Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

[col.decker]

Morning all.

I've got a bit of a storage space crisis in my van, its an Auto-Sleeper VT20 so its all seats and no cupboards in the back ...





I'm toying with the idea of breaking out my carpenters toolbox and making a set of storage units that will be fixed on top of my parcel shelf. They can't be very deep becasue I need to see over them in the rear view mirror, probably only 150mm or so but just enough to put cups / plates / food / other small things in etc.

Here is the shelf ...



Obviously I'll need to do something clever with the current cupboard door too.


Has anybody done something similar to their vans so I can borrow / steal your plans and ideas? My quick google suggestest there isn't and 'off the shelf' (joke ba-dooom tish) solution.








[btw: Moderators, I wasn't sure where to put this thread, feel free to move it ]

[AdrianC]

I'm toying with the idea of breaking out my carpenters toolbox and making a set of storage units that will be fixed on top of my parcel shelf. They can't be very deep becasue I need to see over them in the rear view mirror, probably only 150mm or so but just enough to put cups / plates / food / other small things in etc.

Here is the shelf ...

Make sure whatever's on there is tied down PROPERLY. Not just sat there.

A few years ago, we lost a good friend when he was in a relatively minor collision in traffic - a box of stuff from the back shelf took the back out of his skull.

You'd be better doing something underneath the shelf, mebbe?

[shepster]

I can't see from the photo's but have you got a overhead locker?

Also what would you do when the beds down?

[col.decker]

Jeez


Yeah I was thinking of screwing / bolting the bases boxes to the shelf as a perminant fixing. I had thought about just buying some shallow plastic boxes and sticking some Jail Bars across the front and back of the shelf ... but after reading about your friend perhaps not

[col.decker]

I can't see from the photo's but have you got a overhead locker?

Also what would you do when the beds down?

Nope, no over head locker. As for putting the bed down I was thinking I'd leave the parcel shelf in place and sleep the other way around ... feet at the door end.


[E D I T] unless by over head locker you mean the two little pigeon hole things. Yup we've got them

[Ralf85]

I can't see from the photo's but have you got a overhead locker?

I was thinking that, but a full width one would stop the cupboard door on the left from opening further limiting storage space. You might need to remove some furniture (and store it somewhere else) so that you can install more storage space. what about using a toilet sized box for storage of dry goods. That's what I do now, as the storage in my current T25 westy is not as generous as my old T2 westy.

[keehotee]

They can't be very deep becasue I need to see over them in the rear view mirror......

Just box in the whole space and fit one of these?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-REAR-VIEW ... 8d1&_uhb=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[AdrianC]

They can't be very deep becasue I need to see over them in the rear view mirror......

Just box in the whole space and fit one of these?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-REAR-VIEW ... 0939063505" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Syncro mirrors, then reverse it on the mirrors, just like you would if it was a "proper" van. A little practice, and it's just as easy as using the interior mirror.

[Oldiebut goodie]

^^^^^Spam post above. Some aussies don't know where the UK is - they are as thick as some of the yank spammers!