The Ultimate Work Truck | EP1 Solar Charging and Power Tool Storage
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- Sometimes I build houses and sometimes I make furniture, so I wanted a “maker” version of a work truck that meets my specific needs. I am doing some off grid builds out in the Joshua tree area so solar panels to keep my battery powered tools charged without having to fire up a generator is a nice convenience. I installed a Decked Truck Storage system in the bed which gives me two big drawers to store equipment. I did a completely DIY solar panel install to create a solar powered charging station. I used a GoalZero solar panel and Yeti 1400 power pack which are just plug and play. This will be the first in a series of videos so let me know what products and truck mods you find useful for your work.
This video is sponsored by DECKED check out their awesome truck storage systems here: decked.com/
The Solar Panel and Power Station are from GoalZero:
www.goalzero.com/
I got the Prinsu roof rack from CBI Offroad:
cbioffroadfab.com/
Solar Housing Kit:
amzn.to/2OTg8n9
Rubber Grommets:
amzn.to/2HjWAUL
Tools:
Ryobi Portable compressor
www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-...
Ryobi Rotary tool:
www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-...
Forney Welder:
amzn.to/31QhCDY
Follow us on Instagram: / benjaminuyeda
For additional projects and information check out our website:
www.homemade-modern.com/ - Jak na to + styl
Decked Storage System:
decked.com/
The Solar Panel and Power Station are from GoalZero:
www.goalzero.com/
I got the Prinsu roof rack from CBI Offroad:
cbioffroadfab.com/
Solar Housing Kit:
amzn.to/2OTg8n9
Rubber Grommets:
amzn.to/2HjWAUL
Tools:
Ryobi Portable compressor
www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Dual-Function-Inflator-Deflator-Tool-Only-P747/308746324
Ryobi Rotary tool:
www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Cordless-Rotary-Tool-P460/308176530
Forney Welder:
amzn.to/31QhCDY
add some lights to the front so if you need to work in the dark you can just light it up :)
What measuring tools you have
I would have accessed the interior through the 3rd brake light rather than drilling a hole through the roof.
Agreed. This truck is totaled to me
the design which requires drilling on vehicle body is really wrong.
I was having a good time watching this video until he drilled that hole.
I've drilled a few holes through my roof for my ham radios. Here are some of my tips for that:
1) I always pull the headliner down enough to be able to see where to drill and to be able to route the wiring without cutting through the headliner, hitting one of those crossmembers is a pita.
2) Tape and mark the where you're going to drill, it reduces the chance of the bit sliding and scratching the paint.
3) Use a step bit and oil, it's much easier and cleaner than a hole saw.
4) If you can, get something under the area you're going to drill to reduce the amount of steel shavings getting embedded in seats and carpet. I usually tape a disposable cup to those spots.
I'm going to give you a little advice when working on cars in general. Take an extra 20 minutes to take it apart more then it looks like you need to. If you had spent a little time pulling the headliner down, you wouldn't have had to mess with 3d printing the extra part. And in most cases, it can save you a lot of time.
Good video I think about doing something similar to my old 4runner.
Just out of curiosity why didn't you just move the headliner and route the cable?
I appreciate you making vids geared towards contracting in a Tacoma. I’m on my third one, been working full time out of them for 18 years. Over landing is cool, but I work 5 or 6 days a week and spend much more time moving tools and materials. Thanks again.
You guys sure handled that 1000 lbs concrete block. You guys must be strong!
Isn't the RV electrical box meant to have the cable entry points towards the back of the vehicle so driving into rain shelters them a bit?
Exactly what I was thinking besides drilling a hole from the top... you could drill in the back somewhere, less protruding and more cover from rain etc.
Love seeing home depots mothers day power tools being used
5 year owner of a Decked system here (mounted in a 2015 Ram 1500). Number one heads up I want to give you is that it is not a watertight system (pretty water resistant, but not water tight - a heavy rain and highway speeds will result in the drawers getting a bit of water in them). So, I would suggest you drill drain holes (nice big fat 3/8" ones in the low end of the drawers (end towards cab). I'd also recommend drilling larger drain holes in the "ammo boxes". Maybe Decked has figured this out in the 5 years since I got mine and rectified the issue. It does look like they have made some advances in the mounting system. As for Decked support, I have no issues. One of my drawer handles had a broken spring so the nice receptionist sent me two complete sets, and the customer service manager sent a third set. I'm set with springs for life! I'd also recommend you wash thoroughly around the edges of the decked system, as you will accumulate much debris in an open installation. The other piece of advice is to get out of the habit of "throwing" things into your bed. Didn't realize they added a small toolbox to their lineup. I might get one of those.
