What Roof Storage System Documents
This entry records an early stage of the roof-storage project: a SketchUp design, timber laid out on the patio to represent the roof dimensions, and work on a bin drawer and cabinet frame. The original status is In progress, with 12 hours reported.
The stylized desert scenes on this page are illustrations. Use the original project photographs in Pictures to examine the work recorded here. The timber-layout photograph and extended-drawer photograph provide different kinds of evidence; neither is a roof-mounting or load-test report.
| Record | What It Supports |
|---|---|
| Patio Layout | The notes describe simulating the roof dimensions before working on the storage assembly. |
| Bins And Drawer | The photographs show containers with the timber assembly and a drawer in an extended position. |
| Rubber Mat | The notes describe adding matting with the aim of reducing noise and vibration. No measured before-and-after result is recorded in this entry. |
Carry The Observation Into The Next Decision
The useful lesson is to record what a build stage actually establishes before treating it as a finished design. Keep the intended purpose, the observed result and the next unresolved check as separate notes. Here, the photographs can help explain the physical arrangement while the original “Plans For Tomorrow” still calls for more work.
Use the project decision record to carry open questions into the next job. The SketchUp blockout workflow covers planning the occupied space, and the moving-furniture checks cover access questions. This journal preserves the original dimensions, hardware and work sequence below.
Projects
- Storage system on roof to hold my tools, hardware, and other items to work on the van on the road
Project Status
- In progress
Time Spent
- 12 Hours
Steps Taken
- Design storage system in SketchUp
- Measure and cut 2x4s to simulate roof of van with proper dimensions on patio
- Measure and cut 2x4s for framing of storage bin drawer. Total dimensions: 29.75" W x 19 3/16" D x 3 7/8" H
- Drill holes and screw 2x4s together to create box frame for storage bin drawer with 6" screws
- Drill holes and screw galvanized right angle brackets to inside of box frame with 1" screws
- Measure and mark plywood base for storage bin drawer to screw locations
- Drill holes and screw plywood to box frame with 1.5" screws
- Measure and cut rubber mat with scissors to cover storage bin drawer to reduce vibration and noise
- Clean wood with cleaner/degreaser to prepare for spray adhesive
- Spray spray adhesive on wood in sections and use roller to assist in adhesion
- Drill holes and attach rubber mat to 2x4s using 1" screws and flat washers
- Attach rubber mat to plywood using 1/2" screws and flat washers
- Repeat steps 10 through 13 for sides of storage bin drawer with shorter rubber mat cuts
- Build 2x4 frame of cabinet to hold two rows of storage bin drawers. Total dimensions: 34" W x 20" D x 36" H
- Attach drawer sliders to cabinet frame and storage bin drawer with 1" screws
Plans For Tomorrow
- Continue work on roof storage system
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.
MYOYAY 1/8in Thick Rubber Garage Floor Mat 3.28 x 16.4 Ft Garage Flooring Mats Coin Pattern Flooring Rolls Non-Slip Parking Mats for Under Car Workshop, Black
This textured rubber roll can create a wipe-clean protective surface in a camper van's utility or storage area. Cut it to the intended footprint and secure the edges so the mat cannot shift or become a trip hazard.
View On Amazon: MYOYAY 1/8in Thick Rubber Garage Floor Mat 3.28 x 16.4 Ft Garage Flooring Mats Coin Pattern Flooring Rolls Non-Slip Parking Mats for Under Car Workshop, Black
Steel L-Angle Brackets
These steel L-brackets join components at a right angle. Their mounting holes provide locations for attaching fasteners to each side of a corner.
View On Amazon: Steel L-Angle Brackets
HOMZ Durabilt Storage Bins
These lidded plastic bins organize tools, supplies and loose equipment. Their stackable shape helps consolidate items between build sessions.
View On Amazon: HOMZ Durabilt Storage Bins
3M Hi-Strength 90 Spray Adhesive, Permanent, Bonds Laminate, Wood, Concrete, Metal, Plastic, Clear Glue, Net Wt 17.6 oz, Will Spray Upside Down
This 3M contact-type spray adhesive bonds compatible sheet materials during camper-van interior construction. Its adjustable spray pattern helps cover larger surfaces such as suitable panels, fabrics or insulation.
View On Amazon: 3M Hi-Strength 90 Spray Adhesive, Permanent, Bonds Laminate, Wood, Concrete, Metal, Plastic, Clear Glue, Net Wt 17.6 oz, Will Spray Upside Down
SMP13005 - Simple Green Industrial Cleaner and Degreaser
This concentrated cleaner and degreaser removes dirt from compatible washable surfaces. It can support camper-van cleanup when diluted, rinsed and tested according to the label.
View On Amazon: SMP13005 - Simple Green Industrial Cleaner and Degreaser
Black-Oxide Phillips Wood Screws
These black-finish screws have a Phillips drive and a countersunk head. They join wood components while keeping the fastener head close to the finished surface.
View On Amazon: Black-Oxide Phillips Wood Screws
Black-Oxide Steel Flat Washers
These flat steel washers sit beneath a screw head or nut. Their wider bearing surface spreads contact around the fastener hole.
View On Amazon: Black-Oxide Steel Flat Washers
Stainless Flat-Head Phillips Screws
These stainless-steel screws have a Phillips drive and a countersunk flat head. They fasten pieces where the screw head is intended to sit close to the surface.
View On Amazon: Stainless Flat-Head Phillips Screws
Number-Six Flat Washers
These flat washers sit under a screw head or nut. Their bearing surface spreads contact around a fastening hole.
