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Old 03-08-2016, 03:57 PM   #1
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Copilot desk mod

After searching for an aftermarket product for a while, I was unable to find anything that would work.
Here is a small co-pilot desk I built for my wife. The cost was about $30.00

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Old 03-08-2016, 04:35 PM   #2
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I really like that MOD. How is the unit attached to your dashboard?
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Old 03-08-2016, 04:40 PM   #3
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Which model?

What model Georgetown is that?
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Old 03-08-2016, 04:43 PM   #4
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I set the desk in place on top where I wanted it and marked it with blue tape. I them measured in 3/8 inch and drilled holes down. Then put the desk back in place and I used a couple extensions and a drill bit to drill up through the holes into the desk to prevent the wood from splitting. Then used wood screws to screw up from under the dash. It is very sturdy.

The one thing I need to figure out is how to keep the slide out if I slam on the brakes.
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Old 03-08-2016, 04:44 PM   #5
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It's a 2014 351
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Old 03-08-2016, 04:58 PM   #6
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What wood did you use and what wood finish?
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John & Gloria Hunsaker FROG Member CA-0030-988
2014 Georgetown XL 334QS (class A with 4 slides)
2013 Smart Car TOAD
Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar, base plates, diode kit
SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo auxiliary braking system
25' Off shore blue water fishing boat
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Old 03-08-2016, 05:04 PM   #7
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I used a

1 - 2'x4' piece of oak 3/4" ply
1 - 1x4x6' solid oak plank
1- 14" full drawer slide

I don't have the stain color.
I probably would have used maple or cherry if it was available, because I think the grain would match better.
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Old 03-08-2016, 05:18 PM   #8
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I sent you a PM. Have a great day!
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John & Gloria Hunsaker FROG Member CA-0030-988
2014 Georgetown XL 334QS (class A with 4 slides)
2013 Smart Car TOAD
Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar, base plates, diode kit
SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo auxiliary braking system
25' Off shore blue water fishing boat
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Old 03-12-2016, 10:34 AM   #9
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What are the dimensions of the box and size of the shelf. Looks exactly what I am looking for. Even wife approved.
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Old 03-12-2016, 10:46 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Preadus View Post
I set the desk in place on top where I wanted it and marked it with blue tape. I them measured in 3/8 inch and drilled holes down. Then put the desk back in place and I used a couple extensions and a drill bit to drill up through the holes into the desk to prevent the wood from splitting. Then used wood screws to screw up from under the dash. It is very sturdy.

The one thing I need to figure out is how to keep the slide out if I slam on the brakes.
If you "Slam on the Brake's/Run into something" your Wife might NOT want that "Slide out-Sticking Out" even with a seat belt on! Youroo!!
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Old 03-12-2016, 11:51 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Truckdogg4 View Post
What are the dimensions of the box and size of the shelf. Looks exactly what I am looking for. Even wife approved.

So overall. 24 3/4" x 15 1/2"
The sliding desktop extends 14"
The sides are 3 1/2" - 3 14" to compensate for a slight slope in the dash. I wanted the fest to slide out level.
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Old 03-12-2016, 11:52 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by youroo View Post
If you "Slam on the Brake's/Run into something" your Wife might NOT want that "Slide out-Sticking Out" even with a seat belt on! Youroo!!

Excellent point. I think I will leave it how it is.
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Old 03-12-2016, 01:51 PM   #13
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Got into this discussion kinda late, but I had the exact same issue a few years ago. Here's the link to my story and the photos of the finished product.

Typing this on my mod today some two years after. There's been no problems at all. The DW doesn't use it much while actually travelling, but with the roll out slides, it's perfect for anyone sitting in the co-pilot seat. There's no braking mechanism in place for the desk. If an emergency were to arise.........a lot of things might rush forward even though we clear almost everything we can think of for travel down the road.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/lapt...on-113504.html
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Old 03-12-2016, 05:02 PM   #14
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I built a similar desk for my copilot. It has a steeper slant and the top moves out with the slide. The top is hinged at the back which also makes it a storage drawer. I bolted it to the dash with carriage bolts that have large washers on the underside of the dash. My slides were ones I bought 25 or more years ago that were removed from a full size file cabinet. I cut them down a bit to fit and they have locks that hold the desk open. These slides were intended to hold over 50lbs of paper and the heavy steel drawer when fully extended so I expect that it'll be very difficult to break them.

WARNING - WARNING - WARNING

Forest River attaches the dash padding with very long staples that penetrate the underlying wood of the dashboard and stick out below it. If you are mucking around in there, the tips of the staples are similar to a sharp spike filled pit. (Please - don't ask me how I know this.)

Phil
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