Ulysses—A D2 for 2

[Chazz Layne]

Here's a little something I finished up while waiting for progress bars on a different sort of upgrade this week (yes, the vB upgrader has progress bars now).



It isn't quite as elegant as the one that inspired me to try this, but it is compatible with PALS/MOLLE pouches and Staples grid accessories. It also weighs half as much, since the grid is spaced every 2 inches (versus every 1 inch).



Yep, the stock 3rd brake light is fully functional - I have the cover off right now for other reasons.



Speaking of the one that inspired me - does anyone know who's Discovery this is? I was going to give them credit for the idea, but now I can't find the thread...

windowrack.jpg

[dcarr1971]

Nice, how did you secure the grillwork over the window?

[Chazz Layne]

Columbia Overland sent me a complete extra set of screws and rivnuts when I bought the door panel, so I used a couple of those up top (the top of the grid has a double-bar with perfect spacing). Since these are not weight bearing, and only need to keep the grid from tilting forward, they are more than ample.

On the bottom, two of the bars are longer, one at the corner, and one in the middle right before the droop. These match up with a pair of holes in the door I added. To keep the works quiet they bend forward from the grid, then down into the holes so it pushes nice and tight against the window's rubber weather seal and the top of the door frame. This also allows for quick and easy removal/installation for the occasional cleaning, or if I ever have to replace the window.

I still need to add a third screw/rivnut in the lower right corner (over the fire extinguisher), but surprisingly it isn't rattling at all - even on my rough dirt road.

[1leglance]

very nice...
now spill the beans for those of us who want to copy you and say where you got the grid...I really like it.

[Chazz Layne]

now spill the beans for those of us who want to copy you and say where you got the grid...I really like it.

Staples.com

I believe I am out a total of $50 including shipping and enough accessories to open a store (the hooks come as a bag of 25 for ~$5 for example). They have different sizes and shapes, and a connecting kit - though I don't think the connecting kit would work well for a vehicle. I bought the connecting kit for adding non-grid based accessories.

[X-plorenow]

Really nice Chazz, I may have to steal your idea as well.

[1leglance]

Big thanks...
I have a Staples right up the street so will have to go take a look..
The Troopie has plenty of flat windows to place some barrier/hanger setups on

[College Kid]

Chazz, looks like this thread died. I just did a search for it as I am going to be re designing my truck for this season and wanted some more ideas. Do you have any pics of the finished product?

[Chazz Layne]

And then suddenly it was 2012.

My schedule over the last year hasn't allowed for much time to get personal projects finished up, I'm afraid it's still only 70% done. The forward drawer (slides out over the center console for convenient/safe camera/gear storage), fridge slide, rear drawer, and pantry/cellar need to be done. I also plan to make a couple of better looking panels where the power, water and air ports are in back. Then paint can be finished and all the factory trim can go back in place.

A few items that have been completed are wiring, on-board water, maintenance hatches (still need bedliner), and a few camping trips to test the sleeping area...


The water tank is fitted in below where the forward-opening drawer will be. This spot places the weight low and center, about where a center-seat rear passenger would be. Capacity is 11 gallons, so about 95 pounds in all.




The water pump is located directly below the tank in the rear footwell, along with a gravity feed faucet just in case. Water is then pushed up to a faucet by the cargo door, and a second line to the engine bay is awaiting a heat exchanger. The (temporary) panel with the faucet out back also has a power switch for the pump.

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Power is run to the "RV" section through a 100-amp circuit breaker under the hood. It's then distributed to the various systems with a self-fused RigRunner 4005 (Anderson PowerPoles FTW).

IMG_7202.jpg IMG_7206.jpg


The sleeping area is tight, but a little more roomy than expected. Having "floor" to ceiling windows all around helps too. All things considered it's just about as easy as dealing with a small ground tent, minus the hassle of setting up a tent. I actually find climbing in and out for a middle-of-the-night potty break easier than dealing with a tent.

[oryxexpeditions]

Looks good. . . All this thanks to the Disco's high roofline.