Basement storage enough for me?

[NW Cat Owner]

Hi everyone,

Still trying to figure out what all we're going to purchase. One of the requirements is a big, underneath storage area. Some call it "basement", others call it "pass-through". Not sure which is correct. But you will, hopefully, know what I mean.

I plan to use the rig for hauling stuff to craft shows that are out of the immediate home area, where I'd be spending the night(s). I figure I can put the heavy, stamped tiles/coasters in the TV as each bin holding them weighs appx 25# and they add up quickly.

However, I need to be able to stash my wire grid panels where they'll be protected and won't flop all over and get dinged up. The panels are 5' long and 2' wide. They have feet attached to them and it'll be easier for me if they stay attached.

I also have plastic, 6' folding tables that I set my wares on. They need to fit underneath as well. They're 30" wide and 3' long as they fold in half.

Looking at the rigs at web sites, it's kind of hard to tell if the underneath storage will work for my needs. These are the models I'm (currently) most interested in:

Eagle HT 26.5RKS or 26.5RLS or 27.5RKDS

Eagle Premier 331RKTS or 351RLTS

If anyone has any opinions for me, I'd appreciate it very much. I am able to look at some of these at the dealer, but not all of 'em.

Thanks!

[troutslayer]

I think you will have issues with the 26.5rks basement on the larger item. You didn't say how thick the panels are but you would also probably need to stack things on top of the panels but I'm guessing that would be the case no matter which unit you decide on. You do have under-bed storage that would probably work and it's fairly easy to access. Also, don't forget the storage under the love seat.
I took diminsions of all the items to be stored and then measured all of the compartments figuring out what would fit and how. You are also going to have plastic tubs for items like water hoses, sewer hoses, gas grill (unless you plan on eating out every night ) leveling blocks, etc, etc., so it's going to take a lot of planning. Are you going to "camp" off the grid? That is, without an electrical hook-up? If so, you may need (or want) a generator so thats got to go somewhere. You're asking good questions...keep going.

[NW Cat Owner]

Thanks for your comments, Skip. Gives me lots more to think about, that's for sure. I had planned, at some point, on taking in one of the grids (they're not too thick) along with a folded table to get an idea of which storage areas would work for me.

I didn't even think about the other stuff! Ack! I was originally looking at a Class C (Greyhawk 31DS), which has tons more underneath storage. And comes with a generator. But we decided a 5th wheel was more practical for my needs, but I can see I need to adjust my thinking/planning quite a bit from what I was originally learning (about Class C's).

Holy Cow! So glad I joined this forum!

I don't plan to go off the grid, but who knows, I might have to, depending on where I'm vending.

Do you access the underbed storage by lifting up the mattress or is it a drawer? I have not seen this model in person.

Thanks

[andrewe]

I try to put all my heavy items in the trailer. This saves on TV payload which is usually in short supply.

You might want to consider a toy hauler and use the toy space for storage instead. Imagine neat stacks of your wares tied down and ready to be rolled down the ramp on a dolly.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by andrewe

You might want to consider a toy hauler and use the toy space for storage instead. Imagine neat stacks of your wares tied down and ready to be rolled down the ramp on a dolly.

I know, I know! Sounds great, huh?

And yeah, we've thought about it, but for other non-vending uses, it wouldn't be that practical.

[Tunce the traveler]

Have you looked at the 2015. 310W, 320W, 352W Seismicwave 5th wheel by Jayco? That would give you all the storage you need.could make it into a family room when not working. Get the fireplace for it.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

Have you looked at the 2015. 310W, 320W, 352W Seismicwave 5th wheel by Jayco? That would give you all the storage you need.could make it into a family room when not working. Get the fireplace for it.

Thanks Tunce. You and someone else on another thread mentioned the same thing. Last night we zipped to the local dealer and looked at a few, but since it was getting pretty dark I wasn't able to tell too much. I plan to go back during the day for a better recee, along with my camera, notepad and measuring tape.

I also posted a ton of questions on the Toy Hauler section to see if anyone has used it the way I want to. (not for toys)

[jal0710]

I guess the question I would ask is how many tables and grids do you have. The underneath storage area on my 26.5 RLS is about eight feet across the FW and is 51" wide and about 16" high. We store most of our stuff in there, camping chairs, etc. and have a lot of room, but if you have more than two or three tables and grids, I think it would be a little too tight for your purposes. As noted above, there is also under-bed storage, but it's not real deep, about 6" deep by about 6' long and 5' wide or so. Might be a little inconvenient, but might be doable. If you are planning pulling with a long-bed pickup, there would be quite a bit of storage space in the bed, certainly a lot more than with a standard/short bed.

[NW Cat Owner]

Thanks. Yeah, next thing I also need to look at is a truck that will pull it and see how much I can wad in the back of it.

So many things to figure out! Luckily I have lots of time to figure it out. And a great place to ask questions!

[norty1]

Plus another consideration is the tongue weight. Most everything in the storage compartment adds to the tongue weight.