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01-19-2017, 07:01 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: NJ
Posts: 117
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What's on your bottom?
As I have mentioned a few times, I am new to this. Until the days get long and the weather gets warm, I won't have as much opportunity as I would like to study my undercarriage (memorizing the terrain in my typical OCD fashion), to know what might fit there. I thought I would post a general survey question and ask people, outside of drivetrain and suspension components, what camper related items can go under your van?
As I plan, I am realizing how valuable interior 'real estate' is, and to be able to take things out of the van interior and free up space would be great. Added benefits might include lowering the center of gravity (I think a bit of an issue with many rigs). I have seen little snippets here and there, but that is not as easy to search as I would like, so I thought I would take the liberty of posing the question.
I would like to know about things like batteries and water talks (grey water, black, or fresh), as well as other things I may not have considered. Any thoughts, pros and cons, etc would be helpful, as well as item descriptions, location, maps, pics. etc.
__________________
'08 E-150, std roof, wb, 2wd - basic cleanup done. Working on rough layout of 'furniture'.
Pretty much everyone will step on their 'willy' once in a while.
I usually make it a point to stop and put on my golf shoes first..
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01-19-2017, 07:08 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,176
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Not a huge difference in lowering the CG, but a rear, underfloor storage area is one of the best options for getting things out of the living areas.
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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01-19-2017, 07:13 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: NJ
Posts: 117
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CG was more of an added bonus
Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
Not a huge difference in lowering the CG, but a rear, underfloor storage area is one of the best options for getting things out of the living areas.
Herb
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When I was talking center of gravity, I was thinking mostly house batteries and water, but being efficient and maximizing interior space is probably my primary motivating factor.
When you say rear underfloor, are you talking about where the spare would be if it were moved elsewhere?
__________________
'08 E-150, std roof, wb, 2wd - basic cleanup done. Working on rough layout of 'furniture'.
Pretty much everyone will step on their 'willy' once in a while.
I usually make it a point to stop and put on my golf shoes first..
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01-19-2017, 07:22 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 1,258
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I've intentionally kept everything inside because of temperature changes, meaning I don't want my water to freeze and I want my house batteries to stay at a somewhat consistent temperature. The only thing on the bottom is the intake and exhaust for my espar heater along with some big wiring for the ACR.
__________________
Rob.
Current:
2001 E350 PSD w/ a bunch of stuff.
And had three other E350s...
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01-19-2017, 07:23 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Corvallis, OR
Posts: 5,300
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House batteries on the passenger side frame rail is a good use of space, and allows use of Ford parts of desired.
I'm a big fan of rear underfloor storage, but honestly I'd rather have a 55 gallon rear tank. Storage can be moved elsewhere. Fuel not so much.
__________________
2000 E450 dually V10 wagon
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01-19-2017, 07:28 PM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 60
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E-rex
When you say rear underfloor, are you talking about where the spare would be if it were moved elsewhere?
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Yes. Sometimes called a smugglers box. Here's a few links with pics. Makes the rear tire carrier mandatory unless your going roof storage but I'd image that'd be a PIA to deal with. Especially so if you're going to do a PH top.
link 1
link 2
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01-19-2017, 08:34 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,036
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I've got my house batteries and fresh water inside for cold weather use.
I've got my propane tank under the barn doors on the passenger side...I would never put that inside the van....If you have rear heat/air it can be tough to fit a propane tank on the driver's side, although there is a really skinny one available for VW vans that would fit on that side with rear heat/air.
__________________
2008 E350 RB passenger 4WD SMB penthouse
2013 KTM 350 EXC
2008 KTM 250 XCF-W
2003 Honda Element
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01-19-2017, 08:48 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: NJ
Posts: 117
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boywonder
I would never put that (propane tank) inside the van....
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What is the bigger risk of propane inside the cabin? Are you more concerned about fire or asphyxiation? I have read that there are some ways to mitigate risk of propane leaks for an inside tank (sealed and properly vented box).
Not trying to make an argument for (or against), just trying to best understand the risks.
__________________
'08 E-150, std roof, wb, 2wd - basic cleanup done. Working on rough layout of 'furniture'.
Pretty much everyone will step on their 'willy' once in a while.
I usually make it a point to stop and put on my golf shoes first..
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01-19-2017, 09:15 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 10,220
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Air compressor is another one that can go underneath, including tank if desired.
Another thing you can do but not a lot have is a Propex furnace underneath. They make an exterior mount model.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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01-19-2017, 09:21 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Estes Park, CO
Posts: 195
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I've got air compressor with tank, air horn, 45 gallon transfer flow fuel tank, under floor storage, 4D house battery, 2-engine batteries, and flat plate hot water all underneath.
__________________
Brian
2009 E-350 Lopes 55
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