We have just purchased a 2004 Premier 2100 (our first Chinook)
Just finding our way around the unit...
Looking for storage ideas for the outside maybe for roof, ladder or front locations.
Is there an aftermarket company that makes these or are most owner fabricated.
Thanks
Additional Outside storage solutions
Re: Additional Outside storage solutions
Welcome! And congratulations on your new Chinook!
I think there are some pre-fabricated dohickeys you can put on ladders to hold light chairs. Sort of U/L shaped tubing affairs. Also, there are Yakima and Thule roof boxes if you don't mind doing some minor roof reinforcement plus getting up on the roof to load/unload (that wouldn't work for me).
And then there are things like the "Swing away" trunk box that go in the hitch. Also there are spare tire holders you can put on a front hitch (I have one of these) that free up the tire locker for easier access, plus you could mount an Aluminess type box (or a homemade version) off to that side without the tire there.
User "deppstein" (which you can search) came up with some clever ideas, including strapping a dry bag to the rear ladder (use your own judgement as far as weight of items carried there as the ladder is not meant for dynamic loads and is only light aluminum screwed to the body with pointy screws).
I moved my batteries under the couch (AGM or lithium would be best for this) so I have added more prime outside storage in the former battery area (removed slide tray and plus it comes with a handy drain so I can keep solvents etc. there). Some remove the generator which adds another huge/prime storage area if you don't need one.
A tow car is probably the biggest storage "bang," but then you do have to tow it. Sure makes a great storage device though
I do some of each because the car is great, but so is just the Chinook. I've also seen photos of people towing small utility trailers for bikes and other outdoor gear.
BG
PS: I also made more outside storage, sort of, by making more inside storage. Not exactly the same but does allow you to put only stuff that needs to be in outside storage out there. For example, I never use a microwave, so I removed mine (about ten screws, easy) and that leaves a HUGE compartment that is like three times larger than the microwave (it can be put back) (I have a post on this with photos if it interests you). Of course this all depends on your usage pattern and personal bent. To me, I wanted the basic Chinook form factor and body, but the interior was a bit like 10# of flour in a 5# sack. Especially since I didn't use some of the items at all and some of them were taking up huge amounts of prime space (coffee maker, TV/VCR, microwave). You may love and use them all in which case it wouldn't apply.
I think there are some pre-fabricated dohickeys you can put on ladders to hold light chairs. Sort of U/L shaped tubing affairs. Also, there are Yakima and Thule roof boxes if you don't mind doing some minor roof reinforcement plus getting up on the roof to load/unload (that wouldn't work for me).
And then there are things like the "Swing away" trunk box that go in the hitch. Also there are spare tire holders you can put on a front hitch (I have one of these) that free up the tire locker for easier access, plus you could mount an Aluminess type box (or a homemade version) off to that side without the tire there.
User "deppstein" (which you can search) came up with some clever ideas, including strapping a dry bag to the rear ladder (use your own judgement as far as weight of items carried there as the ladder is not meant for dynamic loads and is only light aluminum screwed to the body with pointy screws).
I moved my batteries under the couch (AGM or lithium would be best for this) so I have added more prime outside storage in the former battery area (removed slide tray and plus it comes with a handy drain so I can keep solvents etc. there). Some remove the generator which adds another huge/prime storage area if you don't need one.
A tow car is probably the biggest storage "bang," but then you do have to tow it. Sure makes a great storage device though
I do some of each because the car is great, but so is just the Chinook. I've also seen photos of people towing small utility trailers for bikes and other outdoor gear.BG
PS: I also made more outside storage, sort of, by making more inside storage. Not exactly the same but does allow you to put only stuff that needs to be in outside storage out there. For example, I never use a microwave, so I removed mine (about ten screws, easy) and that leaves a HUGE compartment that is like three times larger than the microwave (it can be put back) (I have a post on this with photos if it interests you). Of course this all depends on your usage pattern and personal bent. To me, I wanted the basic Chinook form factor and body, but the interior was a bit like 10# of flour in a 5# sack. Especially since I didn't use some of the items at all and some of them were taking up huge amounts of prime space (coffee maker, TV/VCR, microwave). You may love and use them all in which case it wouldn't apply.
1999 Concourse
Re: Additional Outside storage solutions
Thanks for the information
I ordered the Receiver Hitch for the front and the Receiver Spare tire unit.
I think I will have something fabricated to bolt up to the Original spare tire on the back to have additional storage
I ordered the Receiver Hitch for the front and the Receiver Spare tire unit.
I think I will have something fabricated to bolt up to the Original spare tire on the back to have additional storage
Re: Additional Outside storage solutions
That's not a bad idea. Then instead of having to make it low to clear the tire locker door, you could tilt it down like the original spare.
I would also highly recommend the substantial "J stabilizer" that I linked to. It is super sturdy, keeps the tire receiver from wobbling around, and does NOT use just a wee key lock to hold it on (uses a big nut, then the lock is additional). I always wince when I see those receiver locks that only use the cheesy little lock to hold the whole thing in place
Here is a re-cap of the part numbers I used, in case it's useful:
1) Draw-Tite 65001 front hitch
2) Draw-Tite 6715 front spare tire mount
3) Draw-Tite 63201 "J pin" anti-wobble device (this is really beefy and effective).
I would also highly recommend the substantial "J stabilizer" that I linked to. It is super sturdy, keeps the tire receiver from wobbling around, and does NOT use just a wee key lock to hold it on (uses a big nut, then the lock is additional). I always wince when I see those receiver locks that only use the cheesy little lock to hold the whole thing in place
Here is a re-cap of the part numbers I used, in case it's useful:
1) Draw-Tite 65001 front hitch
2) Draw-Tite 6715 front spare tire mount
3) Draw-Tite 63201 "J pin" anti-wobble device (this is really beefy and effective).
