Converting staircase to storage

[Gamehunter]

I am looking to put storage under the staircase for boot, glove hats, etc. I have taken an in-depth look at them and see that they are open to the basement area with ventilation holes. Are these vents essential, seems they would be as trailer companies don't like to do extra for no reason. Anybody done this project? Any pointers?

[RoadrunnerII]

In the trailer designers infinite wisdom they don't use a traditional cold air return. The furnace pulls cold air from the basement. Basement is pulling in the cold floor air into the basement.
I added ducting from furnace to under the steps which made the furnace draw more of the cold air off the floor. I don't care to warm up the basement. It already has a 2 inch duct behind the water valves.
So can you make storage yes. Still need a way to pull the cold air so dont block it off or if you do provide an alternate grill space for air movement

RoadrunnerII

[Gamehunter]

Thanks Roadrunner, that's what I expected it was, I will have a look at the cold air return and see what the return size is, may be able to do like you and just run another cold air duct to bottom. Just like you the water area has a 2" duct and the basement has its own heat duct. At most times we won't be using furnace as we are looking to get away from the cold full time. We will use fireplace, heater and another electric heater in bed area. If it goes to low run the furnace to keep things from freezing.

[RoadrunnerII]

Our Eagle has full width of step grill on bottom and first step. It don't need that much I know but its trimmed out that way.
Now if I could just get the squeek out of the floor at bottom step!

RoadrunnerII

[Gamehunter]

Well finished the staircase and hallway, taking out the carpet and going hardwood. Turned out better than expected.