California Air Tools 1.6-Gal. 1 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Aluminum Tank Air Compressor

lowryc50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

What goes in the basement?

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't have one yet, but thinking about where the batteries and generator go, especially if you need extra batteries for a solar system. We plan to get folding bikes which need to be stored in the basement.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

In the forward basement that faces the truck tailgate is the grill, tool box, extra chairs, chair umbrellas, stuff for the tiki torches, and a few misc. stuff. This compartment is not heated so nothing that could freeze and be damaged.
In the main compartment we have a 3.5 cuft freezer that takes up a fair amount of space, then totes that are set up as plumbing, electrical, inside, outside, and roof. Each tote has items to work on or fix problems in that general area. On the road side of that compartment I keep my freshwater hoses and filters. Also have a small air compressor crammed in there. On this 5'er we have a compartment that opens under the back, that accesses the basement in the area behind the axles. In here I store the power cord, chocks, and long term storage stuff- winter clothes, luggage, my leveling boards if we're moving more than 50 miles or so. I have 2 fence post storage tubes hanging underneath that houses all the sewer stuff. When we weighed we were maxed out on our axles and and close on the tires. This is with the pin weight of 4500 or so. Be careful of what you add because ounces do count!

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have clear plastic totes in our basement storage containing things that don't necessarily get used every day. Each tote is labeled with contents or a general category like "Xmas Decorations". There are things in the basement that don't go into the totes, like extra folding chairs. But if an item can go into a tote, I find a place for it. For me its been the best way to keep things from getting lost, broken or forgotten. And I like the clear totes so I can generally see what's in each one, if I'm looking for something specific then I check the label.

I've bought my totes from Walmart, so they all have the same type of lid & are easily stackable.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ahem....

....there is no way I'll show photos of the main part of our basement as it isn't "organized" enough yet. However, we did to Cindy T's suggestion in our front compartment under the nose of the fifth wheel. In our case, we got our plastic tubs at Target and each has a "latch" that fastens up over the ends of the tubs. (See the purple "handles" in the photo.) Also, I put a note on small yellow tablet sheets at the end facing the door so I can look on that label and see exactly (?) what is in each tub. These tubs are just over 2 feet or so in length.

In the main basement, I have two longer tubs (maybe 4 1/2 feet to 5" (?)) for longer items such as some tools and some plumbing parts. That part of the basement area all needs to be re-organized. In that area, I also have some basic tools, our oscillating fans and/or electric heaters, our portable air compressor (plus an auxiliary tank for additional volume) and other things.

One thing I learned this year is to avoid plastic tubs where the lids close and meet in the middle on top. (See an example below.) If there happen to be any kind of water leaks in that area, those tubs will allow water into the tubs. The tubs in the picture above have a lid that covers the tub and latches, so water is kept out.

If you decide to get an air compressor, be sure that the maximum air pressure well exceeds the highest pressure needed for the tires. For example, our Craftsman has a max capacity of 150 psi, but the actual "working pressure" is closer to 125 psi. That is barely enough to work on our trailer tires. To get our trailer tires to their 125 psi limit, I have to make sure that the compressor is actually running in order to get those last few pounds into the tire. That is why I have an auxiliary tank that I use to complement the air compressors air tank with more volume.

Terry

lowryc50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Great information so far. I forgot about the front basement under the nose. Good ideas on the clear totes with handles that lock. I like the idea of the note card in the front of the tote to help remind what is in there. I actually had thought about the crates with the opening in the middle...thank you Terry for that tip. I will avoid. Grill, Christmas decorations, definitely an air compressor. I also like the ideas of general areas of inside, outside, plumbing, electrical, etc. It's beginning to make more sense. Thank you for the comments so far. Curt

Grams · RV-Dreams Family Member

I found totes at The Container store that are bug and water proof for clothes storage. Cost $17.99 each. The have a tight foam seal with 6 snap things (??? Not sure what to call them but lock the lid to the tote) they are clear so easy to see contents but I still labeled each tote like Terry did.

