Glenn
Advanced Member
Hello All,
I started a new build this spring. I’ve taken lots of pictures but am only going to post a few to start with as there are so many.
I will add more pictures every few days or so until I get caught up to where I am currently. I will definatelf have questions when I get into the Solar and dc to dc charging.
Background in the build: My goal is to build a removable base , that is self contained with the electrical and plumbing built in, using my shop hoist to lift it out of the bed of the truck. Then removable cabinet lids, with evetythjng bolted together with 1/4-20 inserts.And finally allowing the mid rise topper to be removed should I want access to my 5th wheel rails for trailering.
So here we go:
I made a base with 1” styrene to stagger the 5ver rails and added roller bearings for the drawers to slide easily on
Here’s a closer view of the roller(s)
Next I built the supporting base out of 2X10’s (3) with cross supports and a plywood top attached with 1/4-20 flathead bolts and inserts should the top ever need removed. I also cut out some diamond shaped holes in the 2X10’s to lighten it up a bit. Primed with KILZ and top coat of light sage acrylic.
Then began building drawers. Box joints on the corners for support and divided into compartments.
I shaped ,glued, and clamped cedar boards to the fiberglass ledge along the topper with Loctite Ultimate adhesive. They in turn used 1/4-20 inserts annd installed boards to them for hinging thd cabinet lids to, make them removable. I built a box to hold the 42 gallon water tank which formed the end by the cab , The cabinet uprights were made from 1 X 12’s with a 90 degree sill board bolted to the base. It also bolts to the water tank box in a similar fashion
Ends were made with a support brace (also bolted using inserts) and the lids made and attached with hinges
Here’s a picture of the drawers installed and partially pulled out showing individual compartments.
![IMG_0953.jpeg IMG_0953.jpeg](https://www.wanderthewest.com/data/attachments/57/57924-0c734104fe0dc52d99f7d7d11be53cd0.jpg)
Drawers closed. The area between the cabinets was measured and allowed wide enough for an air mattress
The box and drawers sit high enough (above the 5ved rails) that I made 2X10’s with the same roller bearings to assist the drawers to come out smoothly as they cantilever over the tail gate. A cleat was attached that drips into the gap between the tailgate and truck box holding then in place. Their is room to store them behind the left drawer under the cabinet.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures, and it wasn’t too long of a post. I will add more pictures this weekend.
Glenn?
I started a new build this spring. I’ve taken lots of pictures but am only going to post a few to start with as there are so many.
I will add more pictures every few days or so until I get caught up to where I am currently. I will definatelf have questions when I get into the Solar and dc to dc charging.
Background in the build: My goal is to build a removable base , that is self contained with the electrical and plumbing built in, using my shop hoist to lift it out of the bed of the truck. Then removable cabinet lids, with evetythjng bolted together with 1/4-20 inserts.And finally allowing the mid rise topper to be removed should I want access to my 5th wheel rails for trailering.
So here we go:
I made a base with 1” styrene to stagger the 5ver rails and added roller bearings for the drawers to slide easily on
Here’s a closer view of the roller(s)
Next I built the supporting base out of 2X10’s (3) with cross supports and a plywood top attached with 1/4-20 flathead bolts and inserts should the top ever need removed. I also cut out some diamond shaped holes in the 2X10’s to lighten it up a bit. Primed with KILZ and top coat of light sage acrylic.
Then began building drawers. Box joints on the corners for support and divided into compartments.
I shaped ,glued, and clamped cedar boards to the fiberglass ledge along the topper with Loctite Ultimate adhesive. They in turn used 1/4-20 inserts annd installed boards to them for hinging thd cabinet lids to, make them removable. I built a box to hold the 42 gallon water tank which formed the end by the cab , The cabinet uprights were made from 1 X 12’s with a 90 degree sill board bolted to the base. It also bolts to the water tank box in a similar fashion
Ends were made with a support brace (also bolted using inserts) and the lids made and attached with hinges
Here’s a picture of the drawers installed and partially pulled out showing individual compartments.
![IMG_0953.jpeg IMG_0953.jpeg](https://www.wanderthewest.com/data/attachments/57/57924-0c734104fe0dc52d99f7d7d11be53cd0.jpg)
Drawers closed. The area between the cabinets was measured and allowed wide enough for an air mattress
The box and drawers sit high enough (above the 5ved rails) that I made 2X10’s with the same roller bearings to assist the drawers to come out smoothly as they cantilever over the tail gate. A cleat was attached that drips into the gap between the tailgate and truck box holding then in place. Their is room to store them behind the left drawer under the cabinet.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures, and it wasn’t too long of a post. I will add more pictures this weekend.
Glenn?