Need more storage; but.....

[Forrest747]

I am no craftsman. Infact this is the nicest thing I have ever built. I need more storage and think i can gain some by putting a shelf at the front of teh trailer inside. and then move teh sleeping toward the loft. no real rule on sleeping in this trailer. I just hat the thought of hiding some of the cherry i installed. I also have the same issue with my Galley while i could of done better with my trim i really hate the idea of hiding the cherry or even drilling into it. i dont know, thinking of some way of hanging my kitchen utensiles or something. I look at so many galleys and all the stuff in there and think there is no way i could have so much in mine. I also figured out i really cant have the prope rods doing thier job on the outside. too much work and not enough skill on my part to keep the support from ripping my vinyl. life is frustrating at times.

[parnold]

For inside storage what about a couple of rods with netting, like a taut hammock type of thing. The rods could be stained to match the interior, and the netting would be see through so as not to hide your beautiful woodwork.

[Woodbutcher]

Funny you should say that Paul. I just went to the junk yard Saturday and picked up 3 nets that are used in the back of SUV's to hold cargo in place. I am going to try just what you suggested. All 3 nets, 5 bucks. A cheap way to add some storage.

[S. Heisley]

For inside storage what about a couple of rods with netting, like a taut hammock type of thing. The rods could be stained to match the interior, and the netting would be see through so as not to hide your beautiful woodwork.

That's kind of what I did, for storage of the foot cushions, when I don't want the whole bed made up. (For mine, the cushions take the place of netting; although, I've thought of adding it.) I used two 3/4" dowels, cut to size, and 4 rubber door stops. Don't use the sticker backing that the door stops come with as it isn't strong enough to hold any weight. Get 4 screws to fit the door stop hole and 4 washers to fit the round pocket area and screw the door stops on. On one side, I carefully used a box cutter to cut out 3/4" of only the raised portion of the door stops so that the dowels can be slipped in or out, as needed. You only need to cut one side, not both sides. That way, they work similar to clothes rod holders. You can see these in use, above the dog in this picture:

[S. Heisley]

I read through your posting again and realized that you also seem to want more storage space in the galley. An easy way to get more storage there is to move the ice chest to the tow vehicle and reconfigure the area where the ice chest is now. That might be as simple as adding a cupboard door and some shelves or drawers or both.

[Forrest747]

Sharon that is a great idea , however my Jeep will be filled with kids and nopt much else room. However it did get me thinking and I thank you. The idea to convert teh cooler area to storage is a great idea, however i would like a cooler. so it got me thinking some more and what about a simple chuck box to store on the counter in a secured way that when get to camp either leave in place or more likely set up on the side. So thank you for the solution or at least a good idea.

[Maureenm]

Check out the Camp Chef Sherpa on amazon. It is a combo chuck box/extra countertop. If have room to carry it somewhere, it might fit your needs. It holds a surprising amount of food/gear. The legs collapse for transport. Byrdz told me about it at our last camping adventure and I ordered it as soon as I got home.

[S. Heisley]

Sharon that is a great idea , however my Jeep will be filled with kids and nopt much else room. However it did get me thinking and I thank you. The idea to convert teh cooler area to storage is a great idea, however i would like a cooler. so it got me thinking some more and what about a simple chuck box to store on the counter in a secured way that when get to camp either leave in place or more likely set up on the side. So thank you for the solution or at least a good idea.

That would work well and you have the space to store it for travel, on top of your galley counter. You could probably make most of it from scraps left over from building your trailer and make fold-up legs that are braced open with a simple rod or piece of wood inset into brackets.. When set up, it would give you extra galley/counter space, too!

[nevadatear]

I agree with sharon on moving the ice chest out to gain more storage. That would add a lot of room. Since you can't lash the kids to the top of the car, what about adding a receiver to the back of the trailer and adding a small receiver mounted shelf for the ice chest? I am sure you could add other things too. Remove the whole thing at camp. Since your ice chest is already in the back, it should not change the weight distribution or aerodynamics. Also in the galley, what about adding either a small shelf with a railing in front for things like spices, coffee, etc. you could still see your wood work. You coul Al's add cup hooks for mugs, potholed rs, anything small you could hang. This would be above the counter on the back wall.. That space seems ripe for exploiting.

[S. Heisley]

I agree with sharon on moving the ice chest out to gain more storage. That would add a lot of room. Since you can't lash the kids to the top of the car, what about adding a receiver to the back of the trailer and adding a small receiver mounted shelf for the ice chest? I am sure you could add other things too. Remove the whole thing at camp. Since your ice chest is already in the back, it should not change the weight distribution or aerodynamics. Also in the galley, what about adding either a small shelf with a railing in front for things like spices, coffee, etc. you could still see your wood work. You coul Al's add cup hooks for mugs, potholed rs, anything small you could hang. This would be above the counter on the back wall.. That space seems ripe for exploiting.

Debbie is right. You might be able to do that. You could probably also (at least to start with) simply sit the ice chest on top of the counter and slide it onto a table built to the same height, or with adjustable legs, when you get to your destination. One question: Is there enough room/will the ice chest fit between the counter and the roof to do that?

[Alleged User]

Some things I have considered for storage of odds and ends for the galley that won't cost much:

A cot organizer like: this one
Takes up minimal space, looks tidy, and does the job for small goodies and easily lost items. Easily mounted in a galley, and you have plenty of room on your galley face wall for one. These are also great for interior cabin storage for phones, keys, pen and notebook, and stuff that stays in the cabin.

A shoe organizer like: this one
You can hang this from your hatch lid, ez-up frame, use a bungee to hang it on the lee side of your teardrop, or on an abiding branch to store cleaning supplies, matches, dish towels...hell, anything you can think of. Get one with clear pockets to make it even easier to organize. Just take down and roll up, and put in the car or TD cabin when packing up if you can't fit it in your galley for transport.

I love the Bucket Boss also. Made to fit 5-gallon buckets. Store your dishtowels, dishes or pots in the middle, and use the pockets on the sides for soap, scrubbies, utensils, bug spray...you name it. Again, minimal space to store a bunch of items. Perfect for camp, where you can plop it anywhere you need it, and grab it and go when it's time to bug out.

If you do a 'net search for garage storage items, you can find some similar products in all shapes and sizes to suit you.

I like tidy, functional, and inexpensive. Love seeing others' ideas.

[Forrest747]

Thank you AU.
I ended up as a first step putting in some footman just under the upper cabinet so that i can hang things. Taking some idea from Sharon I added a few more in the cabinet so i can hang some shelves from webbing and have them adjust if i need too.

[Woodbutcher]

I may be a little late with the picture but here it is.

[Forrest747]

Never too late for ideas. I do have some cargo nets that i do plan on using somewhere in teh build.