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Topic: Storage Bays - what type containers? (Read 1446 times) previous topic - next topic

Storage Bays - what type containers?

This is on a '94 U225.  Wife and I are discussing what kind of containers we should use in the storage bays.  No Joey Beds yet.  She is leaning toward large plastic laundry baskets and I am thinking the plastic container with covers.  Except  for the trip bringing the Foretravel home, we have not yet had any experence on the road with it yet.  Are the compartments fairly well sealed.  I do not see any leaks to speak of yet.  Rubber seals appear to be in good condition.
Pat
'94 Foretravel U225
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #1 –
I use the kind with the cover on top that splits in half. They are not very big either so they do not get too heavy. I also carry a spare tire so that allows it all to fit underneath pretty well.  I can stack things on top of the plastic containers if it is not something I use very often.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #2 –
The tallest Rubbermade sealable containers that fit.  There is no water intrusion, but they are not sealed from road dust (wire chases, propane tank vent, etc allow air flow).

And, Joey beds are a trade-off.  Easier to access, but do take valuable side AND height storage room.

Brett Wolfe
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
And, Joey beds are a trade-off.  Easier to access, but do take valuable side AND height storage room.
Brett Wolfe
That is what I was thinking too!  They have to be high enough to go over the compartment lip.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #4 –
We use 4 clear storage boxes with snap-on lids.  We stack them 2 high and side by side (2 stacked just misses center cable tray so doesn't restrict J-bed sliding out either side).  We got these from target but could not find the exact height we wanted.  On two, we cut them about half way up and slid the bottom inside the top (sides are tapered) and put in about 8 rivets.  This dropped the height by about 4 inches and just clears the cable tray stacking one full height and one lowered on top.  I ruined one first trying all kinds of glue at the joint but nothing would setup properly.  Rivets have worked well for two years.  We have them dedicated to electrical, plumbing, mechanical and camping.  Works well for us.
Bill Brown
'03 U-320
Bill & Deanne Brown
'03 U-320 Previous Owner in Houston

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #5 –
Hi Pat,
  I use the best (strongest) plastic box, with flat, snap-on lids, that I can find.  Too flimsy and they will crack.
I then use a number and/or letter for each box.  I put the same on each side, and the lid of each box. 
I then itemize everything in each box.  Then I alphabetize everything, listing what door and what box each item is in, using the computer.  Then I print all of the sheets, and put them into a file folder with clear pages, all in alphabet order.  I have done this to all doors and compartments.  D1 for front drivers side, P1 for front passenger side, going up as you go towards the rear of the coach.  I have also included this procedure for itemizing everything in the coach drawers and doors, except for DW's kitchen, and the clothes closets.  I figured that after 58 years, I didn't need to tell her where her things were. 

Good luck,
LynnD
'01 GV

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: LynnD –
except for DW's kitchen, and the clothes closets.  I figured that after 58 years, I didn't need to tell her where her things were. 
Lynn,
I read you post to my DW.  She said she totally agrees on the above part.  And we are only at 41 years!
Thanks,
Pat
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #7 –
After 9 months being on the road I've refined my storage of tools.  I keep like things in individual tool boxes.  I keep my drill and a drill index and a box of drivers in one cloth bag -- open at the top.  I also keep Allen Wrenches in this bag.  I have a small box for my Dremel.  I have a box for everything electrical and so on.  I also have a Craftsman tool box with the three drawers stocked with screw drivers, driver bits and other tools that I want to have fast access to.  I use one of those milk crate type storage boxes from Walmart to store quart bottles of Delo, Wash-Wax All, tubes of caulk, Simple Green, Stoners Invisible Glass and so on.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #8 –
I saw these on sale at http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3156863 at Ace Hardware for $11.49 each.  Thought to my self, they look idea and the price isn't bad considering what you get.  But I waited and continued to look around for the better mouse trap.  Today I found the same Monoflo Storage Tote at Home Depot for $6.98.  Got my self 5 of them.  Saved $22.55 all together by getting them at Home Depot.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #9 –
Pat,

Excellent choice and great price.  Home Depot will beat Ace Hardware pricing 99% of the time.  However, when you need how-to-advice, Ace Hardware will beat Home Depot 99% of the time.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #10 –
I came over from a '94 Tiffin Allegro 28DA, about 29 foot bumper to bumper.  It only had one compartment, well maybe 2,  that you could consider a storage bay.  The rest were tiny and useless.  I was somewhat worried about the U225 not having enough room in the storage bays.  I brought 5 of the Monoflo Storage Totes (described in above post) and 2 Sterilite 31x17x13 Footlockers for enclosed storage.  Have much of my stuff switched over into 3 of the Monoflo totes and the rest if empty!  I told my wife how much storage room I have left over and she says - "Don't worry, you will fill it up in not time" ;D

Oh, we went to Port Aransas and San Antonio last Feb in the Allegro!!!  That trip was what convinced us to look for a diesel pusher, and particularly a Foretravel!
This is the Monoflo tote.

The Sterilite is longer and a  bit wider and built just like a foot locker.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Storage Bays - what type containers?

Reply #11 –
We use the same hinged-top totes, but ours are clear on the bottom.  Got a big stack of them at Costco when they were $5 each.  Ours may be 12-gal. where yours are 16-gal.  Easy to lift, easy to see what's inside.  Even I can move them around with no problem!


2001 Foretravel DGFE U320 - 4220
Yellow Jeep Wrangler
2 pups -- Doodle & Lolly