For those of you will fully loaded basements, how're you keeping things organized? We're slowly moving back into the rig after being in a S&B for the last six months and the current lack of organization in the basement is stressful. We have big storage crates from the old rig (~3'x1.5'x2') but they're bulky, heavy to move when loaded down, and you can't see what's in them. I'm wondering if there are any magic bullets that everyone's using.
What about tools? Since buying the FT, I've probably doubled the amount of tools I'll be bringing with me and am considering removing the chest cooler in favor of a big tool chest. The big bay has a roll-out drawer, the smaller bay does not.
Previously I had just enough room for three of the aforementioned crates and that was it.
Watch the weight limit of the joey bed if you put a large, heavy toolbox there (especially at the outer limits, where pulling out the joey bed can cause it to cantilever).
I use the large Sterilite clear plastic storage bins. They are very strong and come is several sizes that can be stacked. Easy to see the contents.
The Home Depot Logo (https://www.homedepot.com/b/Storage-Organization-Storage-Containers-Storage-Bins/Sterilite/N-5yc1vZcl3zZ40j?storeSelection=)
I built a custom slide-out for the Craftsman tool chest I inherited from my father. I don't know if something like that would work in your small storage bay, but just in case you're curious:
Homemade Slide Out Tray (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=22220)
Scroll to the bottom of the thread to see photos with tool box in place.
Also be aware that there is about 2 inches below the Joey bed that makes a great storage area for those plastic containers. Just have to open Joey to access from other side. Can only put a single level in so makes access better.
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Scott
On my coach there is the compartment access behind the left rear wheels. When I remove my muffler I plan to build a removable box system to store tools inside there. Every square inch counts.
Scott
Scott, when you do post the project so I can copy it. Between you, Roger and Don I have made a hybrid clone.
That's a great tip! The open space under the joey bed is where I store my 30' 50 amp extension cord. BUT, I would also have room for some of your plastic organizer boxes.
I actually want a little more than plastic containers. Probably build for ammo cans. Just purchased several 5x10x24 inch cans that interlock to stack. Would be easy to color code and are genuinely weather proof
Scott
I've used this type of toolbox in previous coaches for tools. Worked well to organize different tools in each drawer and took up minimal space in the basement.
Ironton 5-Drawer Truck Tool Box Diamond Plate Aluminum, 21in. | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ironton-5-Drawer-Truck-Tool-Box-Diamond-Plate-Aluminum-21in/333529989880?hash=item4da7efc2f8:g:IeAAAOSwkfVeWT1E)
I really like this... great use of space.
Scott, great idea storing stuff under the drawer...never would have thought of that.
Sewn Binding Composition Book.
Number the containers, and list what's inside.
Draw a map for each bay.
Cursive handwriting only. In ink.
Where are these critters available?
The 2" of space below the Joey bed is of no use to me. I have 2 slides that go out in opposite directions and meet in the middle.
We put several items under the Joey Bed. Broom, awning tool, torque wrench etc. anything that lays flat.
I'm planning to repurpose the former muffler space as well. I was originally thinking of storage for a 20lb propane tank and perhaps dump hose storage. We bring a propane fire pit and don't like to run a hose off the coach tank. I may have talked myself out of that idea though as thoughts of storing propane under the bed (even though propane gas is heavier than air) and in close proximity to hot exhaust pipes, doesn't sound like a good idea. I believe someone else posted about placing some sort of metal basket there to store their dump hose. I'm still kicking around ideas.
I currently have a solar panel stored under the joey bed that I pull out to put some small charge into the batteries. I'm planning on a roof install soon so that will free up those 2 inches.
There is also some room against the wall behind the Joey Bed for things you don't need often.
Rear ladder laundry rack PVC parts....
bpal, that was me with the wire basket. Works great for the sewer hoses and fittings.
Do you have to glue them each time?
The guy that gets them for me gets them from a dealer down in Kingman Arizona. I'm third party and don't know there name but will ask. I also know of a Dealer in Beatty Nevada, although I've never purchased from him. Surplus stores?
Scott
Nope - only a couple of the joints are glued. The rest are slip-fit and tension holds it all together.
I found the instructions here PVC Drying Rack (https://www.happy-wanderers.com/articles/technical-topics/101-pvc-drying-rack)
The drawing he references in the article is
Rear storage bay.
A New Storage Bay (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=29537.msg251039#msg251039)
I made part of the front side of the new bay a removable panel for access to the ride height valve, the shock and the air bag.
We are using tubs with attached covers. 9" and 12" heights. 3x12" and 6x9" ones.
Amazon.com: Akro-Mils 39120 Industrial Plastic Storage Tote with Hinged... (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000189CSC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
It took us several years to get it right so redo it every year or two, don't get stuck in a rut.
