james6546 · Jul 18, 2015

Glenn321 said:
I will take some pics of mine and post up for you tomorrow. fairly simple and low cost yet really user friendly with everything to hand. I have done the Morocco thing and done many smaller trips through Europe. mines been fantastic.

One thing that would be helpful to know, are you planning a trip alone or with someone and for what duration? all makes a difference when considering space for luggage and the amount of clothes you will need to take with etc.

Cheers,

Glenn

Hi glen,

I'll look forward to the pics, hopefully starting this next week. I wanted to borrow a chop saw from my dad but forgot, so I'll do it by hand.

It will probably be for 2 people for up to 3 weeks with provision to fit the dog, and maybe to be able to do a longer trip if I ever get the funds and time off together...

james6546 · Jul 21, 2015

So, it has started.

Got everything stripped out yesterday evening and bought some MDF. Though two 4'x8' 18mm thick boards may be a bit overkill...

I also ordered 2 draw sliders and some EVA matting to go on top.

I think the plan is to leave the fridge here

And then build a long, narrow draw next to it. I think I may build a sub into it at the back of the fridge, as long as it is a separate sealed unit with some foam in it it shouldn't rattle the other stuff in the storage should it?

I'm thinking a draw for cooking stuff and then a cutout lockable bit at the back for tools.

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

Careful not to make it too heavy....

james6546 · Jul 21, 2015

vilguy said:
Careful not to make it too heavy....

That is a slight worry. I should have got 1x38mm 1x12mm sheets of MDF.

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

its why storage systems are often made of aluminium. MDF is choofin heavy when you start adding up how much you could be putting in there. Admittedly you are adding to your sprung weight, so you should be improving ride comfort but your sacrificing fuel economy, acceleration etc. Not to mention taking up space with construction material which could otherwise be storing your stuff

Not to put a downer on it like!

Worse thing would be it gets wet, and all your hard work turns into a goey mess

johnlad · Jul 21, 2015

I wouldn't use mdf as its not good with moisture. A better option would be 12mm wbp ply

james6546 · Jul 21, 2015

vilguy said:
its why storage systems are often made of aluminium. MDF is choofin heavy when you start adding up how much you could be putting in there. Admittedly you are adding to your sprung weight, so you should be improving ride comfort but your sacrificing fuel economy, acceleration etc. Not to mention taking up space with construction material which could otherwise be storing your stuff

Not to put a downer on it like!

Worse thing would be it gets wet, and all your hard work turns into a goey mess

johnlad said:
I wouldn't use mdf as its not good with moisture. A better option would be 12mm wbp ply

Well I have bought MDF now, so I'm gonna use it!

I will seal it so it shouldn't absorb water, plus since I have added matting and re-sealed everything it is pretty dry in there.

It's only the draw system that is going to be MDF, the racking will be ali angle stuff I think

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

james6546 said:
Well I have bought MDF now, so I'm gonna use it!

I will seal it so it shouldn't absorb water, plus since I have added matting and re-sealed everything it is pretty dry in there.

It's only the draw system that is going to be MDF, the racking will be ali angle stuff I think

should be ok, im only saying

haha
Make sure you use dowels etc on the joints, or dovetail them etc. Something at least to reinforce the mdf joints. Vibration will kill it otherwise.

james6546 · Jul 21, 2015

vilguy said:
should be ok, im only saying haha
Make sure you use dowels etc on the joints, or dovetail them etc. Something at least to reinforce the mdf joints. Vibration will kill it otherwise.

Woah, I had not even considered anything like that. I was just going to screw and glue them together! I will get some dowel.

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

james6546 said:
Woah, I had not even considered anything like that. I was just going to screw and glue them together! I will get some dowel.

order yoursen the dowels off ebay - way cheaper!

james6546 · Jul 21, 2015

vilguy said:
order yoursen the dowels off ebay - way cheaper!

Done

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

and you have some spares for when your next assembling an ikea wotsit and lose a piece!

SteelCitySteves · Jul 21, 2015

Dowels and especially Dovetails is a bit overkill isnt it. Wood glue and screws is more than strong enough to bond MDF, make sure to pilot your screw holes so you dont split the MDF.

Fair enough if you want to dovetail things to make them pretty (and stronger) but you would of been better off with Birch Ply for something like that. I would of used 15mm moisture resistant (green) MDF, but 18mm glued and screwed would be stong enough to park on, never mind keep your spoons in.

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

Strength is one thing, but vibration from the sort of places James wishes to go will see joints loosen and it would be really annoying for all that hard work to be ruined for the sake of 5 minutes extra work.

Its why so many camper conversions and caravans look crap after a few years.

The better ones have properly done joints and last for ages with no problems.

sarah88 · Jul 21, 2015

vilguy said:
improving ride comfort but your sacrificing fuel economy, acceleration etc.

Acceleration and fuel economy.... We don't have much of either already so that could be interesting. I like the improving ride comfort part though!

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

well all its really doing is increasing mass, thus overpowering the dampers

but hey every con has a pro right?

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

Ive just started drawing up a drawer system for me'sen out of aluminium. Just modelling it in inventor then ill have it laser cut and bent. To the same spec as MSS (or i could fit runners with twice the capacity for an extra £30 so i might do that)

Sod paying MSS £550 for one!

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

just realised i need to move the drawer over and incorporate a little storage space on the r/h so it clears the door restraint. But easily done another day.

bankz5152 · Jul 21, 2015

Looking good! I decided to fit a drop down leg to my slide out table as one of my mates is a bit dopey and will sit on the end. Hes also heavy..

vilguy · Jul 21, 2015

Im going for 260kg sliders. Thats each! Its only a few quid more for them and then i dont have to worry about the stresses on them. The aluminium will fail long before the runner does. Will do some FMEA on the design when I have it all set up so I can see where to put the reinforcing bars to best effect.
Sorry James I seem to have stolen your fred

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