Underbelly Storage Mod

[pteck]

We all know storage, especially exterior storage, is at a premium on our AS's. I have a 27FB twin, which already has 3 generous exterior compartments. Yet, I don't have a good convenient place for my outdoor rug, and things that I don't really want within the interior shell (i.e. bug spray, small propane tanks for cooktop)

So I went about creating a sliding underbelly storage compartment. There are readily available kits, but they are quite spendy, and tend to be two compartments accessible via either side, rather than a single span which I wanted for my rug. Usable storage is 88"x13"x6"

It hangs 6" down, which is barely lower than the folder stairway. Also, my trailer is lifted 3" so clearance is a non issue. This is likely a lot more effort to engineer and make this from scratch than most people would want to deal with, but it's an idea for those really wanting more storage.

Here's parts of the build. I siamesed two storage bins, bracketed with aluminum channel and angle for slides.

[SilverHouseDreams]

Thanks for sharing, looks like a great bit of storage. I've been contemplating how to get something similar, though I would actually be OK with it not being full length. Storage space on my 22FB is a bit more limited than your 27FB, I only have 1 exterior compartment.

Where did you source your tubs? Please post more as you get it mounted up.

[jamtek]

Originally Posted by Xipper

Thanks for sharing, looks like a great bit of storage. I've been contemplating how to get something similar, though I would actually be OK with it not being full length. Storage space on my 22FB is a bit more limited than your 27FB, I only have 1 exterior compartment.

Where did you source your tubs? Please post more as you get it mounted up.

I too am very interested in this project! Please continue to post details and sources for parts. I have a Sport 22FB and would love to add additional storage in a similar fashion. I was thinking of using the back bumper area for an under-frame mounted storage drawer but need to source parts etc.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

One word of caution: Doing this on a trailer with a 3" lift kit is a bit different than doing it on a stock trailer. I'd be very careful about looking at clearances, especially if playing in the vicinity of the back bumper ..... That said, if it's higher than the slinky storage tube and closer to the axle, no harm at all.

Bob

[pteck]

I started with the following tubs -https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTRZP46/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They have a bunch of different tubs. The one I started with was 7.5" tall. While it would likely have been fine from a clearance perspective, I didn't it hanging too far down, for aero and clearance, so I cut it down to 5.5". Given how much reworking of the tubs to make pull handles, and slides, I likely would have just done it in sheet metal the second time around.

I located this storage right behind the rear wheels. So clearance there is not as much of an issue as it would be at the far extents.

[pteck]

Finished! Works and slides better than I could have hoped. The location is perfect for shoes and the outdoor rug with it's location next to the door.



Also, it's 6" high. Barely lower than the steps.

[SilverHouseDreams]

That looks great, what are you selling them for?

[pteck]

Hah, if only I were retired...

[nryn]

This is a genius mod. It’s on the list.

[kpm]

What a great way to add some extra storage, and get a place for your shoes too! Thanks for posting.

[pteck]

Thanks all. It's partly because I have an SUV that I built this storage. I like that all my "camping" gear is wholly within the trailer and not dependent on any storage within the vehicle. Leaves space for passengers as I often have 6 people in the car.

This really would be awesome if it were a factory option for extra long gear storage. I have a 27FB twin which has 3 external compartments and the bumper storage. I keep the slinky in another added tube storage underneath. So my AS model has just about as much storage as is possible/offered in different layouts. Yet, we all know that external storage is never enough in any AS.

[Ekonomou]

Do you have a parts list . Or if ur in florida can you build more???

[Ekonomou]

Oh ,hell ur in California. How much to make one

[pteck]

I unfortunately don't have time to build these. I realize they are probably beyond the fabrication ability of most, but wanted to put the idea out there.

There are some turn key solutions out there, but they tend to be too tall at ~8" for fitment under our ASs, and two divided drawers
https://www.amazon.com/Lippert-23655...GKCNWAMSJH81T6

I used the following tray that was significantly modified for my install:
https://www.amazon.com/Buckhorn-SW48...78&s=hi&sr=1-1


A more approachable solution some have used is to install vinyl square fence posts underneath as storage boxes. Similar to the round slinky storage, but I think these are 4"x4". Simplifies the fabrication as there's no sliding mechanism.
https://www.amazon.com/LWPT-BLANK-4X...E7FDGRH9308TJ2

[greghoro]

Do you get much water in the tray when driving in wet weather? If yes, how do you keep it from pooling up inside?


Greg

[SewStream]

Nice work!

[pteck]

Hi Greg,

I have 3/8 holes drilled in the far corners to drain any potential water getting in.

That said, I've driven in downpours and driving rain. Water doesn't get in there as my rug is never wet or even damp. I think it's due to the shape of the sliding rails that water doesn't really get in.

[extiger]

If interested in underbelly storage, you may want to check with AS to see if they still offer a flag box. I put one on a few years ago and have been very happy with the construction and extra storage. AS shipped it to me directly and based on some simple advice from them I installed it myself. Doesn't slide like Pteck's neat invention, but storage for longer items.