Your Prinsu rack if pretty cool, but $800 for my application!
As some have said, I'd have found another routing option for your cables, but it's your dang truck, isn't it?
Awesome build!
Something you might benefit from on this build is a headache rack that will clear your solar panel. odd jobs may require ladders or other items much longer than your bed will allow easily. combine that with a custom plate that sits on the top of the tailgate body for another protection/tiedown surface.
Great video.But I was crying inside when you drill through the roof. Could route the cable back between cab and the bed and then through firewall
I think a pickup truck crane or hitch crane might be a game-changer if you find yourself often loading and unloading heavy things.
You could always put a a piece of ply wood across the bed of the truck with a hinge system to fold it out with fold down legs made out of two by 4s and putting one of Milwaukee's portable table saw. On top of the folded up table covered with a hardshell camper top. Run the cord through the back window of the truck add a few batterys so you can run 20amp tools
WELL DONE SIR---I WOULD HAVE WITH 2 PANELS AND PUT IN A MINI FRIG LOL
Dude! There are two large vents on the rear of the cab behind each seat. You don’t have to drill through the roof.
He really f up big time I can't believe it, and he damaged the support the one that prevents the the top from collapsing on an accident
There are lots of options for LED pod lights. Reputable manufacturers include Diode Dynamics, Rigid, and Baja Designs. As for the panel saw, I bet you could build a frame and mounting system for a track saw that could go on top of the bed rack, then slide out and pivot down for use
You should check out soft toppers. They are heavy canvas camper shells that fold up and can be removed by yourself. I've had one on my truck for almost a year and love it. I like that it keeps my stuff dry but if I'm moving a fridge or something can be out of my way in seconds.
This is cool. I'd definitely do a ladder rack on the truck next so you can haul long materials, I love the Vantech I got for my Ridgeline because it's so modular.
Thanks Paul! yes! I want to be able to load 16 foot pieces of steel along the side!
Ben this is right up my alley as a car guy and semi-wannabe maker. As I was working on my paver path I kept looking to see if your truck was gonna drive by since I'm local, heh.
Nice mod. 👍🏼
One thing I would have done differently is not drill the roof for the wiring. I would have removed the shorter piece of roof weather strip towards the back corner of the cab near the back window. You can use an electrical fish tape to feed the wire into the cab under headliner and down the plastic molding. The wiring would have lined up perfectly towards the back of the cab where you have the charging station. No need to print a cover or have wires coming down from the headliner. Then use rubber grommets and silicone the entry hole on the roof. Then reinstall the short weather strip piece. You could zip tie the loose wires on the roof onto the roof rack frame to keep them from banging around.
Look forward to the next video.
Add an Overland rack to the tacoma and you can mount swivel rally lights to it or something from rigid to iluminate job sites at night. The rack gives you some height and allows for more creative storage.
yes! I am looking into these!
Nice but the roof part.... mostly you can take the roof liner down, so you wires can go around the side, so no hole in the middle of your roof liner. Also the black cover outside i would have turned it around pointing in the wind, direction you drive, more waterproof and better airflow
When he drilled the roof
I screamed inside
ARB bumpers and Warn witches ftw!
alot of people add in off road lighting but you could easily add in area lighting for off grid work, maybe even on an extending boom to raise the light up to give better area lighting. but for sure adding extra lights throughout the truck for both rough area driving and for work lights
"Go big or go home." ;-) Love the little drawer under the Goal Zero and the new color scheme - blue/black and green/black.
Some great ideas. I think I will add a 100 aH Battleborne battery or two, to store the xs Power of 2 SP.
Great inspiration. Thx
Very nice - maybe some kind of safety net around those batteries, in an accident they will be like ping pong balls bouncing around the cab..
Solar only needed if stationary for extended periods
like camping for 3 days offgrid. Dual battery system w/ inverter might be better for this since the 6 ryobi batteries are enough for him. I would add a 12L snomaster fridge to this rig. Looks good!
