Autotray - Modular and customizable car tray

The design

Car interiors are designed for driving and safety but they are truly lacking when it comes to eating, using a laptop to get some on the road work done or even watching a video on a tablet while waiting.

I set about to create a design that would make these things easier and more enjoyable. I wanted my design to be practical, adaptable and quick to setup. I also made the design modular and customizable so that others can add to it and make this design useful for many people.

In its simplest form Autotray is a tray that hooks on a car’s steering wheel. It offers the following features:

• A recessed tray that can be easily removed – no screws are needed.
• The tray has a recessed area for placing your food.
• The tray has a series of holes in which pegs can be inserted to secure a laptop or tablet for various viewing angles.
• The angle of the tray can be adjusted. The brackets interlock at various angles in a secure manner that will not risk you spilling your coffee on yourself. You can also interchange the left and right brackets to get even more angles.
• A slide-out tray with a lock screw is mounted under the tray. It is interchangeable so that it can extend on the right or left side.
• Extension brackets can be added to each side to which various holders can be mounted (phone, pens, frys etc.). There are retaining bolts and clips to secure objects to the extension brackets.
• The various parts are either flush fit or threaded to permit assembly without the need for any tools.
• Only 4 screws ( 1 inch number 6 or 8 screws) are needed to secure the rails for the slide-out tray.
• A pdf assembly guide is provided.

Autotray is designed for durability. It may take a bit longer to print and a bit more filament but it will last a long time and will withstand use and abuse.

I enjoy creating these designs as a past-time. If you like the model please give it a like as it encourages me to create more models.

Optional features

2024-04-21 - Added a new Fry holder - see stl files (last picture)

2024-04-24 - Added a new Sliding tray - see stl files

2024-04-21 - Added a condiment tray - see stl files

Rear Seat Adapter

Autotray can also be used in the rear seat. A must when travelling with children and teenagers.

Link for 3d model : Autotray - Rear seat adapter by Darren - MakerWorld

Autotray Lite - Compact

If you want a more compact version of Autotray you can look at Autotray Lite : https://makerworld.com/en/models/432891?from=search#profileId-337490

3D Printing

Autotray was designed to be printed on a larger 3d printer like the X1C. I apologize but there would have been too many constraints and issues making this in parts for a smaller printer.

Most parts can be printed with the default 0.2 mm standard settings but you really should print the following parts with 0.2 mm strength, 6 layers walls and 50% infill:

• Connecting bolts
• The spindles;
• The extension spindles.

No support is used.

Community involvement

I am always amazed by the qualify and ingenuity of the 3d models featured on Maker World. Many far surpass my abilities. I am hoping that others will contribute to the design by creating holders and components for Autotray so that the whole community can benefit.

To help with this I added a zip file with step files for the extension brackets, the slide-out tray, the retaining bolt and clip as well as the mount with the hole pattern.

Some examples of add-ons that could be nice would be:

• Pen holders;
• Holders for food, utensils, napkins etc.
• Note holders;

Also, it seems each car steering wheel adjusts at a different angle and there is not a standard for this. As such, I am including an stl of the horizontal tray support bracket as well as the interlocking part that is fused to the bracket. If you cannot get the right angle for the tray from my stls then you can rotate the interlocking part and Boolean it with the bracket to get the angle you wish.

Lastly, this is a first prototype and work in progress. I would love to hear comments from users on how to make Autotray better or with more features. Please let me know in the comments.