Building: Drawer System

[LaOutbackTrail]

This is my first somewhat significant project that required me to think and build something.....:clapsmile

Gotta get the wood somehow... and the roof rack is up there for something!

My drawings.

My work area. Nice n tidy. The tent got a coat of waterproofer.

Its a bit taller than I really anticipated. Its hard to imagine something looking at a tape measure.

The water jug fits snugly in the hole on the side.

It started raining, so I brought it inside to finish. It makes for a nice foot rest. And laundry folding table....

Ok, so the dimensions.
The top is 42" x 32" with the total height of 12"
I am covering the top with some carpet that will match the interior of the Xterra. Good enough for me!

Next step are the drawers.... But, I am thinking of only doing one drawer and leaving the opposite side open. It actually fits two rubbermaid containers stacked on top of each other..... may put kitchen kit and stuff in it.

What you folk's think?

And Yes, I live in the married student apartments on my college campus.

 

[vengeful]

LOL @ Married student apartments.

Looks good so far. I probably would have made it 8" high, instead of 12, but that's just me.

 

[mountainpete]

Looks like you're off to a good start!

What are you plans to attach it to the floor? With the newer X it's easy because you have those tracks, but I think it's a little more challenging with the older models.

Also, do you have some plans for the space beside the platform? Idea: keep enough space for a good water jug.

Pete

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Looks like you're off to a good start!

What are you plans to attach it to the floor? With the newer X it's easy because you have those tracks, but I think it's a little more challenging with the older models.

Also, do you have some plans for the space beside the platform? Idea: keep enough space for a good water jug.

Pete

I have some L-brackets with some bolts and heavy duty self tapping screws. I will pull the cut a hole in the carpet enough to fit the bracket and then screw it down.
On the otherside I am planning to mount a fire extinguisher.


Vengeful.... I'm like going to cut it down to about 8 inches tomorrow.... it is just too big. I agree. BUT that will eliminate the ability to put the water jug there... but it may fit on the otherside, I didn't try. We'll see tomorrow!

 

[jeffryscott]

Good start, I would suggest putting a vertical support somewhere close to the middle if you are going to carry any weight on top ...

Having something like that in the back sure make it easier to keep organized, you'll love it when done.

Good luck getting it finished.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Good start, I would suggest putting a vertical support somewhere close to the middle if you are going to carry any weight on top ...

Having something like that in the back sure make it easier to keep organized, you'll love it when done.

Good luck getting it finished.

Yeh there will be something in the middle.... once I decide how wide I want to make the drawers or drawer. I'm thinking of leaving one side open to slide some bigger stuff under it. But I am torn and undecided about that issue.

 

[Grim Reaper]

Yeh there will be something in the middle.... once I decide how wide I want to make the drawers or drawer. I'm thinking of leaving one side open to slide some bigger stuff under it. But I am torn and undecided about that issue.

Good start.
Camp chairs and table are always a hassle to store. I made sure that my camp chair fit beside my drawer when I designed mine. Pictures in my build thread in my sig. I don't think I have a shot with the chair in it but it fits to the left of the drawer. Wasn't enough room for the table but I only bring the table on longer trips where I set up base camp. Just use the tail gate as a table the rest of the time.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

I'm only going to go with one drawer. BUT I can't cut a straight enough line to keep everything square... so whenever I get access to a table saw, I'll get the drawers in.

But I got it covered and it looks great! I am thinking of getting a little paint to paint the underside of it to make it look better.

(the right side will have the drawer)

This hardware will be put on top to fasten down gear. The big ring is for my dog's seatbelt. The four hooks on the top are spring loaded.

How's it lookin so far?:victory:

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Beating a dead horse here.....

Xtinguisher

The springy hook things...

 

[eugene]

I'm only going to go with one drawer. BUT I can't cut a straight enough line to keep everything square... so whenever I get access to a table saw, I'll get the drawers in.

How's it lookin so far?:victory:

Circular saw? Buy a level, one of the long 4' or so ones as they are about 1" thick and perfectly straight. Clamp it to the wood and use it as a guide for the saw. I use a level because a square is too thin and the circular saw will tend to want to jump on top of it if your not careful and sometimes it will flex and the saw base will slide under. The level since its usually a box or I beam will stay put.
Don't use self drilling/taping screws into the vehicle body. First issue is they rust and the body will rust around them. Second issue is if you ever turn turtle they will rip out. Pull back the carpet and see if there are any factory bolts or holes, chances are there are big bolts which mount the body rear seat that you could slide something under. If not then drill a large hole, paint the hole with rust-o-leum or some automotive anti-rust paint and put a bolt through. If you can bolt into some sturdy cross member if not then back it uo with some flat steel painted then painted to the body to seal it.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Thanks Eugene. I already reconsidered the self tapping screws. Instead, I am going to bolt it down with several stainless steel bolts through drilled holes. With rubber washers between regular washers. Will see how that goes.

The thing is pretty dang wedged in there now though its crazy.:clapsmile practically have to tap it in with a mallet.

 

[ntsqd]

eugene beat me to it, but I've also used a 2x4 (sighted for straightness) as a circ saw guide.
C-Clamps are nice, but if you can sport for some "Kan't Twist" clamps they're the cat's meow!

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

eugene beat me to it, but I've also used a 2x4 (sighted for straightness) as a circ saw guide.
C-Clamps are nice, but if you can sport for some "Kan't Twist" clamps they're the cat's meow!

I have the level... it ended up being my damn speed square that was not square. And the plywood i was going to use was slightly bowed. I am going to opt for some better plywood and a table saw for the drawer and center support. But thanks for the suggestions! :victory:

 

[eugene]

I actually find it easier to cut plywood with a circular saw and good straight edge. its not easy to balance on a table saw and then you sometimes have to have a wide table.