Storage boxes for the boot; shopping bags rolling around

[stanthecalivan]

Hi everyone,

Total noobie calling for help! I'm wondering if anyone can recommend some storage solutions for the boot of the T5 Cali?

There is a massive space underneath the lower mattress in the boot area which is great for getting lots of stuff in, but not so great if you're only carrying a few items, which tend to roll around a lot. Particularly difficult is if you use the Cali to go to the supermarket to get the shopping in, the bags roll around and the contents are spilled all over the boot. My Cali is my only vehicle, so I need to use it to get the shopping.

Can anyone please suggest products to buy/retailers that I can go to to solve these issues? Specifically, I'd like to get a couple of storage boxes that will slot into the space, maximising its use, that I can quickly carry into and out of the house. I'm thinking two boxes as one big box would probably be too heavy to carry if full.

Also, if anyone has suggestions for something to hold shopping bags in place that would also be brilliant.

Thanks in advance of your suggestions!

Jerome

 

[motacyclist]

We bought two storage boxes from Asda; I don't know the size off the cuff but they will both just fit cross the boot leaving a space of about 18" either in front of them or behind; or rotated 90 degrees there is about 10" of space behind and about 18" to the side.

 

[snowy55]

Look at Really Useful Boxes, we use them and they are, well, really useful.

 

[Ginger&Grey]

We use a heavy duty loft box which fits snuggly under the bed (without the lid on), it's quite handy as it has wheels at one end so makes it easy to take out and move around. Think it came from Homebase if it helps.

 

[IanE]

Another vote for Really Useful Boxes. Just got 3 x 48 litre boxes postage free for £30quid. They all three would (just) fit either above or below the rear shelf. You could even stack them 2 high on top of the shelf. Excellent!

 

[stanthecalivan]

Thanks everyone!

 

[sandalfarm]

I got some from b and q with little wheels on then unless I fasten them down with bungee cord they shoot back and forth under acceleration

 

[rippers]

I've had my fill of cheap flimsy plastic storage boxes. I noticed a lot of the Germans used Euroboxes like these:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381035424...49&var=650357837205&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[jts46]

Hi rippers, the same as i have used for 15 years ?

John

 

[dannosail]

GrannyJen has previously given a good recommend to http://www.plasticboxshop.co.uk/

 

[Hotel California]

I've had my fill of cheap flimsy plastic storage boxes. I noticed a lot of the Germans used Euroboxes like these:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381035424122?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&var=650357837205&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I have a few of those also....
Look here how good they fit
http://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/inside-the-hotel-california-for-your-eyes-only.9776/

 

[Skylark2.0]

I got some from b and q with little wheels on then unless I fasten them down with bungee cord they shoot back and forth under acceleration

Wheely!

 

[motacyclist]

I've had my fill of cheap flimsy plastic storage boxes. I noticed a lot of the Germans used Euroboxes like these:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381035424122?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&var=650357837205&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I like those, they are square rather than the inverted pyramid ones we have. Only trouble is - I wouldn't be able to make my mind up what size(s) to get

 

[AlanC]

+1 for Really Useful Boxes. 2 x 64ltr version.

Alan

 

[GrannyJen]

probably a gender thingy, I prefer a number of smaller boxes to a couple of big ones. Hauling them in and out of the back can be quite heavy going and if you have one empty and taking up half the boot then putting the shopping in it doesn't always stop it rolling around.

 

[GrannyJen]

oh, and whilst on the "stowing the shopping away" bit, if you do decide to put it in the back, especially on the shelf, close the tailgate before driving off

 

[motacyclist]

oh, and whilst on the "stowing the shopping away" bit, if you do decide to put it in the back, especially on the shelf, close the tailgate before driving off

Strange you should mention that, ..... er ..

 

[Bramco]

One other solution, assuming you normally have your drawer under the bench seat empty is to open the drawer and put your shopping bags in the open drawer. It takes 6 to 8 reasonably full ones and while it will slide backwards and forwards a bit when open the bags of shopping don't go everywhere. A short stick the right length can also be used to jam it fully open stopping the drawer from sliding backwards and forwards as you accelerate and brake.

It's also easier opening the sliding door than the tailgate to load and unload.

 

[skiwolf]

Another vote for Really Useful Boxes I, like AlanC normally use 2x64litre ones which in my Shuttle/Beach fit perfectly under the bed extension with lids on and still leaves some free space at the back and side. 've played around with 35litre ones and they're OK too. With the 64litre ones you can even get a porta potti cube in one with space to spare but it wont go under the bed extension bar with the lid on. 50litre boxes are ideal for on top of the bed extension as they are shallow enough to slide in under the dash with the front seats turned round. Hope that helps. Try Ryman (through Topcashback) or Caboodle for the best deals i've found on RUB.
Steve

 

[laurentfox]

I've used a couple of sources including Ikea and a cheap local store. What I recommend is measuring each space in the vehicle and keeping it in your wallet or on your phone. Then when you come upon some potential boxes, you have the measurements handy and will know if it will fit.

 

[uniqueadventures]

In the Beach there are hooks under the flexiboard in the boot which you can attach the carrier bag handles to - I have no idea if the SE has an equivalent?

 

[Dottie]

If you have a couple of lighter, smaller boxes( mine hold shoes/boots in one and bits and bobs in the other, there is room to house a 2 burner stove, a folding step and folding washing up bowl with a small folding 'side table' which is useful for drinks or the 2 burner.

 

[stanthecalivan]

Thanks ever so much everybody. I'm off to look at some boxes today!

 

[Huey]

I've used a couple of sources including Ikea and a cheap local store. What I recommend is measuring each space in the vehicle and keeping it in your wallet or on your phone. Then when you come upon some potential boxes, you have the measurements handy and will know if it will fit.

Equally, every RUB sold has a leaflet supplied with it detailing the sizes of the complete range.

We bought a load of RUBs when sorting out our garage storage, best price by a mile at the time was Asda and you can click and collect and save P&P and lots of hassle carting them from the shelf and on through the checkouts!!

 

[Stbam]

Went to Staples with the Cali yesterday and tried every combo I could manage of their Really Useful Boxes (and other brands). We have a fridge to fit in too. Some were just 2mm too big to fit in !!! I reckon this is the optimum answer - 2 X 24 litre boxes but up on their ends alongside the fridge. This still gives room to push the bench back. Rather than replicate on the other side I have got a big bag of bedding. But realised if I put one of the flexiboard mattress pieces up to make a "headboard" behind the rear seat headrests then 5 of the 19XL boxes fit perfectly but can't roll about. And don't block your view out of the back...Worth knowing the 19 XL also fit behind the front and rear facing seats when headrests are touching at the top....Away we go !