Pullout drawer for under the rear bench / hatch

[Gypsymobile]

Seen some nifty storage creations on the web, with particular kits in Germany that look like it could be from stock (but they are pricey).

Anyone have tips on where a slideout drawer for the MV can be purchased in the US or Canada? It would be nice to have slotted compartments for organization. Or, if anyone has self built something of the sort for their van, I’d love to here about the process and/or pics.

Cheers

[bigfoot_ev]

This doesn't answer your question directly, but I was going down the same path. I had already studied a number of pull out drawer/platform installs and even had my parts list. And then, I stumbled onto another idea I wanted to try out first.

I purchased a large clear floor protector that goes under your desk for roll about chairs. It is heavy duty plastic that I cut with tin snips. I used cardboard to make a template around all the built in parts of my Weekender. The protector covers the entire surface from side to side and back to front.

I have a couple of large bins and some larger items that don't fit into a bin that go underneath. They slide very easily on the floor protector and it has made getting items out very easy. Now I'm considering building a box to mount under the rear seat that is accessible from the 2 front pull-out panels. This will limit the rear underneath area from the back of the rear seat to rear hatch, making it even easier to reach things.

[markcm2]

Here's the one my friend just made and my wife informed me I will be copying; its really nice.

He fastened two strips of plywood to the upper frame work of the bed/shelf and then fastened the drawer sliders to those. Its a very simple and very effective method. He said he has the dimensions, I'll try to post them once I get them.

[Abscate]

[IdeaNerd]

If you end up going DIY, be sure to check out @Needlenoddlenoo's build here as well:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=651918

Pics from that thread:

Probably the nicest rear drawer and storage setup I've seen here so far.

[Zeitgeist 13]

I really like these drawers, but I would also need to easily and quickly remove them, as I often use the van to haul stuff with the rear platform removed and the bed slid all the way forward.
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[IdeaNerd]

[IdeaNerd]

P.S. to OP: another one you might want to look at (and possibly the maker may be willing to build for you?) here:
http://www.cavevan.com/forum/index.php?topic=451.0

[Itsamoto]

@ Ideanerd

I think somebody needs to develop the slide out room like the double back.

It doesn't even have to come out this far, I think just enough for the bed. Instead of unfolding the bench/bed forward -- unfold backwards and out! Saves that valuable space in the middle of the van.

[IdeaNerd]

@Itsamoto Interesting idea! Now you're going to have me putting the bench seat back in one of our vans, just to tinker with it again.

I agree re: saving the valuable "middle of the van" space. A few panel customers have brought it up too (along with related thoughts about refrigerator access, kitchen cabinets, etc.).

What do you think of rear tents? e.g.

[wildenbeast]

I’ve had one on an Adventurewagen and liked it a lot. The hatch acted as a rainfly / cover and the rest of the van could be used without moving things around all the time.

_________________
- Bill, '93 Eurovan Syncro Weekender (2.5 manual ACU)

[Abscate]

[Itsamoto]

@ ideanerd -- I like the idea of being able to keep the space between the 3rd row and the front row. It has always been peeve that in the weekender that the table and bed overlap. Not that I need to eat in bed, but I'd much prefer to remove the second row or seats and have the table closer to the front row. That would allow both bed and table to be deployed at once.

[Itsamoto]

Interesting stuff here:

http://mevltd.co.uk/vw-camper-conversions


Link

[Itsamoto]

[Itsamoto]

One more thing...

In the spirit keeping the interior space, I have been thinking of something like what is done by the folks at Flarespace (who don't currently make a eurovan product) -- and that would side flare pods, like this:

This could make for the rear bed to be laid out across the width of the van - opening up some new possibilities to interior layouts.

[IdeaNerd]

@Abscate: You sound like a man who's never been tent camping or backpacking.

Did make me chuckle though. Also reminded me of this Far Side cartoon.

@Istamoto:

[Joshwa]

My pvc cot linked in my signature has been valuable for placing stuff on while making the bed. So everything doesn’t have to move to the front of van from the back. Then you can shuffle later or leave it all there if you don’t need an extra small bed. It’s easily removed but I’m probably rarely going to ever take it out.
_________________
93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[Abscate]

[IdeaNerd]

@wildenbeast I forgot you had an Adventurewagen! Thanks for sharing pictures (I like where you're camped by the way -- nice!). What kind/brand of rear hatch tent is that?