Space Mate sliding boot shelf

[johna]

I too used to be in the not needed camp but now very glad I got one. I find the space lost is more than compensated by more efficient storage and access. For me the ability to raise the bed board is of very limited use, essentially only when the van is empty. We keep mattress, inflatable boat etc above the bed board. We usually stay in one place for just a night or two, usually stay up top and e.g. don’t empty stuff into an awning, which partly determines how we use storage. That’s the great thing about the Cali, highly adaptable for different uses, we all make our own choices and so have different opinions on what works for us.

 

[BeagleMum]

Totally agree. Had one self built in T6 but did not install in T6.1 for exactly the same reasons .

Absolutely concur, we had one from Calicap on our Beach, for over 4 years it was invaluable, the best purchase we made for it. On our T6.1 we don’t need one as the ability to raise the board is a game changer in the boot.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Like @The Tall Luthier I have some long LaFuma chairs and wanted to make use of all the space in the van which can be fiddly with the Spacemate. I also wanted to keep my chocks and warning triangle in the bench slot leaving a very tight spot to slot them in. I bought £7 of Velcro and after drilling 4 holes, about half an hour later I had found a solution.



From the front of the bench looking out the back of the van.






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lafuma MAXI POP UP Iso Batyline® Lac https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0073DDK8G/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

 

[Hotel-de-Van.]

That's great

 

[Van Diesel VW]

Great way to maximise storage space. Just back from 2 weeks touring Scotland and the space mate made it far easier to access stuff in the boot area. Still working out best combination of storage boxes and arrangement in the space mat.

 

[McDee22]

Thought I’d share this image - the space mate works with the Atera Genio Pro bike rack too.

 

[CamperFam]

Thought we'd do a video of our new SpaceMate tray if it helps anyone!

 

[Lee.Van.Cleef]

After a bit of pondering over the Christmas period (there wasn't much on the telly) I finally got round to ordering a SpaceMate (v2.3) & had the shipping note through yesterday. Hooray!
We're already using two 64L Really Useful Boxes under the rear bench/bed shelf and I see from this thread that they will fit side by side into the Ocean SpaceMate, so we'll probably start off with that as the default. Does anyone have any other recommendations for boxes or alternatives to maximise space but add a little bit of order?. I see on other threads that stackable 'Euroboxes' can be useful - has anyone tried those in an Ocean tray?
I'd be interested to hear from those of you who have had the SpaceMate for a full season and how your packing evolved.

(I'll ping up some images after the weekend reshuffle).

Cheers!

 

[CamperFam]

After a bit of pondering over the Christmas period (there wasn't much on the telly) I finally got round to ordering a SpaceMate (v2.3) & had the shipping note through yesterday. Hooray!
We're already using two 64L Really Useful Boxes under the rear bench/bed shelf and I see from this thread that they will fit side by side into the Ocean SpaceMate, so we'll probably start off with that as the default. Does anyone have any other recommendations for boxes or alternatives to maximise space but add a little bit of oder?. I see on other threads that stackable 'Euroboxes' can be useful - has anyone tried those in an Ocean tray?
I'd be interested to hear from those of you who have had the SpaceMate for a full season and how your packing evolved.

(I'll ping up some images after the weekend reshuffle).

Cheers!

Having had ours for around 6 months now, the tray really helps in just containing some of the dirty clutter for off-season activities (boots, coats, etc).

For this upcoming season, we'll be looking at using Euroboxes as we're (thankfully) starting to move out of the double-buggy phase, which means we can free the boot up for useful items. I also want to explore getting an Ecoflow or similar and turn it into a 'PowerTray' (name pending.. ) with charging from the solar panels on the roof (obviously, able to disconnect when required and charging cables feeding into the underside of the bench seat for electionics (out of sight, easy access, etc).

We do have one challenge ahead of us though - drive away awning. We use a big beastly Vango Galli III which usually goes behind the bench (with the bench fully pulled fowards). So that wont work for us going forwards. So we'll either need to lash it down on the rails infront of the bench, or rethink the whole thing.

 

[dspuk]

After a bit of pondering over the Christmas period (there wasn't much on the telly) I finally got round to ordering a SpaceMate (v2.3) & had the shipping note through yesterday. Hooray!
We're already using two 64L Really Useful Boxes under the rear bench/bed shelf and I see from this thread that they will fit side by side into the Ocean SpaceMate, so we'll probably start off with that as the default. Does anyone have any other recommendations for boxes or alternatives to maximise space but add a little bit of oder?. I see on other threads that stackable 'Euroboxes' can be useful - has anyone tried those in an Ocean tray?
I'd be interested to hear from those of you who have had the SpaceMate for a full season and how your packing evolved.

