External storage box for PVC, suggestions please

[Candapack]

We changed to a 6m PVC (Rapido V55) about 18 months ago. Love it for many reasons, but storage can be an issue. (Mrs C takes far too many clothes, hair care stuff and "product", but that is non-negotiable).
We have a towball mounted bike rack, and while we were away recently, it occurred that there is a big space between the van doors and the rack, enough to mount a box of some type which would swallow external things like EHU cables, hose, ramps etc.
It would need to be secure while travelling, but easily removable when parked up, ideally slid under the van. Has anyone got such a box, or knows where I might get one?

 

[Minxy]

Might help if you can show a picture of the 'gap' in question.

 

[Mikeco]

I’m surprised that you have a large gap unless they have fitted a different bike rack to the one made for PVC’s.
Your storage problem is typical of a normal van conversion, luckily I had some sense when I did mine and put a bulkhead between the rear doors and fixed bed.

 

[Candapack]

Might help if you can show a picture of the 'gap' in question.

Here we go. I hope.

 

[Riverbankannie]

We changed to a 6m PVC (Rapido V55) about 18 months ago. Love it for many reasons, but storage can be an issue. (Mrs C takes far too many clothes, hair care stuff and "product", but that is non-negotiable).
We have a towball mounted bike rack, and while we were away recently, it occurred that there is a big space between the van doors and the rack, enough to mount a box of some type which would swallow external things like EHU cables, hose, ramps etc.
It would need to be secure while travelling, but easily removable when parked up, ideally slid under the van. Has anyone got such a box, or knows where I might get one?

I’m with Mrs C. I take 3 hair drying devices, however, we never use the levelling ramps so they can be left behind, the EHC cable gets swallowed up in drivers door pocket and no hose needed as we fill up via a 5 litre container which doubles as the fresh drinking water container. We also keep our fold up Bromptons under the bed. Without these we would have space to spare.

I’m surprised that you have a large gap unless they have fitted a different bike rack to the one made for PVC’s.
Your storage problem is typical of a normal van conversion, luckily I had some sense when I did mine and put a bulkhead between the rear doors and fixed bed.
View attachment 232997

I like the all round view a rear lounge PVC gives us.

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[Minxy]

I'm thinking of some sort of strong suitcase ... right depth, lockable, waterproof and easy to put on/take off however it would need to be removed to access the contents ... I'll see what else I can come up with ...

 

[Candapack]

I’m surprised that you have a large gap unless they have fitted a different bike rack to the one made for PVC’s.
Your storage problem is typical of a normal van conversion, luckily I had some sense when I did mine and put a bulkhead between the rear doors and fixed bed.
View attachment 232997

Excellent for storage, but does that not impact a lot on internal space? As well as losing out on having the rear doors wide open ( so you can say "midges, here I am, come on my beauties)?

I’m with Mrs C. I take 3 hair drying devices, however, we never use the levelling ramps so they can be left behind, the EHC cable gets swallowed up in drivers door pocket and no hose needed as we fill up via a 5 litre container which doubles as the fresh drinking water container. We also keep our fold up Bromptons under the bed. Without these we would have space to spare.



I like the all round view a rear lounge PVC gives us.

How can you "never" use levelling ramps? I reckon we use them more often than not, but maybe that's because we rarely use sites. Our main EHU cable is on a reel and wouldn't fit in the drivers door pocket, well it might if we cleared out the old sweetie wrappers. But we also have an extra cable and various connectors. Our hose is one of the "scrunchy" ones so fairly small, but also with various tap connectors, how long would it take to fill a 120 litre tank using a 5 litre container?
A good example of how we all use our vans differently, cheers.

 

[Mikeco]

Excellent for storage, but does that not impact a lot on internal space? As well as losing out on having the rear doors wide open ( so you can say "midges, here I am, come on my beauties)?

Having a fixed bed across the back was far more important than using the back doors as we live in the van for 7 months of any year including a 6 month stint in Spain in Winter.
Front lounge using the van seats turned around is ideal for us.

 

[Minxy]

If you do a search for pick-up tool box, truck tool box etc you'll get quite a few ideas.

