LATEST PROJECT - Truck Drawers/Sleeping Platform

[TheBeez]

First post. love this site and this build is frickin sweet.

Going to try and make your platform without the bells and whistles. But I have to buy those ThermaRest sleeping pads. Those are money.

Thanks for the inspiration Doug.

 

[BIGVAN]

WOW! Nice work man! :coffeedrink:

 

[KAILUAZ]

I was just about to buy some heavy duty slides (expensive) and then I saw this thread. Great use of the skate bearings, I'm defiantly going this route. Sweet build and thanks for posting all the info on it.

 

[roadtripcrazed]

It is great to see lots of posts from people planning to build their own. I am glad to hear that so many of you were inspired by what you saw. Please post pictures of what you have done, especially any changes or improvements you made. Looking forward to seeing your hard work!

-=D

 

[YukonRob]

... especially any changes or improvements you made. ...

I won't call it an improvement, but I did change from square tubing to a 1" angle. It still seems plenty strong both for the sliding tops and for the drawers. It did make establishing the position of the bearings more difficult than I had thought since the angle is only 1/8" think; my skills were challenged in getting the rows of bearings in two straight lines only 1/8" apart. I also used MDO in lieu of wood, and so far have only painted it.

One further change I have contemplated is mounting some flanges for screw in table legs on the bottom of the sliding tops - I could then pull off the tops, screw in the legs, and have two four-foot tables.

 

[roadtripcrazed]

Glad to hear that the angle iron has worked out for you. I made a little prototype with angle iron when I was testing the idea, but I was more comfortable with the square tubing. I also ran into issues with attaching the able - as you experienced. Tubing made things a bit easier for me. Call me lazy!

Interesting that you have considered adding legs as well. I have tossed this idea around too. My original sketches included folding legs but they were scrapped due to the complexity. I also considered threading a few holes into the square tubing to use to mount legs ... lots of ideas. I have considered flanges too and I think it is the best way to go. I have been drag gin my feet until I find the time to build some simple adjustable legs.

Yukon Rob: Want to race to find out who makes the removable tables first? BTW - are you actually from the Yukon? I was born in Whitehorse.

-=D

 

[YukonRob]

Yukon Rob: Want to race to find out who makes the removable tables first? BTW - are you actually from the Yukon? I was born in Whitehorse.

I thought I'd let you go first, so I can once again 'go to school' on your design. Despite spending considerable time studying your photos, drawing the thing in CAD, measuring twice and cutting once, I still made several mistakes. Next to your 'Mona Lisa' my set looks like finger painting. It works though, and has a trip to baja under it's belt. I looked at purchasing some folding legs but the cost was just nutty and the dimensions were just off enough - the 'ribs' in the table top would get in the way. The thing I don't like about the screw-in legs and flanges is finding a conveient place to stow the legs.
'yukon' is a callsign pinned on me 20 years ago. Only a spiritual connection to the territory.

 

[Turtle29]

Looks like a great set up. I am looking to add a water tank to my drawer system and was wondering where you found the flexible water spout and if you could post more details on the faucet in your set up. thanks.

 

[roadtripcrazed]

Faucet and flexible spout were procured from D&W Corp. Click here for more info.

 

[FishAll50]

Fantastic build. Love the roller system and the water/heat system is well-executed. Lots of ideas.........

 

[TheJosh]

Great build!

I've recently decided to go the heat exchanger route vs a propane water heater. But I heard that water that goes though a heat exchanger is not potable, is this true?

 

[Xterabl]

I guess it depends on the materials.
They make heat exchangers for brewing beer, you know? I guess it's OK for potable beer but maybe not for potable water???
IDK.
http://www.homebrewing.org/Shirron-Plate-Chiller_p_844.html

 

[TimS]

The stainless heat exchangers are made for potable water. They have 4 ports. 2 ports for potable water (feed and return) and 2 ports for the hydronic fluid (feed and return) That fluid could be water, water and a bit of antifreeze (from vehicle). The 2 fluids never mix together. It is always seperated by a plate. Very effective. I've used them on many heat systems and whole house on demand hot water systems.

 

[roadtripcrazed]

TimS answered exactly as I would have. No issues with using the PROPER heat exchanger. Just be sure to do your research.

 

[bosworth5]

Sir you have inspired me to make a system similar to your for my Tacoma! I have been drawing plans up for days now with the inspiration from your sett up. Going to Home Depot tomorrow to see what kind of a dent in my wallet with will have!