RickandJanice · RV-Dreams Family Member

I chose to take the tools out of the storage bay and move to a bed box in the truck. Original thought was to save space and weight in the rig. I have since found there is an additional advantage to this. When you are somewhere other than the at your site and need a tool, it saves a trip back to the rig or buying another tool just to fix something!

Still keep the power tools in the rig where they are more protected from heat and moisture since that can damage the batteries. Besides, you usually plan ahead of time for a project that actually needs a drill or saw.

sdman · RV-Dreams Family Member

This is a good thread! Thanks Curt & Glenda. We use the totes with the complete top also and try to make them all the same so they can interchange. We organize the main basement as follows: First, every thing we use all of the time is nearest the doors for access. The driver side where your camp connections are is where we have everything associated with that like hoses, electrical cords and stuff to maintain the rig like oils, sprays, vehicle detergent. I also keep my tools, including the portable compressor, and parts on that side. On the passenger side we keep things associated with fun, like chairs, coolers, ground mat, lights, and flag with pole. The center is for rarely used stuff like for Christmas, suitcases, a 5 foot folding table. When we are stationary for a long period like now in the winter we use the area on the passenger side where the chairs were and the ground mat for extra drinks like boxes of wine and soda. I also move my tools there as That now is the main go to area for common stuff.

Note that how you arrange the basement and for that matter, all storage, is a work in progress. We use to keep our golf clubs in the basement but now use the truck bed for those. They were too hard to get in and out of the basement and with those in the truck we have much more room in the basement.

Mark & Patty

lowryc50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

sdman wrote:
This is a good thread! Thanks Curt & Glenda. We use the totes with the complete top also and try to make them all the same so they can interchange. We organize the main basement as follows: First, every thing we use all of the time is nearest the doors for access. The driver side where your camp connections are is where we have everything associated with that like hoses, electrical cords and stuff to maintain the rig like oils, sprays, vehicle detergent. I also keep my tools, including the portable compressor, and parts on that side. On the passenger side we keep things associated with fun, like chairs, coolers, ground mat, lights, and flag with pole. The center is for rarely used stuff like for Christmas, suitcases, a 5 foot folding table. When we are stationary for a long period like now in the winter we use the area on the passenger side where the chairs were and the ground mat for extra drinks like boxes of wine and soda. I also move my tools there as That now is the main go to area for common stuff.

Note that how you arrange the basement and for that matter, all storage, is a work in progress. We use to keep our golf clubs in the basement but now use the truck bed for those. They were too hard to get in and out of the basement and with those in the truck we have much more room in the basement.

Mark & Patty

Mark and Patty, thank you for those comments and for that matter everyone that has commented. I'm beginning to get a good idea about the organization and what goes in the basement. I like the idea of keeping certain things on a particular side, how often they are used and keeping things near the area they are used. I'm sure we will be packing and unpacking numerous times and may still not get it the way we want it. All these ideas give me something to go on. Definitely some things mentioned that I would not have thought about in regard to what and where. Now if this weather here in IL would just begin to cooperate I could go get my 5er and start packing and unpacking IF there are things not mentioned already that someone would like to toss in, please do so. I am making a list. Curt

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Talking about air compressors I have this one. www.sears.com/tools-air-compressors-air-tools-air-compressors&Electric/b-1021254%20Type&keywordSearch=false&previousSort=ORIGINAL_SORT_ORDER&viewItems=50 And I was wondering if it was worth its weight to carry?

I also have an onboard "truck" air compressor for the air bags. Maybe I should just add a tank to the truck.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

As a former supply type for the USN, I'll tell you there will be an urge to fill the space with everything you think you'll need. It's a basic rule of supply... The amount of inventory will always fill available space. Resist this urge. For example, I have seen pix of various RVers 5er basements that have installed solar equipment in that space. This will reduce available space if you choose to go that route. My point is... Leave room for all the things you can't think of. You may never think of them but there should be space for them anyway.

