Advice on my layout...

[tomesd]

We're planning our build and wanted to ask the advise of forum members on some storage solutions for the rear of our rig. We need the rear 24" open for mountainbikes inside (we'll also have a rack on the rear bumper) but want to take advantage of the area above them for storage. We thought about a removable shelf we can slide in the span but didn't know how it could be supported on each wall- ideas?

Also, we thought about heavy nylon netting made by a company called Raingler (Jeep product) to secure back there in addition to the shelf but the fasteners would have to be screwed into wall metal to allow them to be taught enough.

I would appreciate ideas for the rear- here is the layout:




Here is the jeep netting- I would span the space over the bikes in the rear with the netting shown on the top of the jeep, snugged to the side walls with these http://raingler.com/FLC.jpg fasteners.



Let me know what you think. Thanks!

[saline]

The layout looks like it would work pretty well for bikes. A shelf spanning the area above the bikes would be useful but like you mentioned, how does the shelf get supported? I have seen a few RB/EB-50 layout SMB's that have a cabinet that spans the area from the rear closet to the other side. I'll see if I can find a pic.
The net idea is good, especially from Raingler, they make a great product. I have one for my Xterra. It wouldn't be too hard for SMB to fab hardpoints for mounting the net.

On a side note I do highly recommend getting the underfloor storage, you can fit a ton of stuff in there.

[Ford_6L_E350]

If you have a penthouse, you could hang a heavy shelf setup off the bed rails.

Mike

[tomesd]

Originally Posted by saline

I have seen a few RB/EB-50 layout SMB's that have a cabinet that spans the area from the rear closet to the other side. I'll see if I can find a pic.

That would be great if you could find it- maybe that cabinet could be modified on each side to accomodate a slide in shelf to span the area.

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

If you have a penthouse, you could hang a heavy shelf setup off the bed rails.

never thought about that route- we'll have the penthouse. Maybe a bracket hanging down or secured to the metal reinforcements? Not having ever seen the back of a SMB- how easy would this be?

[billwilson]

I love my bikes
even have a hand made ritchey

that said and done, i would not even consider them
being transported inside the rig, no matter what the weather
they will eat up way too much room IMHO

mounted on the back with good racks on the aluminess and covers
is my solution

any reason why you want them to live inside??

bw

[tomesd]

My wife wants to be able to transport them inside when she's going to her mountain bike races. She has some pretty expensive ones and doesn't want to worry about them. They are a space suck but the storage is still there, just not as cabinets.

[EMrider]

Originally Posted by billwilson

I love my bikes
even have a hand made ritchey

that said and done, i would not even consider them
being transported inside the rig, no matter what the weather
they will eat up way too much room IMHO

mounted on the back with good racks on the aluminess and covers
is my solution

any reason why you want them to live inside??

bw

+1

I carry the bikes often and no way I'd sacrifice valuable interior space to make room for them. On the rack they go.

That said, if you use the entire rear area of an EB van, you can fit two bikes in there pretty easily.
R

[Greg In Austin]

I too would look for an exterior solution for the bikes. We have 7 bikes at the house right now. When any travle with us they are exterior.

...but if you have to have them or some inside, could you save some space from the dinette setup? Are you getting a PHT? Do you require the entire dinette setup?

And the underfloor storage is a must!

[tomesd]

We'll have underfloor storage and need the dinette for sleeping if the penthouse top isn't up (stealth camping). Also we have a lab and he'll have that rear space when we leave him in the van.

[billwilson]

Originally Posted by tomesd

We'll have underfloor storage and need the dinette for sleeping if the penthouse top isn't up (stealth camping). Also we have a lab and he'll have that rear space when we leave him in the van.

Lab
checked the floor plan and only saw the galley
they i re read and found out you meant Labrador

Bikes
Understand the warm and fuzzy having the bikes inside
No problem with them traveling inside or when you park, just pull them
off the rack stick them inside.....

HUGE space suck

Question:
have you ever sat in a SMB??
Sat in one with a similar configuration??

I see alottta folks plan thier rig without ever having sat in one

my two cents, go sit in one and then rethink the Loss of rear space

(the lab will still have plenty of room)