Underfloor storage-aftermarket

[bluedog225]

I have not checked with SMB-Austin yet but I will. They were very reasonable and accommodating on a new penthouse gasket replacement part.

My plan was not to toss the hinge, lid, latch, etc. but to leave it intact and flush mount it to the floor so I would have a little safekeeping box as well as storage.

This is a "down the road" project.

Tom

[jage]

Apart from sealing, size might be an issue. SMB's storage is built around the van dimensions, frame rails etc. So slapping an off the shelf box in, it may not fit, or may not fit well.

The SMB lid is just a covered piece of plywood and their latch is just a pull ring, so you're not losing anything over the non-locking storage, although if you want it flush with the floor you're going to have your work cut out.

I think you should try it. The Homemade/Ground Up guys should be appreciative and it's always good to have someone else pioneer new options.

[Greg In Austin]

I am not sure who provides the underfloor box, but I do remember that about the time my van arrived empty at SMB TX from SMB CA, there was another van that was carrying a bunch of the uninstalled boxes from CA.

[kmessinger]

I am moving my spare (2nd time), this time to a door mount from the Sprinter Store and plan to use a pelican box to go underneath where the spare is currently. If I could find 2 gallon yellow diesel cans I might even carry one of those underneath.

Regards,

Keith

[daveb]

Originally Posted by kmessinger

I am moving my spare (2nd time), this time to a door mount from the Sprinter Store and plan to use a pelican box to go underneath where the spare is currently. If I could find 2 gallon yellow diesel cans I might even carry one of those underneath.

Regards,

Keith

Maybe these will work Keith? Yellow paint? I'm not sure about the DOT regs though.
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp? ... eptid=1608

[avking]

I have an 06 E350 Chateau with the Quigley 4x4 Conversion. I run it with the 4 Captains chairs and leave the rear open for gear and dogs. I store my spare tire on my Defender Roof Rack. I have been trying to come up with some type of interior storage system for tools and misc items. These a infrequently used items. Under the floor founds really cool. Could someone post some pictures of the underfloor storage that is discussed in this thread? Both inside the van and under the van would be awesome. Thanks.

[surfgeek33]

Here's ours before installation.

[avking]

Is that the x-large they refer to on the SMB site? Is it possible to get pictures from underneath to see how they mounted it? Thanks.

[WVvan]

I realize that if I'm going to go with underfloor storage now is the time. Not later in the build.
There is a metal shop nearby who've I've worked with already on the build. They extended the tube on my new swing-out bike rack to clear the step bumper and were a pleasure to deal with ($20). So I'll go the custom box route.
I'd appreciate it if anyone who already has underfloor storage would give me any tips on the subject. Things they have learned or if doing it over what you'd do differently.

Here in no particular order are some of the questions I have at the moment.
Install a drain plug?
Install access door so it opens towards the front or back of the van. Doors that split in the middle?
What gauge steel?
How big would you make the access opening?
Box dimensions?
I'm not a off-roader so as long as the box is not lower than the bottom of the bell on the rear axle would I be OK?
How to mount the box? Make a box with flanges and bolt through the flanges into the van?
Or make a box with flanges then make the hole in the van just big enough for the box to slide through and the flanges then rest on the van floor? Or a box with no flanges where the bolts go through the inside top of the box and the van floor. See drawing.



Thanks all,
Dave

[billwilson]

good choice for the "Basement"

dont know about the enginering part

but i do know that it is prob the single best thing on my rig
second only to the hat rack!