Fridge Slide/Storage Unit/Sleeping Platform Nacho Combo (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Mar 26, 2012
Threads
9
Messages
192
Location
Sachse, TX
I looked at several commercially available storage solutions, but none of them really met my requirements. So I designed my own. I have a nice OZ Tent for camping but I also wanted a sleeping platform big enough for 2 people, for those nights where I don't want to mess setting it up. I needed to have my 60L Engel fridge easily accessible and I wanted plenty of storage. The only way all that was going to happen was to keep the fridge low as possible and build a sleeping platform on top. Here's my initial design.
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And then a CAD model

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The fridge is on the left, sitting on the large slide from Front Runner. The right side is sized to accommodate 4 Front Runner Wolf Packs.
The sleeping platform will unfold and stretch out over the folded down second row seats. The gray pieces are the fit kit which will have to be sized once the main box is fitted into the LC.

Using 15mm thick Baltic Birch, I got started on Phase 1 today, The Main Box...

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Test fit
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That's as far as I got today. I should be able to get most of the rest tomorrow.
 
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Not much progress today, just figuring out how to actually attach the unit to the LC. I ended up anchoring it to 4 of the bolts from the 3rd row seats with turnbuckles. Other than that, just some sanding.

I little confession... all of this is my attempt to avoid buying an offroad trailer. I'm trying to convince myself that if I build the LC up correctly, I won't need one. We'll see how successful I am :)
 
I've been working on the fit kit. I made some cardboard templates, then cut the wings out. I still have some fine tuning to do before I permanently mount them, but it's looking good so far.

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Not much progress today, just figuring out how to actually attach the unit to the LC. I ended up anchoring it to 4 of the bolts from the 3rd row seats with turnbuckles. Other than that, just some sanding.

I little confession... all of this is my attempt to avoid buying an offroad trailer. I'm trying to convince myself that if I build the LC up correctly, I won't need one. We'll see how successful I am :)

Custom drawers is definitely a labor of love. Built my first set, bought the second.

I understand why you built them so high (to clear the fridge) but I hope you don't find the space too cramped. You will need to wiggle like a worm to get in and out.

I also understand wanting to avoid pulling the trailer. I've pulled my M101a1 on many trips and appreciated the extra comfort and storage, but always resented it when I saw my fuel mileage or had to turn around in a tight spot.

Keep us posted, very interesting build.
 
Might wanna tint those windows so your every move isn't on display sleeping so high back there... o_O
 
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It doesn't look like it in the above photos, but windows are tented.
 
Or some car curtains. The Japanese love those things, makes your car look like your grandma's house.

Or a hearse... Those have curtains too! ;)

What I'm on the hunt for (as a rear sleeper too) are screens to keep bugs out...so that I can ventilate a bit. It gets super condensation in there when it's cold, and bugs in the summer would not be fun.

Anyone have a screen solution?
 
Or a hearse... Those have curtains too! ;)

What I'm on the hunt for (as a rear sleeper too) are screens to keep bugs out...so that I can ventilate a bit. It gets super condensation in there when it's cold, and bugs in the summer would not be fun.

Anyone have a screen solution?

https://theskeeterbeater.com

Or go to sportsmans warehouse (or Walmart) and get some screen and magnets.
 
Thanks for the screen recommendations and links. Just ordered a pair.
 
I would love one cut to work w/ the hatch all the way open, and have it somehow double where you can put the tail down, but close the hatch (at 6'2" this buys me the extra foot I need to sleep comfortably. I may look into making something custom... I think I can figure out the wife's sewing machine (what!?!?!) or have her do it.
 
I would love one cut to work w/ the hatch all the way open, and have it somehow double where you can put the tail down, but close the hatch (at 6'2" this buys me the extra foot I need to sleep comfortably. I may look into making something custom... I think I can figure out the wife's sewing machine (what!?!?!) or have her do it.

I went to Sportsman's Warehouse and bought a big ass screen for my Tundra so I could sleep in the bed. It worked surprisingly well, especially after 3/4 of a box of wine.

I also have one of these but haven't used it yet.
Truck tents, Camping tents, vehicle camping tents at U.S Outdoor On-line Store


20160702_204744.jpg
 
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I would love one cut to work w/ the hatch all the way open, and have it somehow double where you can put the tail down, but close the hatch (at 6'2" this buys me the extra foot I need to sleep comfortably. I may look into making something custom... I think I can figure out the wife's sewing machine (what!?!?!) or have her do it.

I'm wondering how you are set up if you are 6'2" and still need more length.
I'm 6'3" and I fit fine. In fact, with second row folded down, I fit a full 80 inch mattress back there with the hatch closed.
 
I've been working on the fit kit. I made some cardboard templates, then cut the wings out. I still have some fine tuning to do before I permanently mount them, but it's looking good so far.
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Are you hinging those wings so you can access all that space on the sides?
 
Yeah, I'm planning on using piano hinges on the top pieces, the rear pieces will be fixed
 
Well for starters I don't have drawers and don't plan too anytime soon (need the 3rd row for a while). I still am not sure how you get 80" though... Folded flat, or folded up, I measure only 65". I assume you're folding flat and somehow filling the space between the 2nd row and front.

Was out at Fish Creek not too long ago, decided to sleep with the back completely open and it was glorious. But that won't work in all locations.
 
Well for starters I don't have drawers and don't plan too anytime soon (need the 3rd row for a while). I still am not sure how you get 80" though... Folded flat, or folded up, I measure only 65". I assume you're folding flat and somehow filling the space between the 2nd row and front.

Was out at Fish Creek not too long ago, decided to sleep with the back completely open and it was glorious. But that won't work in all locations.

Ohhhh... I was thinking you had drawers. Of course that makes sense now.

About getting 80... I goofed by 2 inches. This is a 78" mattress. But if you just move the front passenger seat forward a bit, you've got extra foot room. You don't fold the seats up against the front. You just fold them down. Even without drawers, if you have a few suitcases in back, you can do basically what I do with my drawers, and make them your continuous surface to the back of the front seats. I did that last summer on the way to Wisconsin, before my drawers went in.

This self-inflating mattress makes the gap a non-issue. As you can see from the photo, its full, 78 inch length still doesn't extend beyond the drawers, meaning there is another 4 inches or so back there. I have my Maxtrax in a bag between the drawers and seats. Otherwise, just cram something in there, or use a blowup mattress, and you won't even notice the gap.

IMG_0426.JPG
 

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