Storage

[Mark]

I'll be living in my B190 van conversion RV from at least April to November of next year. My rig doesn't really have that much storage space in it. I'll be traveling with all of my rock climbing gear and maybe my mountain bike (which will be outside on a rack). I've taken the mattress out of the upper bunk and that has given me more room but I'm wondering about putting containers or some sort of drawers or shelf systems up there.

Any ideas? Tips? Suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Hereandthere]

For cheap, I use various size cardboard boxes. For best, I use a variety of plastic bins and shelves, usually obtained at Walmart.

 

[Almost There]

Trying to find exactly the right boxes that will not only fit the space but also the gear might be problematic.

Maybe look at something like the bungie cord octopus.

It's probably the next cheapest to cardboard boxes and you won't have to try to fit odd shaped gear in boxes and then fit the boxes into the storage area.

 

[concretebox]

Hitch cargo carrier. I had one and it fit three rubbermaid tubs perfectly. For security I covered it in a tarp and used two wrench straps to hold it down. It was not theft-proof, but it was too inconvenient for an opportunistic thief. A more expensive, but more secure solution would be a locking hitch storage box.

 

[Mark]

I've thought of the hitch carrier but I don't like the idea of making my rig any longer. As it is, it being "only" 19 feet long, I can drive and park the thing like a big car. I'm afraid that the extra length would limit that.

 

[concretebox]

My rig is 20 feet. With the cargo rack on I didn't really notice much difference. Most of the time I was driving in a straight line on the interstate, so it wasn't an issue.

Another, less convenient option is a rooftop cargo carrier. Then you'd have the issue of how are you going to secure it to the roof? Are you prepared to drill holes in the roof? Also, it will increase your clearance, but I'm guessing you're not taking it through drive-thrus now so It won't be much of a loss there. Just be mindful when in cities, as some are more likely to have low-clearance railroad overpasses. There's on in my hometown, where every year a semi crashes into it. Every year.

 

[Mark]

I'm installing a solar system to the rig this winter so a rooftop carrier is not an option. I think I'm going to go with storing stuff in the upper bunk area for a while and see how that works out.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[gadgetMe]

For smaller stuff I use clear zip lock bags to stash in small places.