Hello everyone,
I used to have some stuff posted here a few years ago when I made my first storage setup out of HDPE plastic and metal framing with a RTT, but it took forever to take in and out. This time I made one that can be taken in and out with ease and sits on top of a cart I made, it stores sideways in my garage. I'm planning to do a full write up when time permits, but I mainly wanted to make a self contained, lightweight, secure (against rocky roads, and against thieves) storage solution for trips without compromising the rear seats. My last setup had the fridge inside, and pretty much could only carry two people. This time, we made a trip out to Monache Meadows and back with four people in comfort. Here are some pictures from its maiden voyage.
Some of the features are:
-48" slideout drawer
-22" slideout table under the drawer
-30" slideout for the fridge
-18 Gallon water tank, heated with a Helton heat exchanger
-Faucet and shower heads
-125 amp deep cycle battery
-2 pressure switched water pumps
-Two auto shut off quick disconnecting water outlets
-5 switches and one 12v outlet
-recessed handles and tie down rings on the side of the box
-Gas cans, potable water cans fit inside on the side of the box.
-I have a RTT, but its huge and bulky/flappy. Decided to use a coleman instant tent for now until I get an Airtop.
Drawer goes out, table goes over
Showing the fridge slideout, its the lowest profile I could make. Approx 1/2 inch thick. My wife Far on the left, friends Chris and Kim on the right.
here's the faucet unit, it can clamp anywhere on the four openings of the drawer. I was going to make the sink a part of the table, but I figured having two or more wash buckets was actually more functional. You just carry the water away and dump it, rather than having hoses and such for drainage.
The quick disconnects and switch panel. Also shows one of the recessed handles I put in. There are four more on the side of the box.
Detail shot of the slide. There are lids for the top also, which works perfectly for putting your ingredients/beers while your cooking/hanging around the kitchen.
Storage for the sink and hoses go perfectly into the angled area above the switch panel box.
Truck from outside, you'd never think there was a setup in it. Sleeper!
The LED light setup at night, turns on with a switch from the panel. 16W each, cooled with the aluminum from the camper door. Runs on 2.6 amp hours, barely a hit on the battery all night. 1500 lumens total, about the output of a dual mantle lantern. It provided enough light for our entire campsite.
An image of the light output. This really only shows the brightest areas, but there is much more usable light further away also. No need for headlamps!
Our campsite with the privy with bio-bags for toilet/showers. The outback porta privys are awesome! We slept in the screen house it was so nice outside.
A pic of Monache Meadow just for fun.
Across from our camp.
