Cargo drawer DIY

[abdn_alliance]

I was going to post before I started making this, to see if any one had any advice, but anyway, I just got stuck in.....

We are a family of 3, 6yo daughter, we tend to have the rear lower bunk folded up, so the back of the van is in garage mode, with access by a single door.

When we are fully packed up, the back can be pretty rammed, and the thought of having to haul everything out to reach the BBQ or something right at the back can be off putting!

So I ordered some 1500mm sliders and set to work,

The lower bunk is still usable, although only one layer of boxes can be used.

Its not quite finished,
1, I plan to put down some different protection, lino or something, so its sealed, for when wet snow gear is chucked in, there is already a drainage hole with plug, and the black non slip matting was just something I had for now.
2, Add a bike for mount, normal bikes can go on the back, but my good race bikes always stay inside...
3, some way of securing the boxes in place, tie down points.

We haven't been away to test it out yet, confinement in France, but I think it will make a big difference!

Has anyone else done something similar?

 

[Langtoftlad]

I'd love a pair of those for under my fixed bed Aurora.

Judging by some of the self build Youtube vids, you can get some mighty strong sliders.
What you lose on space, you certainly gain on efficiency & ease of access.

Sadly, I have not the skills to attempt anything like that.

 

[Phill D]

Looking good, what about weight on the sliders when it's pulled out.
I guess you will only pull out as far as is needed to get at the end boxes

 

[abdn_alliance]

Phil,
They are rated for 120kgs,
I can go on the drawer, im 77kgs, and it still slides in and out fine,
We will put the heavier stuff to the back though.

Its held down by 4 x mate bolts just now, that go though to the underside of the van, time will tell if that's enough.

Again, its not been really tested, ive just finished up...

 

[Puddleduck]

Just be careful not to overload the garage. Ours has a weight limit of 150 kg (or is it 250) in the garage.

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[abdn_alliance]

Stephen,
I'm no craftsman, i just like having a go,
We don't really loose space,
The void to the back side is perfect for the chairs and tables etc,
also the space under the drawer can be used to some extent,

plus its all removable if needed!!

 

[abdn_alliance]

Puddleduck,
I never considered that, other than the weight of the drawer, we are unlikely to carry anymore than before.

 

[Phill D]

We have a split level floor under our washroom which is lined and drained for wet gear. But is a pain to get stuff in and out as it is so low.
This could be an option for me....

Great idea.

 

[eddie]

I was going to post before I started making this, to see if any one had any advice, but anyway, I just got stuck in.....

We are a family of 3, 6yo daughter, we tend to have the rear lower bunk folded up, so the back of the van is in garage mode, with access by a single door.

When we are fully packed up, the back can be pretty rammed, and the thought of having to haul everything out to reach the BBQ or something right at the back can be off putting!

So I ordered some 1500mm sliders and set to work,

The lower bunk is still usable, although only one layer of boxes can be used.

Its not quite finished,
1, I plan to put down some different protection, lino or something, so its sealed, for when wet snow gear is chucked in, there is already a drainage hole with plug, and the black non slip matting was just something I had for now.
2, Add a bike for mount, normal bikes can go on the back, but my good race bikes always stay inside...
3, some way of securing the boxes in place, tie down points.

We haven't been away to test it out yet, confinement in France, but I think it will make a big difference!

Has anyone else done something similar?



View attachment 490078View attachment 490080View attachment 490081View attachment 490083View attachment 490084

I love slides they make so much sense!

I always make a slide our "beer fridge" on our campers, always have done, couldn't imagine a van without one

Not a great picture of the beer fridge, but to be honest I don't remember taking a picture of it, just taking beers from it

 

[abdn_alliance]

eddievanbitz,​

Nice one!!!! it does make sense!

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[Gellyneck]

We've got something similar inside the motorhome.
Access to the under-seat area in the lounge (we've got a half-dinette) was a pita as you had to lift off the seat cushions and the seat base (these are around the size of a double cab seat). You'd always end up knocking the seat back cushions down as well.
So, made up two drawers underneath on full depth runners that are a dawdle to use.
Given they slide forwards had to come up with a cunning plan to stop them opening when breaking hard, the magnetic catches are OK until you do so. The plate off a house door security chain works well.
Must try and remember to take a photo when I out at storage later this week.

 

[Minxy]

I'd love a pair of those for under my fixed bed Aurora.
View attachment 490093

Judging by some of the self build Youtube vids, you can get some mighty strong sliders.
What you lose on space, you certainly gain on efficiency & ease of access.

