Day 106: Roof Storage System – Day 1

Man constructing a roof storage system for a camper van in the desert, showing tools and materials.

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

  1. Design storage system in SketchUp
  2. Measure and cut 2x4s to simulate roof of van with proper dimensions on patio
  3. 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
  4. Drill holes and screw 2x4s together to create box frame for storage bin drawer with 6″ screws
  5. Drill holes and screw galvanized right angle brackets to inside of box frame with 1″ screws
  6. Measure and mark plywood base for storage bin drawer to screw locations
  7. Drill holes and screw plywood to box frame with 1.5″ screws
  8. Measure and cut rubber mat with scissors to cover storage bin drawer to reduce vibration and noise
  9. Clean wood with cleaner/degreaser to prepare for spray adhesive
  10. Spray spray adhesive on wood in sections and use roller to assist in adhesion
  11. Drill holes and attach rubber mat to 2x4s using 1″ screws and flat washers
  12. Attach rubber mat to plywood using 1/2″ screws and flat washers
  13. Repeat steps 10 through 13 for sides of storage bin drawer with shorter rubber mat cuts
  14. Build 2×4 frame of cabinet to hold two rows of storage bin drawers. Total dimensions: 34″ W x 20″ D x 36″ H
  15. 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.

Tools Used

Dewalt DCD794B 20V MAX ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES Brushless Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Cordless Drill Driver (Tool Only)

Dewalt DCD794B 20V MAX ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES Brushless Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Cordless Drill Driver

Our shortest 20V MAX Drill Driver at 5.88 in. (tool head length only) to access hard to reach areas
$89.79
DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)

DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece

DEWALT drill bit set has connectable accessory storage system to optimize storage space
$26.14
NEIKO 10048A Security Bit Set 100-Piece Set Cr-V Steel 1/4-inch Adapters Phillips Slotted Hex Torx Star Tamperproof Pozi Square Spanner Torque Tri-Wing Clutch Spline Wing Nut, Security Torx Bit Set

NEIKO 10048A Security Bit Set 100-Piece Set

These bits are made of a high-quality chrome vanadium steel for strong hardness that can withstand more torque, reduce wear-outs, ensure longevity, and durability!
$15.99

Pictures

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.

Detailed view of a man installing drawer slides and storage bins on a camper van roof storage system, featuring hands using a drill with a desert backdrop.

🕒 Time Spent: 12 Hours

Progress and Steps Taken

  1. Initial Design and Planning:
    • Utilized SketchUp to design the storage system tailored to the roof’s dimensions.
  2. Construction of Simulation Frame:
    • Measured and cut 2x4s to simulate the van’s roof on my patio, ensuring accurate dimensions.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cabinet Frame Construction:
    • Built a 2×4 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.

Materials Used

Tools Used

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