I think you should like into getting a remote controlled locking tailgate kit for the Tacoma. They aren’t very expensive nor very difficult to install. I personally have one on my working Tacoma and not having to pull out the key each time is such a nice feature to have.
I had the pop a lock or whatever brand remote tailgate locking kit in my previous Tacoma. First one the solenoid went bad, amazon honored the warranty and sent a replacement.
It was a great feature to go with my fiberglass tonneau cover that made my bed weather tight and secure!
You could mount any 12v swivel spotlight to the roof racks and run it off the Yeti, it's quite simple to add a 12V socket to any 12V car accessory, even if it's meant to be hard wired like a spotlight might. You'd just have to ensure the Yeti outputs enough power through that 12V socket
I have been thinking on doing some drawers like that from scratch for a jeep, and have many drawers for diferent situations, like camping, or working in the ranch or even one drawer that works as a micro kitchen, that will keep us hidrated and caffeinated, I live in baja sur and we are outside a lot.
Love this! And looooove your proyects!
Got here from OLF. Thanks Ben Sullins.
if you're looking for a good bumper to mount a winch, look up c4 fabs low profile front bumper, it replaces that front black part on the bumper with steel bumper, a winch mount and spot for a light bar, really good for an all around truck build like you said you wanted
Thanks for the video. Nice build. That Brett guy is useful, I'd keep him around. Hi Brett, see you at MC. Little cameo from J.
The hole... I know I'm not the only one that has mentioned it... I've ran lights from the top of my truck and instead of drilling in my truck I ran the wire along side the "ridge" of my truck to the bottom of it and ran it up a stock hole with a grommet with a little bit of caulking. Yes it wasn't a completely hidden wire but it was a clean look and I didn't make a hole in my truck... Other then that man very impressive on what you've done!
great instalation !! One advice tho, you should put a transparent piece of lexan to protect the solar panel from rocks or other hasard that can come from the sky.
good tip!
Not sure which parts of the spectrum the panel uses to produce power, but make sure whatever you put up there doesn't block it. Like for instance, most, if not all polycarbonate, blocks UV.
@@genisis53 sure, it's safer to check on forums or even with a pro to see witch transparent material would be better. But in any case, a strong piece of laminated glass would do the trick without blocking anything (if I recon well, first solar panel were covered by glass)
You should’ve watched Tacotwonz video where they ran wires into the cab through the antennae hole under the shark fin.
Great idea. Didn't know about this products. Looks reasonable easy to install.
You should look into maybe getting/making some sort of cover for the battery system
Cutting into the roof was a bit gut wrenching. Good job nonetheless.
yes! it felt so wrong doing it. it made me want to design a better system for flashing holes like this though.
Surprised you didn’t route cables in 1/2” loom through door jamb or back window.
He could have ran the wiring down the weather stripping to the engine bay, through the fire wall, and back to the rear seat. I know that’s a lot of wiring, but it probably would have been easier to uninstall should the need arise. However, this is an awesome setup. Really well done.
I was holding my breath the whole time you were cutting through the roof! So sick, panel saw is going to be 🔥 🔥
I think I would have tried to find a different entry for the wire. Perhaps run down the side of the truck and bring up from underneath. Not keen on cutting the top of a vehicle.
Love your builds bro
I love the truck and your modifications to it. Considering doing this to my friends jeep.
Ditch lights/pods.
Easy to install and great maneuverability. CaliRaised has a great selection.
Milwaukee announced a cordless magnetic remote control search light at NPS19. That could be an awesome addition to the roof of your truck for job lighting. Has a spot light and a flood light. Very bright. I don’t believe it has hit retailers yet. Cool build, Ben!
Currently f250 with knapheid steel shell. Deep cycle battery charged off alternator. Full length tool box on the outside of shell and full length shelf on the inside. Decent set up but new truck is getting a cabover topper by access mfg, vents/fan, dual battery, controller for solar and alt charging. Rigid spot and flood lights up front, and KC cyclone lights in shell and outside. Maybe a premier alternator/welder. Who knows but that's my idea of a Swiss army truck
This channel has changed a lot
Such an incredible idea as always, Ben!
Ben, this is awesome! I’m getting a new truck next month and this is definitely something I want to do!
thanks David! can't wait to see what you do!
@@HomeMadeModern If your new Tacoma is like my second gen, there is a grommet, on the cab, between the bed and the cabin, I might have used that instead of drilling through the roof. Just a thought for David, if he decides to do the same solar setup on his truck... just a thought. Nice setup.
