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Date:         Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:36:06 -0700
Reply-To:     Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Cargo net
In-Reply-To:  <1BCEEC766E454B6C8E8CC063F6A90FB0@troyb5bff49d63>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

Jonce (The Samba's awning dude) has been following this small discussion about fabricating a cargo net to prevent camping gear from falling out when the hatch is opened, and added this:

"Hi again

"Got to thinking (as usual) could use hard action snaps to Bite into the OEM snap studs mounted on the Vanagon. So It should work fairly simple.

"Of course the guys with no installed studs on the back hatch would have to install some thing to make it work but maybe a snap or a cargo hook. Also could be made different heights pending how much cargo issue you might have.

"Again feel free to pass on to the vanagon list.

"I saw you did on the previous email. I do get the emails just for some reason can not reply where I am at. Today I am in Lone Pine California. Tomorrow heading to Las Vegas to fly back to Michigan."

I would add that for me, a 20'' high screen would do the job and there are snaps inside the hatch opening near that level. A screen taller than that would have to be reasonably transparent so I can retain the excellent view of the pavement behind my van that the too-high rear-view mirror affords.

-- RJS

On 07/28/2011 11:45 AM, Troy wrote: > Understood. My wishlist grows all the time, but love working on van > projects. I like your ideal, and think it will be a nice addition. Let > me know what Jonce has to say... > > Troy > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rocket J Squirrel" > <camping.elliott@gmail.com> > To: "Troy" <colorworks@gci.net>; <everettb@thesamba.com> > Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2011 9:33 AM > Subject: Re: Cargo net > > >> Great feedback, Troy. You take care of that remodel. This cargo net >> thing is just a "wish list" item for me, not an essential. >> >> -- RJS >> >> >> On 07/28/2011 10:24 AM, Troy wrote: >>> Rocket: >>> >>> The folks at sailrite are great to work with and really know their >>> stuff. I have ordered a bunch of stuff from them. I don't think the >>> fabric would allow you to rotate the snap to use the first snap >>> mentioned. I think those are more for straps and such. The common sense >>> fastener should work fine. I think it's a good idea to ask Jonce as >>> well. He's a wealth of knowledge, and has given me great suggestions in >>> the past. The common sense fasteners may require a little more material, >>> but not much. It's also possible to use the standard 60" width of the >>> fabric and then attach some 1.5" pieces to the edge, just like VW did >>> with their screen. This would allow for some reinforcement of the edges, >>> but also will require a little bit of sewing. I can handle that too, it >>> just may take me a few weeks to get to it. I'm in the midst of >>> remodeling a rental unit at the moment. >>> >>> Troy >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rocket J Squirrel" >>> <camping.elliott@gmail.com> >>> To: "Troy" <colorworks@gci.net> >>> Cc: <everettb@thesamba.com> >>> Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2011 5:36 AM >>> Subject: Re: Cargo net >>> >>> >>>> Hey Troy, >>>> >>>> Good, practical points. Jonce is right, we don't need to have the >>>> whole thing's purpose be defeated by having the snaps pull apart when >>>> the hatch is opened! >>>> >>>> I'm cc:ing him on this in case one of us stumbles on an idea that he >>>> finds useful. >>>> >>>> I'm not certain I see the need for air circulation or stretchiness. >>>> Providing a good springy barrier between gear and hatch would keep >>>> stuff from leaning against the hatch. Air circulation would be helpful >>>> for letting stuff dry off, I suppose, something that could be of >>>> benefit in damper climates than I tend to camp in, but not a personal >>>> issue for me. >>>> >>>> For fasteners -- great site! I wonder if a locking snap, such as the >>>> dot pull it up fastener ( >>>> <http://www.sailrite.com/Pull-It-Up-Fastener-Button-Key-LL> ) could be >>>> used with the existing snaps already mounted to the van's inside? >>>> >>>> Or maybe twist-locks, like >>>> <http://www.sailrite.com/Common-Sense-Fastener-Cloth-to-Surface-Complete-5-8-Screw>. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Just ideas . . . >>>> >>>> -- RJS >>>> >>>> >>>> On 07/27/2011 10:08 PM, Troy wrote: >>>>> BTW, feel free to check out www.sailrite.com for fastner options. I >>>>> tend >>>>> to agree with Jonce, as something heavy would probably pull the snaps >>>>> apart. Snaps are not meant to handle much stress. >>>>> >>>>> I also measured the width of the back cargo area and its around 64 >>>>> to 65 >>>>> inches. Most rolls of fabric comes 60 inches wide, so the piece would >>>>> have to be cut lengthwise and consequently would use several yards >>>>> instead of one. >>>>> >>>>> You could actually get 3 out of 2 yards, if the height was kept >>>>> under 20 >>>>> inches. Not very economical for one. I'm thinking that we should >>>>> probably take a look at some different fasteners before committing >>>>> to a >>>>> final width. It may be beneficial to add a little more to the width. >>>>> Cargo netting would allow for some degree of circulation, although the >>>>> fabric I'm thinking about has some breathability. I don't know that it >>>>> really needs to stretch. What do you think? >>>>> >>>>> My guess is that Jonce would probably sell these for about $50 or so. >>>>> Not sure if there is a real market or not. >>>>> >>>>> Troy >>>>> >>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rocket J Squirrel" >>>>> <camping.elliott@gmail.com> >>>>> To: "Troy" <colorworks@gci.net> >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 3:11 PM >>>>> Subject: Re: Cargo net >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> I would be happy to reimburse you! Of course! >>>>>> >>>>>> Green. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- RJS >>>>>> >>>>>> PS. I think our needs are similar, it's just that I don't want to >>>>>> have >>>>>> to unsnap the mosquito netting and then dust it off then put it under >>>>>> the bench which is where it lives 99.999% of the time. A separate, >>>>>> dedicated piece that can be removed along with the camping gear, and >>>>>> stowed on the ground with the camping gear, would better suit my >>>>>> fussiness. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 07/27/2011 03:34 PM, Troy wrote: >>>>>>> Perhaps your intended use for this is a little bit different than >>>>>>> mine >>>>>>> would be. When I get to a campsite, the first thing I'm going to be >>>>>>> doing is unloading the back or at least part of the contents. Then, >>>>>>> later when things get converted to a bed everything gets moved. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> So, I would not see any reason to leave the screening up at that >>>>>>> point, >>>>>>> unless of course it's a really hot evening, but everything would be >>>>>>> unloaded anyway. The only thing that may drop out would be a >>>>>>> pillow, and >>>>>>> really I'm not sure why I would be opening the back door. I go in >>>>>>> and >>>>>>> out of the side pretty much exclusively while camping. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> My biggest use would be during travel on the road, where I >>>>>>> frequently >>>>>>> open and close the back for camera gear, to get items for my boat, >>>>>>> whatever. That's when I seem to lose things! In fact one of the >>>>>>> reasons >>>>>>> I responded to begin with is I dropped a couple of bags in the mud >>>>>>> a few >>>>>>> days ago. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Anyway, I do have some extra fabric laying around here. I believe I >>>>>>> have >>>>>>> some Weathermax, and then some Aqualon (what Jonce uses for his >>>>>>> windshield covers), and I could hot knife cut a piece so it wouldn't >>>>>>> frey. If you want to reimburse me for the cost of the fabric plus >>>>>>> shipping, I don't mind cutting you a piece. You can add your own >>>>>>> snaps, >>>>>>> etc. if you want to get more fancy and add some binding, then I >>>>>>> would be >>>>>>> inclined to charge something for my time. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Again, your use must be different than mine, but I do see the >>>>>>> advantage >>>>>>> of a separate piece, and this fabric would surpass the screening for >>>>>>> strength by a good margin. I have white, green, and Burgundy in the >>>>>>> weather max, and the Aqualon is medium gray and is waterproof. The >>>>>>> weathermax is water resistant and breaths. I doubt either of >>>>>>> these are >>>>>>> big concerns for its intended use. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Troy >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rocket J Squirrel" >>>>>>> <camping.elliott@gmail.com> >>>>>>> To: "Troy" <colorworks@gci.net> >>>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 1:59 PM >>>>>>> Subject: Re: Cargo net >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> That would work, I'm sure, but I think I'd want to keep the >>>>>>>> mosquito >>>>>>>> net thing in good condition, not hammered by propane bottles and >>>>>>>> stuff. It gets pretty dusty back there (my van was hit last year >>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>> needed body shop work, the seal on the hatch is no longer perfect) >>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>> our feetsies go against the net when we sleep. Like to keep the >>>>>>>> bedding clean, y' know? >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> RJS >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 07/27/2011 02:48 PM, Troy wrote: >>>>>>>>> Any reason you couldn't add some snaps to the existing screen, and >>>>>>>>> then >>>>>>>>> simply fold it in half (leave the top unsnapped)? I'm a big fan of >>>>>>>>> muti >>>>>>>>> task items;) >>>>>>>>> Troy >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>>>> *From:* Rocket J Squirrel <mailto:camping.elliott@gmail.com> >>>>>>>>> *To:* Troy <mailto:colorworks@gci.net> >>>>>>>>> *Sent:* Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:59 AM >>>>>>>>> *Subject:* Re: Cargo net >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> That's plenty, I reckon. