What are some of your ideas on organizing a van, outside of the high dollar shelving. I have tried several ideas, and they've been "usable" but not really organized. I'm getting to the point to where I need a change again. Any ideas?? Thanks Steve..

Organizing a large space, such as a van, can be as hard as organizing a small space. I just bought a safe. ) 0.8 Cubic Feet (0.0226534773 cubic meters for those of you in other countries). I have to organize Gold bars (1 gram... I wish I was rich enough for Fort Knox bars.), silver bars, silver rounds, silver coins, my coin collection, and my alcohol (so trhe kids don't get it.)

I found that the best way to organize something is build your own organizers. that way, you have a custom sized space for everything. If you're worried about it looking too unprofessional, you'll be amazed at what a coat of primer and rustoleum will do. You can make it out of anything, but in the case of a van, I suggest sheet metal or 1/2" plywood.

If you decide to go this route, just remember a few kety steps:
* Size everything to what you need. For example, don't make a 2 Cubic foot space for 4 way switches.
* Make it sturdy. 1/2" plywood, with locking plexiglass tops is durable, and you can see what's inside. Make it look professional too.
* The MOST IMPORTANT: Keep all of your frequently used supplies as easily accessible as possible. After all, what good is storage if you have to archive a NEMA 5-20 while those random nuts and bolts are out in the open.

Of course, even though these are no-brainers, most people don't think about how they are going to organize something until they already have things in place and a problem occurs.

As for pre-built/kit stuff, I can honestly say I have no clue. I have never bought any type of kit for my truck. Maybe someone else can chime in on that one.
-Josh

I have found that some of the small plastic organizers from the big box stores work pretty well. You can build your shelving to accomadate the size organizer you choose, with a lip to hold them in place. Just get some reasonably tough ones like Rubbermaid etc. I fastened 1x2 strips between the organizers to keep them from jamming together from those sudden stops. Then I keep a roll of 2" tape, the blue kind, and a sharpie to write what's in each container. This way you can change it, as you will always be finding a better way.

As for the receps, switches and cover plates, I use plastic bins from Grainger, all labeled by type and color.

I have 3 Rubbermaid totes stacked on top of each other at the head, metal boxes on the bottom, plastic next and cut ins on top (I do a lot of old work). I keep them from tipping with a bungee.

You will always be changing something as you figure out a better way. Sometimes it's good to go thru a section and remove stuff you never use.

The only thing I have not been able to do is make my cargo area speed bump proof. A couple times I have not noticed one and paid for it.

Oh and PEdoubleNIZZLE, I thought I had problems, I feel so bad for you trying to squeeze all those gold bars into your safe!

BigB:

Don't worry, if I have enough to buy a real gold bar, chances are I have enough to buy a new safe.

As for right now, the safe is the most valuable thing I have What's really sad is, ounce for ounce, some of my asthma medication is more valuable than gold. Makes me wonder if I'm making a good investment. Imagine... picture me on a dark city corner...

"Hey man, you wanna buy something to make you feel good?"
"Yeah man, what you got?"
"I got Albuterol, I got some Singulair, man. One of these and you can run a mile, man!"

Back on topic, I neglected to mention that if anyone decides to make their own storage system, make ABSOLUTELY SURE you cover the side grain (thickness) of the plywood with paint or epoxy or something. I made the mistake of just painting it, and there was a small gap in the middle ply. It swelled up and split pretty bad.

I mainly do handy work (If someone needs electrical done, I take a look and then reccomend an electrician... same with plumbing or anything structural). All my hardware is in the bins. I keep screws seperated and in plastic tubs with handles. I mainly build doors for all the old houses around here, because I can build them cheaper and faster than special ordering one. I'm sure something similar can be done for electrical stuff. All my tools are in 3 tool boxes: 1 for all my hand tools, 1 for drills and bits, and an empty to put various hardware in(in your case, outlets, etc.) I don't carry a toolbelt, because it gets in the way, but then again, I usually work in one spot at a time.

The best organizational system I've ever seen is just shelves (with guards to prevent stuff falling) with plastic tubs (square tubs that had 25 pounds of nails/screws in it), and tool boxes with guards. All the guards were flip down, because straps take a few minutes to do. Sure, it's not that long, but imagine 3 minutes per job times 260 days a year. That could add up, not to imagine the stress if you're a speed guy and hate ratchet straps for everything.

I'm not necessarily trying to advocate DIY storage in your van, but my experience is any type of DIY storage is gonna have too much room for one thing, not enough room for another.

Sorry for my long winded posts, but lately all my posts are almost like a novel.