Sadly, I have not the skills to attempt anything like that.

If you got some sliders you use some crates instead of making your own 'platform', it would be easy peasy as you could just attach the crates to the sliders instead and/or make them removable (ie have them just drop onto some securing lugs - just make sure the spacing is correct before fastening the sliders to the floor. We have some lidded crates that we use in our MH garage which would do the job on the sliders and come in various sizes and/or along with a storage trunk on wheels - this is what we used in our PVC along with a cut down card table which gave another layer or storage space, it was easily removable and only had 2 securing points so minimal fixing needed.

 

[Langtoftlad]

If you got some sliders you use some crates instead of making your own 'platform', it would be easy peasy as you could just attach the crates to the sliders instead and/or make them removable (ie have them just drop onto some securing lugs - just make sure the spacing is correct before fastening the sliders to the floor. We have some lidded crates that we use in our MH garage which would do the job on the sliders and come in various sizes and/or along with a storage trunk on wheels - this is what we used in our PVC along with a cut down card table which gave another layer or storage space, it was easily removable and only had 2 securing points so minimal fixing needed.

You grossly overestimate my non existent DIY skills

 

[Minxy]

You grossly overestimate my non existent DIY skills

Surely you can manage a couple of screws?

 

[bertiebasset]

With that sort of remark he could end up with more children

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[Hagstrom]

A handsome job!

My 1200mm sliders arrived today for mounting two storeys of three 600mmx400mm euroboxes in the back of the PVC, under the fixed bed.

They are rated at 170kg load capacity. I'm using 1200mm sections of 60mm x 30mm aluminium angle to screw the sliders to the floor and the sliders to the 15mm plywood tray. Fixing through the angle to the 20mm+ ply floor using 22mm hex head screws, with washers, at 150mm centres.

 

[gus-lopez]

I'd love a pair of those for under my fixed bed Aurora.

Quite poplar here especially with the VW T5&6 vans for slide out sinks, cookers etc; at the rear.

 

[Gellyneck]

Surely you can manage a couple of screws?

Steady on there Langtoftlad we'll need to ascertain whether the little minx is asking a question or making an offer before you respond!

 

[Minxy]

Steady on there Langtoftlad we'll need to ascertain whether the little minx is asking a question or making an offer before you respond!

 

[Hagstrom]

Finished mine today and have the aching limbs to prove it. There's a divider at the right to make a place to store 2 chairs, 2 stools and a table, spare cassette and 3 levellers.

At the left there's room for the windscreen cover with space above remaining.

There are 6 boxes, 600mmx400mm, three deep and stacked two high. The 1200mm slide out allows access to the boxes at the back, though this isn't shown in the photo.

There's space 3in deep under, for awning winders, brollies etc. *Gas cupboard door modification courtesy of Minxy Girl.

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[Phill D]

I was going to post before I started making this, to see if any one had any advice, but anyway, I just got stuck in.....

We are a family of 3, 6yo daughter, we tend to have the rear lower bunk folded up, so the back of the van is in garage mode, with access by a single door.

When we are fully packed up, the back can be pretty rammed, and the thought of having to haul everything out to reach the BBQ or something right at the back can be off putting!

So I ordered some 1500mm sliders and set to work,

The lower bunk is still usable, although only one layer of boxes can be used.

Its not quite finished,
1, I plan to put down some different protection, lino or something, so its sealed, for when wet snow gear is chucked in, there is already a drainage hole with plug, and the black non slip matting was just something I had for now.
2, Add a bike for mount, normal bikes can go on the back, but my good race bikes always stay inside...
3, some way of securing the boxes in place, tie down points.

We haven't been away to test it out yet, confinement in France, but I think it will make a big difference!

Has anyone else done something similar?



View attachment 490078View attachment 490080View attachment 490081View attachment 490083View attachment 490084

Where did you get the sliders from please.
I will use good old Google but a recommendation is most welcome.
Thanks

 

[abdn_alliance]

Hagstrom good job, its going to make such a difference!

Phill D I bought the 1500mm ones here French amazon

but they look just the same as these UK amazon

 

[Hagstrom]

Phill D, I bought these

VADANIA VA2576 Ultra Heavy Duty Drawer Runners 1200mm, 76mm Widening, Ball Bearing 3-Fold Full Extension, Side Mount, 1-Pair​

but if buying again, I'd get lockable ones.