Retired Tanker
Explorer
Wife and I decided to build out the Sequoia. But, rather than sink a ton of cash into it (which we really don't have), we're going to "grow" into it.
First phase will be a sleeping / storage platform, next will be ... I really don't know yet. We'll probably overnight a couple of times and then decide. We may eventually build a mild-offroader (I doubt we'll be crawling over rocks) or we may just stick to the occasional multi-day boondocking adventure.
Great thing about a Sequoia is the floor of the cargo area is nice and flat, provides plenty of anchor options, and is long enough for a full size mattress.
She wanted to keep the middle row of seats, and I agree. They do come in handy between trips, and they're a pain to take out. So the platform has to be high enough to clear them, and allow space of a pad of some kind to protect them.
So, with a sheet of plywood in the back and level, we figured that the platform needs to be about 14" tall.
I settled on 3/4 Birch plywood. 1/2" is probably strong enough, but would require some additional hardware to assemble, stiffen the structure, etc. I cut the major pieces and did some dry-fit.
And then brought the wife out to make sure she was aware of the space constraints. I spent 21 years as a tanker and can sleep standing up if I need to. When we were dating she used to say "roughing it is late room service..." So I'm just a little skeptical of her new-found interest in camping.
Anyway, I got quite a bit done yesterday. I need to make a couple of adjustments before I build the drawers, but this is what I've got so far.
Anyway, I've done quite a bit of researching on the portal and I appreciate everyone sharing their experience. Just trying to give a little back.
First phase will be a sleeping / storage platform, next will be ... I really don't know yet. We'll probably overnight a couple of times and then decide. We may eventually build a mild-offroader (I doubt we'll be crawling over rocks) or we may just stick to the occasional multi-day boondocking adventure.
Great thing about a Sequoia is the floor of the cargo area is nice and flat, provides plenty of anchor options, and is long enough for a full size mattress.
She wanted to keep the middle row of seats, and I agree. They do come in handy between trips, and they're a pain to take out. So the platform has to be high enough to clear them, and allow space of a pad of some kind to protect them.
So, with a sheet of plywood in the back and level, we figured that the platform needs to be about 14" tall.
I settled on 3/4 Birch plywood. 1/2" is probably strong enough, but would require some additional hardware to assemble, stiffen the structure, etc. I cut the major pieces and did some dry-fit.
And then brought the wife out to make sure she was aware of the space constraints. I spent 21 years as a tanker and can sleep standing up if I need to. When we were dating she used to say "roughing it is late room service..." So I'm just a little skeptical of her new-found interest in camping.
Anyway, I got quite a bit done yesterday. I need to make a couple of adjustments before I build the drawers, but this is what I've got so far.
Anyway, I've done quite a bit of researching on the portal and I appreciate everyone sharing their experience. Just trying to give a little back.