I would have tried using an extension on the solar panel wire, and tucked it behind the weatherstripping of the door and in at the bottom where there is usually a gap under the plastic panels. Seeing that you will be in an out of that door a lot and to keep the wire from getting too much abuse I might suggest something a little more permanent.
A cleaner, more permanent solution would be to run the wire behind the cab then underneath, following an existing wiring loom along the frame, then through the firewall and back into the cab with an existing grommet. A grommet could also be installed on the underside of the cab and fed up from the floor closer to where you have your battery pack. If I absolutely had to drill a hole in the roof I would have removed the headliner first to make sure nothing would be in the way. Then run the wire to where the headliner meets some of the interior trim panels and used a gap between them for the wire to exit to the battery pack.
If you ever need some suggestions on how to run wires in your car, I would suggest looking at CB/HAM radio forums and car audio forums as those groups run wires for tons of crazy projects throughout their cars and might have some good suggestions.
That’s awesome keep us updated on your rig
Dude this is awesome. Was really excited for this video to come out. Ready to see what’s next!
Your outta control!!
A panel saw would be epic. Never seen anything like that!
I love the truck and all of your innovative ideas. Working smart impresses me.
Sweet setup Ben! 😃👍🏻👊🏻
The RV flashing kit is a great idea and seems to be designed for aerodynamics as well as potential water/rain movement. This makes me think the kit should be installed 180 degrees out from the way you did. Thoughts??
Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd as well. Imagine doing 70 on the highway in heavy rain, the rain would shoot against the cable gland. Yes, at first the rubber insert would seal against the water, but as an electrician I can tell you that the seals develop cracks over time, which will result in leakage.
That looks like it works the best for the placement of his panel and hole. if he flipped it around it would have a bunch of cable hanging and bouncing around
Great truck! - You installed the grommet for the solar cable the wrong way around. Cable should be coming out towards the back of the car to make it more difficult for water to find the way in there while driving. But then - it doesn't rain as much where you are I suppose. :D
Would be cool if you could somehow make a trickle charger from the solar power. Something to store or possibly trickle power in case your truck battery were to ever die.
I remember when we were building our offgrid cabin. I had imagined a time when cordless tools would be so affordable and good that you probably wouldn't even need a gas generator again. Still waiting for a cordless chop saw and table saw though!
Ryobi, makita, and dewalt all have cordless chop saws. Dewalt even has a table saw on their flexvolt line at least that I know of.
The tech is out there!
Good video and explanation. Had you been starting from scratch I would have suggested using aluminum over the steel for the interior rack. It's easy to work with and would have saved you some weight. Thanks for posting.
You mentioned cutting plywood without a job site table saw. I would say for you to check out a battery operated track saw to conserve space.
Great video, thanks for the tips!
I love this whole setup. Very versatile. I've been wondering how to transition from my old van to my new (to me) truck. I could haul anything and everything in the van and having lockable storage was awesome. In my truck, the back seats are permanently folded up so I can store tools and equipment in the back passenger area. So far, my bed is stock and empty except for it's liner and tie-downs.
How long is the Tacoma bed? My trucks bed is just over 5ft long.
Lil bs fab makes a nice front bumper that you can put a winch on, lightest on the market too
This is an awesome build I definitely want to do this one day. The only issue I had was that you should have turned the RV flashing the other way to keep the rain out while driving. I'm sure it won't be an issue with the panel above it and the wind deflector.
This is stellar. Great job
Any concern about theft or break-in’s? Contractors in our area really battle with tool theft. Love the truck!
great question! I am working on a security system!
Yeah, I'd have mounded the whole kit a lot lower in the vehicle so it would be less visible. Just seeing it through the window is a big deal, but in the desert climate, adding some window tint would at least help a little bit.
On the roof... there are 2 (two) BETTER alternatives to run thenwires into the cabin... 1: The roof antena (which was blocked by the panel.. 2: The roof's brakelight... perfectly removable and a lot easier to seal..
so sad to see a hole in a roof only for a simple wire " ( even the door rubber would've been a lot better alternative..
There called head lights, just aim the truck and you also have high beam as well. LOL
People with nice clean company vehicles usually mean the are new in the business or are not overbooked with jobs.
