Sleeping Platform/Storage

MStudt

MStudt

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The time has come for me to build a new platform. I'm ditching the heavy beast I now have for something a lot lighter. Here is just a quick tease of what I'm working on. This is just the back cargo section frame.


 
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Nice, I wish you were closer because I would have bought your old set up already. It's exactly what I'm looking for.
 
MTD said:
80/20 gets expensive! We use it at work to build assembly/test fixtures.

[MENTION=98153]MStudt[/MENTION] did you post this here?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/81843-rear-cargo-box-thread.html
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Is does get expensive. You can buy scrap pieces on eBay for pretty cheap. I should be able to build this from 80/20 for about $200. I might end up just using some aluminum box tubing and welding it all together. I should be able to cut the material cost in half going that route.

I have not posted in there yet. I will now that you showed me the link.
 
Just about finished up. This is just my basic idea, and it will most likely change before I start building. I might spare the expense of the 80/20 fastening system and just weld everything together. Plus that will reduce the chances of some pieces slipping under weight.
 
Out with the 80/20 and in with 1x1x.125 aluminum box tubing. I plan on getting some tubing to start on the rear section in the next couple weeks. My design may change some, but not too much. I plan on having 3 drawers in the rear section. A large one for my stove, another large one for randoms, and a small one for trekking poles/tent poles/chairs.
 
Still in the works. I have to wait until after August 15th to get started. I'm going to be using the 4runner for a trip that week and don't want to rush myself. Plus I'm going to be installing a lift, new tires, and painting wheels on my new project.
 
Most likely going to start ordering parts this week. I'm going to start with a simple dual drawer storage in the back. I'm going to put my rear seats back in, and have storage butting up to the back of the rear seats. I'll eventually get around to making a couple extensions so it can be used as a sleeping platform again. I'm going to be using 1x1 aluminum tubing from a local supplier and Esto Connectors for joining them together.

Here's a video to give you an idea or where this is heading.
 
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Scratch this idea. The dollars were adding way to fast and the weight load capacity was questionable. I'm going to order some .5x.5x.065 and 1x.5x.065 tubing today. Going to build a frame from thin box and rectangle tubing instead of aluminum. I figure the steel is only going to weigh 21lbs for the frame, and maybe 30lbs when it's complete.

The metal has been ordered. For anyone looking to get good pricing on metal, check out My Steel Yard. They are cheaper than my local supplier even with shipping included.
 
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MStudt said:
Scratch this idea. The dollars were adding way to fast and the weight load capacity was questionable. I'm going to order some .5x.5x.065 and 1x.5x.065 tubing today. Going to build a frame from thin box and rectangle tubing instead of aluminum. I figure the steel is only going to weigh 21lbs for the frame, and make 30lbs when it's complete.

Stay tuned for more updates.
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I like this decision. Aluminum is cool if you have the expensive tools and the money to spend, but it's just "bling" points. You will get everything you want from some thin wall mild steel square tube and it will be super easy to build, modify, or whatever you want. Not to mention all the parts you need can be found at most hardware stores instead of having to find specialty things to work with aluminum. Plus you will spend a fraction of the cost. Looking forward to seeing what you build!
 
MojaveMadMan said:
I like this decision. Aluminum is cool if you have the expensive tools and the money to spend, but it's just "bling" points. You will get everything you want from some thin wall mild steel square tube and it will be super easy to build, modify, or whatever you want. Not to mention all the parts you need can be found at most hardware stores instead of having to find specialty things to work with aluminum. Plus you will spend a fraction of the cost. Looking forward to seeing what you build!
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Hoping to get started on the project this weekend. Just need to get some more gas for my welder, and maybe upgrade to a larger tank. I think this will be a better route as well. With steel I can get any angle I need need, unlike with the aluminum.
 
Not sure what size tank you have. I run a #2 which is about 3' tall. It is the perfect amount of gas without having a big obnoxious tank. If I remember right I can go 2 tanks of gas per 1 large spool of wire in my Hobart. Plus they aren't too expensive to upgrade to or fill.
 
Cant wait to see it! Ive been thinking of deleting the rear seats completely (in a way that they can be put back, of course)and doing a long cargo box/sleeping platform as well.
Too many other expensive things in life right now though, and I dont really have the time or a welder to do something cool...
 
My coworker has been working with 80/20 a lot lately on a project. A couple weeks ago I had started toying with the idea of making a storage system with it. Funny that we were working on it at the same time! I hadn't seen your thread until today.

Didn't get too far with it yet, but I think it is a great application of the stuff, even if it is pricey. I think a lot of guys would appreciate a sort of "kit" list of parts to build one if they don't have access to a welder and fab tools.

I got as far as making a rough model of the cargo area, throwing in the bottom rails, and some slides for scale to see what would fit.



Excited to see what you make with the steel tube!
 
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