Builds Merl the Pearl Build (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Ecliff5
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Ecliff5
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- Thread starter
- #142
Today enters a new phase for the 80, #dadwagon.
Rear seats went back in so I can strap a car seat in. I chopped up my sleeping platform to fit in the back. I’m not sold on it so will be getting a bel-fab interior tire carrier and making a low profile storage box next to it that doubles as a single sleeper. But this will do for now.
Rear seats went back in so I can strap a car seat in. I chopped up my sleeping platform to fit in the back. I’m not sold on it so will be getting a bel-fab interior tire carrier and making a low profile storage box next to it that doubles as a single sleeper. But this will do for now.
I like the idea of the Bel Fab mount, there should still be enough room for a smaller dual drawer system.
Also something to think about, when you are alone camping the rear seats fold forward correct? If so you could build a foldable platform for more sleeping area when not in use folds back on top of the drawers.
Also something to think about, when you are alone camping the rear seats fold forward correct? If so you could build a foldable platform for more sleeping area when not in use folds back on top of the drawers.
Ecliff5
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- Thread starter
- #144
Yeah, should have plenty of space with the tire upright on the side, my sleeping platform used a piano hinge to flip over the extended part of the platform and used the factory rear seat hook straps to support that platform from the oh**** handles. So I’ll probably stick with that idea for the single sleeper. I want to get it as low as I can but will ultimately need to match the seat height when folded down.
Kid……. Fǔck me….. who would have thunk it!
I am running my spare tire in trunk area and car seats in second row. In my experience there is not enough space inside with kid stuff and tire it gets real small real quick. I’m going to be doing a swing carrier to get tire out of the back. I would try it out first and see if it works out for you everyone has different opinions.
Ecliff5
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- Thread starter
- #148
Yeah big tires take up trunk space quick. I committed myself no swing outs with the labs basic bumper. I had swing outs on my taco and after awhile I hated them. With the tire laying flat under the platform, it’s too tall for needing to throw the stroller or groceries in the back for the wife. I’ve always wanted to make it lower to gain head space. Hoping the Bel fab tire carrier will at least give me the chance to build a lower profile platform where I can still stash tools and camp gear in a drawer or two. More head height for the dog in the back also. I’m sure it’ll go through a few iterations and never be perfect but I’ll always have a project to work on lol
My thinking is exactly the same as you. Bell Fab carrier on the drivers side, single drawer/sleeper on passenger side that extends over folded 2nd row. Haven't seen anyone fit a two drawer setup with an interior tire carrier, but that could be sweet if the drawers end up as a usable size. I'm conflicted on whether I need to fit my 3 burner Coleman stove in a drawer, or just strap it on top.
Whatever you do, i'll probably heavily steal your design. You move way faster than I do. I'm also miserable at woodwork/cabinetry.
Ecliff5
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- Thread starter
- #150
Yeah I ordered up the bel-fab driver side carrier. I'll either make one big drawer or two slims, one just wide enough for the coleman and the other for tools that way the weight of tools doesn't need to be pulled out with the kitchen. I usually don't use drawer sliders and just make it a nice fit to pull in and out. We'll see how this one turns out. Ideally just going to repurpose all the wood from this set up.
Haha steal away! I make it up as I go, usually a couple sketches on a post it note at work. If it's close to square I call it good
Little one is due in February and baby showers are coming up along with holidays so time is running out. I still need to pull my front diff and send it back to Marlin for warranty. Ugh lol
Man been there. I want to do the bell fan mount for my spare. But the wife is a little paranoid about it. Cause one kid still has to sit in the third row seat. We got four. 
so for now spare just sits next to my toolbox at work. Loving the build man!
so for now spare just sits next to my toolbox at work. Loving the build man!
Ecliff5
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- Thread starter
- #152
Thanks man! Yeah my wife doesn't like the tire upright, or how tall the platform is with the tire below it. So no real winning here lol just making due. Could always ditch the spare and get a glue tread patch kit but I like having a spare. Even though i've never needed it. Phew 4! At least thats 8 little hands to help get into those tight spots haha!
mehbohdi
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I have LCP tire carrier, Land Shark single drawer slideout. Don't think either is available anymore been happy with set up.
That’s the best part about having this hobby is that you always find ways to change stuff around.
Ecliff5
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- Thread starter
- #155
Yeah this is kind of what I am after. I'll need to see how the tire comes out with the bel-fab. LCP rolls straight back, bel fab is secured from the side. If I can i'd like to make the platform as close to the tire as possible but if it needs to come out to the side i'll need to leave a decent gap next to the tire. We shall see. Does that platform turn into a single sleeper when the seat is folded flat? Trying to figure out how tall i'll need to make the platform so that it can be level with seat folded down.
Ecliff5
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- Thread starter
- #156
Got the bel-fab tire carrier installed and built a new storage box/sleeping platform that flips over the rear seat. Box ended up being 30x40x10. Got the platform securely bolted down with the 4 rear anchor bolts. The tire carrier doesn’t budge and the platform doesn’t budge. Haven’t decided on a drawer yet so just left it open. So far pretty stoked with this new set up.
Ecliff5
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- #159
Picked up a warn evo 10s off of craigslist in Ohio driving to Michigan over thanksgiving. Got that installed and managed to get the control box relocated on some home made brackets behind the grill but I’ll probably end up moving it under the hood. The winch was a tight fit, left just the tiniest gap to slide some rubber hose between the valance and winch. Most pictures I’ve seen of the dissent extreme clearance, people have chopped up their valance and grill to fit the winch with the control box which is not ideal. Very happy with the outcome. Also installed a new driver seatbelt. If I was on even a slight incline the seatbelt would lock and my driveway is steep so it was a constant annoyance. Nice and smooth now.