 

[Candapack]

Having a fixed bed across the back was far more important than using the back doors as we live in the van for 7 months of any year including a 6 month stint in Spain in Winter.
Front lounge using the van seats turned around is ideal for us.

We also have a fixed bed across the back, but we use the rear doors too. (Mrs C does enjoy a Vindaloo)

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[Candapack]

If you do a search for pick-up tool box, truck tool box etc you'll get quite a few ideas.

Thanx Minxy.

 

[Mikeco]

We also have a fixed bed across the back, but we use the rear doors too. (Mrs C does enjoy a Vindaloo)

My layout was based upon the Rapido V55 except for the gap I created at the back, also cost about half the price as well.

 

[Minxy]

Just a thought, check the maximum load that your tow bar can take then check the weight of the bikes to ensure you have sufficient left before fitting a box and all the stuff inside it.

 

[Candapack]

My layout was based upon the Rapido V55 except for the gap I created at the back, also cost about half the price as well.

I don't have your skills. If you were able to mirror the V55's underbed storage, huge fridge and clever wardrobe/shower arrangement at a big price saving, hats off to you. Hope you're enjoying it as much as we are.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Excellent for storage, but does that not impact a lot on internal space? As well as losing out on having the rear doors wide open ( so you can say "midges, here I am, come on my beauties)?

How can you "never" use levelling ramps? I reckon we use them more often than not, but maybe that's because we rarely use sites. Our main EHU cable is on a reel and wouldn't fit in the drivers door pocket, well it might if we cleared out the old sweetie wrappers. But we also have an extra cable and various connectors. Our hose is one of the "scrunchy" ones so fairly small, but also with various tap connectors, how long would it take to fill a 120 litre tank using a 5 litre container?
A good example of how we all use our vans differently, cheers.

Very true

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[John.]

How about the Really useful Christmas tree storage boxes about £25-£50 on eBay ?
77ltr plus a very strong box easily slid under the van.

 

[ukbill]

Job done,a original ukbill design,

 

[Minxy]

Job done,a original ukbill design,

I thought of one of those too but they are quite deep so doubt they'd fit between the bike rack and rear doors.

 

[sonny]

Total length about 7 metres might be worth going coach built.

 

[Minxy]

Total length about 7 metres might be worth going coach built.

... seems a bit drastic just to get somewhere to store the ramps etc !!!

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[Reallyretired]

I’m surprised that you have a large gap unless they have fitted a different bike rack to the one made for PVC’s.
Your storage problem is typical of a normal van conversion, luckily I had some sense when I did mine and put a bulkhead between the rear doors and fixed bed.
View attachment 232997

I like this idea, even a few inches could give a lot of storage, and must improve the insulation too.

 

[Mikeco]

I like this idea, even a few inches could give a lot of storage, and must improve the insulation too.

It only 4 inch deep but provides fit vertical storage for windbreaks, chairs and the Fiamma handle. Doors are well insulated anyway but the fixed bed is against a carpeted wall so very cosy especially as we use it for 7 months of the year.

 

[busby]

I mounted two chequerplate aluminium boxes on the rear doors under the bike rack on my Symbol.
Their weight is supported by the rear step..Second van i have done this on and it provides plenty of storage.Busby.

 

[SpeedyDux]

We changed to a 6m PVC (Rapido V55) about 18 months ago. Love it for many reasons, but storage can be an issue. (Mrs C takes far too many clothes, hair care stuff and "product", but that is non-negotiable).
We have a towball mounted bike rack, and while we were away recently, it occurred that there is a big space between the van doors and the rack, enough to mount a box of some type which would swallow external things like EHU cables, hose, ramps etc.
It would need to be secure while travelling, but easily removable when parked up, ideally slid under the van. Has anyone got such a box, or knows where I might get one?

Another solution might be to fit an underfloor gas tank, if that is possible on a V55. That would free up the big gas locker under the bed for extra storage.

Or trade in Mrs C for a newer model? Too expensive I suppose.

 

[RogerThat]

Is a roofbox an option @Candapack ?

Mine is bit of a Tardis in disguise - all this stuff somehow fits inside it

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