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How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted
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DrElch
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 4:01 pm    Post subject: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

I was wondering how and where you store stuff in your Campervan? We have many little and big compartments to store things. But once you are out there in the wild it is not always easy to store food, clothes and everything else efficiently and effortless.

Are you utilizing any special containers to store things or are you just loosely stuffing things where ever it fits? Let us know.

Let's share our best strategies how and where to store stuff in your baywindow.

Update:
I would like to focus on Westfalia here. But I guess some great ideas are independent from the conversion type.


Last edited by DrElch on Mon Jan 08, 2018 4:29 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Xevin Premium Member
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 4:16 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your van? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

What year and conversion type of camper?
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DrElch
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 4:28 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your van? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

And since I've opened this thread, I try to answer it.
Unfortunately I don't have many pictures to show.

I do have a '72 westy with a "Madrid" setting (see in attached photo at the bottom)

I will refer to the numbers in the diagram sometimes if I talk about specific places.

The fridge below the Sink (1) is missing, which gives me extra storage space.
In this space I store a "Weber go-anywhere" gas bbq. The u-shaped legs of it can be folded on top of it and serves as a lock, so you can stow and carry it around. Also it makes awesome food.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


It fits "just" into this spot. It overlaps a bit into the floor area, but it has never concerned me.

I also store a bigger plastic box with food below the bbq that matches the width of the wooden sink frame.

In the bigger locker behind the drivers seat (3), I usually store foldable chairs, a table, a tent and a sleeping bag. The original gas bottle has been removed, so I have quite some space there. Since it is just one big open hole I don't know what else to store there other than really bulky things.

On top of this locker there is another space to put small things, which is really my favorite spot in the whole bus to put things temporarily and when camping.

The locker next to the sliding door (7) is where most things happen. It is the worst storage space in the whole car (slim door, long and narrow compartments) but probably the most essential one.
In here I store multiple plastic boxes with everything from toiletpaper, candles, dish washing tools and food. In the bottom part of it, which is a bit bigger I store water and cooking utensils.

In reality if I ever have something that doesn't have a place to go to, it will go in there first.

There is also a very narrow spot in top of this locker to slide in long and slim things, but I never found anything suitable to put in there.

This locker also has a secondary opening which one can reach from the back of the car. This one I use for bulky things like cushions, duvets and alike. I also store a jerry can in there.

There is some storing space above the bed (6). Here I store books and weed Smile
However I'm sure that I can improve on optimizing this space.
I also have attached a packaging under this space, where I put some more books and stuff that needs to be out of the way when sleeping

There is a box below the little extra seat between the backbench and (3).
In this part I store everything required for car maintenance. THere you can find oil, emergency kit, towing rope, cleaning products, tools and so on. THat box is pretty much filled to the brim.

Below the backbench I do only store the official westy table that is used inside the car. This space is already pretty much filled by that one plus the leisure battery. Where does Westfalia want us to store this table?

Last but not least: The repair wheel compartment (Cool. I don't have an extra tire, so it's empty and collects dust most of the time.

Extra:
I do have a cooling box from camping gaz. It is a Powerbox Plus 28L electric cooler and fits exactly between the walktrough. That's where I store most of the food and beers and sometimes water.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
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TDCTDI
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 4:34 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

Space saver type bags work great for the fluffy stuff, you can reduce the space needed for clothing by 1/2-2/3 (or carry that much more), they also work great to ensure that the clothes stay dry if you decide to carry them in a car top type carrier.

Some may require a vacuum pump (but some air mattress pumps can serve dual purpose)

These do not.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RIW86QI/ref=asc_df_B0...7602598998
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TheLills.com
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 5:40 pm    Post subject: Custom Cabinets In Our 1978 VW Westfalia Bus Reply with quote

We installed custom teak and cedar cabinets, it's one single unit with three drawers, one tall cabinet and two divided storage spaces, plus a slideout drawer in the back.

Watch the full video from start to finish here:


Link

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Globespotter
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 9:38 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

Here are a couple of my mods:

1. Partitions for under folding bed seat:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS4NyMsAJ9O/?taken-by=globespotterworld
https://www.instagram.com/p/BS4f-w1A38C/?taken-by=globespotterworld
https://www.instagram.com/p/BS4KOoEg5NJ/?taken-by=globespotterworld

2. Console to hold drinks, has lighter and usb outlets, a removable tray for stuff and holds a removable water container that has a pump that runs water to the sink:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLm2IsAQMs/?taken-by=globespotterworld
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLm4VHge_5/?taken-by=globespotterworld
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1977 Westfalia - October 2015 - Current
1971 Super Beetle - May 2012 - Current
1979 Westfalia - 1986-1991
1971 Super Beetle - 1977-1980

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Road Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=511800&highlight=
My 77 Westy Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647114&highlight=

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Tom Powell
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 12:12 am    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

I removed the water tank and put in shelves and cut cubby holes.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


i also removed the ice box and put in shelves.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Aloha
tp
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obieoberstar
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:31 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

On my '79 Westy, I removed the refrigerator and replaced it with an ice box.

