Advice on my layout...

[bsdctx]

Here's another idea. Instead of setting the bike(s) on the floor and trying to build storage above them, you could build a "shelf" or cabinet that sits on the floor and then put the bike(s) on top of that. I've been thinking of a similar thing for my van in an effort to maximize space.

As for your idea of a shelf or netting, it seems to me a shelf would require some brackets which might be somewhat difficult to make both secure and easily removable. I like your idea of putting up netting. You could simply install some anchor points along the walls and roof to hang the netting.

Another consideration is wheels off or wheels on for the bike(s)? It's handy to keep the wheels on but wheels off will give you more room. Another idea that may work is transporting the bike upside down resting on the handlebar and seat.

[tomesd]

This is how we plan on transporting our MTB's (not my pic):



I actually thought of the storage below bikes but with the underfloor storage we felt it may be a little tough to get to it. Also if we ever do want to add cabinets in the rear it is an easier addition to just have it open.

See the hanging shelf on the upper right of the pic? What if we had one on each side and had SMB rig up some kind of shelf support that would span the width to where we could remove it? A metal wire shelf, netting, etc- what do you think?

[bsdctx]

Originally Posted by tomesd

See the hanging shelf on the upper right of the pic? What if we had one on each side and had SMB rig up some kind of shelf support that would span the width to where we could remove it? A metal wire shelf, netting, etc- what do you think?

That sounds like a great idea to me. The best part about a Sportsmobile is you can do build it just like you like it.

[jage]

Those overhanging shelves cut into the space, which may not be an issue 99% of the time- but if it is you can't move them, plus with them over the bikes that cubby looks like it would turn into a black hole (although I could see something for muddy bike shoes...) In addition you have to put the shelf somewhere when not in place- in the garage or somewhere else in the van. The latter could be a nightmare especially if you forget to leave the shelf at home. The bed span from my 50 is plenty strong to be a shelf, even extended to the full width of the van- so there is no doubt SMB could make it, but what you wind up with is less flexible.

Personally, I like the idea of having SMB do raingler mounts in the wall for the net. You can specify the width to match the raingler net and the net is 100% removable, stowable anywhere, and soft. I think you would be restricted to storing softer items on the net-shelf, but pillows and bulky items are a pain anyway, and a light duffle of clothes would work too. It would be a built in drying rack, double as a place to hang hangers... the more I think about it, the more I like it.

[tomesd]

I see your points jage- the raingler mounts are looking better to me as well. What about some of the mounts horizontal on the walls above where the bikes will be and have a single shelf (a reinforced 1'x24' board or similar) with "L-brackets" secured to the ends that would slide into the raingler mounts allowing the shelf to span the width? This, with some netting would be very convertable depending on what we wanted to store up there.

I really appreciate the help and advise everyone has given me! Any other ideas?

[saline]

I finally remembered where I had seen one of those cabinet/shelves that spans the back of the van. It's from Spurious, the photo is courtesy of his gallery. His van is a RB with his own design and work.

[tomesd]

We've decided to have the 24" in the rear of the van to have the loncoin material halfway up the sides to the level of the rear window. Raingler makes solid tough nylon "shelves" with molle attachments covering the entire surface. Our plan is to have 2 shelves, one 24" x 67" (secured 20" off the van floor for when the bikes are not in there), and one 22" x 60" (secured 40" off the van floor for when the bikes ARE in there). The molle attachments will be used to secure items on the shelf with carabeeners or straps. We also plan on covering the walls with similar molle nylon material from Raingler to secure packs, helmets, etc, as well. I'll post some pics when we get it finished.