Why not drill the whole in the back of the cab? It would be far less likely to leak, you wouldn't have a cord hanging down from your roof and if you ever choose to take the roof rack off you wouldn't have a big lump on your roof...
Nice I have an F250 that I am wanting to do something like this too. Nice.
I am looking to do something a little bigger that will power my camper overnight when we are on the road. But most of the time I use my truck as a work truck that carries all my tools like what you are doing.
Those are awesome upgrades! If you did add a panel saw to the truck, there might be a way to flip it out (either over a side or the back) similar to how some of the 2 piece ramps can fold/slide.
If you did add a wench, what if it were connected to a swivel arm instead of the front? Then you'd have a hoist/mini crane too. Not sure what it could be used for, but might be cool. I'm sure whatever other mods you do will be just as cool as what you've already got.
Cool video, I don’t think I’d do this since I park inside but I’d like to get solar panels on the shop! 🤞🏻
Don't forget to upgrade your suspension if you're adding bullbar, racks and winch.
How about an x and y axis rail system in the truck bed like a router to cut the laminate plates? mounted in the same way that the cover tarps have their rails.
on the other hand, there was no other place to pass the cables?
The last one, to check from below the places where the charger could be placed or adapted, in this way free up the space in the cabin, I would prefer an electrical outlet inside the cabin to place the charger only when I am using it, it is more manageable, alternatively allocate a place in the cargo box.
equally great work on panel mounting, and beautiful truck.
Flip the bottle opener and you'll spill less beer. Who made the bottle opener so you have to tip the bottle horizontal to open it? You want to move from horizontal to vertical with the opening motion.
amen - flip that opener!
Awesome project, earned a sub!
solid work man
What about, a work light on an extension pole, much like fire trucks have as well. One that can go several meters up so you get a very homogeneous source over your work area.
Awesome video!!
very great detailed review!
Movable light bar you can direct at your work was my suggestion ( which you mentioned while I was typing )
Depending on how much space there is between the tail gate and the drawers you could mount a small vice for holding bar stock etc while grinding/cutting. If not enough space you could extend your back bumper and add one
Nice concept.
Idea for the led system: hook it up directly to the solar panel, so it works only in direct sunlight haha
I'd have used the holes already in the roof. Backup light hole, vents or antenna would have worked with a silicone seal. You might as well have just drilled a hole in your front window.
Cool build. I've been thinking about getting a decked but I hate the fact that i won't be able to use my bed extender make my (6ft bed bigger). I also have tonneau covers on my tacomas so idk if the decked would be better. I have a short bed tacoma and a long bed. I kinda want to set them up differently for differen situations but I can't make up my mind lol.
The panel saw could be awesome. Use the decked system too as the ground and the panel saw could fold down and use the back of it as another layer of the deck floor but when it is flipped up you could use it standing on the decked top. You could also have it keep folding over the side of the truck to make rip cuts on the panels standing on the ground.
great ideas!
@@HomeMadeModern awesome project though! I cant wait for the next stage!
anyone else think this guy sounds like lock picking lawyer?
Good commitment!
I was surprised you didnt install the inlet on the roof with the rounded edge facing forward and was wondering, are you noticing much noise being generated by it?
Custom Metal front Utility Bumper with Led Off road lights, a winch , pull hooks (tie down hooks underneath incase it ever needs to go on a flatbed ) Custom Metal rear utility bumper with led lights (wired into your reverse lights just remember to angle them a lil down so you dont blind anyone who might be behind you) tie down hooks underneath ,of course license plate space with led license pate lights .
I have the Leitner Designs Active Cargo System along with the Decked drawer system and love both. Check out Leitner Designs for their bed rack for your rig. I am sure you will like the modular design as well. For lighting check out Cali Raised, they will have what you want.
Dude have you seen those glass halling trucks you could diy pannel saw with something like that if you know what I mean
Make the panel handling part a "false bed" attachment to lay over / under the locked drawer beds, that can be quickly hung over the side of the truck to do panel cuts.
Fantastic job and video thanks. If you could buy the cybertruck now, it would be even better.
When will we be getting a update on the container house
Such a great idea but my question is how do u keep the truck 🛻 washed u have to do it by hand all the time ??? I love that set up especially how off grid is most of my work
Add some led lights with magnetic feet on them so you can place anywhere on the car. (Battery powerex ofcourse)
You could also make an awn attached to the roof to work under when it rains or the sun is shining.