Under seat storage

[Jim San]

Whilst looking at the various options of leisure battery positions (behind seat) i discovered the sizable space under the seat (approx 15" x 12" x 4") ok so its not massize but there is 2 of them and it would be ideal for tools and spares etc. All that is needed is the single thickness plate to be cut and smartened up and 2 draws making - with a latch to stop them sliding forward.

I've searched and searched and found nothing (other than for other models), which leads me to believe either;
my searching skills are up to my usual standard;
no-one has documented the idea before;
or what is concerning me - there is good reason why NOT to do it

[keith]

isn't that the case with most vans...leisure under 1 seat...box of bits under the other with a lift up lid for access.

[bobby-gg]

I'm sure Mario has been looking into making some kind safe/lockable drawer in there, was posted and discussed earlier this year either here, brickyard or facebook, I can't remember

[CovKid]

I keep meaning to cut the passenger battery box out and make a slightly deeper one that will accept the leisure battery that is currently held in with bunjees behind passenger seat! Lot of wasted space on a T25. You only have to look through rear wheel arch at the space above the gearbox to see how much is not used. Then theres the spaces behind the dash - its cavernous behind there.

[Jim San]

isn't that the case with most vans...leisure under 1 seat...box of bits under the other with a lift up lid for access.

I'm aiming to have 2 leisure batterys. I mean the space beneath the seat base, there is loads of space, easily big enough for a socket set, foot pump, spare bulbs etc etc and more

I'll give it a go when I get chance, looks easy enough, i wont bother with draw runners as i'd sooner have a draw/tub I can simply remove and take about the place

I've never been totally sold on having a safe in the van, i'd sooner not take lots of valuable stuff in the first place and things like passports i prefer to keep on me (or its small enough and easy enough to stash)

[garyd]

I think that Metalmick8y posted something recently about working on locking under-seat drawers. A 'watch this space' type comment.

[lloydy]

I keep meaning to cut the passenger battery box out and make a slightly deeper one that will accept the leisure battery that is currently held in with bunjees behind passenger seat! Lot of wasted space on a T25. You only have to look through rear wheel arch at the space above the gearbox to see how much is not used. Then theres the spaces behind the dash - its cavernous behind there.

A guy on the samba, cut into that space above the gearbox. Made a real good size storage cupboard.

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
I have under seat storage for a number of years.
Fixed two battens to underside of base plate and then hinged batten to front of seat box. Seats then tilt forward for use of space under. Made up a bolt and bracket
to stop seat tilting when you don't want it to but as seat belts are attached to van you shouldn't go anywhere.
Don

[Jim San]

Hi,
I have under seat storage for a number of years.
Fixed two battens to underside of base plate and then hinged batten to front of seat box. Seats then tilt forward for use of space under. Made up a bolt and bracket
to stop seat tilting when you don't want it to but as seat belts are attached to van you shouldn't go anywhere.
Don

Any possibility of some photos in the various positions. I did think about a hinge for the seat but felt the front access option was more straight forward as I want to fit swivel base.

[kentishvanman]

Hi,


Any possibility of some photos in the various positions.

Give me a couple of days
Don

[scottbott]

his wife might not be too impressed about photo's in various positions!!

[Titus A Duxass]

his wife might not be too impressed about photo's in various positions!!

But we might be....

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
Photos of under seat storage


First photo seat raised and propped. I don't have a permanent prop, just lift and remove what's wanted.
Second photo is hinge at front edge. I used a back flap and bolted it to the batten. Excess bolt cut/filed off and also recessed into batten. Thickness of batten about 15mm but not critical. The thicker the batten the higher your seat.
Last photo. My catch= bent piece of steel with removable bolt.
Did this all about 10 yrs ago so can't remember details but basically...
Take out seat. Remove base plate, and 'swiveler' if fitted, fit two hinged battens to under side of plate. use hardwood not softwood. Bolt hinge,and batten, to seat box. refit seat. Make up a catch.
You will need a plywood divider to block off battery from storage area to stop any stored metal items from touching battery terminals.
Don