Underfloor storage compartments

[MisterTFM]

Looking for suggestions on construction techniques for storage under the floor with access from the interior.

Pros\cons ?

How deep can the storage compartment be ?

How should the cargo area be constructed ?

Any links to previous builds and especially photos would greatly be appreciated.

TIA.

[bobhenry]

I still like the outside access drawers on Erv's rig. It just seem a lot more practical than balancing a mattress on your head and rooting around trying to get to the storage from inside.




Here is a link to the pic above.

http://mikenchell.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28637&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[Alleged User]

We have an underbelly storage compartment. Accessible from the interior flip-up panels on either side from either door. Won't be a bother at all, since we'll only be storing stuff that will be taken out once upon arrival at camp and replaced once, when we pack up to leave. Obviously not for items you'll need to keep grabbing and putting away multiple times each trip (although I could live with that if need be without a problem). Clothesline, marshmallow sticks, patio lights, first aid kit, tool kit, etc...all items we'll keep in there. It's great for odd-sized stuff that doesn't look nice and neat when stored in the galley. We'll lay a sheet of drawer liner in there to keep things quiet. We likely won't have a tongue box, as we have quite the short tongue, so we'll make good use of the underbelly compartment.

[PhotoGuy]

I love both storage ideas. And I think I might include both in my build. I am also thinking having a small side flip up hatch

Nice how you can learn and get ideas form others posts

[ERV]

I put the drawers under it because we take to much stuff. Really though they do work good. I leave all the things we don't use much under the bed. It is about 6" deep, so I keep the bigger stuff in there.
It is a pain to get to though. Flip the pad over, then hold the floor up with your head. Then you have to make the bed up again. If you only have to do it once in a while it's good.

[planovet]

I just built in a box with a cover hinged in the middle. I have to lift the mattress to get to it but we only store stuff in there that we will need only in emergencies (extra towels, sheets etc.). I wouldn't use it for things you need to get to often. The only thing I would have done differently is that I would have made it wider, extending it more toward the sides. That would give extra storage and be a little easier to get to. Otherwise it works well for us.

[ParTaxer]

I only store sentimental stuff under the mattress. An old Zebco rod and reel, my dad's old fly rod, some college memorabilia etc. You know good luck charms. I eventually will probably put in insulation.

[Wolffarmer]

As I made mine for rough roads light 4x4 it sets rather high so I was able to put a deep "foot well" in mine.



Thats upside down. Mattress is 3 hunks of foam. the middle hunk over the foot well goes up to the front of trailer to make a little couch and I can set in there with reasonable comfort in bad weather and read. Later I made the bottom part a trap door so I can open it and stand on the ground and now I can stand up in my tear drop. There is usually enough head room for my 5'9"

I store my leveling jacks, blocking, door mats, winter shoes, in there when on the road. Of course after it is set up usually the shoes is the only major thing left in there.



Randy

[absolutsnwbrdr]

This thread has be thinking about some sort of hybrid underfloor storage - a bin that could be accessed from a panel inside, but also slide open from the outside. I might be a little crazy. But I'm ok with that

So... what about a bin that is open on top, and hinged on one side so that can drop down to avoid the frame rail, then slide out the side like a drawer?



Weatherstripping would be around the opening in the trailer floor so when the bin is closed it would be weathertight. Then there is also weatherstripping on the front of the bin at the slide out drawer.

The latch has a ? behind it because I'm not sure what latch might be suitable for this.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

oh... and my reasoning for it having to hinge down is that I dont want a really deep bin that could sacrifice ground clearance and get pummeled with dirt/rocks. This could also be an option for lowered teardrops.

[cuyeda]

Coincidently, I have thinking this same subject, thanks for posting. These are other peoples photos, but saved in my archives.

The tire bin is from Camp-Inn. They will sell it separately.


another storage...


Depending on standard sizes (vary), something like this concrete mud pan, could be used if storage items were not heavy. I am sure other standard plastic bins could be reseached. It's water resistent from the road side, and could be replaced with another if an accident were to happen underneath.



This is Steve Fredericks dropped floor build on his Rondack Lodge. It could easily be covered with a lid for a storage area.





Looking for other ideas as well.

[parnold]

Zach:

You'll want the latch mechanism to be easy to reach.



This may be overkill, but otherwise you'll be on your hands and knees to reach the latch.

[cuyeda]

Or... for people looking for a place to stow shoes while retiring for rest, this bin could be added underneath on simple slide rails and a pin locking system posted above. Light and inexpensive!

[parnold]

That's what I need. I refuse to bring my shoes into my trailer, and I'm always afraid of waking up to wet shoes! (And I never have a backup pair of shoes with me)

[absolutsnwbrdr]

You'll want the latch mechanism to be easy to reach.

This may be overkill, but otherwise you'll be on your hands and knees to reach the latch.

I like it Paul! Looks like I might have my next project!

I definitely agree about the shoes.... especially when its raining! Also would have been handy when I was at the beach... could have avoided getting so much sand inside the trailer.