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Wed, 2011-07-27 at 10:17 -0800, Troy wrote: >>>>>>>>>>  >>>>>>>>>> Yeah, that would probably work fine. What do you think for >>>>>>>>>> height? >>>>>>>>>> 20"? >>>>>>>>>> Troy >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> *From:* Rocket J Squirrel <mailto:camping.elliott@gmail.com> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> *To:* Troy <mailto:colorworks@gci.net> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> *Sent:* Wednesday, July 27, 2011 9:58 AM >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> *Subject:* Re: Cargo net >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Seems like all one would need to do is copy the lower portion >>>>>>>>>> of the standard snap-in hatch screen -- make it out of some >>>>>>>>>> similar fabric-backed vinyl -- and add some snaps across the >>>>>>>>>> bottom. I don't see any reason why three or four snaps could >>>>>>>>>> not be screwed to the space between the hatch opening and the >>>>>>>>>> engine compartment cover. They don't protrude far enough to be >>>>>>>>>> a problem. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Wed, 2011-07-27 at 09:27 -0800, Troy wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>  >>>>>>>>>>> I own a commercial sewing machine, so if you need any small >>>>>>>>>>> pieces fabricated let me know. I would think some 1 or 1.5" >>>>>>>>>>> webbing would work to attach the coarse mesh. I think I have >>>>>>>>>>> some snaps on hand as well. I'm sure there are some number of >>>>>>>>>>> ways to do this... >>>>>>>>>>> Troy >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>>>>>> *From:* Rocket J Squirrel <mailto:camping.elliott@gmail.com> >>>>>>>>>>> *To:* Troy <mailto:colorworks@gci.net> >>>>>>>>>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, July 26, 2011 6:16 PM >>>>>>>>>>> *Subject:* Re: Cargo net >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Hm, yeah, the stock snaps may not be strong enough but >>>>>>>>>>> before I start drilling and installing a bunch of new >>>>>>>>>>> hardware back there it's worth trying. Mesh is the way to >>>>>>>>>>> go, but it could be fairly coarse mesh. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> On Tue, 2011-07-26 at 17:43 -0800, Troy wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> I'm not so sure that stock snaps would be strong enough, but it >>>>>>>>>>>> may work. >>>>>>>>>>>> It's pretty easy to install additional snaps. I like the idea >>>>>>>>>>>> of a >>>>>>>>>>>> mesh >>>>>>>>>>>> that would give a little too. Mostly it's the small stuff that >>>>>>>>>>>> falls out >>>>>>>>>>>> anyway. Anything large would probably stay put. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Troy >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>>>>>>> From: "Rocket J Squirrel"<camping.elliott@gmail.com >>>>>>>>>>>> <mailto:camping.elliott@gmail.com>> >>>>>>>>>>>> To: "Troy"<colorworks@gci.net <mailto:colorworks@gci.net>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 5:19 PM >>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Cargo net >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> > Indeed. It looks like a need that wants to be fulfilled. >>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>> > My present ideas are: >>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>> > 1. Shower curtain rod, or rods, braced across the opening >>>>>>>>>>>> behind >>>>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>> > camping gear, >>>>>>>>>>>> > 2. Using my snap-on hatch mosquito net thingy with additional >>>>>>>>>>>> > snaps >>>>>>>>>>>> > across the bottom, >>>>>>>>>>>> > 3. Finding some over-the-counter Harbor Freight cargo net >>>>>>>>>>>> that >>>>>>>>>>>> can be >>>>>>>>>>>> > adapted to have snaps on it to fit the van's snaps ( + addt'l >>>>>>>>>>>> ones >>>>>>>>>>>> > across the bottom) so I don't have to use that aforementioned >>>>>>>>>>>> mosquito >>>>>>>>>>>> > net thingy. >>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>> > Really, if a solution were available from even the >>>>>>>>>>>> fairly-expensive GW >>>>>>>>>>>> > I'd buy one. Just to keep gear from tumbling out when I open >>>>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>> hatch. >>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>> > -- RJS >>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>> > On Tue, 2011-07-26 at 16:22 -0800, Troy wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >> After having just dropped several duffel bags in the mud two >>>>>>>>>>>> days ago, >>>>>>>>>>>> >> I think this is a great idea! Please let me know what you >>>>>>>>>>>> come up >>>>>>>>>>>> >> with. I can see screwing some eyes into the van body walls, >>>>>>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>>>>>> then >>>>>>>>>>>> >> using some snap hooks on a cargo style net. I would imagine >>>>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>> Westy >>>>>>>>>>>> >> is similar width to many vehicles, so should not be too >>>>>>>>>>>> hard to >>>>>>>>>>>> find. >>>>>>>>>>>> >> I'm surprised places like Go Westy don't have one on their >>>>>>>>>>>> site >>>>>>>>>>>> >> already. >>>>>>>>>>>> >> >>>>>>>>>>>> >> Troy >>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>> >


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