Vincent
Active Wheeler
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2024
- Messages
- 244
- Reaction score
- 26
- Rivian
- R1T
I have seen a lot of cool DIY efforts that reminded me I never really shared some of my experience, which in the process can probably help folks save some money and optimize build dimensions
I have slowly been optimizing my gear tunnel build.
Key points of concern for me when making my DIY solution were:
-Minimally destructive (Rivian gave us 6mm bolts to mount into!, not destructive at all unless you damage a trim clip)
-Less than the Rivian teased shuttle in cost (materials only)
-Easy enough to share plans/ build steps with
-Parts are available for purchase readily
-Maximize usable space
Have drawer slides oriented in the proper position, not flat or off camber, like the OEM ones that never were released.
V1.0
Estimated Cost: $420ish (nice)
Wood : $15
Drawer Slides: $160
Unistrut: $70
Angle Aluminum: $75
Fasteners and Hardware: $50
Leg: $50
Things I liked:
-It's a working drawer
-the frame is stable and doesn't need any additional supports between the factory mount points
Dislikes:
-The way I oriented the drawer slides was weird and rested on angle brackets to clear the top side of the slide hardware. Too janky (but also, worked without fail for 4 months) not the worst first attempt
-Screws too long that came with the brackets, poked through cheap thin wood i had on hand
-RV leg bent when person didn't know how to unlock properly
Things I would change in the next version:
-router to soften all angles
-rivet or bolts instead of self tappers
-better finished wood OR polymer for the drawer platform
I have slowly been optimizing my gear tunnel build.
Key points of concern for me when making my DIY solution were:
-Minimally destructive (Rivian gave us 6mm bolts to mount into!, not destructive at all unless you damage a trim clip)
-Less than the Rivian teased shuttle in cost (materials only)
-Easy enough to share plans/ build steps with
-Parts are available for purchase readily
-Maximize usable space
Have drawer slides oriented in the proper position, not flat or off camber, like the OEM ones that never were released.
V1.0
Estimated Cost: $420ish (nice)
Wood : $15
Drawer Slides: $160
Unistrut: $70
Angle Aluminum: $75
Fasteners and Hardware: $50
Leg: $50
Things I liked:
-It's a working drawer
-the frame is stable and doesn't need any additional supports between the factory mount points
Dislikes:
-The way I oriented the drawer slides was weird and rested on angle brackets to clear the top side of the slide hardware. Too janky (but also, worked without fail for 4 months) not the worst first attempt
-Screws too long that came with the brackets, poked through cheap thin wood i had on hand
-RV leg bent when person didn't know how to unlock properly
Things I would change in the next version:
-router to soften all angles
-rivet or bolts instead of self tappers
-better finished wood OR polymer for the drawer platform
