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General RVing Issues Related Tips

oemtech

Elgin, Texas

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Joined: 06/22/2002

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Posted: 03/02/05 04:45pm

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I bought a Garmin GPS 18 ($110) that connects to my laptop. Works great but I needed a place to set it. The first couple of trips I just set the laptop on the dash. Worked OK.... but just was not what I wanted. I looked around on the net and saw a Jotto Desk... Neat item but the cost ran from $189 up. So, decided to build one.

I used some exhaust tubing and a TV tray. After some cutting, drilling, welding and paint I have want I wanted for about $20. The unit is adjustable up/down and swivels so the co-pilot can use it. This is a prototype so it is probably over designed and over built :-). With the addition of 2 more pieces of tubing I could have tilt and lateral adjustment.

I have a complete set of photos and build list on my Yahoo photo site. Just follow the link in my signature to Dale's RV Tips.

If this link works here are a couple to get started.

* This post was last edited 03/17/06 07:39am by oemtech * View edit history

Dutch4204

Knoxville, Tn

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Posted: 03/02/05 05:45pm

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I was thinking of buying one of the Jotto desks also, but after seeing your pictures I think I will make one myself. Nice job!!

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oemtech

Elgin, Texas

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Posted: 03/02/05 10:19pm

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Updated the image links....

creeper

Richmond Hill, Georgia

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Posted: 03/02/05 11:17pm

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Hmmmm,looks like it will go flying through the windshield on a panic stop. It needs a lock down to hold the laptop down.

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NGRRFan

Colo. Spgs., CO

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Posted: 03/02/05 11:52pm

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Nice job.

2 suggestions.
1) In the parts list, put the size of the bolts and screws you used. I realize that you probably had some "shop stock" but still it's nice to know what you used.

2) I'd invert the two pieces of pipe, putting the shorter piece on the table top. This would allow for a lateral brace to run from the upright back to the floor. What this would do is decrease any vibration, and also brace the unit in case of a panic stop, or someone bumping it.

Those are my thoughts.

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Kajtek1

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Posted: 03/03/05 01:37am

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I was thinking about doing the same project myself, but I need the desk for my car, that can hold the laptop vertically, swing out of the way and be adjustable not only on the level, but on the angle and about swing in 2 feet space between the seats as well.
I could build it, with about 20 HR for shopping, welding, correcting the errors, painting and removing prototype glitches.
Finally I spend $115 for the Jotto.

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Posted: 03/03/05 03:00am

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Did the same thing about 5 months ago, used standard surface mount RV table sockets, chrome pipe & 20" piece of pine stair-tread. Set on passenger side next to window with the table mounted socket at one end of the table. The table swings in front of the seat with very little effort without a "lazy susan".

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watchthemroll

Full Timers

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Posted: 03/03/05 06:37am

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Here's my JOTTO DESK. The DIY setup is a good one. But I like the versitility of the driver or the passenger being able to use it. Also, when the wife is driving, we have to lower it so that it don't impede her view. We love it!!! For me, it was well worth the money.
I keep my printer and camera docking station in the cabinet (upper right side of picture). I use it everyday.

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oemtech

Elgin, Texas

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Posted: 03/03/05 07:32am

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1} OK... will update the parts list.

2) The reason I didn't invert the 2 pieces of pipe was I wanted to be able to remove the table and not have a 18" pipe sticking up...
a) saftey issue
b) If I need to remove the dog house cover the short pipe does not get in the way.
c) The second bolt to clamp the pipe should eliminate any vibration problems.

3) I will update the pictures with co-pilot view

If I have time I will create a second top with tilt a lateral adjustment option.