Chuck... I give you wings.

For those of you that read my posts on straps and bags, you will know that I'm not adverse to modifying things and procedures to make life easier and workflow more efficient. My latest mod is to my work vehicle "Chuck" (Ford Ranger-Ranger-Texas Ranger-Chuck Norris-Chuck).

Chuck is not exclusively used for my photography business. He is very useful for my home renovating projects, landscaping, gardening, transporting kayaks and helping when the kids inevitably move house. That is why I ended up with a ute...not the ideal photographer's mobile office/storeroom...but I made sure Chuck had lockable back seat storage space.

This space is not ideal. It is not readily accessible and camera gear is notoriously heavy...hence my idea to modify. My first thought was custom made drawers, but then discounted the idea as you are not always in a situation where you can work out of your vehicle. You often park and transport equipment to the shoot location...so things needed to be removeable. And I also thought, everything is already housed in bags and cases, so why double-up?

Then the eureka moment...let's give Chuck wings. When loading I don't need to lean awkwardly into the back of the vehicle with a heavy camera case (potential for back and shoulder injuries). Any injury can be very expensive when you are self-employed. If working from Chuck I can extend the wings and easily see the contents of bag or case...no more rummaging around trying to find the right sync cord.

I needed to alter the floor pan so I had a flat platform to start with...a sheet of 12mm ply (with the appropriate shaping) did the trick. I then put the carpet back and screwed heavy duty drawer sliders into place. A ply platform was shaped into a pair of wings and covered with automotive fabric (to make things look smick).