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Plywood topper.....no really - Ben Franklin T-Chart Decision Making

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steffen707

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It's almost like you transcribed your ENTIRE thought process!
It took me hours last night while watching youtube, while the wife was out with friends
Just use the backup camera! I have this app as a shortcut and use it frequently when driving because it gives a really wide angle without blind spots. Maybe novelty use now, but nonetheless an option!
App, on the uconnect touchscreen?
My gut thought was that garbage cans are too tall for a topper and that would eliminate a purchased topper altogether since this goes against your 'Must Haves'. I had to see for myself. Here's a pic of a standard size garbage can in the back of the JT. About nine inches to spare on the top!
I looked up the height of brute garbage cans, so I knew it could fit. Now i have to see if I can build a shelf at 7" off the bed height (equal to the 2x4 for plywood hauling height), with 2 slide out drawers below it and a 44x2?x6" water tank, if I can still fit 2 garbage cans above the 7" shelf, but below the plywood topper.

Well if it were me: Since the bed will hold your logistical support package, I would build a dog house that slides in/out. I would have doors that opened by lifting or folding down on each side, giving you access to your equipment. In the rear, I would do a split door, the upper opening dual doors out to each side and the lower door folding down across the tailgate to use as a work table to prepare meals etc.

Put handles at all 4 corners and build or buy a table with rolers on each foot. Shorten the legs to be flat with the tailgate coming down. Come home from the camping trip, and drag the doghouse off and onto the table, roll it into your garage.
Great suggestion. I was thinking something similar. Need to rough sketch it to post.
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I call them apps :). You can open the cam at any speed. I used it to snap a pic of my water fording mini-adventure!

backup cam.jpg


IMG_20190620_081642.jpg
so you can access rear cam at any speed, what about front cam if so equipped?
 

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so you can access rear cam at any speed, what about front cam if so equipped?
I think I read the front cam is available when 4 LO is engaged, so not that fast.
EDIT: My kiddos like to feel like we're on a roller coaster when I turn it on on the highway!
 
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I think I read the front cam is available when 4 LO is engaged, so not that fast.
EDIT: My kiddos like to feel like we're on a roller coaster when I turn it on on the highway!
you probably can turn front on whenever with one of those obd2 "Tazer" things.
 

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I looked up the height of brute garbage cans, so I knew it could fit. Now i have to see if I can build a shelf at 7" off the bed height (equal to the 2x4 for plywood hauling height), with 2 slide out drawers below it and a 44x2?x6" water tank, if I can still fit 2 garbage cans above the 7" shelf, but below the plywood topper.
With a custom install it should fit.
highest part of bed floor to top of rail is about 17.5", then 22" to top of side of cab, (not peak of cab) minus 7" shelf, is 32.5" available vertical height.

So a 1.5" tall roof would mean a 31" tall garbage can would just fit... Might need to cheat and make the topper 22.5" tall for that "CUSTOM" fit. Charge myself an extra $1,500 for the labor and buy a lift kit. (I can convince the wife of that right?)

Or I could chance it with this,
085968_1.jpg
 
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not sure why I made this, but first time using sketchup, pretty cool. big learning curve.
Plywood topper with front and rear window sitting on Gladiator box.

upload_2019-6-26_11-58-43.png
 
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Um..how is she talking without a mouth? Or for that matter, why does she need glasses?!?!
i didn't design her, she's just for perspective. :surprised:
 

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not sure why I made this, but first time using sketchup, pretty cool. big learning curve.
Plywood topper with front and rear window sitting on Gladiator box.

upload_2019-6-26_11-58-43.png
That's your wife calling you and asking why did you spend all the money and what the hell is this in the garage
 
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That's your wife calling you and asking why did you spend all the money and what the hell is this in the garage
"Don't worry about it honey. Its a PROTOTYPE, i'm going to start mass producing these and make HUNDREDS of dollars!":idea:
 

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Awesome thread as usual.

Question: which guy do you trust with your money?

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Awesome thread as usual.

Question: which guy do you trust with your money?
.........i give up, which guy do you trust with your money?
 
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6 sheets of marine plywood @ $60 each (2 for top, 2 for bottom, 2 for 4 sides)
2x4s for frame - negligible
1.5x3" aluminum rectangle tubes $200-$300 welded with a friend discount
Paint???

Probably looking at $600-$700 realistically if you're handy to do the wood work and attach it all to the aluminum frame, AND can find somebody local to weld it for a decent price.

Also I found pricing ranging from $25 per 5' rectangle tube to $80 per tube. Find a local supplier that won't gouge you. i'm thinking of ordering from this place, https://www.midweststeelsupply.com/store/index.php
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