It really opened up the area that was formerly taken up by the condenser.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
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obieoberstar
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:35 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

sorry, I forgot you had a Madrid version.

very cool camper.
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ivwshane
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 11:23 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

77 westy here and we keep things stock, in terms of permanent storage. Usually we bring bags with clothing in them and an ice chest. Snacks and dry goods go in the cabinet next to the cooler. In the cooler we store cold food items like meats, cheese, etc.

Pots and pans go under the sink along with plates and cups. The drawers hold silverware and things like matches, cards, citronella candles.

When I had the spare on the nose the space for the spare inside the bus held our Coleman stove.

Under the bench are our folding camping chairs, tarps, and tools and now the Coleman stove.

In the head banger we store towels and things like bug spray, sun block.

In the closet usually goes jackets or blankets.

In the back side storage I keep small propane bottles, oil, and usually flip flops.

If I had it, I'd store a solar shower in the cargo storage on the roof.

The ice chest is placed behind the passenger and everything else like sleeping bags goes behind the rear seat.

Other than food items and clothing, everything pretty much stays there year round.

What else do people bring?
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Boesen
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 4:02 am    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

obieoberstar wrote:
On my '79 Westy, I removed the refrigerator and replaced it with an ice box.

It really opened up the area that was formerly taken up by the condenser.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


x2....I did the same thing.

I also added a shelf inside the back closet.
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Xevin Premium Member
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 11:18 am    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

Good ideas some folks have for storage. But I’m not sure much of this helps the OP with alternative storage solutions since he has such a unique interior layout. However I do like reading what you all do for storage. In the 72 Campmobile I do keep a turbo Toilet in the head banger it’s thin when collapsed and other flat stuff. A foam mat (for working on the ground) between the head liner and roof by the pop up latch, and my towels go between the roof and poptop above the cab. I also use the plastic spare tire cover as storage. Has my bottle jack,cables, tow straps, and sleeping bags (or blankets) in it. Behind the passenger seat is dustpan/whisk and some travel books. Between drivers and jump seat in cubby, a fire extinguisher and paper towels. Under jump seat is where my cooking, eating,and booze related gear is. Closet has coats and other clothing items. Back pantry is for food, plates and LED lantern. Under bench is Bus tools and spares with some cooking pots. The drawer under sink has a cutlery tray and flashlights. In the sink I keep a strainer, sponge, dish towels and thin poly cutting boards. The water tank is for storing Gin Very Happy
Roof top luggage area sometimes has wood and misc waterproof bag of stuff.
Added Thule car top box last year since OP installed brackets and I owned a box. This has waterproof canopy folding chairs and whatever else I can cram in there like air pump. Back of bus has kick ass Fiamma bike rack. I think that covers it.
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Abscate Premium Member
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 1:37 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

Your storage needs and strategy are vastly different between a solo traveller, a couple, and 2.5 kids + mandatory Husky.

On our 26 foot boat, out for 10 days, we don't even use a galley dedicated for cooking - space is too precious.
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DrElch
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2018 5:37 am    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

Globespotter wrote:
Here are a couple of my mods:

1. Partitions for under folding bed seat:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS4NyMsAJ9O/?taken-by=globespotterworld
https://www.instagram.com/p/BS4f-w1A38C/?taken-by=globespotterworld
https://www.instagram.com/p/BS4KOoEg5NJ/?taken-by=globespotterworld

2. Console to hold drinks, has lighter and usb outlets, a removable tray for stuff and holds a removable water container that has a pump that runs water to the sink:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLm2IsAQMs/?taken-by=globespotterworld
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLm4VHge_5/?taken-by=globespotterworld


I really like those ideas!

Actually I had a similar console between my frontseats installed by PO. But this had to go during the restoration.
Now I store the cooling box there for the moment.

But the compartments under the bed seem like a really good idea! It seems to tidy up everything quite a bit
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Globespotter
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2018 1:22 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

Thanks!

The underseat partitions really help me to keep stuff organized:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Now I can get to my Coleman stove from the front door under the seat without disturbing anything else for example.
_________________
1977 Westfalia - October 2015 - Current
1971 Super Beetle - May 2012 - Current
1979 Westfalia - 1986-1991
1971 Super Beetle - 1977-1980

1971 SB Survivor Story: https://globespotter.com/
Road Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=511800&highlight=
My 77 Westy Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647114&highlight=

http://vw-mplate.com/mcode.php?lang=EN&id=30990
https://vw-type2-id.xyz/mplate/72067382
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RONIN10
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:58 pm    Post subject: Re: How do you store stuff in your westy? Storage ideas wanted Reply with quote

Globespotter wrote:

The underseat partitions really help me to keep stuff organized:


I've been thinking about putting in partitions under my rear seat for years, but couldn't ever settle on a layout that made sense for the gear I keep in there. I also struggle with how to handle the raised bolt ends too. That was an annoying miss by Westfalia in my mind - not providing owners with a smooth floor under there.
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