Slide pod alternatives/self build

[Blitz]

Hi, I know Slide Pods are on the site so I will say they are excellent products. However the price is well out of my range and simply not an option for my use.
Are their similar products available or has any members fitted a removable unit into the rear if their van ? I need it for camping but cant leave it in for day to day use.
Any suggestions welcome.

 

[VanDamMan]

Hi, I know Slide Pods are on the site so I will say they are excellent products. However the price is well out of my range and simply not an option for my use.
Are their similar products available or has any members fitted a removable unit into the rear if their van ? I need it for camping but cant leave it in for day to day use.
Any suggestions welcome.

Don’t know if this is a help or not...like you wanted a simple bed setup and a bit of storage ( shopping slides everywhere) so got the most basic utility pod that slidepods do ...you may not have seen it ( got pics if you want ) it’s cheaper than the other ranges...but if you do seek other alternatives or self build it’s finding the right mattress for comfy sleeps...I paid for the upgrade memory foam mattress from slidepods it’s amazing to sleep on

 

[Blitz]

Dont need a bed I have a Shuttle. Something basic for cooking and light washing up. Did get a quote from slide pods the other year but run into thousands.

 

[VanDamMan]

Dont need a bed I have a Shuttle. Something basic for cooking and light washing up. Did get a quote from slide pods the other year but run into thousands.

Got ya...mines a kombi...we use a portable thetford grill/cadac for cooking as for washing up ..due to current climate simple plastic washing bowl...but our setup is simple ..everything including kitchen sink goes in the van and unloaded other end..posh Boy Scout stuff
happy hunting.....

ps Really useful boxes....are really useful.

 

[Blitz]

Yep that's how we roll. Just be nice to simplify things a bit for short stays.

 

[Skyliner33]

A few on ebay

VW FLAT PACK FURNITURE REAR POD 1 | eBay

We have a variety of designs all of which include a full length side locker, table, front and back bed boards, and over bed locker. everything you need for your cabinet work. These kits are designed to fit straight into.

www.ebay.co.uk

VW T5 T6 Campervan Unit Pod for Caravelle or California Beach. Rail Mounted | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VW T5 T6 Campervan Unit Pod for Caravelle or California Beach. Rail Mounted at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

VW T5 T6 CARAVELLE CALIFORNIA, REAR POD, STORAGE, KITCHEN, COOKER, BESPOKE MADE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VW T5 T6 CARAVELLE CALIFORNIA, REAR POD, STORAGE, KITCHEN, COOKER, BESPOKE MADE at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

for example.

 

[Blitz]

Thanks. Yes spotted the Evo looks like a cheaper alternative for occasional use.

 

[sofakingwrong]

@Blitz what about just fitting a sliding tray? Mine normally stays in and i loose no space. Let's me put whatever I want on it. Mine currently has a double portable ring gas burner and water canister with pop up sink when daughters not stood on it as a stage.

 

[Blitz]

@Blitz what about just fitting a sliding tray? Mine normally stays in and i loose no space. Let's me put whatever I want on it. Mine currently has a double portable ring gas burner and water canister with pop up sink when daughters not stood on it as a stage.

View attachment 73880

Thanks. That's an idea, any details on the product you used please.

 

[sofakingwrong]

@Blitz picked mine up abroad it was a sliding boot tray for a California beach. Several people over in the cali forums built their own
I just bought mine as its fits in the rail system I had and cali interior I installed. They do different sizes for Van's with or without rails
Rear Drawer

Direct4x4 Accessories UK | Drawer Systems

Suppliers of premium quality, flexible, heavy duty drawer system storage solutions for many vans and pickups. Multiple configurations and sizes, find the perfect storage solution for your day to day trade and travel activities. Great service, free UK mainland delivery, fitting available.

direct4x4.co.uk

 

[sofakingwrong]

Joined the DIY slide out boot tray bandwagon

First of all... thanks to members soulstyledevon and briwy for their own posts on here and inspiration. Having used the beach a couple of times now I saw the benefits of having one big slide out tray and so decided that a DIY project to create something was the way forward. I investigated a few...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[shropschris]

I have some plywood boxes with slide our drawers all nice and simple.
If you want the slide pod kit , save up, the cheaper eBay kit looks fine but I just dont think its as good ,you may well regret not spending the extra .

 

[Skyliner33]

I have some plywood boxes with slide our drawers all nice and simple.
If you want the slide pod kit , save up, the cheaper eBay kit looks fine but I just dont think its as good ,you may well regret not spending the extra .

What makes you think none of them are as good? In what way?

 

[shropschris]

The hours of development to turn out a sharp products the cnc tooling ect ect .
Sometimes you buy what you think will be the next best thing and regret it .
I am sure they are fine, just not as fine if you wanted the slide pod .

 

[sofakingwrong]

slidepods are great and regardless of cost don't work for everyone. I for one didn't want my boot filling with a fixed kitchen that's a massive lump to take in and out. i have no requirement for a fixed kitchen. i also looked at alternatives like the evo pod that others have used or researched and value their opinions good and bad I cant say I've heard bad things about any of the alternatives. I'm surprised to hear you've had a bad experience can I ask what product you had trouble with? I ask because my brother is thinking of going down a alternative route like the op

 

[shropschris]

I dont have one .
Made myself simple boxes ect ,that come in and our super fast and easy, just saying if you have your heart set on one thing and then buy a cheaper maybe not as polished alternative you may regret it .

 

[VanDamMan]

slidepods are great and regardless of cost don't work for everyone. I for one didn't want my boot filling with a fixed kitchen that's a massive lump to take in and out. i have no requirement for a fixed kitchen. i also looked at alternatives like the evo pod that others have used or researched and value their opinions good and bad I cant say I've heard bad things about any of the alternatives. I'm surprised to hear you've had a bad experience can I ask what product you had trouble with? I ask because my brother is thinking of going down a alternative route like the op

Although I took the easy route (did hurt my pocket a bit and nearly every thing else I’ve added has hurt as much ) but mines a simple pod. Storage and table plus a bed ( being a kombi with seats in or out ) as you’ve all said it’s not for everyone. But if I could weld and have access to a CNC machine I would have saved a bit

 

[Blitz]

Surprised how expensive those are for a simple slide out tray
Might have a look at the DIY option and buy the rails etc for what is only temp use when camping.

 

[sofakingwrong]

Agree it's too pricey for what it is, let me know if you need any measurments or more photos. Essentially it's pretty basic it's a steel tray on two cabinet sliding rails load rated to 100kgs. It is in and out via quick release screws in rail system and stands up flat against a wall. (not that it's ever needed to come out) Given the easy change load space, I've used it for work, a cooking platform under tailgate and a bench to sit on and put my portable Karcher pressure washer on when cleaning bike after a run. Works for me.

 

[Blitz]

Agree it's too pricey for what it is, let me know if you need any measurments or more photos. Essentially it's pretty basic it's a steel tray on two cabinet sliding rails load rated to 100kgs. It is in and out via quick release screws in rail system and stands up flat against a wall. (not that it's ever needed to come out) Given the easy change load space, I've used it for work, a cooking platform under tailgate and a bench to sit on and put my portable Karcher pressure washer on when cleaning bike after a run. Works for me.

Thanks Mate. I might come back to you on that at a later date. Got the leisure battery system as a priority first.