And I agree, if this weather in IL would only co-operate... Even though we are years away from FT... I have had enough winter. Be gone Old Man

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

My concern is not so much what to put in the basement but how to get to the middle since I really don't want one of those rolly drawer thingys. I imagine you save the parts that are more difficult to get to, for items you only need once in a while. We don't intend to take much in the way of Christmas decorations instead choosing to keep it simple. Tools go on the truck, extra dry groceries and paper products go in the truck. This weekend we might begin to see how a few things come together.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Red,

Your link doesn't go to a specific product. If you happen to have the same one we have, it is no longer available at Sears. However, that model went away once and came back, so who knows what will happen.

Also, a favored bit of advice offered by many is that if you haven't used something in a year, it is time to get rid of it. We are in a situation soon of moving, so I will once again have to follow my own advice.

Terry

LibertyLinda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Curt & Glenda,
We have the 5er in our driveway that we are moving into for full timing. We specifically wanted to have it in order to know how to pack and what to pack - this thread has provided some great ideas- thanks everyone.
We are in process of decluttering the house for March 1 listing - we have the snow too in Upstate NY and find it an obstacle to not only getting the house in order, but to get stuff into the 5er, LOL.
Lets pray for a good thaw. No only that, the 5er is where we will go with the dog when the house is showing!

It will all fall into place. I find myself thinking about the TN Rally more that the house- that's helping the cabin fever too.

Dave Buck · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have one bin that is kept in the basement that is for decorations only. My wife decorates for different seasons. Just yesterday she put away the Valentines decorations and got out the Spring/Easter Decorations. There are not many for each season but they get changed every couple of months.

Millie · RV-Dreams Family Member

Re:What goes in the basement?

You've got one magical trailer if it's got a basement, Lowryc50!

lowryc50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Millie wrote:
Re:What goes in the basement?

You've got one magical trailer if it's got a basement, Lowryc50!

LOL...I guess the storage area is as close to a basement as you can get on a trailer. Even though we haven't even moved into the 5er it's pretty magical to us. Thanks to everyone that has commented on what goes in the "basement" and how to organize it. I feel like I have some direction now. At least with this basement I don't have too many stairs to go up and down. biggrin

Millie · RV-Dreams Family Member

lowryc50 wrote:

LOL...I guess the storage area is as close to a basement as you can get on a trailer. Even though we haven't even moved into the 5er it's pretty magical to us. Thanks to everyone that has commented on what goes in the "basement" and how to organize it. I feel like I have some direction now. At least with this basement I don't have too many stairs to go up and down.

All best wishes to you and yours, Lowryc50!

I've lived for years in various rolling homes...

...and, though I'm not on the road 'right now' ...I will be 'again' in 2015!

Yup! 'Freedom of the road' is a magical light-spirited feeling!

...and your magical cellar is a bonus!

Joe_Camper · RV-Dreams Family Member

In the air compressor department , I believe properly aired up tires is very important. I also believe most of the RV tire blow outs are caused by a loss of air in the tire. I use a TPMS system to monitor the temperature and pressure of all 10 of my tires and I installed a Viair onboard air compressor system under my truck so I can always keep my tires at the correct pressure. My Viair compresser is rated at 200 PSI, works well and takes up no storage room since it is under the truck. So, I can air up truck, RV and bicycle tires. It will also run air tools.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Viair is a great compressor. With having the exhaust brake and airbags, it was easy to add a quick connect. Between the small Craftsman and the Viar, I can Tee them together and run 1/2" impacts etc.

