My LR3 lightweight storage platform build (UPDATED: actual dimensions on pg 4)

[harbinger808]

aloha perkj,
i was wondering what was the cost of all the tubing and steel core connectors?... looking to build this for our LR4

 

[perkj]

yes, $211 sounds right for the steel core connectors and tubing. On top of that cost you'll need the plywood, carpet and spray adhesive. I strongly recommend going with Russian Birch for the plywood in 1/2". Its strong and more importantly light.

 

[greynolds]

Very nice job with this. I've been following this thread for a while now and have finally decided to modify the platform I built for my G550 to use a very similar solution. My current setup uses risers that sit on the wheel wells to raise the shelf to the correct height and a support in the middle that both ties the two half shelves together and provides structural support. I'll be replacing the center support with a setup very similar to what you guys have done, which will allow me to use the full width of the area under the shelf and should look better too.

What have you guys been using to get straight, clean cuts with the tubes? I ordered the hacksaw guide that they sell, but assume there's probably a better way. I have a nice Delta miter saw, but have always been leery of using it to cut anything other than wood. FYI, they're out of stock of the black plain tubes at the moment, so my order won't be shipping for about a week.

I also asked them about using the drilling fixture they sell to drill holes anywhere along the tube. The pins that are used to line it up for holes for snap lock connector are not welded in place, so they can be shifted with a hammer and the fixture can then be used to drill a centered hole anywhere along the tube. The only limitation is that it's only setup for 21/64" drill bits, but that should be an ok size hole to pass 1/4" or 5/16" bolts through. At least in my case, a bit of slop will make installation a bit easier and shouldn't be an issue once the nuts are tightened.

 

[perkj]

What have you guys been using to get straight, clean cuts with the tubes? I ordered the hacksaw guide that they sell, but assume there's probably a better way. I have a nice Delta miter saw, but have always been leery of using it to cut anything other than wood. FYI, they're out of stock of the black plain tubes at the moment, so my order won't be shipping for about a week.

I used this blade on a miter saw and the cuts are absolutely perfect....that Diablo blade cuts aluminum like butter: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008WQ39?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

they also make a 10" version of the blade: http://www.amazon.com/D1080N-Diablo..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=00AHDW75FPE8NYHFKS8J.


Just remember to account for the blade width before making the cuts. Practice first on some scrap tubing so you know where to line it up to make the cut for the proper length desired.

 

[greynolds]

I used this blade on a miter saw and the cuts are absolutely perfect....that Diablo blade cuts aluminum like butter: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008WQ39?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

they also make a 10" version of the blade: http://www.amazon.com/D1080N-Diablo..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=00AHDW75FPE8NYHFKS8J.

Just remember to account for the blade width before making the cuts. Practice first on some scrap tubing so you know where to line it up to make the cut for the proper length desired.

Thanks - the 10" version should do the trick.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

I have a big camping trip coming up and decided to sleep inside of the car (various reasons), which made me think on how to extend the platform. Given that I need it to be removable and it won't be in a car permanently I decided to go for a cheaper but heavier solution. 3/4 inch ply wood, removable legs made out of pipe and carpet.

Here is what came out of it.

I've seen that track system before but who makes it? Link?

 

[Ray_G]

Looks like L or S track, I got mine in black from Amazon: Stud Ring & Track Rail Tie-Down Anchor Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056KAAWC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_bVX2wbHZQ8K3P


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[greynolds]

Here's another source that sells it in various lengths and several different types.

 

[kevinh]

Kevinh

Great article, fantastic design. any issues with loose bins etc under platform bouncing around> thanks '05 LR3

 

[perkj]

Great article, fantastic design. any issues with loose bins etc under platform bouncing around> thanks '05 LR3

No issue with mine, but I pack the lower portion pretty tight so there is really no room for movement

 

[ColoDisco]

I am planning on building my own setup using 80/20. Got the idea from a friend at Ball aerospace. Using google sketch up to make the design.

https://8020.net

http://www.sketchup.com

I will start a build thread when I get started.

 

[perkj]

I originally planned to use 80/20 on mine but in the end it's not cost effective for any benefit. if it recall for my exact same design in 80/20 was 3x the amount. Not smart IMO if your plan is a basic frame.

 

[ColoDisco]

Compared to the price of a front runner drawer system it's very cost effective.

 

[perkj]

Compared to the price of a front runner drawer system it's very cost effective.

Like I said if your plan is a basic platform frame like mine then 80/20 will be 3x the cost of the framing I used with no clear benefit. I never suggested it was cheaper than the front runner drawer system.

 

[greynolds]

^ Agreed, I don't see any benefit in using 80/20 in this application unless there are features you absolutely need from it. If building a basic frame, I can't imagine what features those might be. The 80/20 is also about 50% larger, which means it will potentially get in the way more when trying to put things under the shelf.