OK Another problem! I love my littlevan, but having to pack everything in is a problem. Anyone know of a solution without putting anything on the roof as I cant get to it!
Was looking for something to fit on back barn doors.
Cheers Di
Dougwe said
09:16 AM Feb 24, 2015
Maybe a small "Pod Trailer" or small trailer perhaps Didi. Something similar to what people tow behind a motor bike.
Just a thought.
exa41 said
10:16 AM Feb 24, 2015
Hi Didi , room always seems to be a problem ,finally got the good wife to downsize in the bus , she wanted an on suite trailer but I don't want to tow one all over Aus.
Stanyer Clan said
10:56 AM Feb 24, 2015
Show us some pics of the Van and then maybe we can all work something out
didi said
11:11 AM Feb 24, 2015
Thanks everyone. Dont really want to tow a trailer either Dennis. I was looking for something light that I could attach to the back of the van
only thing that comes to mind is a product made for yatchs, sold in good marine shops. Its like a fishing net that screws on sides and bottom and you just poke light sorta stuff in the top
cheers
blaze
didi said
12:00 PM Feb 24, 2015
Cheers Blaze but was looking for something a little more secure
Dunmowin said
08:29 PM Feb 24, 2015
What about a Thule Pod on the roof, but you will need roof racks as well, and maybe a ladder if you are height challenged. Ours holds two inflatable kayaks, a soft side bag with 2 life jackets, and the paddles for the kayaks, a bag of books, fishing gear, clothes line - not sure what else Mr D has up there. Totally water and dust proof. See photo of our 4wd - you should be able to get one to suite your vehicle, but if you do, be aware it will ADD to your height clearance.
Edit to add that it is lockable.
-- Edited by Dunmowin on Tuesday 24th of February 2015 08:30:32 PM
you need to have a serious look at what you have and DOWN size....
What do you REALLY need with you..?
Juergen
Jaahn said
09:42 PM Feb 24, 2015
Hi didi,
A couple of thoughts after quite a few smaller vans in the past.
Firstly as has been already suggested throw away half the stuff you have
Secondly have some boxes built for the back doors. However the hinges will be destroyed if they are too heavy.
Thirdly and seriously, get some system inside to put things into EASILY. Boxes, drawers, bins, shelves or something which works for you. Look at what others do. Get a bed that you can EASILY store boxes under. THERE IS A LOT OF STORAGE UNDER A BED. Shelves or cupboards up the top. Prioritise the stuff and where to put it away. Some stuff is not used much so put it in the worst place. You have to use the depth of the van as well as the floor area.
Jaahn
gooba53 said
10:24 PM Feb 24, 2015
If it was something that interested you, a fair bit of room can be gained by replacing the sliding side door with a security screen door like in a caravan. This gives you room where door used to slide to add cupboards or drawers. Also if your van hasn't got overhead cupboards on both sides you could consider that for extra storage also.
Cheers Dianne
jules47 said
08:14 AM Feb 25, 2015
didi wrote:
OK Another problem! I love my littlevan, but having to pack everything in is a problem. Anyone know of a solution without putting anything on the roof as I cant get to it!
Was looking for something to fit on back barn doors.
Cheers Di
Minimise Didi- most things you take with you should have more than one use - my broom handle also goes on my "washing machine", which goes into the lidded 20 litre bucket that holds the dirty clothes, then becomes part of the washing machine. Microwaves make great storage - some keep biscuits in, we keep the sugar in ours (can't use micro when on solar anyway). And so on.
What sort of thing are you looking for to put on the back doors? Inside or outside? Friend has fitted a shoe hanger thing which holds a lot of her small stuff, like spray cans, toiletries etc - very handy.
didi said
09:14 AM Feb 25, 2015
Thanks Guys. Took your advise and minimised!!! I think its because I dont have a house here to store stuff in, the van will be my home for a while until I find where I want to settle although my niece is letting me store a small amount of stuff at hers
Actually enjoy throwing stuff away and finding storage solutions. But I have a pop up tent as I didnt want an awning on the van at present- (have heard pros and cons for that) and I have my massage table (again if I cant get enough work with this it will go) and my solar panels. The rest is minimal.
Cheers Didi
barina said
10:07 AM Feb 25, 2015
didi wrote:
Thanks Guys. Took your advise and minimised!!! I think its because I dont have a house here to store stuff in, the van will be my home for a while until I find where I want to settle although my niece is letting me store a small amount of stuff at hers
Actually enjoy throwing stuff away and finding storage solutions. But I have a pop up tent as I didnt want an awning on the van at present- (have heard pros and cons for that) and I have my massage table (again if I cant get enough work with this it will go) and my solar panels. The rest is minimal.
Cheers Didi
Hi Didi
I have 2 of these boxes attached to the rear of my Mercedes Sprinter van and they are on idividual brackets, that once unlocked they swing out and allow the back doors to be open. I have better photos somewhere will find and post for you......
