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Topic: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage (Read 761 times) previous topic - next topic
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Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
We have a 2004 26' Mid-Bath and of course have terrible access to the storage space under the seat that slides. Wife wants a modification to improve access to this wasted space other than the existing cabinet door. Looked at it and saw complications out weighing any benefit. Has anyone come across a viable reasonably cost effective remedy? Thanks in advance for any thoughts of comments!
2004 Mid Bath
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #1 –
I use a big Rubbermaid tub.  It is about an inch narrower than the opening.  With my spare water pump against the back wall, it is an exact fit length-wise.  At about 9 or 10 inches high, it has several inches of clearance at the top.  As the space is wider than the opening, my sewing machine fits alongside it in the space.

In a matter of a few seconds, with one hand, I have access to the contents of that container, which is FULL with tools, etc.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #2 –
Thanks, sounds reasonable!
2004 Mid Bath
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #3 –
I cut holes in the side panel and framed them with bullnose trim.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
I cut holes in the side panel and framed them with bullnose trim.

Is the same sort of thing applicable for the sofa of a RB?  It looks as if the outside storage compartment door for the under sofa storage is shorter than the compartment.  An opening here seems to be wanting for more access to that area.

Linda

Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #5 –
We have a 2006. 26.5 RB and ordered cupboard doors on the isle end of each under bench storage areas.   Under the back bench (closest to closet) I also use a Rubbermaid tub and use it like a drawer, slides easily.    Items that need to be onboard but not necessarily readily accessible are stored in the "back" of the cupboard. 
Hope yo can find a solution that works for you. 

JuliW
Minden, NV
Juli W.
Former owner 1994 mid bath,  2006 26.5'rear bath
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #6 –
"Is the same sort of thing applicable for the sofa of a RB?"

That I can't say, since my rig was a 2003 midbath. But you ought to be able to figure out whether it's feasible by looking. Note that I made two openings rather than a single wide one. That was because a vertical strut inside the seat base helps support the dinette seat, and I didn't want to cut that strut.

Of course, the slide-out tub solution used by others here is easier. I wanted a place right by the door where I could stash outdoor gear such as shoes. And since it was in a mostly-hidden area, I didn't care whether the contents showed. (I left a 2" lip at the bottom so that things wouldn't just slide out.) But your needs may be different.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #7 –
In our mid bath my dh built a pull out drawer. I love it. I'll get pics posted soon.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.
 
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #8 –
This is my storage drawer. The seat belt was unaffected by it. The bench still pulls out when necessary. The drawer gave me accessible storage for my baking staples. Tall cereal box size storage containers lay in the back with lots of room for other containers in front of them.

He placed 2x4 spacers on the bottom and mounted roll out drawer tracks to it and the bottom of the drawer. The drawer is a simple wooden box made from scrap plywood we had on hand. A small latch keeps it from rolling out on its own. We thought the slides would be stiff enough not to move but we were wrong. Discovered it when I tracked down an odd thumping noise when we went around corners.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #9 –
Hi -- Could you post the dimensions of the "box" you built? I've got a similar project on my "honey do' list and any guidance would be great!





George & Jo Ann
99 MB
NH
George & Jo Ann
2017 MB
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #10 –
My Rubbermaid box is 14.5 x 20 inside dimensions, and 8.5 high.  I needed no alterations to the space.  The plastic material slides easily in and out and the confines of the space, with my water pump at the back (wall side) of the space and my sewing machine on the right (rear side) of the space, means the container does not shift.  With it in place, I can slide the seat out if I have company.  For me, it is just about a perfect solution - cheap, durable, light, efficient, and no alterations needed.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #11 –
What is it like from the factory? Mine has door and a drawer with a hook to keep it from moving.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #12 –
Numbers of locations and configurations for storage obviously vary among models, but one might find options for inexpensive equipment boxes on these pages of "bus tubs":

Bus Tubs: Bus Boxes & Bus Pans for Restaurants

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #15 –
Quote from: tlbh2o  - 
This is my storage drawer. The seat belt was unaffected by it. The bench still pulls out when necessary. The drawer gave me accessible storage for my baking staples. Tall cereal box size storage containers lay in the back with lots of room for other containers in front of them.

He placed 2x4 spacers on the bottom and mounted roll out drawer tracks to it and the bottom of the drawer. The drawer is a simple wooden box made from scrap plywood we had on hand. A small latch keeps it from rolling out on its own. We thought the slides would be stiff enough not to move but we were wrong. Discovered it when I tracked down an odd thumping noise when we went around corners.
All of you have been a so creative. I'm a good "copy cat" but, lack ideas sometime.
2004 Mid Bath
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Mike Beal  - 
I would love to see it!

Mike, the photos are in Reply #8.

 Welcome to the forum!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #18 –

Hi StevenJill. Nice storage drawer. If I were making it from scratch I would make the drawer higher sided  and a clear plastic front piece to see whats inside easier. I guess that the top under the cushions can be removed for better access when needed.
     The sight of those propane bottles rolling around in there makes me nervous. I have had the seals leak after use, so when Joan brought up the idea, I took her up on it, and ordered screw on brass caps. Amazon.com : Venseri Solid Brass Refill 1 LB Propane Bottle Cap, 12 Pack 1lb...      They work well, I keep some spares for fellow campers/ LD caravan members. And now I use them at home for my propane bottles at home. (propane  push button lighting torches).  Thanks Joan!      RonB

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #19 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
     The sight of those propane bottles rolling around in there makes me nervous.   RonB
Good point. We put them in the LD for one trip where we was going to group cook outside. We probably should get them out of there. We still haven't got things where we want them yet.

Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #20 –
You're welcome, Ron!  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #21 –
Quote from: George Kaplan  - 
Hi -- Could you post the dimensions of the "box" you built?

I will soon lots to do in the next few days.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #22 –
Sorry been a busy few weeks around here. We had to fix the leaking water tank and the stove sat on the floor in front of the drawer.
These are the dimensions of our storage drawer.
14" wide, 24" long, 8 3/4" tall exterior measurements.
11 1/2" wide, 22 1/2" long, 7 3/4" deep interior measurements.
Of course this was made with materials on hand.  Also known as scraps. DH suggests not using less than 1/2" plywood for strength.  This was a simple butt joint, glued and nailed box. The slides came from the local big box lumberyard and are mounted on scrap 2x4 pieces so that the drawer clears the opening in the end of the pull-out bench.  We did install a simple hook and eye catch so it stays in place. 
Theresa
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #23 –
I found that my laundry basket fits pretty perfectly- you have to squeeze the sides a little but it goes right in :-)
Andy Baird you are a genius- I'm trying to figure out how long it's going to take me before I decide I absolutely must cut the holes like you did. Your desk and your pantry took me about a year to pull off, I think this will be a lot faster! Thanks so much- I think I might have to change the name of my LD from BlueByrd to BlueBaird!
Livin the dream, one nightmare at a time.....

2003 26.50MB, Blue
Re: Access to Under Sliding Dinnette Storage
Reply #24 –
Steve, your full-width opening gives much better access than my twin cutouts. I was afraid to take away the vertical piece of lumber that LD put in the center of that wall, for fear the seat might need its support and start to sag without it. But if yours hasn't had a problem in 21 years, then obviously I was being too conservative. :-)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"