I'm getting a new survey SUV soon ... I've always used 1/2" plywood to make the box, but this time I'm thinking 1/4" plywood and metal angle brackets (to keep the weight down), then reinforcing it as necessary. Not sold on this idea yet. Maybe 1/2" plywood around the outside and just using 1/4" for the dividers ...
This truck will probably double as the family wagon for camping trips, so I want something lightweight and easy to remove ...
Any thought.
The 1/4" should work fine with proper bracing.
Joe
Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. Typing class 9th grade!
We had a need for a "removable" set-up and wound up using 5 of these, from Home Depot, I believe:
The two on the top are 8" and the three on the bottom are 10". It only took one roll of duct tape to keep it all together. With the equipment out of it, it only weighs about 40 lbs. Easy enough to stack in the corner.
It's been almost two years and even though they are lookin' ratty on the edges, they're still holding together. The P/U does have a bed cover to keep the moisture off of them.
All the smaller (wood, too) gear fits in 2 large HDPE tool boxes with handles. Maybe they says "Rhino" or something like that on them. They're the bomb.
We can "de-tool" the back of the truck in about 10 minutes. Tidy.
In 2008 I went with a custom-made welded aluminum box. It was pretty spendy at $2,500.00, but I'm very happy with it.
My box is built in sections that stack on top of each other. They work pretty good for me. Pictures should be on here, I think.
I am thinking about reconfiguring mine somewhat. Being solo, I tend to carry a lot of gear. It helps sometimes by cutting down on the back and forth leapfrogging. I use the ATV and multiple foresights and backsights, and it really speeds things up when you get on a roll.
I know a couple surveyors who use sanitary sewer pipe to hold their tripods. I use a pvc pipe to hold my prism poles. How many people think it's a good idea to use sewer pipe.
Instead of building a box that you will need to remove for "family time" buy a small enclosed trailer. Store your equipment in it and when not working, all you have to do is unhook it.
I've been thinking about something very similiar. A 5x8 nice enclosed trailer can be bought for around $1500 around here all day long.
I used low head irrigation pipe in my personal truck. It is very lightweight and plenty stiff enough.
Been trying to convince the owner without luck so far. We have to carry so many traffic cones and warning signs, the space available in a trailer would be perfect. I would think there would be less wear and tear on the truck as it is not carrying all of that weight around (wood box and equipment) and you could trick out the trailer with lots of company signage and warning lights. Maybe even utilize a smaller and more fuel efficient truck too, something like a Tacoma crew cab.
> ... I'm thinking 1/4" plywood and metal angle brackets ...
And I'm wondering what you are going to attach these angle brackets to the 1/4" ply with - 3/32" screws? I just don't think that 1/4" ply will be durable enough. 1/2" is pushing it, IMO.
I worked for a guy who used a trailer he'd haul with the family station wagon. It was ok, until the first time you need to turn around on a two track or are in tight conditions somewhere. But for city work with signage, cones, etc it would be terrific to haul that stuff.
I use my enclosed 6x10 for my ATV, and toss in a few things. Everything else is in my truck.
My box is 1/2 plywood, 1x8 vertical seperators for tripods, shovels, rods, & stuff. Plus a couple custom sized boxes made out of 1x8 that kind of slide around as need be, for nails, caps, paint, coffee cans of stuff. Back seat of extended cab has storage bin for 4 seasons of clothing, footware & gloves, extra water, nuts, stuff. Delorme & Atlas map books fit nicely behind that, or on top. All my instruments sit nicely on seat right next to it. I can slide the box out to have my full truck bed for other uses in about 20 minutes (total weight of box is 80-100 lbs +/-, plus all the tools & stuff).
It's fun to make work boxes. Each one gets better.
I guess I enjoy these survey box threads as much as anyone else, BUT I have to wonder why surveyors all tend to build some sort of wooden box to contain their stuff? You typically don't see other professions do this OR even other trades, most of them buy a professional storage system.
After using the wooden boxes at more than one place I worked, the first and only truck so far since going on my own got a professionally made storage system on day one, this has cost less than $15.00 / week over the last 11 years. The cost of aluminum has gone up, BUT still if you figure a 10 year life I would guess less than $30 / week for the truck storage system over the life of the truck, seems like a very reasonable cost for a professional aluminum storage system that will need little to no maintenance over that time. In addition it projects a much more professional image to clients.
The Silver Shield ads used to boast that you would save the cost of the system in saved time over the life span of their organizer, I agree with that, BUT I think there are probably better built systems in today's marketplace.
I would look to Highway Products as one outstanding source. I went with another supplier in the Fall of 2000 to custom build my storage, BUT these guys have really upped the bar of late and I like what they offer.
SHG
I realize that The Pseudo Ranger mentioned using his new SUV for personal use too, my work truck has very limited abilities as a personal use vehicle, my previous post was mostly directed at full time work truck situations.
That said, I believe that both Silver Shield and Highway Products build SUV models, so there might be less elaborate professional solutions for SUV installations.
SHG
Here is a link to a roll out deck that could be adjusted to fit a SUV and any size truck bed. I am thinking of a design using this slider for Ford Escape with the back seat folded down. The Escape gets better milage than my F-150, be we also use the Escape for family outings. shopping etc.
The lower area could be configured for rods and tripods. I would use MDF material instead of plywood. The box in the F-150 is made out of MDF in 2006 and has held up quite well.
Here is the link:
Bob
here is what I just ordered for my Dodge Laramie. with the black coating. can't wait!
http://www.diamondbackcovers.com/270/
> here is what I just ordered for my Dodge Laramie. with the black coating. can't wait!
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>> http://www.diamondbackcovers.com/270/br >
That looks awesome AJ, and allows you to roll low profile & does not project the "survey truck" image like the silver shield.
a friend saw my new truck... she said it looked too fancy for a surveyor (I know she didn't mean that as a slam) so I said, that's exactly why I got it. Image is King, I guess.
Andy
We just installed 5 of these on our crew vehicles about 2 months ago and my crews love them. We built some custom boxes for inside the bed, but the covers have been outstanding so far.
Wow!
I wish to have a dedicated SUV and have it customized for my job.
Thank you for sharing..
Happy New Year!!!!