Hi Didi,
I have seen a box similar to barina's example going right across the back of a Sprinter. Rear Door cannot open but the spare tyre can be lowered from the inside rear. Sockets are permanently kept on the head of the lowering bolt head. When required a socket wrench and extension can be used to lower the spare wheel. Don't think you can have this lowering the spare wheel on Sprinters after 2006.
Peter
didi said
02:46 PM Feb 25, 2015
Big thanks guys. Did look at similar boxes Barina and Peter but Trouble is all this defeats the object of travelling light and easy. Its bad enough filling water tanks and toilets! (just done) and I need easy opening to back barn doors to empty toilet.
Think I'll just get rid of stuff for now. I'd really like to see how much I can do without. Thats why I didnt have a shower put in- just a toilet. When I started looking at it it wasnt worth it for the weight of the extra water, the larger storage tank (Id rather have another battery) which took up even more room etc. Someone suggested it was just as good to have a solar shower/ or roadside shower if I needed hair doing or just strip washes with PLENTY of deoderants lol!
All an adventure!!! I think it's best if I start basic and see what I really need. I know at some point it will probably be a roof vent.
Hey hope I get to meet you all on the road soon. I start my trip this Saturday. Newbie and clueless!!
Cheers Didi
barina said
09:16 PM Feb 25, 2015
Just in case .......good luck with your travels...
OK Another problem! I love my littlevan, but having to pack everything in is a problem. Anyone know of a solution without putting anything on the roof as I cant get to it!
Was looking for something to fit on back barn doors.
Cheers Di
Just a thought.
These any good Stanyer Clan?
cheers
blaze
Cheers Blaze but was looking for something a little more secure
What about a Thule Pod on the roof, but you will need roof racks as well, and maybe a ladder if you are height challenged. Ours holds two inflatable kayaks, a soft side bag with 2 life jackets, and the paddles for the kayaks, a bag of books, fishing gear, clothes line - not sure what else Mr D has up there. Totally water and dust proof. See photo of our 4wd - you should be able to get one to suite your vehicle, but if you do, be aware it will ADD to your height clearance.
Edit to add that it is lockable.
-- Edited by Dunmowin on Tuesday 24th of February 2015 08:30:32 PM
What do you REALLY need with you..?
Juergen
Hi didi,
A couple of thoughts after quite a few smaller vans in the past.
Firstly as has been already suggested throw away half the stuff you have
Secondly have some boxes built for the back doors. However the hinges will be destroyed if they are too heavy.
Thirdly and seriously, get some system inside to put things into EASILY. Boxes, drawers, bins, shelves or something which works for you. Look at what others do. Get a bed that you can EASILY store boxes under. THERE IS A LOT OF STORAGE UNDER A BED. Shelves or cupboards up the top. Prioritise the stuff and where to put it away. Some stuff is not used much so put it in the worst place.
You have to use the depth of the van as well as the floor area.
Jaahn
If it was something that interested you, a fair bit of room can be gained by replacing the sliding side door with a security screen door like in a caravan. This gives you room where door used to slide to add cupboards or drawers. Also if your van hasn't got overhead cupboards on both sides you could consider that for extra storage also.
Cheers Dianne
Minimise Didi- most things you take with you should have more than one use - my broom handle also goes on my "washing machine", which goes into the lidded 20 litre bucket that holds the dirty clothes, then becomes part of the washing machine. Microwaves make great storage - some keep biscuits in, we keep the sugar in ours (can't use micro when on solar anyway). And so on.
What sort of thing are you looking for to put on the back doors? Inside or outside? Friend has fitted a shoe hanger thing which holds a lot of her small stuff, like spray cans, toiletries etc - very handy.
Actually enjoy throwing stuff away and finding storage solutions. But I have a pop up tent as I didnt want an awning on the van at present- (have heard pros and cons for that) and I have my massage table (again if I cant get enough work with this it will go) and my solar panels. The rest is minimal.
Cheers Didi
Hi Didi
I have 2 of these boxes attached to the rear of my Mercedes Sprinter van and they are on idividual brackets, that once unlocked they swing out and allow the back doors to be open. I have better photos somewhere will find and post for you......
I have seen a box similar to barina's example going right across the back of a Sprinter. Rear Door cannot open but the spare tyre can be lowered from the inside rear. Sockets are permanently kept on the head of the lowering bolt head. When required a socket wrench and extension can be used to lower the spare wheel. Don't think you can have this lowering the spare wheel on Sprinters after 2006.
Peter
Think I'll just get rid of stuff for now. I'd really like to see how much I can do without. Thats why I didnt have a shower put in- just a toilet. When I started looking at it it wasnt worth it for the weight of the extra water, the larger storage tank (Id rather have another battery) which took up even more room etc. Someone suggested it was just as good to have a solar shower/ or roadside shower if I needed hair doing or just strip washes with PLENTY of deoderants lol!
All an adventure!!! I think it's best if I start basic and see what I really need. I know at some point it will probably be a roof vent.
Hey hope I get to meet you all on the road soon. I start my trip this Saturday. Newbie and clueless!!
Cheers Didi
Just in case ....
...good luck with your travels...