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Old 10-22-2016, 08:20 AM   #1
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Under Step Storage 5.0 TA

There appears to be some useful storage under the steps to the loft in the 5.0. As I ponder the options for my 5.0, I'd appreciate seeing/hearing what ideas other folks have come up with to use this space. Thanks!
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Old 10-22-2016, 09:05 AM   #2
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Chris Roberts did a good job of eking great usable space with under stair storage.
https://escape440.wordpress.com/2016...s-and-storage/

This is a great space to take advantage of, as it is within easy reach of the door.

I am contemplating putting a kickspace heater in a step. The stock lower step would be too narrow though. I am also considering placing it in the second step, but am concerned it would waste the space below it. Placing a heater in this location would create good air circulation.
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Old 10-22-2016, 09:12 AM   #3
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Bottom Step, dog items if she's along, if not it's shoes.
Middle Step, more shoes in a tray, dehumidifier, electric heater, drying rod for the bathroom, gallons of water in a tray, dirty laundry in a couple laundry bags, and a handheld vacuum.

I like Chris's use of the upper step, in my stock setup it's not accessible without doing such. I believe in the new/newer units it is now part of the front storage area. Thanks for the link Jim.
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Old 10-22-2016, 09:25 AM   #4
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I really like a lot of the things Chris has done. Wish he was my neighbor!


I "plan" on doing the top step mod similar to his. I want a place to store a folding table and at least one folding chair. Right now those items either ride on the trailer floor or in the back of my truck (when it rains that's a PITA).
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Old 10-22-2016, 09:37 AM   #5
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Hi: Zardoz... In our case it's always, bottom step foot wear, tool kit, and an umbrella. Second step, 2 bag chairs, bits and pieces bag, wine beer and soft water for coffee tea etc, dish pans, light strings et al. NOTE... all and sundry in here adds to the pin weight. Top compartment accessible from outside Spitfire 180 BBQ."Don't leave home without it"!!! Alf
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P1030923.jpg   P1030924.jpg   P1030921.jpg  
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Old 10-22-2016, 09:48 AM   #6
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This is how things change. In Ten Forward, I don't think I have the amount of outdoor storage as Alf has. The second step opens up under the third step (which doesn't open). That area is really, really big. But the outdoor storage is fairly small. I don't think I could get a BBQ in there.
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Old 10-22-2016, 10:32 AM   #7
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I believe Jackie and Pam Erickson modified their steps for storage as well. Maybe you could PM for details.
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Old 10-22-2016, 04:22 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
This is how things change. In Ten Forward, I don't think I have the amount of outdoor storage as Alf has. The second step opens up under the third step (which doesn't open). That area is really, really big. But the outdoor storage is fairly small. I don't think I could get a BBQ in there.
We are able to put in a Napoleon 285 Portable gas grill (it fits in the door with space to spare) with room for hoses, rubbermaid box and bucket into the top outdoor storage locker. Immediately behind it is the top step and area under the top step. I don't think the design has changed in this "classic" version. The large indoor storage space is behind the propane locker.
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Old 10-22-2016, 04:37 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
This is how things change. In Ten Forward, I don't think I have the amount of outdoor storage as Alf has. The second step opens up under the third step (which doesn't open). That area is really, really big. But the outdoor storage is fairly small. I don't think I could get a BBQ in there.
I think it is the same Donna, Alf's was just before me and you were just after. I thought the only thing was that Alf had ETI cut the aluminum channel that the hatch door goes up against to make enough room to slide in the stove in. The stove must have been just a tad too tall for the opening.

At least that was my impression at the time.

If I'm right none of us have access to the back of the upper step unless we do it ourselves. The front storage took advantage of this area sometime after your trailer.
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Old 10-22-2016, 04:51 PM   #10
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If I'm right none of us have access to the back of the upper step unless we do it ourselves. The front storage took advantage of this area sometime after your trailer.
I'm actually glad the storage is inside, but I need to put that top step on a hinge to do it. Where would we be without projects?
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Old 10-22-2016, 05:12 PM   #11
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Looks like the top step is glued on.
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Old 10-22-2016, 05:14 PM   #12
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Steps & Front Outside Storage

Another timely thread!

Hoping someone can clarify the exterior front upper storage locker and how it relates to the interior steps.

I believe the bulkhead under the bed facing aft is the back side of the upper exterior locker is that correct?

See pictures attached
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Old 10-22-2016, 05:23 PM   #13
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Quote:
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Looks like the top step is glued on.
Yeah, Chris mentioned in his blog that it was "well glued and screwed together."

I have a reciprocating saw and lots of plywood. Might even go buy a cheapy oscillating multi-tool from HF.
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Old 10-22-2016, 05:33 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kent View Post
Another timely thread!

Hoping someone can clarify the exterior front upper storage locker and how it relates to the interior steps.

I believe the bulkhead under the bed facing aft is the back side of the upper exterior locker is that correct?

See pictures attached
Hi: Kent... That's correct. The exterior locker is not finished... it's the bare ply side of the inside wall with exposed bracing. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 10-22-2016, 05:37 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by padlin View Post
I think it is the same Donna, Alf's was just before me and you were just after. I thought the only thing was that Alf had ETI cut the aluminum channel that the hatch door goes up against to make enough room to slide in the stove in. The stove must have been just a tad too tall for the opening.

At least that was my impression at the time.

If I'm right none of us have access to the back of the upper step unless we do it ourselves. The front storage took advantage of this area sometime after your trailer.
Hi: padlin... Reace coached me in how to do the mod for the Spitfire 180 to fit. I just bought a hacksaw handle at the Osoyoos Home Hardware store everyone raved about. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 10-22-2016, 05:43 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
Yeah, Chris mentioned in his blog that it was "well glued and screwed together."

I have a reciprocating saw and lots of plywood. Might even go buy a cheapy oscillating multi-tool from HF.

Ahh, it's screwed too. Guess I have to peel off the carpet and replace it with new afterwards.
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Old 10-22-2016, 05:57 PM   #17
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Kent, yes, the area you outlined is the back of the outside locker.
The storage area within the top step is approx. 9.5 x 9.5 x 46 inches, a fair size of useful space. We use it for laundry and small B&D vacuum. What is nice about it is it is very conveniently located and easy to access.
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Old 10-22-2016, 06:02 PM   #18
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Ahh, it's screwed too. Guess I have to peel off the carpet and replace it with new afterwards.
Bob, if you do attack it, be prepared for scrapped knuckles and a lot of muttering. :bang head: Good winter project. I could not match the ETI carpet, so I did replace the carpet on all three steps. In the end, it was worth the effort.
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Old 10-22-2016, 06:22 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett View Post
Chris Roberts did a good job of eking great usable space with under stair storage.
https://escape440.wordpress.com/2016...s-and-storage/

This is a great space to take advantage of, as it is within easy reach of the door.

I am contemplating putting a kickspace heater in a step. The stock lower step would be too narrow though. I am also considering placing it in the second step, but am concerned it would waste the space below it. Placing a heater in this location would create good air circulation.
That's some craftsmanship there
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Old 10-22-2016, 06:23 PM   #20
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Thanks guys!

Quote:
Originally Posted by escape artist View Post
Hi: Kent... That's correct. The exterior locker is not finished... it's the bare ply side of the inside wall with exposed bracing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris R View Post
Kent, yes, the area you outlined is the back of the outside locker.
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