Removing the Storage Box and fitting a Kitchen Pod

[MarkVw2017]

Dear All,

I've ordered a Beach (so excited) because of its versatility and now its in the order books so I am just waiting.

Before it comes, i want to get some accessories arranged. I have ordered the 2 seat bench version so could you please tell me how removing the Storage Box works;

1.) Is it attached to the Multifelx baord,
2.)is the mattress part of the multiflex board and storage box so if you remove the storage box you have a loose section of matress?
3.) If removed, i assume is exposes the wheel arch, so would the pod (please see below) fit in as its new form Vangear and looks a great option to make the van even more versatile? Its 360mm wide

Linke to camper pod
https://www.vangear.co.uk/maxi-unit--xs-extra-small-238-p.asp

Any advice would be gratefully received!

 

[MattBW]

The box can be removed separately, it is simply bolted to the rail there. My understanding is that there is a foam cushion that goes on top of it to make the full width bed. If you remove the box you remove the extra mattress width.

Image linked from thread below.

As for whether it will fit I have no idea as I have the 3 seat beach sorry.

 

[MattBW]

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/beach-interior-panel-removal-cavity-thump.18521/#post-212193

 

[Max-Felix]

1.) Is it attached to the Multifelx baord,

No. Just undo the two retaining bolts in the box and lift out.

2.)is the mattress part of the multiflex board and storage box so if you remove the storage box you have a loose section of matress?

No, mattress stays on board. you will lost the cushion on the storage box obviously but you get the bed width where you need it (shoulder area, not legs).

3.) If removed, i assume is exposes the wheel arch, so would the pod (please see below) fit in as its new form Vangear and looks a great option to make the van even more versatile? Its 360mm wide

Not sure! Fitting a pod in a Beach is best if made custom to measure.

Topic below might help.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/building-a-kitchen-pod-for-the-beach.14752/

Also see this topic below - lots of useful info and ideas:

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/storage-pod-on-multiflex-board.6637/

And I have a 'Beach pics' Google folder here full of useful images:

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=YlpXZWdNMTZwWXBuTTBOUUtfdDJaQm14SkZ0T2xB

 

[MarkVw2017]

Thank you so much!!!!

 

[Max-Felix]

For what it's worth and having camped in one for a month continuous with the pod I made I would not use a pod again. I've had a Beach and two SE/Oceans and still use them the same way - never really use the onboard water as so much easier to just use two litre water bottles you refill and replace when too battered.

Ditto sink. Ditto in built cooker. Much easier with cartridge cookers in many ways, especially in a Beach - more powerful and gas cheap (CP250 carts are half the price of a 907 refill for the same amount) and easy to use. We always cook outside. If fitting a pod with a Camping Gaz cylinder in a Beach you run into all sorts of issues - you *must* have a proper sealed cabinet with a gas drop out hole in the floor and an inspection and certification for your insurance.

And some more links to read that will help your decision hopefully!

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/beach-mods-part-1-kitchen-pod-mkii-good-old-ikea-alex.18939/

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/removing-the-storage-box-and-fitting-a-kitchen-pod.25467/

 

[MarkVw2017]

It seems the Storage unit it a great little bit of joinery, so suppose know has made a mini camper pod to fint on it?

For what it's worth and having camped in one for a month continuous with the pod I made I would not use a pod again. I've had a Beach and two SE/Oceans and still use them the same way - never really use the onboard water as so much easier to just use two litre water bottles you refill and replace when too battered.

Ditto sink. Ditto in built cooker. Much easier with cartridge cookers in many ways, especially in a Beach - more powerful and gas cheap and easy to use. We always cook outside. If fitting a pod with a Camping Gaz cylinder in a Beach you run into all sorts of issues - you *must* have a proper sealed cabinet with a gas drop out hole in the floor and an inspection and certification for your insurance.

That's some brilliant advice and great hints there! Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom!!! A £10 gas stove, gas cannisters and some bottles of waters sounds a much cheaper, easier and quicker way to get that cup of tea on the go whilst keeping a full width bed and storage box. All i really want is a nice hot cup of tea on my break whilst working out in the winter

 

[Max-Felix]

I'll hit you with another link:

Cooking assistance in Beach

 

[MarkVw2017]

I'll hit you with another link:

Cooking assistance in Beach

Thank you. This link is amazing. There are sooo many threads, its difficult to find them so thanks for the heads up!!

 

[MattBW]

Oh and check out the Vanessa window bags, think only one is fittable on a two seat beach but they are a brilliant addition to store more stuff in.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/anyone-got-one-of-these-from-vanessa.9393/

 

[podge]

For what it's worth and having camped in one for a month continuous with the pod I made I would not use a pod again. I've had a Beach and two SE/Oceans and still use them the same way - never really use the onboard water as so much easier to just use two litre water bottles you refill and replace when too battered.

Ditto sink. Ditto in built cooker. Much easier with cartridge cookers in many ways, especially in a Beach - more powerful and gas cheap (CP250 carts are half the price of a 907 refill for the same amount) and easy to use. We always cook outside. If fitting a pod with a Camping Gaz cylinder in a Beach you run into all sorts of issues - you *must* have a proper sealed cabinet with a gas drop out hole in the floor and an inspection and certification for your insurance.

And some more links to read that will help your decision hopefully!

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/beach-mods-part-1-kitchen-pod-mkii-good-old-ikea-alex.18939/

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/removing-the-storage-box-and-fitting-a-kitchen-pod.25467/

+1 for this, we found sink too small when testing an Ocean for a weekend and topping up water unnecessary when you can pick up 5l bottles of water.

We use the same CP250 gas in 2 stoves, and cook outside in an awning that takes 20mins to put up, or with no awning at all. We use a JetBoil as our kettle

We had contemplated possibly getting a kitchen pod when spec’ing our 2 seat Beach up - but after having used it for 2 weeks so far, we can’t see the need for us.

 

[MarkVw2017]

Thank you to everyone for your time and replies. Greatly appreciated!!!

 

[MattBW]

We use the same CP250 gas in 2 stoves, and cook outside in an awning that takes 20mins to put up, or with no awning at all. We use a JetBoil as our kettle

That’s a great tip, I use an alp kit brukit for our kettle, similar thing and superb buy either one.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Alied]

+1 for this, we found sink too small when testing an Ocean for a weekend and topping up water unnecessary when you can pick up 5l bottles of water.

We use the same CP250 gas in 2 stoves, and cook outside in an awning that takes 20mins to put up, or with no awning at all. We use a JetBoil as our kettle

We had contemplated possibly getting a kitchen pod when spec’ing our 2 seat Beach up - but after having used it for 2 weeks so far, we can’t see the need for us.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/campingaz-cp250-gas-canisters.25406/

 

[Max-Felix]

That's a good deal. Buying in bulk on Amazon they come in at around £1 each (24) or just under £1 if buying 36.

 

[s2bear]

Shame you can’t get a ‘split/fold bench seat extension to slot into the same space as the storage box. Now THAT would be handy!




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Max-Felix]

Shame you can’t get a ‘split/fold bench seat extension to slot into the same space as the storage box. Now THAT would be handy!




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Easy enough to make something - I made a very simple fridge support to fit in that space - see the link to making a Beach kitchen pod in first reply.

 

[s2bear]

Easy enough to make something - I made a very simple fridge support to fit in that space - see the link to making a Beach kitchen pod in first reply.

I just read all of that - hadn’t seen it before, amazing job!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk