j-d wrote:
Punched Angle Stock (I've heard Ron's called Unistrut Material, I think one of the major uses is commercial shelving)
If there's an off-the-shelf slide that works and the price isn't too painful, it might pay to just buy it. But if IT or the compartment needs modification, then fabbing your own starts to make sense. I'M envious of those who can weld and are equipped to do it in-house. I had a neighbor, before we moved, who was a world class welder/fabricator and generously would do any project I asked for. Now I'm relegated to Holes'N'Bolts. That still allows a lot of creativity. Take another look at Dittmer's pic!
That perforated angle iron I used to cradle the batteries is sold in all home improvement centers in various lengths from 3 to 6 feet or so, and it is very affordable.
Regarding the steel bottom I bolted to the RV battery-box framework to support the batteries, I found the metal discarded where I was employed. With a few simple cuts, it was perfect for the application. If I did not have that material to work with, I would have gone to my local metal-shop and pay to have something made specifically for the compartment. I would have specified the metal bent upward on 3 of the 4 sides, and downward for the opening. Right angle bends around the perimeter makes the tray exceptionally strong. In my application, the tray is the only thing between the batteries and the street.
