DIY Slide for basement

g8rvet

Advanced Member
Joined
May 1, 2024
Messages
32
Location
Florida
Added a slide tray to basement of 3250BH. I made a much smaller one for my previous TT. The design allows long storage to the rear of the right compartment. I also made the second level removable or I can flip it up when out to get to something. I will live with it a while and see if I need to make any changes. I can also store things less than 2" tall under the tray as well. Did not show that. I will say it is a bit heavy, but I wanted more tongue weight anyway. It could easily be made to be less heavy, but I used materials I had on hand as well. All in for about $100 counting the materials I had on hand.
 

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It is not for everyone, just thought I would take a minute to assist anyone thinking of doing it. I would not want one without it. But I like organized over space. I never seem to totally fill up the space.
 
Thanks for this post, as you say, not for everyone. But I appreciate it when people post about their projects. It can inspire others to do things they might not otherwise try.
 
We had a Joey bed on the Foretravel in the larger bay. Very easy to get to stuff with that. The smaller bay didn't have one, so I put things in there that we didn't need to get to as often. Now, with a travel trailer, things are a bit different. We have a Bed Slide in the pickup. The outside storage is much more limited here, and the way I divided the pass-through for the electrical upgrade means that there isn't as much space under there. We're fairly heavy on the tongue anyway, so a slide wouldn't be worth it. The Bed Slide, though, is well worth the weight. I only wish it was the heavier one, but since I bought a used truck I took what was there.
 
It is not that heavy. All of the wood is pine and dry. It was built in three pieces and each piece was easily carried. Less than 100 but more than 70. Like I said, if weight is an issue, would not be ideal. The one I built for my other TT was less than 40 pounds, but one level. With any basic woodworking skill, one could make a similar tray system that would weigh well less than 50. I wanted some more tongue weight so deliberately built it stout. But hey, if you don't like it, don't build for your trailer. I am not selling it, just showing one simple, cheap way to get a tray slide if someone would like one.

I would never want a bed slide as I use my truck all the time and would not want to have to take it in and out. Does not mean it would not work great for some people.

I will not post any more mods on here.
 
"I will not post any more mods on here."

If you're going to post on forums, especially things you've done, you will need to grow a bit thicker skin. Not everyone will praise your deeds. I don't like slides, but other people do. People have different ideas/opinions, doesn't mean yours are lousy or unwanted.
 
Or people could just look at the mod, think to themselves it is not for me and move on. Some are not wired that way I guess. Was not asking for opinions, just took some pics so anyone that was thinking about tackling it could have some ideas. I just posted it for information to anyone searching for a DIY slide option. Like I said, I will just keep it to myself and not post any more mods on this site. No big deal.

I have posted dozens of mods on a Bronco Forum, Xpress forum and others. Just to help anyone thinking about doing something similar. I always check to see if someone has done something similar when planning a project.
 
I love when people critique my butchery. Many of the critiques are extremely useful. Some not so much.

Sorry that you feel so bad.
 
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Yeah, too many people thought my repairs were sketchy and out of the norm. I was known as the butcher. I embraced the term vs getting upset about someone's opinion. I was validated with my 'talents' when Mercedes sent many of the problem cars in the area to my dealership for me to fix. I even have awards from Mercedes with the term 'Butcher' engraved on them.

As a professional mechanic, the first thing you're taught is to not care about anything. Just do your job/it's not your car/F'it, my car runs fine. Once your feelings are gone, the job becomes so much easier. Sadly I could not master this and after 24 years, I packed my bags and opened my own private repair shop. No, it's not called Butchers Auto Repair. ;)
 
No worries, I don't feel bad in the slightest. I am a professional by trade and perform surgery on a routine basis. These little projects are just fun to me and I enjoy woodwork projects to relax. Some I fuss over and make pretty, some are just functional. Like I said, this is not for everyone. Maybe I misunderstand the purpose of the Mod section. Was not looking for an attaboy, just trying to help others thinking about a similar project.
 
No worries, I don't feel bad in the slightest. I am a professional by trade and perform surgery on a routine basis.

I really hope that none of this is going to prevent you from posting in the future. You are new here [like all of us one day] and none of us were saying your baby is ugly. Please share your ideas again. Don't let comments like mine scare you off.

Hats off for you being a surgeon. Some of my clients are surgeons and I know that is something to be proud about. I suspect the stuff you do may seem natural to you but not for most of us.

You probably don't want to be known as the 'butcher' when it comes to your profession. ;)
 
"I will not post any more mods on here."

If you're going to post on forums, especially things you've done, you will need to grow a bit thicker skin. Not everyone will praise your deeds. I don't like slides, but other people do. People have different ideas/opinions, doesn't mean yours are lousy or unwanted.

Here is the tray I made for our 5er. Rolls out on either side of the RV. Works great and weighs little.

IMG_0383.jpg IMG_0771.jpg
 

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Looks nice RVing. I may take the top tray off and use totes. Will use it for a while and see how it goes.

Would like to see some closer views of the side rail. Did you weld anything or all machine screwed?
 
Looks nice RVing. I may take the top tray off and use totes. Will use it for a while and see how it goes.

Would like to see some closer views of the side rail. Did you weld anything or all machine screwed?


No welding, all done with hand tools. So much fun. I store all my "flat" things like rubber pads, orange stacking blocks, small rugs, etc. under the tray. Locking arm (hinge) is forced down (engaged) with a spring off a rat trap.:)
3/8" plywood on bottom.

IMG_0775.jpg IMG_0387.jpg


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Clopay-...e-Doors-0120593/312648135#ratings-and-reviews
https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=garage+door+roller&refinement=338204932
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...num-Angle-with-1-16-in-Thick-802597/204273989
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...num-Angle-with-1-16-in-Thick-801727/204273985
 
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