Expedition Box (inspired by the Antman)

[Knight Runner]

Yep,

On the to do list.

 

[Knight Runner]

Definately,

On the fine tuning and finishing "to do" list.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

All,

After a bit of globe trotting and a successful conclusion to the latest deployment I am back at it. Spring break with my girls has allowed a little time to finish phase two of the design.

A special shout out to Mya who really helped as my second set of hands, particularly working with the sheet metal.

As mentioned, this is how it was intended to look. I will add the lock to the low section today and pick up the wood for the counter top portions of the drawer.

Antman hit me with a great idea for a sliding counter top on rails. In this version I am opting to pass on it. I will show and explain why when I get the shelf portion of the unit finished, hopefully today or at least by the weekend.

The carpet is a hint lighter than what I wanted, but it is what Lowes had in what I wanted. This is ultra high traffic indoor/outdoor but specifically is a rubber backing. This is two fold in design. First and foremost, it has a little stretch to it and rounds the corners very nicely compared to traditional backed carpet. Secondly, it is essentially waterproof as it can be hosed off, The by-product there is it also waterproofs the cabinet to a great degree.

I used the heavy duty indoor/outdoor adhesive and did one side at a time starting from the right and used the occasional braid finishing nail and stretched as I went to get a good tight finish. The braids were very helpful in getting a good clean corner.

The drawer face is attached with lag bolts for added security and stability. I think I am going to replace the screws on the battalion latch with bolts in the near future. Just more of my over engineering for security.

And there you have it. I'll drop another photo or two when i get the last lock, over kill, and the shelf finished.

Again, the function is exactly what I needed and all else is icing on the cake.

Looks great! I Love the look of the diamond plate.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

Well, as a retired professional mouse driver, I can say that I've never used AutoCAD or any similar 2D product, so my Tinkercad tinkering leaves lot to be desired. I started in 1984 with Intergraph IDGS then EMS on dual screen InterPro VAX (UNIX) workstations. Much later, we moved to Window NT (and later XP Pro) based CAD using Intergraph's Solid Edge modeling system. Having been gone for six years, what I remember is probably long obsolete now.

So a couple hours fiddling with Tinkercad I came up with this:

The right side flips open like [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION]'s, and the left side has a sliding top for my Yeti 50 cooler. Below the slide is a sliding table/cutting board.

Keep in mind that I don't even have my 4Runner yet, so all of the above is just approximations. The lift gate lip may be too high for a slide out table/cutting board, or the whole thing may be too far to the left for the Yeti to slide out past the curved opening. I'll tweak or scrap the whole thing once I get my 4Runner.

But it was a fun and interesting exercise, and I got to play with CAD for the first time in quite a while. I can see using this for other things around the house. Thanks again for the link!

Steve

I really like your storage box design! That is something I would like to build for my rig. Can you post the dimensions of the box so I can build one.

Also, congratulation's on the new 4Runner.

 

[Ohio_Steve]

Hey Steve, It's Mike G from OLB. I really like your storage box design! That is something I would like to build for my rig. Can you post the dimensions of the box so I can build one.

Also, congratulation's on the new 4Runner. Are you still keeping your Subaru?

Hi Mike. No dimensions available until my 4Runner arrives, although you can easily measure your length, width, and height space available for your vehicle. My height will be the same as the folded down second row seat backs, and the width and length will be the maximum that fit in the opening.

I'll be selling the Outback.

 

[Knight Runner]

Design Specs

Steve,

Give me a PM with your email and I will send my design file. I did make mine a little deeper than Antman to get some added space, so be careful if you actually use my specs.

Bill

 

[Ohio_Steve]

Steve,

Give me a PM with your email and I will send my design file. I did make mine a little deeper than Antman to get some added space, so be careful if you actually use my specs.

Bill

PM sent. Thanks!