View On Amazon: Number-Six Flat Washers
Wood Stud Material
This wood stock provides a rectangular member for carpentry work. It can be cut into shorter pieces for framing, blocking and project supports.
View On Amazon: Wood Stud Material
Alexandria Moulding Plywood Panel
This plywood panel provides flat sheet material for a fabrication project. It can be cut into smaller pieces for shelving, panels and other interior components.
View On Amazon: Alexandria Moulding Plywood Panel
AOLISHENG 10 Pair Full Extension Drawer Slides Rails 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 Inch 100 LB Load Capacity Side Mount Ball Bearing Metal Dresser Runner File Cabinet Trash Can Slider Kitchen Glide Black
These ball-bearing drawer slides extend drawers for access to their contents. In a camper van, they can support custom storage when the selected length, mounting clearance and separate travel latch suit the cabinet.
View On Amazon: AOLISHENG 10 Pair Full Extension Drawer Slides Rails 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 Inch 100 LB Load Capacity Side Mount Ball Bearing Metal Dresser Runner File Cabinet Trash Can Slider Kitchen Glide BlackTools Used
DEWALT DCD794B Compact Drill/Driver
This compact cordless drill/driver holds drilling and driving accessories in its chuck. Its brushless motor and short body provide a handheld tool for drilling and fastening jobs.
View On Amazon: DEWALT DCD794B Compact Drill/Driver
DEWALT DW1361 titanium pilot-point drill set, 21 pieces
This drill-bit set covers a range of hole sizes for compatible camper fabrication materials. Select the bit, speed and cutting method for each material and inspect concealed areas before drilling.
View On Amazon: DEWALT DW1361 titanium pilot-point drill set, 21 pieces
Moticett Replacement Tool Batteries
These rechargeable replacement batteries store power for cordless tools. Their removable packs connect at the tool’s battery interface.
View On Amazon: Moticett Replacement Tool Batteries
DEWALT Cordless Impact Driver Kit
This cordless impact-driver kit combines the fastening tool with battery and charging equipment. Its hex-bit holder accepts driver bits for installing and removing screws.
View On Amazon: DEWALT Cordless Impact Driver Kit
NEIKO 10048A Security Bit Set
This bit set brings several standard and security fastener profiles into one case. It supports removal and installation of the different screw heads encountered in build hardware.
View On Amazon: NEIKO 10048A Security Bit Set
DEWALT 20V MAX Heat Gun, Cordless, Up to 990 Degrees, 42 Minutes of Run Time, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCE530B)
This cordless heat gun provides directed hot air with an LED work light and lock-on control. It can help with suitable heat-shrink tubing and other heat-assisted camper-van build tasks without needing an outlet at the work location.
View On Amazon: DEWALT 20V MAX Heat Gun, Cordless, Up to 990 Degrees, 42 Minutes of Run Time, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCE530B)
DEWALT 20V MAX Battery, 6 Ah, 2-Pack, Fully Charged in Under 90 Minutes (DCB206-2)
These DEWALT batteries power compatible 20V MAX cordless tools. They can supply van-build tools when charged and stored according to manufacturer instructions.
View On Amazon: DEWALT 20V MAX Battery, 6 Ah, 2-Pack, Fully Charged in Under 90 Minutes (DCB206-2)
Bearings Equipped Automotive Car Audio Sound Deadening Application Wheel Roller, Heat Abatement Mat Wallpaper Application PU Smoothing Tool Seam Roller
This hand roller uses a polyurethane wheel and bearings to press automotive sound-deadening material onto a surface. During a camper-van build, it helps work damping sheets against body panels before interior finishes cover them.
View On Amazon: Bearings Equipped Automotive Car Audio Sound Deadening Application Wheel Roller, Heat Abatement Mat Wallpaper Application PU Smoothing Tool Seam Roller
DEWALT ToughSeries Tape Measure
This retractable tape measure provides a marked steel blade for measuring parts and spaces. Its case stores the blade between layout and cutting tasks.
View On Amazon: DEWALT ToughSeries Tape MeasurePictures
Short Video
Long Form Article
?️ Project Overview
Today marked the beginning of an ambitious project to create a roof storage system for my tools, hardware, and other essentials needed to maintain my camper van while on the road. This storage solution is designed to maximize space and ensure easy access to my tools and supplies.
? Time Spent: 12 Hours
Progress And Steps Taken
- Initial Design and Planning:
- Utilized SketchUp to design the storage system tailored to the roof's dimensions.
- Construction of Simulation Frame:
- Measured and cut 2x4s to simulate the van’s roof on my patio, ensuring accurate dimensions.
- Storage Bin Drawer Framework:
- Constructed a frame for the storage bin drawer with dimensions of 29.75" W x 19 3/16" D x 3 7/8" H.
- Assembled the box frame using 6" screws and reinforced with galvanized right-angle brackets.
- Preparation and Assembly of Drawer Base:
- Prepared the plywood base and drilled it onto the frame.
- Covered the drawer with a rubber mat to minimize vibration and noise, adhering it with a spray adhesive and securing with screws and washers.
- Cabinet Frame Construction:
- Built a 2x4 frame for a cabinet designed to hold two rows of storage bin drawers with total dimensions of 34" W x 20" D x 36" H.
- Attached drawer sliders for smooth operation.
Plans For Tomorrow
- Continue enhancing and finalizing the roof storage system, focusing on durability and accessibility.