Over the years, through trial and error ... ok, mostly error, I've developed a very workable storage system for the backs of my mini-vans and now suburban.

Michael and Morgan have both asked me for details. Michael with his new Tahoe and Morgan with his pick-up truck, want to do something similar.

Not going to give exact measurements, because your needs and drawers will differ.

sheet of 1/8 inch plywood for box base
sheet of 1/2 inch plywood for box top
2 1x10's for box sides and center support
2 rubbermaid underbed wheeled storage containers with tops
2 low profile coke trays

Notice in the pix that my drawers are slightly off center, so that I can store brooms, mops, rakes and a couple of extra folding chairs on the left side of drawers. On the right side of box is space for awning rails, supports, and rod.

Notice the height of the box allows me to carry a small ladder on top of one of the storage containers. And two folding tables (bungi-corded together at the handles on another.

I removed the third seat in the suburban, so my box runs from right behind the second seat, almost to the rear hatch. I say almost, because I left room for the two low-profile plastic coke trays, in which I carry a multitude of easy access stuff.

In our mini-van, we removed one of the second row Captain chairs and third seat, and made a box with two lengths.

We carpeted ... ok Pam carpeted... the top of the storage boxes in a color coded carpet. We also painted the wood to match.

This system allows you to carry anything/everything you want on top of the box, but still have ready access to the drawers.

Pulling the drawer half-way out allows access, but also gives you a work surface. It's easy to pull the draw all the way out (it's on wheels, after all), turn it end-for-end and reinsert.

As I said, it works for us ... and works well ... because, after all, I carry enough stuff to completely rebuild the trailer if need be.

The two coke crates, red and grey, don't ride on top of the box. They ride on the floor in front of the drawers ... they are shown in the position they need to be to access the drawers.

If you look closely, you can see the ladder and the green tables riding on top of the drawers, under the box top.

You can also see the toggle bolts that secure the box frame to the floor of the suburban. Two other toggle bolts hold the front down.

Eyelets screwed into the box top, provide ways to bungi cord the stuff securely to the top of the box, so that it doesn't go flying around when you happen to hit a tree or something.

Extra hoses, a floor jack, and assorted other goodies are stored "long term" in the far back of the box, behind the drawers. You may or may not have room or need for this.

As I said, your needs and components may vary.

And if y'all want, I'll detail what I carry in the 8 or so crates that normally ride up on top of the box and storage drawers!

We also use two plastic bins that have draweres and stack on top of one another. Keeping all of our extras. When we are not camping we just carry out and store in garage. It works quite nicely in our Ford Explorer Sport.

Barbara

Going from orlando to the west coast, on a rather limited budget. Libby and I (Paul) have been marreid 35 years, and never been away for more than a few weeks at a time. Got some good answers on the scamp site (thanks Pete and rats and other good people who answered). I don't write much, I have read all casita and scamp posts, and must say, you are truly a great bunch of folks, I now manage a small welding shop in Orlando. I got away from diesel repairs because they computerized them, and at 60 I was not willing to go back to school, I build construction type trailers, Got free electric and water for any egger that wants to spend a night or two on the culde-sac in front of my house.E- mail me b4 you come. Hope this site goes well. Paul:wave

This is the first picture of my Watt Box. It's cloned from Charles' box above. I made a few changes, but kept the same colour scheme and motif ;) More pics when it's in the pickup and the new shell is on.

Looking good Morgan! :) :)

Can't wait to see the installed pix! Did you get the topper yet? I want to see pix of the boat on top too!

What are you using for the drawers?

You gonna color-key the carpet on top of the box? Or are you just going with paint?

Also, careful sliding that metal-edges into the truck so you don't scratch the pickup bed!

[quote]Orginally posted by Charles Watts

            Looking good Morgan!  :) :)  

Can't wait to see the installed pix!  Did you get the topper yet?  I want to see pix of the boat on top too![/quote]
I get the topper and rack today at 2:00PM MST

[quote]What are you using for the drawers?[/quote]
Same thing you are. I used plywood for top bottom and sides, the bottom is ¼", the rest is 3/8". I made it 8" high, just enough room for the drawers. I also put two middle walls for better support for the boat motor. I used aluminum angle for bracing and used T-nuts rather than screws into plywood. Outside dimensions are 48" W x 46" L x 8 5/8" H. The drawer openings are 20" wide and the center compartment about 6" wide, just right for my hex screen room.

[quote]You gonna color-key the carpet on top of the box?  Or are you just going with paint?[/quote]
Paint, I don't have any colors in the bed of the truck except the black bed liner.

[quote]Also, careful sliding that metal-edges into the truck so you don't scratch the pickup bed![/quote]
The bed liner protects the paint. I put tie-downs on the wheel wells for stops so it doesn't slide forward.

Photos to follow.

Morgan, I saw the two sets of screws for two center supports ... smart idea and good improvement!

Pam ordered a granite tabletop for a library table in our entryway ... which I picked up today ... it's currently riding on top on my drawer box ... and is waaayyyy too much weight for my single center support.

Noticed your supports are about 3 inches apart. Figured you were planning on stuffing some folding chairs ... then it dawned on me you'll probably stick fishing poles between the drawers!



EDITED: Whoops, I reread your post and you said the screen room is going in the center compartment. Ok, so where do the fishing poles go? :)

Also, before you jump me, I know you don't fish for sharks. Pretend it's a big mouth bass!

There's about 6 ½" between the two middle supports, see below.

My fishing poles come apart and go in my tackle box.

Origami's nest is not yet installed.

Charles,

You're going to have to send me a list of what you carry in your Watt Box. I don't have enough to fill the drawers :o

Wow! Morgan, nice lookin' topper! I like the way you can access stuff through the back and the side windows!

Talk about easy access!

The drawers look slick too!

Mine are filled with fishing lures.:laugh

You know, not for your benefit, but for mine ... I was going to inventory and reorganize my two drawers after next weekend.

The slick thing about the easy access drawers is you can have the truck bed stuffed with stuff and still be seconds away from the stuff in the drawers!

Hard to tell, will you have clearance in the carport for the boat rack ... or will that be an "on-the-fly" rack installation?

Should be easy, but I can't get to the drawers when the trailer is hitched, can't lower the tailegate.


The stern of the boat will be even with the rear of the shell. The bow is above the cab of the truck. No sweat on getting it into the carport.

I'm considering a strap winch to help in loading.

>>to help in loading

You could always get a wench to help instead of the strap winch thingie.

>>can't lower tail gate

I've seen guys with pickup trucks and heavier trailers than ours using a hitch extender so they can lower the tailgate enroute. And I've never heard of a hitch extender breaking or bending.

But (and there's always a but) I've never used one ... so using one is strictly up to you. You can get them at Camping World, Bubba's or other places on the web.

Here's one:

http://www.crbrophy.com/hitchacc.html

So, I should use a strapping wench?

I've known of the hitch extenders before, but shied away. My concern is more with towing geometry than breakage.

The moment arm would be too far back: