a 6k vehicle, but want to use 20 lb sliders for a 60 lb load. Catches and latches are the same.

The problem with you proposal is everyone wants something different. Jeep guys have both weight and size limitations, but if they just dropped 45k on a jeep, then a couple grand on a nice aluminum drawer set would be tolerable. If you just bought a 10 year old tacoma, the extra weight, and space needed for plywood would be irrelevant. Also some folks want a fridge, some want a stove, some want rifle storage, some want recovery gear...... And you just can't please everyone.

Great points. I had assumed the drawer's would be the same size for each type of vehicle. I like the side cubbies myself. But that is true that the design would have a set size of drawers which for those with a wider vehicle would probably be frustrating. The goal would be to please most, not all. But I'm thinking that might be a tall order. Last night I found a simpe structure that would work with containers underneath. That might be the easiest to implement to get a newb out there to experience overlanding and then know what to purchase.
thx

 

[fireball]

Take a look at the ARB systems they waste a ton of space and that is exactly because they try to have efficiency of production and be used across multiple platforms. When building a cargo drawer system I think it's imperative to use every last inch of space. After all that's the main point of having them, isn't it?!

A one size fits most solution is going to yield an end product that is fairly mediocre in my mind.

The cool thing about building a set for your truck is that you get to make them work for your exact situation - the way you camp, the gear you have, the stuff you access most frequently, etc. If you're going to invest the time and money to build yourself a set, have a good long read through those threads and take some of the best ideas that represent the best solutions for what YOU do with YOUR truck, and go make it happen!

 

[kevin604]

Take a look at the ARB systems they waste a ton of space and that is exactly because they try to have efficiency of production and be used across multiple platforms. When building a cargo drawer system I think it's imperative to use every last inch of space. After all that's the main point of having them, isn't it?!

A one size fits most solution is going to yield an end product that is fairly mediocre in my mind.

The cool thing about building a set for your truck is that you get to make them work for your exact situation - the way you camp, the gear you have, the stuff you access most frequently, etc. If you're going to invest the time and money to build yourself a set, have a good long read through those threads and take some of the best ideas that represent the best solutions for what YOU do with YOUR truck, and go make it happen!

I'll definitely have a look. My thought around a drawer system wasn't to compete with any manufacturer. It really is just a basic drawing that allows a new overlander to make/get something made that gets them out into the world. I'm trying (and failing) to not spend any money on the vehicle for 10,000km. Every outing I have, my needs and wants change

I came to the conclusion that for a 1.0 experience, maybe drawers of any kind are too much for an initial outing. I think I'll just do a simple platform with rubber maid containers underneath. Of course that means I need a canopy! I ended up ordering a canopy colour matched to the Tacoma. In retrospect I think a Black soft topper and a couple pieces of plywood and I could get my first season underway. I also bought a Tepui RTT (see failing) so I'm pretty set for sleeping. It's the camp stuff that is a question.

I have overhanded in Botswana a few times now and have been spoiled by Alu-cab out of South Africa. Their design is amazing for overloading. But that product type is a bit heavy for the technical trails around here. Have a look:


I'm heading to Overland West this year so my goal is to get enough mileage under my belt that I can check out other vehicles for some best practice.

For some reason Overlanding isn't huge up here in Western Canada. There is lots of playground, but most of the folks I connect with have some great off-road hardware, but pretty bare bones inside.

Looking forward to Flagstaff. Thanks for the suggestion.

k

 

[rayra]

Kevin you don't 'need' ANY of that stuff for 'overlanding'. Just go out and do it, over a span of seasons and years, and you'll figure what you need. There are literally thousands of topics here about all manner of vehicle and camping equipment. It's a buffet. You're instead demanding a takeout menu, no subsititutions.

The very thing you are calling for - and ARB does - is create a 'one size fits all' approach and it most certainly does not. Everything from Jeeps to Suburbans to AWD passenger cars abound here. Nobody is going ot create a 'one size fits all' solution nor should they even bother to try.

Building a platform system is not hard. It takes a minimum of basic tools and very little practice / experience. And as I already mentioned, much of the design work is already done. Just peruse the pinned showcase topic, browse the others, make notes of the features you like, want, need, or enjoy. Or use them to inspire fresh unique ideas. Make your own damned blueprint. Make it fit YOUR vehicle.

 

[JoshN]

Since you have no clue what you need yet go SIMPLE/CHEAP. Get a 1/2" sheet of plywood, attach (3) upright 2x10s the length of it evenly spaced, put another 1/2" sheet on top, use sterilite/rubbermaid plastic underbed storage containers for drawers and have fun. Once you have done that for awhile you will figure out what you want/need and then go from there. I know, doesnt help that I have even less posts than you but I have been on IH8MUD for ten years, and only lurked here occasionally until recently.