Cargo Tray (or slides) for my Shortie's Trunk

[chefjuke]

Hey all,

So, my new Shortie (1979 Ford/Carpenter) has a GREAT trunk space in back. 7+ Feet wide, 32"+ deep (actually goes another 14 inches deeper but the wheel wells limit the use of the space) with double swing out doors.

I am wanting to install a slide-out platform in this space that will act as a work table. Has to be fairly heavy duty as I want to use the platform, when extended, my kitchen workspace off the back of the bus. Mainly hold a 3 burner camp stove and assorted cooking equipment.

I've been looking at a lot of cargo trays out there, but most of them are designed for longer applications. The heavy duty trays and/or slides that I've seen seem to all start around 36" deep. I need something around 30" deep by 7' wide that would extend the entire 30". If I have to I could go with two trays if the width is a problem. Also, I would ideally like the tray/slides to be as low profile as possible.

So, any suggestions, ideas, links to places to purchase, etc. would all be appreciated.

Oh, and of course, I'm doing this all on a shoestring budget, so used,discount, or just plain cheap resources would be great.

Thanks,

 

[Kirbystud]

Use garage door track....Mount the rollers to the bus and the track to the slider. The track need to be extended pass your tray so it can support the tray when it is out.. I did this in a pickup with a topper on it and had it loaded up with tools. the cool thing is it is cheap to do. Go to any door company that installs garage doors and they have piles of old tracks and roller. If it's like the place I went they said help your self.......

 

[chefjuke]

Use garage door track....Mount the rollers to the bus and the track to the slider. The track need to be extended pass your tray so it can support the tray when it is out.. I did this in a pickup with a topper on it and had it loaded up with tools. the cool thing is it is cheap to do. Go to any door company that installs garage doors and they have piles of old tracks and roller. If it's like the place I went they said help your self.......

Hmm...that sounds like a great idea, but I think it might not work in my situation as I don't have the space beyond the 30" for the extra track (the wheel wells start right at 32"). If I had more space or wanted a shorter tray it might be possible....

But I do happen to have some old garage door track and rollers. I will take a look and maybe experiment a little and see if I can come up with something that might work.

Thanks,

 

[Kirbystud]

How about making a slide out with two legs to drop down. Or two chains to hook to the bus for support. That way you don't have to worry about how level the ground is......

 

[Papabear-SKO]

Am doing something similar with mine. I'm going to build my own metal trays and use these sliders. Good luck

http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page. ... 43616&ap=1

 

[chefjuke]

Am doing something similar with mine. I'm going to build my own metal trays and use these sliders. Good luck

http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page. ... 43616&ap=1

Papabear,

DINGDINGDING...I think we have a winner.

This is actually pretty darned funny as I shop Lee Valley all the time, but for this project I was looking at all the RV stores....

I'm going to check these out and they are probably what I will go with, but I still may want to look at some of the RV specific trays as they have a few features that may be a little more suited...will let you all know (and Papabear, post pix of your project when finished).

Thanks,

 

[Papabear-SKO]

Chefjuke, hope it works for you. That stage of my construction will be later this winter, but pics will follow. Good luck!

 

[SHORTS]

rockler woodworking has all kinds of slides and cabinet hardware in their catalog, also look at your local industrial supply like Graingers, MSC, Fastenal, or McMaster Carr, theyh all also do buisiness online. you may also want to try thomas register for specific item serches