Ford Extended Van internal storage ideas

[ericandholly]

If anyone has removed benches and done a custom storage for wind gear I love to see a picture of it. Off the water for awhile and need a project before I go back to work.

Thanks,
Eric

[isobars]

This will keep you busy until you grow a new leg.

http://tinyurl.com/36lcxh

Mike \m/

[mez32522]

Gots one with full width ply across the back 5'6", masts and bases underneath, sails in middle (14), booms on left (7), boards on right and atop the sails (6).
Sleep in middle front, but one person.
Carry my kitesurfing stuff, surfing stuff, and tennis gear also in it. But not the longer directional kiteboards or funboards. Those come in when a couple windsurf boards get removed.

[spennie]

Here's my nearly 14-year-old van interior and the racks I built. Keep in mind that I'm a professional carpenter/cabinetmaker, and this was one of the most technically difficult things I've ever done. The racks fold flat so you can use the van as, well, a van when you're not sailing. Had a lot of hardware issues, too, since I was just buying off-the shelf hinges, latches, etc.

A good simple solution is the one used by Al's windsurf vans on Maui. You build two wide "ladders", one front & one back for your boards, and hang your booms on the side of them; sails, masts & accessories on the floor.

P.S. The thing on the right in the picture is a doggie platform between the seats, complete with padded safety rails. I love my doggie!

[spennie]

Found this photo on the internet, now this is simple! Sheet of 3/4" plywood, couple hinges & a jigsaw, you're good to go!

Watch the spacing between boards whatever kind of racks you build--You won't always have the same board(s), so allow plenty of room for rocker, footstraps, etc.

[scottwerden]

[bil7y]

I went through this process and all the expense, hassles and plans were discouraging. I too have the xtd ford van. Some of these examples are no doubt sweet set ups. If only I wasn't 1-lazy and 2- poor I would love to have them. After much toiling I came up with a cheap and easy solution. 3 tier IKEA Coffee Tables! I bought 6 of them for under 90 bucks! I have three levels with 9 sails 5 windsurfer boards, Two SUPs(one is 12'6"). One surfboard and all the booms and masts in the van. The tables come out in modules so I can have all, some, or none in and don't care if they get trashed. Had them in for two months now and am really happy.

David
www.waterhound.com

[spennie]

That's a great idea! Not everyone's a professional carpenter, and your setup sounds like a cool solution, I love creativity. I'd like to see pictures of that, and no, I'm NOT being sarcastic.

[biffmalibu]

I cannot do justice to the ideas and skills of some of these craftsmen. But I do know that Ikea has stuff that is ready-made or modifiable including loft beds and vertical hanging collapsable storage (for clothes, toiletries, etc.).

I think it's nice to have a dedicated bed (or mostly-dedicated) though. This means locating it up high. You don't need much space for this; just enough for Holly to sit up plus 8" or so.

[ericandholly]

Which Ikea shelves were those? Love the idea.

Thanks,
Eric
Hood River