1999 Concourse
Re: Additional Outside storage solutions
The issue with tilting the storage box in the back down to get to the locker is that all the content inside the storage box will be jumbled. It will be nice if there someone can make a parallelogram mechanism so that the box will remain vertical when being lowered.
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis
Re: Additional Outside storage solutions
Fair enough, but it depends on what you store in it. I could see something like an outdoor rug (rolled up), or maybe you could have a tub inside whatever box you design then pull that out. Granted, pantographic arms are always cool! I remember them from Greyhound bus luggage doors in my youth (when riding the bus had a bit more romance than it does now). They opened straight up as if by magic.
Or maybe just don't open it when it's tilted down (when you are accessing the tire locker) and wait until it's back up straight again.
Or maybe just don't open it when it's tilted down (when you are accessing the tire locker) and wait until it's back up straight again.
1999 Concourse
Re: Additional Outside storage solutions
I did get the Draw-Tite 65001 front hitch
I choose the curt c331006 tire mount
It had 3 hole locations to adjust distance away from front of van
And the top of tire mounts angled toward van a bit.....
Will see how it works out
I choose the curt c331006 tire mount
It had 3 hole locations to adjust distance away from front of van
And the top of tire mounts angled toward van a bit.....
Will see how it works out
Re: Additional Outside storage solutions
Davey--Welcome!
As Blue-Go mentioned, I have done a number of things over the years to increase storage--both inside and out. I love the see of our Chinooks, indeed spent the time looking for one so that we would have something comfortable enough to live in for weeks/months at a time, but also get into those out-of-the-way campsites. And our "Turtle" has proven perfect for all of that...BUT, with a small footprint comes the challenge of adequate storage. So here is what I have done to address the storage issue:
Inside:
--removed the TV and created a "cubby"...we use it as our library for books (yes, we still like reading actual books!)
--pulled the microwave (don't really use one at home, and found no need for it on the road). Built two shelves in the space that we use as our pantry (dry food), and then had custom doors made for it to match our other cherry storage hatches.
Outside:
--Mounted Thule cross bars on the roof. Used "high feet" attached to the outside rail (4 years of hauling canoes and kayaks across the country without issue). We can carry two kayaks mounted in "cradle holder" or a canoe in the middle (thwart removed to fit over the AC unit).
--Made my own ladder holder out of a stock hanging rack to which I fastened two aluminum cross pieces at bottom. This will actually hold two full-sized dry bags (3+ liter) stacked on top of each other...nothing too heavy (bug tent, spare camping tent, extra sleeping bags and pads for guests, tarps, ropes, life jackets, etc.)
--Mounted a front hitch with bike rack for our two "Copenhagen Wheel" electric assist bikes...I use "Skinz" covers to protect them--NOTE...out of concern for maintaining air flow, I have fashioned my own "supercharger" out of PVC to pull air from underneath the rack to run behind the bikes to discharge directly toward the grill. This is a work in progress (have a scan gauge to monitor water temp and trans temp that I am using to base-line and see whether or not it actually works. Stay tuned for that report!
--Also just got rid of the on-board generator (never used it--microwave gone, and we would never run that noisy beast just for AC. We carry 200 watts of solar and a quiet 1000watt Honda Inverter Generator that gives us all we need.
I have pics of all this that I will attempt to attach...may take a couple of posts.
Happy to answer any questions.
David
As Blue-Go mentioned, I have done a number of things over the years to increase storage--both inside and out. I love the see of our Chinooks, indeed spent the time looking for one so that we would have something comfortable enough to live in for weeks/months at a time, but also get into those out-of-the-way campsites. And our "Turtle" has proven perfect for all of that...BUT, with a small footprint comes the challenge of adequate storage. So here is what I have done to address the storage issue:
Inside:
--removed the TV and created a "cubby"...we use it as our library for books (yes, we still like reading actual books!)
--pulled the microwave (don't really use one at home, and found no need for it on the road). Built two shelves in the space that we use as our pantry (dry food), and then had custom doors made for it to match our other cherry storage hatches.
Outside:
--Mounted Thule cross bars on the roof. Used "high feet" attached to the outside rail (4 years of hauling canoes and kayaks across the country without issue). We can carry two kayaks mounted in "cradle holder" or a canoe in the middle (thwart removed to fit over the AC unit).
--Made my own ladder holder out of a stock hanging rack to which I fastened two aluminum cross pieces at bottom. This will actually hold two full-sized dry bags (3+ liter) stacked on top of each other...nothing too heavy (bug tent, spare camping tent, extra sleeping bags and pads for guests, tarps, ropes, life jackets, etc.)
--Mounted a front hitch with bike rack for our two "Copenhagen Wheel" electric assist bikes...I use "Skinz" covers to protect them--NOTE...out of concern for maintaining air flow, I have fashioned my own "supercharger" out of PVC to pull air from underneath the rack to run behind the bikes to discharge directly toward the grill. This is a work in progress (have a scan gauge to monitor water temp and trans temp that I am using to base-line and see whether or not it actually works. Stay tuned for that report!
--Also just got rid of the on-board generator (never used it--microwave gone, and we would never run that noisy beast just for AC. We carry 200 watts of solar and a quiet 1000watt Honda Inverter Generator that gives us all we need.
I have pics of all this that I will attempt to attach...may take a couple of posts.
Happy to answer any questions.
David
- Attachments
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Re: Additional Outside storage solutions
Here are some more pics of the storage from previous post
Re: Additional Outside storage solutions
And more storage pics...