Clever Storage Solutions

[Tjdixon]

Hi,

We are in the middle of planning a European trip in our Camper van, we are going to be away for 4-6 months, obviously we will be travelling light but need to come up with some clever / additional storage solutions.

The van is a westy with pop top / built in rack, I don't think we can add any further roof racks up top.. We are planning to take bikes and they will be on the rear rack.

The interior has a full height cupboard to one side with a 3/4 RR bed, Buddy Seat with store below, its not a walkthrough van so has storage under the front seat.

Any ideas welcome?

 

[Sydney1]

Had the same problem and only found one solution

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/streetwise-camel-trailer-large-sized-camping-accessories-p99511" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Tjdixon]

Had the same problem and only found one solution

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/streetwise-camel-trailer-large-sized-camping-accessories-p99511" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is something I had thought about but trying to avoid..

 

[bgg]

Had the same problem I have decided to build on of these over the winter months click on the link below for teardrop trailers!

http://www.tnttt.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

:shock:

 

[Bluesnailman]

Do you need the buddy seat as a buddy seat? I've replaced mine with a cooker and cupboard like the sink only different. I intended to put buddy seat back in but now love it too much

 

[Tjdixon]

Do you need the buddy seat as a buddy seat? I've replaced mine with a cooker and cupboard like the sink only different. I intended to put buddy seat back in but now love it too much

That's not a bad idea, although my buddy seat, fridge and middle section are all one unit so may have to look at an alternative store that fits on top and to the buddy seat that's there...

 

[john the horse]

take less stuff? buy when you are there?

not taking the piss, we been junking selling things for ages down to a credit card/tooth paste and pants.

Hows about a trailer.

jth

 

[Mobango420]

I always book as a car, when you book just say its a Volkswagen Type 2. It's shorter and lower than a lot of estate cars, 4x4's etc.

 

[lasty]

Having spent 2 years travelling in mi van I can appreciate your problems...

Look at it simply and take as little as possible - you are only going to Europe and can buy ANYTHING if and when needed - Forget about taking clothes for every occasion / weather, just stick to a few basics .
Plenty of nooks and crannies when you look hard enough - if it`s hot wrap your fleece/Christmas jumper/cardie in a bag and stuff it under a seat. when it cools down dig `em out and put the shorts and t-shirts in there. 6 months is pretty manageable to be honest .....
Don`t bother with an awning as they take up a massive amount of valuable storage space. I`ve got a JK sun canopy which fits in a carrier bag - poles live in the folded roof.
Basic cooking/prep kit - couple of pans, cutlery and crockery for 2 + maybe a couple of spare plates and not forgetting the Barbie tongs ! I try to make sure everything in the van has AT LEAST 2 uses...
Best storage solution I found was removing the sink which revealed a large inaccessible storage area below - a simple bowl does the job these days - doubles up as a washing machine, like I say two uses ...
Forget about the trailer option - If you think you`ll need one then I`d seriously think about what you`re trying to achieve.
My old van will never be a show winner but as a practical travelling van it does the job - I`d set off to Turkey in it tomorrow !!

Most of all chill out and enjoy the trip

 

[Skyguy]

In the forces we used to make three piles of kit when we came back, one used all the time, one only used occasionally, the other never used.
Then next time you go away only take the things used all the time, used to take less and less kit every time.

 

[Tjdixon]

Having spent 2 years travelling in mi van I can appreciate your problems...

Look at it simply and take as little as possible - you are only going to Europe and can buy ANYTHING if and when needed - Forget about taking clothes for every occasion / weather, just stick to a few basics .
Plenty of nooks and crannies when you look hard enough - if it`s hot wrap your fleece/Christmas jumper/cardie in a bag and stuff it under a seat. when it cools down dig `em out and put the shorts and t-shirts in there. 6 months is pretty manageable to be honest .....
Don`t bother with an awning as they take up a massive amount of valuable storage space. I`ve got a JK sun canopy which fits in a carrier bag - poles live in the folded roof.
Basic cooking/prep kit - couple of pans, cutlery and crockery for 2 + maybe a couple of spare plates and not forgetting the Barbie tongs ! I try to make sure everything in the van has AT LEAST 2 uses...
Best storage solution I found was removing the sink which revealed a large inaccessible storage area below - a simple bowl does the job these days - doubles up as a washing machine, like I say two uses ...
Forget about the trailer option - If you think you`ll need one then I`d seriously think about what you`re trying to achieve.
My old van will never be a show winner but as a practical travelling van it does the job - I`d set off to Turkey in it tomorrow !!

Most of all chill out and enjoy the trip

Thanks, that's some great advice.

 

[Tjdixon]

In the forces we used to make three piles of kit when we came back, one used all the time, one only used occasionally, the other never used.
Then next time you go away only take the things used all the time, used to take less and less kit every time.

I always come back from a weeks holiday, with a bag full of unused clothes so will pack accordingly, maybe I need to buy a smaller bag which in itself will save space....