Joined the DIY slide out boot tray bandwagon

[DamienP]

First of all... thanks to members soulstyledevon and briwy for their own posts on here and inspiration.

Having used the beach a couple of times now I saw the benefits of having one big slide out tray and so decided that a DIY project to create something was the way forward. I investigated a few options and in the end I decided to go for the slightly more expensive over engineered approach with the well known slides from GSF rated to 250kg instead of some cheaper ones from germany at 130KG. I'll probably never have that much weight but i'll have something that is sturdy with peace of mind.

Making something full width for a beach boot is certainly more expensive than smaller ones for ocean as with the latter you can go for cheaper slides, smaller size aluminium and without the need to buy a full 2.4 x 1.2 sheet of ply.

Anyway, here is complete list and total cost of all materials including bits of trim etc

Container Red Slide Fully Locking 914mm £155.21
Multiflexboard Locking Rail Pack of 4 brackets £24.90
Flat Corner Plate x4 £4.00
Interlocking Foam Pads £4.95
Nuts and Bolts £7.27
12mm Ply Wood Sheet £30
Aluminium £61.00
Black bolt end caps £1.85
Black edge trim £8.00
TOTAL £286.83



So onto some pictures that I took...


Aluminium from a local shop... I went for 3 inch main frame to match size of the slides



I got lengths that needed trimming to my own size... wanted to be sure they were accurate so cut myself.



Laying out the main frame and getting it all square ready for riveting



Main frame all assembled that will bolt to the rails. I put careful considering into this as something I was mindful of was not having all the weight just on the rails. I wanted to disperse on both the rails and on the foot floor.



You can see here how i've constructed it so that it sits evenly on both the rails AND the boot floor.... the top of the rails is 6.5 - 7mm above the boot floor surface (depending on whether you measure from the small 0.5mm raised squares)



Some initial bolting and testing of the mechanism in the garage



Making the floor of the tray.... ensure bolts are inset and flush with surface



Bolting it in and and finishing off



Decided to finish off with some foam pads in the tray and some trim to cover the edge



.

 

[DamienP]

The finished product

 

[calikev]

good job

 

[Moakesy]

I wish I was proficient enough to have a go myself at one of these...I know my limitations though and it would come out a weird oblong shape without a right angle in sight!!!

 

[Explorer Mart]

Brilliant job and good write up, have you got any plans or measurements as I'm interested in making one like this. Are just 2 of the multiplex locking brackets required and do you have the part code to order from TPS

Thanks Martyn

 

[hirsty]

Superb job, and thanks for sharing - I really would benefit from one of these, particularly as the two-seat bench / multiflex board is so much lower than on the three-seat, though losing any more height won't help of course ...

 

[soulstyledevon]

Nice work DamienP
Looks great.
Did you just have locking bolts on the two middle rails...?

 

[DamienP]

Hi All,

These are the mounts that I bought:
https://www.gsf-promounts.com/conta...vy-duty-hi-load-180-250-kg-pair-pair-pricing/

There was a 5% discount code on the MD's linkedin profile if it's still there


These are the locking rail bolts:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B076NXX4T4/?tag=eliteelect-21

They are sometimes on ebay for a little cheaper shipped from Germany I think.

I used all 4. I used two at the back and then I cut two pieces of the 3 inch alu angle to use as brackets at either side. They were bolted onto the main frame (not rivited) just behind where the multiflex board sits on the rails. I can always take a picture of one later if that's not obvious


I went really low with mine to make sure my fridge fit under so you can do it without loosing much height. Just have to watch that the bolt heads underneath securing the ply wood base clear your rivets


Happy to answer any more questions / show closer pics if it helps anyone.

Damien.

 

[Phil P]

Good job, it’s a reality check to see the true cost of the components for the job.
What are your thoughts about the VW multifex board versus the kits on eBay?
Cheers

 

[tucker266]

Damien I don’t think I can PM you - but would love to pick your brains on this if you’re still around? Anthony

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

The finished product

View attachment 34328


View attachment 34329

Brilliant job Damien. What was the cost of all materials?

 

[ThomasHJ]

If it helps at all, I did a DIY (for our SE/Ocean) and the costs were around 215 pounds for all materials. You can find the description (in English) with photo's on my blog here. Or download the instructions from the resources section here on the forums.

 

[Phil P]

Looks great, I have a full width version in my Caravelle. I bought the tray sold on the shop 2nd hand from this website £250 if I factor in fuel costs of going to get it. I think they’re £400. So if you can build your own it is worthwhile as not loads for sale second hand. It is a fantastic addition as no rummaging about. Plus we put our 2 burner Cadac on it to cook.

 

[Trevor Brown]

Just for interest, while I didn't make a diy sliding boot tray, I decided to make a bicycle support that fits the tray. We have 2 Tern Vektron e-bikes, and wanted to safely transport them for outings farther afield from home, and so put together the illustrated bike frame that fits snugly in the sliding tray. It works superbly well, and while perhaps very specialist to my use, could perhaps spark some derivative interest to someone else. If the manner of construction is of interest, feel free to ask for detail.

 

[ThomasHJ]

I have absolutely no need for this, but love it. Thanks for sharing. I'm sure there'll be people who could really use this and will be happy that you did.

 

[GrahamB]

The finished product

View attachment 34328


View attachment 34329

Very nice work and great write up!