Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
I'd like to do an under floor storage but can't seem to find any picts of what others have done. Seems like a simple idea but I don't want to reinvent the wheel. Any info or links would be apreciated.
Under floor storage
- Thread starter Stumpalump
- Start date
Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
Yea
robert
Expedition Leader
Some states have "secret compartment" laws on the books so you might want to check before you get too elaborate. Personally I'd love to have one to store things like my important papers, wallet, etc when I'm away from the vehicle. I've seen a couple though. Most were a cutout in the floor with a storage area welded in, a couple were better disguised and you used a magnet to unlock them (you held the magnet to the area where the bolt was then slid it aver to pull the bolt with it thereby releasing the compartment). Sorry no pics.
ujoint
Supporting Sponsor
I know that they remove the factory spare tire carrier/x-member, and cut the hole for the compartment. They reinforce it quite a bit. that x-member stiffens up the frame, and it's important. I did the same with my van, but I just used the space to mount my compressor & water tank, no hole in the floor. I was able to mount the skidplate 2" below the frame rail, and it still gave me 11" of vertical room to play with.
jesusgatos
Explorer
Really? I've never heard about that? Know where?
dzzz
™
At the border they don't enforce state laws. I would always tell law enforcement searching the vehicle about a compartment. That way it's not a secret.
For me benefits out way the risk. Many RV/camper have a compartment. What the cops personally are going to not like is one within reach of the driver. A little hidden gun safe up front is the only type compartment I would consider somewhat risky.
Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
It was nice to get that heavy stuff down low and use that wasted space. After my fist solo trip I realized just how fast a van can fill up. On an old CJ I had I mounted spare drive shafts and axel shafts inside the frame rails to keep the weight low and out of the way. My water tank got mounted inside due to huge Colorado swings in temps even in summer. Vans have so much under body space wasted. Any other ideas?
robert
Expedition Leader
I'm too lazy to Google it, but I remember when John Popper was arrested that was one of the charges (his buddy was speeding in his SUV and they had dope and guns in the truck). They are on the books in some states, others have ruled they are OK. Not to start a political discussion, but suffice to say I'd probably ignore it and just put one in if I could figure out how to make it look nice. I've thought several times about adding storage under my VW bus just for spare parts. I figured I could probably mount a Pelican case and that would suffice for my needs.
Here's what was introduced in SC. I never bothered to check the status of what happened with it.
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess117_2007-2008/bills/4404.htm