Welcome to the eighth entry in August’s Medium Mod Contest. One Medium Mod will be published in every Email Alert in August. At the end of the month, we’ll hold a reader vote to determine August’s winner. Click here for information about the 2023 Mod Contest, including how to enter.
Jim Bonnardel, San Diego, California
Nine Feet Of Additional Storage
2015 Nissan Titan
2023 Palomino SS-1240
The new Palomino soft-sided truck campers are not excessive in storage.
I have toys like snow and water skis, fishing poles, and kites. I fly big kites. They are always right in the middle of the camper, testing the patience of the Mrs.
I noticed the access doors on the SS-1240 open to an open cavity. The dealer sells a storage kit but everyone complains about that kit’s quality for the price. I noticed the panel on the rear of the camper would be a fine location for an additional door. It would allow long access storage alongside the truck bed’s interior. This also provides secure storage as the door is lockable.
I ordered the door from Forrest River for $150. Then, I made a cardboard template and marked the location. I checked the measurements and masked the area to prevent scratches.
Then, I checked the measurements again and drilled a hole in the door area. I took a deep breath because I knew I was about to cut a massive hole in my new camper. I thought to myself, “Don’t screw this up yo-yo”.
I carefully cut the wall, starting in the drill hole.
Then, I glued the new door in with clear silicone adhesive. It was the good kind, and I didn’t go skimpy. Juice that sucker up to seal the wall well. Then, I pressed in the door and wiped the excess away. I added a bead to the interior wall too.
Now I have so much room! I can put large items in it, lock it, and everything is secure.
There are fishing poles, chairs, a 6×6 E-Z Up shade, a rolled-up entry mat/carpet, and lots of things that can’t be taken out if that door is locked.
This mod is so handy! This really should be the location from the factory, but I get it because that’s where they want to hang the license plate. To heck with dat!
This mod was simple and instantly effective. It has been a great addition! The best buck-fiddy I’ve spent on it since buying it so far.
Materials Needed:
Replacement 16×12 door from Forrest River
Electric jig saw with fine tooth blade
Blue painters tape roll
Black Sharpie
Hunka cardboard
Tube of silicone adhesive sealant
It took me one hour to mount the door. It took longer for the sealant to dry than mount the door. It cost me $185 for the door and glue. In my opinion, the skill level of this modification is Gorilla to Chimp level work.
Disclaimer: The modifications above are submitted by Truck Camper Magazine readers. It is your responsibility to make sure that any do-it-yourself modification project you undertake is safe, effective, and legal for your situation.
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If you’d like to enter a modification you’ve done on your truck camper, click here. You can enter as many mods as you want, at any time. Good luck mod makers!
