The REAL Challenge of Installing Campervan Drawers - What They Don't Tell You

G'day! In this episode, I'm taking you inside the Make-Shift workshop where we're tackling one of the trickiest parts of any campervan conversion - installing the drawer system that actually works.

Today we're focusing on getting the campervan drawers and runners positioned perfectly, and let me tell you, it's not as straightforward as the online tutorials make it look! We're dealing with inconsistent ground levels, variations in the van's base, and the challenge of making sure everything lines up when you're working in a makeshift setup.

I'll show you exactly how we're installing the base bench seat runners on both sides of the van, plus planning for the multiple drawer levels that need to stack perfectly. You'll see the real challenges we face when positioning the King's fridge slider mechanisms and how we've had to notch out sections to accommodate the mounting hardware.

One thing that's become really clear during this build is the importance of weight considerations. Every material choice impacts your fuel efficiency, suspension requirements, and legal weight limits. I'll share why we chose timber over aluminium for this build, even though aluminium would be 60-70% lighter.

The key lesson I'm learning is that pre-planning is everything. Once these runners go on, it's incredibly difficult to adjust the angle brackets underneath. That's why we've measured and positioned everything multiple times before committing to the installation.

We're also dealing with the reality that there's a 2-3 millimeter difference in width between the lower level drawer mechanism and the upper level. It might not sound like much, but when you're trying to get everything to slide smoothly, those millimeters matter.

This isn't just about the technical aspects though - it's about problem-solving when you don't have access to a professional workshop. We're borrowing tools, working with what we have, and making it work despite the challenges.

If you're planning your own campervan conversion, this video will give you a realistic look at what's involved in creating a functional storage system. No sugar-coating, just the real challenges and solutions we're working through.

Watch as we tackle the runner installation, discuss weight management strategies, and share the lessons learned from working in less-than-ideal conditions. Whether you're a seasoned converter or just starting to plan your build, you'll pick up practical tips that you won't find in the glossy conversion guides.

Don't forget to follow for more real-world campervan conversion content, and let me know in the comments what challenges you've faced with your own drawer installations!

Timestamps
0:00 The REAL Challenge of Installing Campervan Drawers
0:43 Progress Update: Installing Drawer Runners
1:06 Installing Angel Supports Under Drawer Sliders
1:33 Planning for Kings Fridge Slider Nut Protrusion of 4mm
1:47 What We Could Have Done To Reduce Weight in the Build
2:50 Getting the Work Done

Previous Episodes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsQqAskealc&list=PLPtLTepoxwRm3LOsGsqaz194hX6QBw8Vk

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