Desert Turtle - M1010 Build

[ExpoMike]

Knocked out another small project on the camper. Installed the rear assist grab handle. Ended up using Riv-nuts installed into backing plates that were riveted to the door frame. Should be strong and allow for easy replacement should that ever be needed. Just by luck, the angle of the grab bar and the angle of the window happened to be the same. Looks good and really makes the goofy window design fit better. Started to mock in my Little Giant steps (was a step stool). Need to solve how I will mount them in use.

 

[ExpoMike]

Just a little update. Between the heat and problems with my knee, I have not been able to do as much work as I would like. I did finally get the step mount done. Simple and works. Created a flange mount with a block of aluminum and a piece of flat aluminum. Used Rivnuts on the box, to bolt it to. Then used L-track clip in mounts with a piece of aluminum L channel to create a plate the keeps the steps from unhooking, yet easy to clip on or off.

 

[ballencd]

So nothing for a long time. Do you still have the M1010? Any progress on it? I hope all is well and you are using it!

 

[ExpoMike]

So nothing for a long time. Do you still have the M1010? Any progress on it? I hope all is well and you are using it!

I do still have the M1010, though not much happening at the moment. Last April I had a total knee replacement, so that had me dealing with recovery for a few month. Knee is doing great now! Then I have been side tracked with another camper project we bought in Dec. 2022 but still haven't used. Just in the last couple weeks I have been working on it. Swapped out the heavy flatbed (previous owner built) on my 2000 Ram, for a stock bed. Currently working to get the camper secure on it. Hope we can get out to use it this year, while I start getting back to work on the M1010. Weather as of late has not been cooperating, so not much work getting done on anything. Also trying to sell my '48 Chevy 2 door Sedan, to free up space. Hopefully will get some updates on the project this year. Here's a couple pics of stuff going on.

Ram with a stock bed back on.


Ram and M1010 in the driveway


'48 Chevy I am trying to sell