Seeking storage ideas

Thanks, folks, for the ideas!

Please remember, whatever the storage setup, I have to 100% remove it every time I drive the van. (This is explained more thoroughly in the OP). Built-ins are awesome, but won't do the job here :).

Stacking bins with a lip are looking the best so far, but I am still hoping you can come up with something better that I haven't thought of!

Look online at the container store, everything one could want in storage.

Jim

beemerphile1 wrote:
You can still use the plastic tubs but build a shelf unit to hold them. Stacking tubs is the problem, whatever you want is always in the bottom tub.

Less likely if the inventory in the tubs are loaded depending on use. Put items used most often in same tub. Those very seldom used place at bottom. Yes, from time to time what you need is in the bottom tub but look at it as a little exercise which doesn't hurt most people :)

There was a fella' on here awhile back that was customizing a 1/2 ton van. He was using every nook and cranny in the van, had some excellent storage ideas. I can't remember the name of the thread but he also has a blog about the conversion.

One thing he did was to use the doors as part of the storage solutions. The back doors will hold a lot if properly outfitted.

I can relate to bin issues. I have about a dozen in a storage shed, one I dedicate to parts and tools. I'm always shifting them around to find something. If you need a shallow cabinet under the window, I'd suggest to DIY it.

An alternative might be to buy wire drawer units, cut them down, and attach together. I have one with mesh drawers and the drawers don't slide very easily. A bungee or single stay would keep them in place.

You can still use the plastic tubs but build a shelf unit to hold them. Stacking tubs is the problem, whatever you want is always in the bottom tub.

I have been collecting Costco kitty litter plastic containers. In your case, I might suggest you build a frame that would contain the plastic containers on their side, stacked, with the tops cut off so you can load up the space.

The construction of your framework should allow for the bottom container to slide out, and a different container can then be added onto the top, sort of like a beverage dispenser in a fridge.

If you need to have something to hold things in, get some stretchy flat elastic material, and fasten it partly across the opening with some pop rivets.

Build the same framework at another place in your van, and then just pull the container out of one spot and put it into the other spot as you need things.

When my two kids were young, way back in the unsafe mid-1980’s, I’d set up my 1986 Caravan for week long camping trips (BTW I did the same for my 1991 and 1998 Caravans). What I did was make a 4’X6’ platform using 1”X12” planks for the sides and 3 removable 2’X4’ sheets of plywood covered with carpet for the top of the platform. The platform top was supported in the middle by 2-2”X4” wood cross beams. The sides and cross beams were held in place by screws and angle iron braces so that it could all be taken apart and stored in the garage attic when not in use.

This platform had great storage underneath for gear/clothing storage and with sleeping pads the kids had a nice safe place to sleep. I’d usually sleep outside in a tent unless it was raining really bad and then we’d all crowd into the Caravan. While traveling the kids could play or rest in back. Of course this was before all the current child safety laws were passed. I often wondered how anyone of us ever survived childhood back then!

Steve

tape a paper list of contents on outside of container or use clear containers and tape the list to the inside so you can see it from outside. need to put item back in same container to minimize creating new lists. Or if you are computer savy put the list on the computer and just put numbers on the containers. By being computerized you can easily change an item from one container to another.

Maybe a pigeon hole effect with plastic bins all labeled. If there was a slight lip at the front edge it would keep them from sliding out.

Check out the first pic