Systainers In Work Vehicles, Building Custom shelving: Fixed or Drawers?

[3PedalMINI]

Ive moved most of my tools into systainers and since im adding more and more systainers im starting to "run out of space" only because of the poor shelving situation. here is a picture

I dont bring every systainer in to the jobsite because my systainers are "specific" so it gets really old unlocking them to get to the correct systainer. Im going to have a bit of time next week so i would like to build my self a new shelf system. I want each systainer to be on its own shelf; the only thing is i cant decide whether i want the shelf's to be fixed or on drawers. If I do drawers im going to have to figure out how to "lock them" so they pull out when i make a turn  [tongue] Im also able to bring the shelf all the way back to the door so i can get three rows of systainers in!

What would you guys do?

 

[dsweetser]

I just used bungie chords to keep the shelves from moving.

 

[3PedalMINI]

I just used bungie chords to keep the shelves from moving.

So your saying you would put them on drawers and just use a bungee cord to hold them shut?

The drawers i would put them on would be kind of like the sysport, basically a custom fixed "sysport" it would be kind of nice to run out to the van, pull the drawer open the lid to grab one thing out of it then slide it back in. gotta be some type of drawer that locks that would be reasonable, what do they put in RV's?

 

[dsweetser]

Just what I did. Custom sportainer @5' tall bolted to trailer, slide out shelves, two bungies in an X.

 

[johninthecamper]

look at tanosmobil website ,shelves that take no van modification

 

[3PedalMINI]

Just what I did. Custom sportainer @5' tall bolted to trailer, slide out shelves, two bungies in an X.

Awesome! Care to share pictures of your trailer?

look at tanosmobil website ,shelves that take no van modification

They aren't available in the US are they? maybe now that woodcraft is a tanos dealer we could special order them?

 

[Bikeboy80]

My vote is for shelves, no drawers.

I have a few of the plastic drawers in my van that are part of the original racking system. I can't tell you how often I forget to lock them, make a sharp turn and the drawers slide out, flip over and dump absolutely everything all over the back of the van. [mad] One of these days I need to get some sortainers to replace them.

You might not have the same issue with the systainers but it could be a recipe for disaster if you forget to "strap" them in.

 

[builderbob]

You may wanna check these bad boys out! They're "push to open" slides. I've seen but never field tested these! They seem to offer various depth slides as well!

KV slide

Bob

 

[BUTTER]

You may wanna check these bad boys out!  They're "push to open" slides. I've seen but never field tested these!  They seem to offer various depth slides as well!

KV slide
Bob

If you go with slides, you might just as well use the Blum "push-to-open" undermounts : much more forgiving than sidemounts, and only a couple of bucks more.  (Just don't let your clients talk you into using them for cabinetry; your drawer fronts will never look perfect)

Personally, I just built a new base platform for my van for the long delicate stuff, and use shelves for systainers. It was certainly cheaper and easier and more flexible than using sliding platforms.
(I will post a picture soon.)

 

[Timtool]

When i pick n stack my systainers to take on site jobs, i try to stack them in packs of sys4 height. It's the most convenient height i find, to carry and to open them individually.
I am planning on getting a bigger trailer and in the back i will build a rack where i can put stacks of sys4 height in.
Building drawers for individual systainers is gonna make you lose some space and add allot of weight. And unless you are working out of the van, and not using it to get your tools there and unpack at the start of the day, then drawers may be overkill!

 

[festoolviking]

If you go for shelves you'll have to lift the sys out to open it so then, why not put the systainers sideways and maybe that will give you room for four rows?

Festoolviking

 

[3PedalMINI]

My vote is for shelves, no drawers.

I have a few of the plastic drawers in my van that are part of the original racking system. I can't tell you how often I forget to lock them, make a sharp turn and the drawers slide out, flip over and dump absolutely everything all over the back of the van. [mad] One of these days I need to get some sortainers to replace them.

You might not have the same issue with the systainers but it could be a recipe for disaster if you forget to "strap" them in.

LOL, when i first had the means to get a Work Van i chose a savana cut away with the service body, you know the ones that have the side doors and compartments. My particular van had a drawer system in the right side long compartment, the problem is the door was a very sticky door and you really had to SLAM it and beat on the lock with your fist to get it to latch, It was christmas time so i had a new helper with me and i had him clean up but forgot to tell him about the door. We drove away, got 2-3 miles out and i had to make a left turn, the light was green so i still was going 5-10 when i took the turn. the door slamed open and the drawer slid open spewing the entire contents all over the intersection. I used it as my parts drawer so there were $100's of dollars of little connectors, adapters,screws and mics. things all over the place, most were ruined. Took me, him and one of the police officers close to an hour to clean up the intersection. There was another police officer that was directing traffic around us but all the young kids found it awesome to honk as they drove through scarring the poo out of everyone cleaning up lol. I guess it was good advertising (or wasnt) as my van was on display and holding up traffic for that long.  [tongue]  it was at the light on 73 in cherry hill on church hill road 2 weeks before christmas around 4:30. Traffic is already bad but our little mishap screwed everything up, even 295. we even managed to make the traffic "NEWS!" Talk about humiliating LOL!

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, Quick question on the push to open BLUM drawer slides. Do they take a lot of effort to open or are they a little to "easy" i dont want a bump to unlock them and have them  slide open. Although im not sure if they were to open if my systainers would fall out as i would be copying the design of the sysport. I have had my entire stack of systainers go over when i forgot to bungy cord them in lol, no damage and everything stayed inside. I think im leaning more towards drawers

 

[leakyroof]

You may wanna check these bad boys out!  They're "push to open" slides. I've seen but never field tested these!  They seem to offer various depth slides as well!

KV slide
Bob

If you go with slides, you might just as well use the Blum "push-to-open" undermounts : much more forgiving than sidemounts, and only a couple of bucks more.  (Just don't let your clients talk you into using them for cabinetry; your drawer fronts will never look perfect)

(I will post a picture soon.)

  Hey Joseph, can you elaborate on those slides?. Your post sounds like past bad experiences with either initial install, or shifting of slides due to wear that makes the fronts look off.  [blink] [blink] [blink]

 

[irishroey]

sure if this had been posted before but this lad put a lot of thought into his van racking and it looks great

http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2011/07/15/van-racking/