Date:         Tue, 6 Jul 2010 19:31:27 -0700
Reply-To:     Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Stuffing away stuff in a Vanagon
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As a condo owner, I'm pretty good about tucking away stuff in small spaces; the Vanagon goes way beyond that, and the Westy even more.  Like for instance, tucking the battery under the passenger seat and another one under the driver seat; and how about tucking the spare tire under the frame in front?  Cool!  

So, List...here's the question:  Where do you tuck things?

Here's a couple examples:
1.  I stuff jumper cables (double wrapped in heavy duty plastic bags) behind the front sheet metal on the passenger side; to access only takes 5 quarter-turn screws to remove the upper grill.  Rarely (actually have NEVER) needed...but not too much work to get to in an emergency for one's self or a friend in need.
2.  I stuff 99-Cent store folding umbrella in the passenger side air vent on the door...open door, finagle umbrella out of vent, and good to go (doesn't rain too much in San Diego but nice to have it accessible without too much lookin' around).
3.  I stuff plastic grocery bags from supermarket inside my paper towel roll in the drawer; first thing that gets stretched over passenger side mirror when making camp.
4.  Was worried about carrying fuel (1 gallon gasoline can and 1 gallon Coleman fuel can) inside my Vanagon.  Crash worries.  Built a lo-o-ng plywood box bolted under floor on passenger side below slider that holds the fuels...that vacant rectangular space about a foot wide and 5 feet long.  Have a hinged end piece with a key lock...now when I crash at least I don't explode & burn from the inside out....kinda like the under-chassis propane storage concept on a Westy.

Get the gist of the question?  Any other novel ideas?  Engine compartment?  Under the Van?  Behind some relatively easy thing to unscrew?  Could be interesting.....would love to hear your clever ideas?

Rich
85 Vanagon with homemade camper conversion
San Diego