This month’s cunning hack came about for a number of reasons. Since the launch of 4X4Explorer.co.nz in June, I have been spending more time on the road GPX logging routes and writing articles. Fortunately my partner Andrea has taken to the whole 4X4Explorer lifestyle and now regularly joins me on my trips.

Now, whilst we are currently based in Auckland where we don’t have a winter compared to the South Island, the evenings can still be cold and wet and the sun sets at 17.30pm. The saying  “Happy wife, happy life” is true and I was looking for a way to make those cold dark evenings more enjoyable for us both.

The solution was really quite cheap and, once I’d thought about it, simple to achieve.

Eat, drink, work, relax

What I wanted to create was a table/desk that we could use in the truck for eating, working and having video evenings on our trips away.

It took me a while to figure it out. I knew that I needed collapsible legs to make the table level and easy to stow, but how to fix it at the front.

I cut and attached the legs with a couple of hinges and screws. I put it in the truck but couldn’t keep it horizontal……… What to do?

Bungee cords! Always handy. I drilled a couple of holes in the front and found some bungees the right length. These fitted into the holes and around the front seats. Perfect!

I varnished the top to allow us to use it as a dining table, easy to wipe clean. I will varnish the rest when the weather improves and the varnish dries quicker.

When we are not away 4X4Exploring, the desk lives in the garage. When we are away, it collapses and sits on the back seat, under our bed.

Quick simple solution

All in all, a very quick and simple solution that has changed the way that we spend our winter evenings on the road. I love being able to work in the back of the truck, out of the weather and ability to charge all my devices at the same time. Andrea likes being able to sit in the warm and dry while I’m cooking dinner and then relax and watch a film while I write up the days routes.

A winner all round!!!!!!!!

To read the full story in the November 2018 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (October 19) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.