Lots of hoses, gas and water, lock cables and more fit under the joey bed.
I am sort of a minimalist when it comes to hauling around tools. I have much less now than 10 years ago, much more focused on what I need to do what I can do myself. If I need it on a trip I keep bringing it. If I don't use it for a couple trips I am going to consider leaving it home. Bring tools to do jobs you are realistically going to do yourself. Anything bigger I am going to call for help.
Do you have a picture or a link to another post?
I'm pretty sure I posted when I did it, with pictures . If I can't find it I'll take some today.
Yeah storage in these can get tight when we have too much stuff. I have four different tool bags. One for plumbing one for general tools one for sockets and extensions and another one with just loose stuff plus I have my three quarter inch drive set. Then there's the Bosch 18 volt cordless tools that I have and my drill. My shop vac. Expandable and foldable ladder and a few other things that I came and think of right now.
One of my goals whenever I pull into a parking area for an extended length of time is pull everything out and reorganize and put it back in again. In the end I wind up shoving stuff here and there and it all looks the same after a while. Me personally I'm not very organized so organizing my coach has been an issue. I have room for everything barely. I'm slowly getting some things thrown away. Eventually I'll get there. All the see-through storage boxes that I've had have broken. I don't trust them and they definitely don't do well with UV light. The Rubbermaid containers that I have have wheels on one end and a handle. I have three of them in my Joey bed on the passenger side. One holds all of my camping gear like tents and backpacks camping stoves and the like. The other two hold junk that eventually I'll get rid of. Some spare parts tools they don't use often stuff like that and then whatever else gets left over gets thrown in on top. I don't store anything under my Joey bed. And nothing's worse than having something fall back behind the Joey bed and not be able to close it now so then you have to remove everything to get to that stuff and get it out. I broke my fien shop vac nozzle like that. Now I learned that when I meet resistance stop and check it out.
Here's the picture. Made from baking racks that a bakery was selling. All bolted together and bolted to frame for easy removal to have access to the batteries.
Richard, thanks for posting the picture. Nice idea and re-use of materials!
Thanks guys... what about your stinky slinky (sewer hose) ? We no longer have the tube in front of the engine compartment and I don't really want to add one back in that location because I like the access it gives me without it. Any of you have a creative spot for it?
Elliot I just keep mine in the bottom of the wet Bay. I have a waste Master hose and when it's all compressed up if it's in there nicely. I made a few modifications to do that though. But it's nice to just be able to open the wet Bay and dump the tanks without messing with it. Usually I keep one and hooked up and that gives me a fourth valve on the end of the waste Master hose just in case.
Sadly there's no way I could fit it in my wet bay. I kind of like having that particular hose off in it's own little world too... just a mental block I have with it touching anything
Yeah I understand but you know after 35 years in the medical field touching a impervious hose with fecal matter in it doesn't bother me at all. I don't even wear gloves most of the time I just wash my hands afterwards. You know about the army guy and Marine in the bathroom? The army guy looks at the Marine who's getting ready to walk out and said hey then it's your mom teach you to wash your hands after you use the bathroom? And the Marine looks at him and says yeah my mom also taught me not to piss on my hands.. at least I think that's how it goes.
The nice thing about the waste Master hose if it's already hooked up all you have to do is open up the valve to let air in pull the hose out stick it in the drain hole and open up your black tank. It's a pretty clean way to do it. But yeah I modified my wet Bay in order to hold the hose. Still a work in progress.
My 2 - 10' hoses collapse to 39" long with cap on both ends. Rinse them out, let them drip dry, collapse and cap and they all fit in my added bay on the driver's side rear. Along with my compressor, whee chocks, 50' of 50 amp extension cord, 4 safety stands, a coolant pump, 50' of 1/4" air hose and my 4 magna shade wheel/tire covers.
I have another hose elsewhere just in case.
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I use this. I drilled one inch holes in the top for ventilation. It goes in the bay next to the wet bay.
Rubbermaid Commercial BRUTE Tote Storage Bin with Lid, 14-Gallon, Gray... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HTGD36/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Some pictures. All of my mechanical tools are in the red tool box. Long stuff under the inverter. Shelves for four chairs. Grill box. Also holds my collapsing ladder, fire pit, water softener and filters. Compressor, cords, hoses, wheel chocks, safety stands, air hose in the new small bay.
That's all the room I have. If it doesn't fit I don't need it.
I have a tote like Jeff except mine's blue. It holds all of my sewer hoses and fittings. I also have the grey flexible one that fits in the tube in the wet bay. That gives me over 30' of hoses. And I've had occasions to use all of them once or twice.