Day 97: Electrical Wiring and Devices on Roof – Day 3

A man assembling security camera mounts next to his Ford Transit campervan in the vast desert landscape of Phoenix, AZ, embodying self-reliance and adventure.

Projects

Creating DIY security camera roof mounts for passenger side security camera

Project Status

Not complete

Time Spent

8 Hours

Steps Taken

Unbox and assemble WEN drill press
Drill larger holes in exterior extrusion corner brackets for 80/20
Mount corner brackets one existing security camera mount
Create bracket for front hole of security camera on mount and attach it
Measure, cut, and drill aluminum brackets for remaining DIY security camera mounts
Measure and cut 80/20 aluminum extrusion for remaining DIY security camera mounts

Materials Used

Keep in mind that prices frequently fluctuate.
It’s common for products to be delisted on Amazon. If you find a delisted product, please Email Me at steve@campervanfreedom.com and I will fix it.

Tools Used

Notes

I destroyed my hands in new and exciting ways with my new drill press.

Short Video

Plans For Tomorrow

Install more PVC conduit on roof and run wires from LED lights and security cameras through it

Long-Form Article

In the serene yet expansive deserts of Phoenix, AZ, the security of my campervan not only provides peace of mind but is an absolute necessity. Driven by a blend of necessity and passion for DIY, I embarked on an intricate project to construct DIY security camera mounts specifically for the passenger side of my van. This endeavor, though rife with challenges, has been a rewarding journey into the heart of DIY craftsmanship and self-reliance. Below, I share an in-depth account of my project’s progression, from its inception to its current state, detailing each step, the materials and tools employed, and offering insights into the challenges encountered along the way.

A spacious garage workshop with a variety of power tools and a security camera mount in progress, showcasing the DIY spirit of a campervan enthusiast in Phoenix, AZ.

Project Overview

Status: In Progress
Time Invested: 8 Hours

Step-by-Step Guide

Workspace Preparation: The journey began with the unboxing and setup of my WEN drill press, a pivotal tool for the precise drilling tasks ahead. The benchtop drill press, with its heavy-duty 1-inch thick cast iron base, features predrilled holes for effortless mounting, embodying the mantra, “remember when power tools were actually powerful.”
Bracket Preparation: I drilled larger holes into the exterior extrusion corner brackets, ensuring they fit the 80/20 aluminum extrusion system perfectly, thus laying a robust foundation for the security camera mounts.
Initial Assembly: The corner brackets were then affixed to an existing security camera mount, marking the preliminary phase of the camera’s strategic placement.
Front Hole Bracket Fabrication: A bespoke bracket for the front hole of the security camera mount was designed and attached, guaranteeing the camera’s stability.
Aluminum Bracket Crafting: Leveraging precise measurements, I meticulously cut and drilled aluminum brackets for the additional DIY security camera mounts, a testament to the versatility and reliability of the WEN drill press series.
Extrusion Trimming: The 80/20 aluminum extrusion was measured and sawed, forming the structural core of the additional mounts, showcasing the drill press series’ spacious and cast iron worktable bevels.

Materials and Tools

The project required a diverse assortment of materials and tools, ranging from DEWALT products special offers like the DEWALT titanium nitride coated drill bit set to the REOLINK IP security camera, which served as a specific product focus. Notably, the Transit Van Low Pro Roof Rack provided an exceptional foundation for the security configuration.

Materials Utilized:

60Pcs 1/4-20 x 3/4″ Button Head Socket Cap Bolts Screws, complementing the 80/20 aluminum extrusion.
Small Parts 18-8 Stainless Steel Flat Washer (Pack of 100), enhancing the durability of the setup.
The Hillman Group 300018 1/4″ Split Lock Washer, Steel, 100 Pieces, ensuring a vibration-proof and secure assembly.

Crucial Tools:

DEWALT DCD794B 20V MAX ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES Drill Driver, embodying efficiency and power.
WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press, whose powerful induction motor features ball bearings, cast iron worktable bevels 45 degrees for versatility, and on-board chuck key storage for convenience.

Inside a Ford Transit campervan, a well-organized DIY workspace with tools for assembling security camera mounts highlights efficient use of space and creativity.

Personal Insights

This project not only challenged my technical prowess but also tested my resilience. The drill press, especially, was a steep learning curve that, as humorously noted, “destroyed my hands in new and exciting ways.” Despite the hurdles faced, the project stands as a testament to the robust and indomitable spirit of DIY that defines Project Freedom.

Looking Ahead

The project remains incomplete, with further steps including the installation of the remaining camera mounts and the integration of the security system with the van’s electrical framework. For continuous updates on this and other projects in my journey toward campervan liberation, please review the information about our warranties and stay connected with our friendly customer support line detailed on campervanfreedom.com.

Day 97: Electrical Wiring and Devices on Roof – Day 3

Projects

Project Status

Time Spent

Steps Taken

Materials Used

REOLINK IP Security Camera Outdoor, 5 MP Home Surveillance Outdoor Indoor PoE Camera

80/20 Inc, 3479, 10 Series, 1/4-20 X 3/4″ (.75″) Button Head Socket Cap Screw (BHSCS) with Slide-in Standard T-Nut, Black Zinc (25 Pack)

150 Pieces 2020 Series T Nuts T-Slot Nut Hammer Head Fastener -Plated Carbon Steel Sliding T Nuts for Aluminum Profile (M5)