Unistrut for bed sliders or...?

[anickode]

Ive decided to build a bed slide for my truck, and settled on using unistrut for the rails. After spending a couple days doing some digging, I have determined that unistrut trolleys are too damn expensive, so I've tried to determine which bearings would be most suitable for making my own custom ones

For standard 1-5/8" deep unistrut, 2 rows of 6200 bearings are the perfect size to roll inside unistrut the way a typical unistrut trolley would. They work both suspending a load, and supporting a load. There is just enough clearance to allow them to roll on Either the top or bottom surface without interference. 6200 bearings have a 10mm bore.

For 13/16" deep unistrut, you can turn it up on edge and use a 6301 bearing. Imagine a typical drawer slide. A 6301 is 12mm wide, with a 12mm bore. The fit is tight enough to allow free movement, with minimal vertical and side play. This arrangement leaves only 3mm of clearance for a fastener head. You could probably use elevator bolts, but I plan to use a couple thousandths interference fit and press them on.

If I can get this system to work out, it could prove a VERY cost efficient method for building strong bed slides. Unistrut generally costs 1-2 bucks a foot depending on size and gauge, and I've sourced the above mentioned bearings for Well under 2 bucks apiece locally.

 

[paranoid56]

i have been thinking about this also, was also looking at unistrut with cut skateboard wheels. cheap and should work out well.
make sure to post up some pics once you get done.

 

[Marauder_Pilot]

Definitely going to follow this, I've always wanted a bed slider but can't stomach the price. But I've got scrap unistrut by the mile thanks to work, and some unistrut, some bearings and a sheet of plywood is way more my speed.

 

[rayra]

If you've got access to the unistrut already, might as well use it. But if you are starting from scratch there's no reason to complicate things by using it. There are several examples of very nice trays executed with little more than square tubing and skate bearings.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...r-drawer-storage-system?p=1691541#post1691541

and


The genesis execution (as far as I know) was by roadtripcrazed -
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/47516-LATEST-PROJECT-Truck-Drawers-Sleeping-Platform

 

[C5dad]

Nice job!

 

[oregonhiker]

Anickode, did you ever do this? I have been looking for a good way to build a bed slide and this seems like the best idea so far.
Rayra, the square tubing system you mention works great for bed drawers, but doesn't seem like it would work that well for a bed slide. I need my rig for hauling tools and material at work as well as camping and this seems like the best solution.
I'm thinking of mounting 2 unistrut to the bed (I think I do have some left over in storage), then using 2 pieces of 2x2 angle to mount the double bearings on, welding 3/4x3/4 angle between them to build a frame, and putting a piece of marine rated plywood on top (also have a line on a bunch of it for free). I'm estimating the build at about $150 if I can find the unistrut laying around.

 

[Explorer cron]

I’m thinking of fabricating an aluminum floor truss type slider. Box in my kitchen equipment. Something like this is incredibly strong and light weight. Use rollerblade wheels for runners. Any thoughts?