Lonney Wade · RV-Dreams Family Member

I also have a air compressor in my basement which is a aluminum tank air compressor ultra quiet only 60 decibels loud, I put it in by the water pump and hot water tank, weight is only 35 pounds, goes up to 125 pounds, I also put two 7 gallon aluminum air tanks by the hot water heater, it was a little tight fit but I got them in, I had to built a small platform for the tanks, tanks are super light, it adds more air volume for the air compressor, also I put a 50 foot of retractable air hose reel, shut off valve, pressure gauge and air compressor on and off switch with a 120 volt plug in on the wall by the door.
On the other side I put a 50 foot retractable water hose with a large house water filter.
In the front storage in the basement I put 6 AGM batteries on a aluminum sliding tray I built with a 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter, I've done a lot more but will take a break for now, LOL !!!!

Lonney

Terry, I could not get the letters any bigger than this, can you help?

-- Edited by Lonney Wade on Saturday 8th of March 2014 02:20:05 AM

-- Edited by Lonney Wade on Saturday 8th of March 2014 02:25:41 AM

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 8th of March 2014 10:38:01 AM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

For Lonney and any others that "might" be unfamiliar with the "comment controls," in the image below one can find font controls (both size and style of font) in the upper left hand corner of the comment message box. To the right of "font size" and "font family" are little "down arrows" one can click on and select a style and size of font. As an example, my text is set at size "4 (14pt)" and style "Arial."

In editing Lonney's text to make it larger, I chose "5 (18pt)" and "Arial."

Just as a "side note" for those that may not know of it, on some internet browsers (I use Mozilla Firefox), one can hold down the "ctrl (control) key" and operate the wheel on the mouse to make text larger and easier to read. It doesn't need much (1 click of the wheel, usually) to make a big difference. Roll the wheel forward to make the text larger or rearward to make it smaller. Other items, such as images, also enlarge.

Terry

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lonney, what kind of air compressor do you have?

Lonney Wade · RV-Dreams Family Member

Red, the air compressor is from Home Depot

California Air Tools 1.6-Gal. 1 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Aluminum Tank Air Compressor

http://www.homedepot.com/p/California-Air-Tools-1-6-Gal-1-HP-Ultra-Quiet-and-Oil-Free-Aluminum-Tank-Air-Compressor-1610A/202977397?MERCH=REC-_-product-1-_-202977395-_-202977397-_-N

I have adjusted the air setting to turn off about 130 pounds also put a higher blowout valve, the other one was blowing out too early,
When I get my new 17.5 wheels, they will need up to 125 pounds of air.

Lonney

soos · RV-Dreams Family Member

Joe_Camper wrote:
In the air compressor department , I believe properly aired up tires is very important. I also believe most of the RV tire blow outs are caused by a loss of air in the tire. I use a TPMS system to monitor the temperature and pressure of all 10 of my tires and I installed a Viair onboard air compressor system under my truck so I can always keep my tires at the correct pressure. My Viair compresser is rated at 200 PSI, works well and takes up no storage room since it is under the truck. So, I can air up truck, RV and bicycle tires. It will also run air tools.

That is exactly what we will do. Right now tools are in the truck toolbox, as is the air compressor but we'll be living in a truck

Camper for the summer.

As to the basement, we keep the clothes we aren't using in a suitcase in the basement so we have a suitcase when we need one. 2 bins of decorations, a small Christmas tree, etc. we used to have all the bins numbered and labeled but over the years the basement has become His territory,and if I want something he quickly offers to find it for me.lol.

sue

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our setup is basically the same, the inside is her's, the outside mine. When you pack your RV, and this will take several times, putting items in other items, like above with using the suitcase, is essential to fitting everything in. Then over time you'll realize that since your never saw said items, you never needed said items, and you really have no use for them.

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry and Jo wrote:

Terry

WOW.................I like those organizational skills. That's nice.

-- Edited by TRAILERKING on Sunday 9th of March 2014 02:01:57 PM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bernie,

If you saw the rest of our basement, you'd have to retract those words. The main part of our basement is in SERIOUS need or re-organization. We are "static" full-times and haven't moved for anything but one rally and one "modification" in three years. You know how it is with spaces in a home that are empty. They always seem to fill up with "stuff."

Terry