(I'll ping up some images after the weekend reshuffle).

Cheers!

We use this front left - holds all the small bits and bobs with a large inside space and side pockets. Rear left is the BBQ, rear right the 335 and front right used to be boots and is now baby bottles and sterilisers!

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[Hotel-de-Van.]

After a bit of pondering over the Christmas period (there wasn't much on the telly) I finally got round to ordering a SpaceMate (v2.3) & had the shipping note through yesterday. Hooray!
We're already using two 64L Really Useful Boxes under the rear bench/bed shelf and I see from this thread that they will fit side by side into the Ocean SpaceMate, so we'll probably start off with that as the default. Does anyone have any other recommendations for boxes or alternatives to maximise space but add a little bit of oder?. I see on other threads that stackable 'Euroboxes' can be useful - has anyone tried those in an Ocean tray?
I'd be interested to hear from those of you who have had the SpaceMate for a full season and how your packing evolved.

(I'll ping up some images after the weekend reshuffle).

Cheers!

I've found these bags and was thinking of adding them to the site if people think they'd be useful as three will sit side by side and perfectly fill the SpaceMate.

 

[Lee.Van.Cleef]

Hi - yes we have a similar quandry, although as there's only 3 us we make do with the Galli compact. Still bulky though when you add the carpet & footprint. When taking the awning away it tends to go under the rear bech alongside one 64L RLB - with the other stuff piled behind the sliding seat, pushed forward. I wasn't able to get it behind the seat previoulsy but now I've taken the forward stopper out this might be possible.
We experimented with combinations of side panels for the wind out awning (Comfortz on the side, Thule sun shade on the front) which was good for festivals and short stops on the continent when we didn't want to bother with the main awning. For this season in the UK we've taken the plunge and bought a Comfortz awning room which might allow us to leave the Galli behind on shorter trips (obvious down side being we have to take everything down to drive away). Ideally I'd like to reduce down our kit to fit into the tray and onto the shelf.

I did have a very helpful email exchange with Simon to explore if the tray could be adapted to make it slide further into the back when the seats are forward to free up a space for the awning at the back. I think his view was this would be theoretically possible but it would (obvioulsy) have cost implications and might reduce rigidity, so it might be too niche.

Since I'm not sure how I'll end up using the SpaceMate I added the net option just in case, though I'll probably end up using boxes.

How are you getting on with your Nord boxes?
Next items on our wish list are kitchen storage, Calicap.de shelf (liaising with friends in Germany re delivery) and mabe an I$OTOP. One thing at a time though!

 

[66tim99]

After a bit of pondering over the Christmas period (there wasn't much on the telly) I finally got round to ordering a SpaceMate (v2.3) & had the shipping note through yesterday. Hooray!
We're already using two 64L Really Useful Boxes under the rear bench/bed shelf and I see from this thread that they will fit side by side into the Ocean SpaceMate, so we'll probably start off with that as the default. Does anyone have any other recommendations for boxes or alternatives to maximise space but add a little bit of order?. I see on other threads that stackable 'Euroboxes' can be useful - has anyone tried those in an Ocean tray?
I'd be interested to hear from those of you who have had the SpaceMate for a full season and how your packing evolved.

(I'll ping up some images after the weekend reshuffle).

Cheers!

We ended up with something similar to this on one side. Keeps things in place and the whole lot can be whipped out when not needed, or you’ve pitched up.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/37214213...6&customid=1yQXYUscAAAAwXRgFccGBhhG7u0FAAAAAA

 

[Lee.Van.Cleef]

We ended up with something similar to this on one side. Keep things in place and the whole this can be whipped out when not needed, or you’ve pitched up.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/37214213...6&customid=1yQXYUscAAAAwXRgFccGBhhG7u0FAAAAAA

Good call. We already have the Vango version which I daresay we'll try out https://www.vango.co.uk/folding-organiser

 

[CamperFam]

Hi - yes we have a similar quandry, although as there's only 3 us we make do with the Galli compact. Still bulky though when you add the carpet & footprint. When taking the awning away it tends to go under the rear bech alongside one 64L RLB - with the other stuff piled behind the sliding seat, pushed forward. I wasn't able to get it behind the seat previoulsy but now I've taken the forward stopper out this might be possible.
We experimented with combinations of side panels for the wind out awning (Comfortz on the side, Thule sun shade on the front) which was good for festivals and short stops on the continent when we didn't want to bother with the main awning. For this season in the UK we've taken the plunge and bought a Comfortz awning room which might allow us to leave the Galli behind on shorter trips (obvious down side being we have to take everything down to drive away). Ideally I'd like to reduce down our kit to fit into the tray and onto the shelf.

