Roof Wiring and Devices Project Day 3 records eight hours continuing the roof camera mounts on the Ford Transit. I assembled the WEN drill press, enlarged holes in the extrusion corner brackets, added brackets to an existing mount and prepared parts for the remaining mounts.
The project was still not complete. Roof Wiring and Devices Project Day 2 records the earlier mount assembly. My plan for the following day was to install more roof conduit and run the light and camera wires through it.
See The Materials Used See The Tools Used
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
Plans For Tomorrow
- Install more PVC conduit on roof and run wires from LED lights and security cameras through it
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.
Transit Van Low Pro Roof Rack | 148" High Roof Extended
Quarter-Twenty Button-Head Bolts
These machine screws have a rounded button head with a hex-socket drive. Their threaded shanks attach parts through matching nuts or threaded holes.
View On Amazon: Quarter-Twenty Button-Head Bolts
Small Parts 18-8 Stainless Steel Flat Washer, Plain Finish, Meets ANSI B18.22.1, 1/4" Hole Size, 5/16" ID, 3/4" OD, 0.065" Nominal Thickness (Pack of 100)
These flat washers distribute a fastener load over the surrounding surface. They sit between a screw head or nut and the part being fastened.
View On Amazon: Small Parts 18-8 Stainless Steel Flat Washer, Plain Finish, Meets ANSI B18.22.1, 1/4" Hole Size, 5/16" ID, 3/4" OD, 0.065" Nominal Thickness (Pack of 100)
The Hillman Group 300018 1/4" Split Lock Washer, Steel, 100 Pieces
These quarter-inch split washers are listed for matching hardware assemblies. They may be useful when servicing van fittings that specify this size and washer type.
View On Amazon: The Hillman Group 300018 1/4" Split Lock Washer, Steel, 100 Pieces
Medium Strength Thread Locker 243, Locktight & Seal Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Metals, Blue Threadlocker Against Losening and Leakage(50ml) (50)
This medium-strength threadlocker is intended to help retain threaded fasteners. It could be used on suitable camper-van hardware when the component instructions allow that type of compound.
View On Amazon: Medium Strength Thread Locker 243, Locktight & Seal Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Metals, Blue Threadlocker Against Losening and Leakage(50ml) (50)
Blulu 12 Pcs 1" x 1"x 1/8" Aluminum Angle 6063 Aluminum Angle Stock Angle Bar Aluminum Corner Trim, 12" Length, 1/8" Thick
These short aluminum-angle sections provide right-angled stock for fabrication and bracing. In a camper-van workshop, they can be cut or drilled for custom supports after the load and attachment method are designed.
View On Amazon: Blulu 12 Pcs 1" x 1"x 1/8" Aluminum Angle 6063 Aluminum Angle Stock Angle Bar Aluminum Corner Trim, 12" Length, 1/8" Thick
Slide-In Quarter-Twenty T-Nuts
These slide-in T-nuts provide threaded attachment points within an extrusion slot. A matching bolt fastens a bracket or accessory to the profile.
View On Amazon: Slide-In Quarter-Twenty T-Nuts
REOLINK IP Security Camera Outdoor, 5 MP Home Surveillance Outdoor Indoor PoE Camera, Human/Vehicle Detection, 100Ft IR Night Vision, Work with Smart Home, Up to 256GB microSD Card, RLC-510A (Black)
This wired security camera uses onboard detection to distinguish people, vehicles and other supported events. It can help monitor a parked camper van when suitable power, networking and a secure mounting position are available.
View On Amazon: REOLINK IP Security Camera Outdoor, 5 MP Home Surveillance Outdoor Indoor PoE Camera, Human/Vehicle Detection, 100Ft IR Night Vision, Work with Smart Home, Up to 256GB microSD Card, RLC-510A (Black)
Rrina 180Pcs M5 T-Nuts Screws Assortment Kit, Hammer Head T-Slot Nut for 2020 Series European Standard Aluminum Profile
This assortment provides M5 nuts and screws for slotted aluminum profiles. The hardware forms attachment points for brackets and frame components.
View On Amazon: Rrina 180Pcs M5 T-Nuts Screws Assortment Kit, Hammer Head T-Slot Nut for 2020 Series European Standard Aluminum Profile
M5 Flat Washer, 18-8 (304) Stainless Steel Washers Flat, 100PCS
These M5 flat washers spread pressure beneath compatible fastener heads or nuts. They can support small camper-van hardware assemblies where the dimensions and material are suitable.
View On Amazon: M5 Flat Washer, 18-8 (304) Stainless Steel Washers Flat, 100PCS
12 Pieces Square Aluminum Flat Bar, 1/8" Thickness X 1.2" Width X 12" Length Square Aluminum Bar, 6061 Aluminum Flat Plate, 3mm X 30mm X 305mm T6511 Solid New Mill Stock
These aluminum flat bars provide stock for small custom brackets and mounting pieces. Their flat sections can be cut and drilled during fabrication.
View On Amazon: 12 Pieces Square Aluminum Flat Bar, 1/8" Thickness X 1.2" Width X 12" Length Square Aluminum Bar, 6061 Aluminum Flat Plate, 3mm X 30mm X 305mm T6511 Solid New Mill Stock
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)
This bolt-and-T-nut assembly fastens compatible components to 80/20 T-slot framing. It can be used in a designed camper-van interior framework when the extrusion series, thread engagement and joint loads are matched.
View On Amazon: 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)
These 2020-series T-nuts provide threaded attachment points in compatible extrusion slots. They can fasten brackets in a carefully designed van furniture frame.
View On Amazon: 150 Pieces 2020 Series T Nuts T-Slot Nut Hammer Head Fastener -Plated Carbon Steel Sliding T Nuts for Aluminum Profile (M5)Tools 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 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715),Black
This compound miter saw makes repeatable crosscuts and angled cuts for camper-van cabinetry and framing. A stable work area and proper stock support help produce consistent parts before installation.
View On Amazon: DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715),Black
DEWALT Miter Saw Stand, 1,000 lb Capacity, Lightweight and Portable, Leg Locks for Easy Set Up, Mounting Brackets Included (DWX725B)
This portable work stand includes mounting brackets for a compatible miter saw. It provides a dedicated cutting station while building camper-van cabinetry and folds for workshop storage.
View On Amazon: DEWALT Miter Saw Stand, 1,000 lb Capacity, Lightweight and Portable, Leg Locks for Easy Set Up, Mounting Brackets Included (DWX725B)
COMOWARE Circular Miter Saw Blade - 12-inch 100 Tooth TCG Metal Saw Blade, 1 inch Arbor Heavy Duty for Aluminum and Non Ferrous Metals
This metal-cutting circular blade is intended for cutting suitable aluminum and other nonferrous stock during a camper-van build. Its tooth geometry differs from a general wood blade, so match it to the saw and work material.
View On Amazon: COMOWARE Circular Miter Saw Blade - 12-inch 100 Tooth TCG Metal Saw Blade, 1 inch Arbor Heavy Duty for Aluminum and Non Ferrous Metals
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 Folding Metric Hex Keys
This folding set keeps metric hex keys together in one handle. The individual keys rotate out for turning hex-socket fasteners.
View On Amazon: DEWALT Folding Metric Hex Keys
DEWALT Cordless Angle Grinder
This cordless angle grinder runs an abrasive wheel for grinding and surface preparation. The handheld format reaches metal parts during fabrication and finishing work.
View On Amazon: DEWALT Cordless Angle Grinder
DEWALT - DW8062 - 10,PK DW8062 4-1/2"x.045"x7/8" Metal Angle Grinder Thin Cutoff Wheel, 10 Pack, (Model: DW8062-10,PK)
These DEWALT cutoff discs are intended for cutting metal with a compatible angle grinder. They can help trim suitable brackets and metal stock during a camper-van build.
View On Amazon: DEWALT - DW8062 - 10,PK DW8062 4-1/2"x.045"x7/8" Metal Angle Grinder Thin Cutoff Wheel, 10 Pack, (Model: DW8062-10,PK)
WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press,Black/Orange
A benchtop drill press supports controlled drilling in clamped build materials. It is useful for preparing camper-van brackets and cabinetry parts, but this link now shows a different WEN model from the reviewed purchase.
View On Amazon: WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press,Black/OrangeNotes
- I destroyed my hands in new and exciting ways with my new drill press.
Short Video
Long-Form Article
What Changed At The Existing Mount
The original steps start with unboxing and assembling the drill press. I then drilled larger holes in the exterior extrusion corner brackets and attached those brackets to an existing security-camera mount. A separate bracket was made and attached for the camera's front mounting hole.
The remaining work that day was preparing additional mounts: measuring, cutting and drilling aluminum brackets, then measuring and cutting the extrusion.
Use The Recorded Tools And Materials
The Tools Used cards include the WEN 4208T drill press and the recovered drill, saw, impact driver, hex keys, grinder and cutting wheels. The Materials Used cards preserve the bracket stock, extrusion fasteners, roof rack and camera. Open a card to check the current item against the bracket work you are planning.
The parts list includes several extrusion fasteners used during the mounting work.
From Mount Parts To Conduit Work
My next-day plan was more PVC conduit on the roof and routing the LED-light and camera wires through it. Continue to Roof Wiring and Devices Project Day 4 and use the Build Diary to follow the later stages. The eight-hour entry and personal note remain part of this unfinished build record.
