by KCStudly » Wed Nov 20, 2013 3:17 pm
There are several examples that I have seen, either referenced on this board or thru Google searches, where they used either a hybrid method (usually foam wood and epoxy/glass weave, or high tech composite panels... but I see no reason why a properly designed slide in could not be made mostly with foam and canvas. Some runners for abrasion protection when sliding in and out (do they really ever slide... isn't it more like driving under and setting the thing down on the back of the truck?).
I wouldn't be so quick to assume that a wooden superstructure is needed, either. Glue sandwich of thin ply inside (5 mm or even 1/8 inch) 1-1/2 or 2 inch thk foam, and FRP or Filon outer skin might do it for the sides. 1x2 or 3 on edge every foot or so bridging the walls over the cab to support the mattress (skinned and filled with foam similarly) should be enough for a distributed (butt on mattress) load.
I have a friend that built a drop in (straddles the inner wheel wells, so does not slide out) using thin ply, and 1 inch square alum tube frame bolt together using 1x1x1/8 alum angle stock cut to 1 inch lengths as connecting brackets. He has been from Northeast to outer banks SC and as far as Alaska. Line that with 1 inch foam and GPW's painted chipped cardboard and Bob is your uncle. Simple, relatively inexpensive, fast build, and pretty light weight, too.
Last edited by
KCStudly on Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
KC
My Build:
The Poet Creek Express Hybrid Foamie
Poet Creek Or Bust
Engineering the TLAR way - "That Looks About Right"
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