I did have a very helpful email exchange with Simon to explore if the tray could be adapted to make it slide further into the back when the seats are forward to free up a space for the awning at the back. I think his view was this would be theoretically possible but it would (obvioulsy) have cost implications and might reduce rigidity, so it might be too niche.

Since I'm not sure how I'll end up using the SpaceMate I added the net option just in case, though I'll probably end up using boxes.

How are you getting on with your Nord boxes?
Next items on our wish list are kitchen storage, Calicap.de shelf (liaising with friends in Germany re delivery) and mabe an I$OTOP. One thing at a time though!

We're interested in the awning room panels, but they're very expensive and a risk that they might not solve our overall need (ie - dry space for the kids to be kids). The benefit of the Galli III Low is that it just gives that giant space to literally roll around in.

RE Nord boxes - this is where I struggle with the YouTube stuff. I've been hyped about installing them for weeks, but had to show restraint until I had the time and opportunity to actually do the video element. Just so happens that I found said time this past weekend. Looking to get a video out at the weekend if time allows.

But they've definitely brought a bit more order to our disorder. We had so much toot shoved next to one another - even found a water tank hosepipe connector which I bought and subsequently lost, before buying a replacement.... I dont think the seller will accept a return after 10 months...

 

[Lee.Van.Cleef]

Found the time to install this today. For the time being we'll try using it alongside the Brandrup flexbag we already had. This was one of the first storage additions we bought for the van. We currently use it for keeping the 15m hook up cable, grip boards and emergency hi-viz vests. We'll see if we still find it useful with the spacemate tray after a few trips.
For this configuration the bed is set in the higher position and the flexbag fitted with the zip as far up as it will go. This allows the bag & contents bag to fit in the space on top of the tray lid rather than fouling the boot.
I imagine out packing will evolve as we learn how best to use the tray. First proper test next week.

 

[66tim99]

Found the time to install this today. For the time being we'll try using it alongside the Brandrup flexbag we already had. This was one of the first storage additions we bought for the van. We currently use it for keeping the 15m hook up cable, grip boards and emergency hi-viz vests. We'll see if we still find it useful with the spacemate tray after a few trips.
For this configuration the bed is set in the higher position and the flexbag fitted with the zip as far up as it will go. This allows the bag & contents bag to fit in the space on top of the tray lid rather than fouling the boot.
I imagine out packing will evolve as we learn how best to use the tray. First proper test next week.

View attachment 119040

View attachment 119041

Can you still grab the loop to raise the bed into a chaise?

 

[Lee.Van.Cleef]

Can you still grab the loop to raise the bed into a chaise?

Is that a T6.1 thing?
Not really done anything other than installing it today to test any other functions to be honest.

 

[66tim99]

Is that a T6.1 thing?
Not really done anything other than installing it today to test any other functions to be honest.

Yes it’s a 6.1 feature

 

[.Billy Ocean.]

Here’s the reply we sent to Simon when he asked about our experience with our SpaceMate purchase:

Hiya, just fitted it today (the van was delayed due to some dickhead reversing into it - honestly it’s been one of those years!)

Super impressed with the tray, was as easy to fit as everyone says… and we’re normally hopeless!

Great product, thank you for actually designing and redesigning a product that meets the needs of a specific target audience (and for not being based in Germany so I didn’t have to pay customs fees!)

Keep up the good work, and happy travels in your own camper.

Best regards,

Donna

We can already see how this will make like easier for us. Happy to share photos if anyone needs them (but think you all kinda get the idea by now).

 

[TripleBee]

I’m firmly in the not needed camp, for a 6.1 at least. The ability to raise the bed board allows full access to the boot space, unlike earlier models. So it’s a lot of weight to carry and a fairly hefty investment, reducing your useable space for very limited benefit imo - I would recommend using the van for a while and then see if you think you still need it.

Well, if I unlock the 2 turning knobs on the rear of the shelf (I still have the wooden plank, not even the metal frame), I can lift up the shelf, and put it up with the lever. Then I also can reach in the boot, underneath the shelf, so I don't need a T6.1 for that.
On the other hand, I have some long stuff that I carry with me, and I put it in the gap between the bench base and the kitchenette. With the drawer, I think you loose that space?