Luggage safety - tips needed

Post by **iggi** » 09 Jul 2008, 10:41

Looking for some bright ideas about how to stop the luggage sitting in the "boot" of the van from sliding over the 3/4 seat and on top of my baby or partner in case of an accident.
As well as light things like sleeping bags there will be an awning, chairs etc which are all too big to go into the cupboard space.
Taking less is not likely to be an option!

Thank you in advance - I have used the search facility but didn't find anything so far.

Cheers

Post by **Titus A Duxass** » 09 Jul 2008, 10:45

Try those elasticated cargo nets that you can get in most biker shops, they maybe what you are looking for.
You could either simply lash them over the luggage or somehow mount them on the sidewalls to they act like a barrier net.

Post by **ermie571** » 09 Jul 2008, 11:13

You can also purchase "tie downs" that can be fitted to the side of the van, bulhead etc etc then they are useful anchoring points for tieing down the awning etc.

With us, the awning tends to travel on the floor of the van itself....primarily because its the first thing out (after the dogs and kids!) when we get to the campsite, more so if its raining!!)

Em
x

Post by **kathyshack** » 09 Jul 2008, 11:58

I just don't pile it too high. wonder if those dog guard things might help?

Post by **iggi** » 09 Jul 2008, 12:11

Thanks very much for those ideas, I see ebay has some cargo nets.
They seem small though, but I suppose the point is that they stretch..
I'm forgetting too that the point of the awning (which arrived this morning!) is to store all this bulky stuff when on site, so it isn't in the van.

Thanks again
Alison

Post by **Steve P** » 09 Jul 2008, 12:52

Screwfix do cargo nets too, that's where we got ours from - we use it to help prevent the children falling out of the viking roof at night. www.screwfix.com and then search on cargo nets.

Bev

Post by **lloyd** » 09 Jul 2008, 17:22

If you worry about things moving in a wreck, it's simple physics.. A 25kg (55 lb) object at 30 mph will be thrown forward with the force of about one metric tonne (2200 lb) in a collision with stationary object, so you might want to use strong anchors for whatever is to move.

Imagine this: A 30 pound awning in the back seat of a van traveling at a mere 30 miles per hour is involved in a sudden collision. The awning is will fly forward with an impact weigh of about 1350 pounds. That means the it can, during a frontal accident, impact the windshield or the front seat occupant - with deadly force. Not a pretty physics lesson.

If it's loose or comes loose it is very dangerous..

Post by **Pepperami** » 09 Jul 2008, 19:41

Take less!

Post by **jamesc76** » 09 Jul 2008, 19:47

What he said!!^^^^^^^^^ If you have to take so much gear how about a trailer or put the stuff on the floor in middle !!!

Post by **iggi** » 10 Jul 2008, 11:06

I've ordered a cargo net from screwfix, thanks for the tip.

I'm determined to keep camping despite the new addition to the family - however taking less would mean no travelcot for baby to sleep in, no highchair for him to eat in, no pushchair so he'd better learn to walk early...
It just doesn't work!

Post by **lloyd** » 10 Jul 2008, 16:22

Travelcot could be replaced by a berth over front seats, but none available that really fit at moment. Baxter (Brickwerks) is trying to get some made. Add a net and it will work a treat.

Highchair could be replace with one that attaches to table.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/High-Chair-%2F-Tr ... 0923a14428
http://belleville.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLar ... _id=1C4000
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... +and+nurse
ry%7C9556510/c_2/2%7Ccat_9556510%7CHighchairs%7C9556561.htm

No pushchair, how about a baby pack?
http://baby.listings.ebay.co.uk/Baby-Ca ... ngItemList
shows several.

Good luck!

Post by **iggi** » 10 Jul 2008, 17:43

I think I just need to take you with me Lloyd!

Post by **kathyshack** » 10 Jul 2008, 18:21

instead of a highchair we just bought a tray to fit the carseat and we used that. when she had a full bib on with sleeves id didn't really make a mess of the car seat, and the covers can be removed and washed if needs be...

Post by **lloyd** » 10 Jul 2008, 18:35

iggi wrote:I think I just need to take you with me Lloyd!

I'm too big and have too much baggage.

Post by **Llamapup** » 24 Aug 2008, 09:38

There has got to be more to this thread! Even a Kleenex box is dangerous in a high speed accident. With all the campervans built over the years there must be a good solution to safely containing bulky items in the back.

A cargo net may well be the solution, so long as the anchor points are located correctly and of sufficiently robust construction.

The metal dog barrier seems even better. But I would have thought you would need one custom made to fit properly. A solution to the ancher problem needs to be identified here as well.

The appropriate construction and locations of anchor points would be a really useful thing to have cleared up a bit.

Does anyone have any photos of anchor points, cargo nets, tie downs or dog fences in use.

Thanks

Chris