I built mine from store bought utility shelves from Sam's and cut it up to fit. Tilt the shelf slightly so everything slides to the inside for easy access.

Use cardboard, not plastic bins. You can get them in any reasonable size.
The plastic works well but is EXTREMELY noisy over bumps etc. Cardboard bins can be had from Grainger for less $ than plastic too. Get the cardboard first, then built the shelves to fit them.

Everyday items should be placed within reach of the doors. Keep ladders out of the inside of the van - at least while ur using it. I have a 4 footer standing up in mine, a six on one side, an eight on the other. A 10' and a 16' stepladder on the top.

The key is not to be crawling through the van for a 1 gang cut in box and a hand full of wirenuts. (by the way I've also seen gas mileage improve 1.5 mpg by using Mobil One synthetic oil. Doesn't sound like a lot but when ur getting 9mpg, 10.5 looks real good.)

As a tip - you might consider http://www.klenktools.com/Main/Products/ToteTraysNew.asp



I'm not a salesman - a former foreman of mine got me using them to hold various couplings and connectors for 1/2" & 3/4" EMT.

Another cool feature? They can be stacked while loaded.




(Link fixed. Larry, thank you)




[This message has been edited by electure (edited 10-31-2006).]

One of my coworkers keeps his van very well organized by not keeping any stock in it.

Peter

DougW, thanks for the new product!

BTW, note it is KlenK Tools, and not Klein. For some reason, the link didn't work, but I was able to find it anyway.
Available in two sizes, and a variety of layouts, the trays run about $37 each, plus shipping.

They look to be a good replacement for the milk crate/ peanut jar arrangement I currently use.

Little stock, lots of tools and enthusiasm.

What's in your van CT?

Oh yeah you don't have one.

I think the key to organizing is to limit what you carry. I love to have tons of everything but over the last few months I have been using it all up and just getting better with getting stock for the jobs I am doing and returning whats not used. I have tons of stuff in my garage that just equals wasted money. I am not near my garage when I need it so I end up buying it again.
Inside the van I have a shelf on each side in the rear and behind the drivers seat is open. On the floor are 1 case of 4sq deeps, 1 case of old works, and the power tools.
It is nice having the van open to load stock in for a job. I keep 2 4' ladders inside all the time and limit carring the extension ladders to when I need them. Saves on fuel and so will a lighter van.

For some more ideas, and to kill a lot of time (and I do mean a lot), check out Pimp My Ride .

There are some good ideas and varied solutions for work trucks. Nowadays, I work out of the back of a little Subaru I buy the gas for, but I'm happy as I can be.

Read long enough, and you'll see what a pit Bob's van was.

[This message has been edited by Just George (edited 10-29-2006).]

I use these Euro bin shelves for devices, trims, & mud rings. It's 2' deep x 4' wide and tall. Not the exact size but you get the idea:
http://www.quantumstorage.com/flat_shelving_euro_drawer_system.htm
I seen them in a few catologs including Granger. They work great but I had to make a door to keep them from opening.

For tools I dont use every day I have a Craftsman bottom tool box. Pay extra for the rollor bearing drawers that dont open unless you lift the handle. It is nice fot protecting the expensive things from the hammers and drill bits. Also it locks.

Some drill / tool boxes are in a steel cabnet with doors and a few shelves.

For some items I bought plastic bins then made shelves to hold the bins. These bins I have fittings that I don't use every day but it is nice to reach in and grab one or take the whole bin full to the work area.

I made a wooden box with # 10 wire handles that holds 6-10 factory boxes of common 1/2" and 3/4" fittings. Those fitting boxes have emptied out on me one too many times while transporting, that's why I like my box.

Everything elce is made out of plywood 2x2 & 2x4's. Wood keeps the raddels down but can add some weight. Wood is easy to work with unless you try to use too small of pieces. For small light duty shelves it is put together with glue and a trim nail gun. The side walls are 3/8 with foam insulation behind to keep the walls from sweating and warmer inside. Some 3/4 is used for holding the pipe racks. 2' PVC tubs are held upright with 1 holes to hold the benders.

Bigger plastic bins are used for bulky items like nipples.

One bin is for the special ordered items waiting to be installed.

2 ladders slide in their own place while the smaller ones are straped in.

Everything cairred should have it's own place. More used items should be easier reached. Similar items should be grouped together.

Building custom shelves took us a lot of time and was an ongoing project. I do fell we have a better setup then the stock steel units.

Your level of enthusiasm doesn't even compare to someone else we know that drinks alot of caffeine heavy beverages.


Yup, and I don't want one either.



[This message has been edited by CTwireman (edited 10-31-2006).]