Tak's Detailed GC and Carpentry Ram Promaster
RIG DETAILS
| USED FOR | Carpentry General Contracting |
| MODEL | Dodge Ram Promaster |
| BODY | Full-Size Cargo Van |
ORGANIZATION
Tak, the owner of TK Home, is a general contractor and carpenter that works in Seattle. Check out his amazing work on his website.
His van has a beautiful, neat layout constructed out of 3/4" (1/2" for drawers) plywood.
Tak has put a lot of attention into details of this carpentry van, and seeing it only makes you want to see more of his work.
He even routered the front of his shelves to keep them from getting dinged, something he describes as "nothing special"! He's a true craftsman, and he's got a unique build.
The Most Accessible
A vacuum, blower, and his everyday toolbelt hang on the back of the shelves. He says he uses the small, battery-powered Makita vac and blower frequently.
Long drawers that pull out throughout the rear cargo opening store his levels, paint pole, pry bars, drywall square, and long bits.
There is a trend to build a storage slot for things like levels, but the drawer design is nice because it can hold other long tools and more levels if you need the space.
Mobile Workbench
Tak started the build with the workbench at the side cargo door - a feature he wanted. A battery charging station, a hanger for often used drills and drivers, and some compact plywood battery holders are located here.
Under the workbench, a table saw, chop saw, and the table saw stand are easy to access when the cargo door is opened.
DIY Battery Holders
He built his own battery holders out of plywood since he has a lot of batteries and the commercial racks are so expensive.
Tool Cubbies
The passenger side of the Ford Transit holds all the power tools. While he has a lot of corded power tools, he's switching to battery-powered.
Tak uses a One By One layout - he grabs each tool as he needs it. He can also easily see if a tool is missing by scanning the cubbies and looking for empty spaces.
Each tool gets it's own cubby and some of them have a consumable mounted on the wall next to the tool, i.e., spare blades are stored with a circular saw.
Since the bin dividers are pocket screwed, they are easy to move and resize.
No Liquid Leaks
At the bottom of the shelves, he built a beautiful divider system to hold liquid consumables. He can slot the dividers out and in very quickly if the cans and bottles he has don't fill up the available shelf space. They can't fall over and spill.
The Side With the Grab 'n Go Packouts
Many Milwaukee Packouts are situated on the left side of the van. They are labeled to easily tell them apart, and do different jobs, like plumbing or cabinets.
Each Packout sits on an angled shelf, so they don't need tie-downs. He routed the front edges of the shelves to keep them looking clean.
Less Noise
It doesn't look like anything on this truck can roll or rattle:
- Cords are laid on a shelf over the cab.
- Liquid containers and caulk are secured.
- Organizers can't move on their tilted shelves.
One last thing that could move?
Between Packout shelves, he vertically stores a DeWalt miter saw stand. He used foam and a plywood bracket for keeping the stand from moving.
Power Tricks
Since Tak has an on board microwave and a battery charging station, he needed a way to hook up to grid power.
So:
He installed an RV shore power plug on the outside of the van. This required holesawing the van's body but looks very neat.
It also keeps cords out of the entryway of the truck that he could trip on.
More Little Details
A step mounted on the receiver hitch of the van makes it easier to step inside.
Under the paint supply cubby is that one space that every hates: the wheelwell! Tak puts some awkward, lesser-used paint supplies in there by popping out a panel in the shelf.
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