Here is what it looks like.
This is what it costs to build it:
Parts List
?? sheet of plywood ? $20 - $45
2x3 lumber $5
7 - 2? wheels @ $1.55 each ?= $12 (From Lowes)
Nuts & Bolts $3
Handle $3
Sandpaper $1
Optional:
Indoor Outdoor Carpeting $5-$10 or bedliner spray 2 cans @ $7.50 = $15 (Pep Boys or Wal Mart)
Total cost $60-$75
What makes it so neat:
Cost hundreds less than the commercial model
Extremely easy to remove ? does not attach to truck
Allows for unlimited customization options
Absolutely no alteration, drilling, or removal of anything on your Avalanche
Available in your choice of finishes
Tools:
Drill
Screwdriver
Saw ?(not required have Home Depot cut the lumber for you)
Steps
You have a choice of going with a ?stock? version or custom version. ? I designed a custom version because I wanted to store a Hi-Jack Lift, shovel, and cargo net. ?On my truck, I strap these things on the side of the bed. ?I wanted a bed slide that will allow these items to be stored but not interfere with the operation of the bed slide.
Double check my measurements with your own truck bed and go down to Home Depot or Lowes. ?Select a sheet of ? inch plywood. ? ?It comes in a variety of grades and prices. ?I like the heavier oak or birch sheets but you don?t need to get anything this fancy. ?Have them cut the plywood to your measurement. ?Also get a 2x3 stud (2 x 4) also works but is heavier. ?I liked the smaller one. ? Have them cut that to the desired width (48? for stock model).
The wheels need to be lined up to match the grooves on the truck mat and stops on the tailgate. ?The layout I used allows the bed slide to project out 12? past the tailgate. ?This allowed me to reach the back of the slide yet not be so far out that the slide will tip over.
Mount the wheels.
Screw in the rear stop using the 2x3 and attach the handle.
Spray it with the bedlinner paint or cover it with indoor/outdoor carpeting ?and you are ready to go. ?
Bed slide mods:
You can leave the slide in the natural wood finish, put indoor/outdoor carpeting, or have it sprayed with a bedliner material.
You can also add tie downs, trays, hooks, lights or anything else to this. ? Simply drill the holes and attach it. ?
I sprayed some silicone spray on the wheels to make them slide smoother on the mat.
Problems:
The only problem I have encountered so far is that it will bounce up when I hit a bump hard. ?I minimize this problem by leaving the original bed mat inside and attaching a bungie cord to the end.
This is still a work in progress. ?Feel free to add your comments and suggestions.
Enjoy......