Van Life: Extra Storage For Van Dwellers / Travelers Using A Cargo Box & Carrier On The Tow Hitch

CLICK HERE for the links to the products we use to create our extra storage for our van: www.backroadsvanner.com/all-po...
If you're like us, you need more storage in your van! We travel for extended periods of time, often through varied climates in the same trip, which usually means we need clothes for different weather, sports equipment, safety gear, etc., and it can be challenging to find the space. And, we'd prefer to keep sandy, dirty and muddy items stored outside the van (like rugs, chairs and mud boots, for instance).
We love van travel and being in a vehicle that allows us to go places many other larger recreational vehicles cannot go (and we've been down some crazy backroads on this trip - the back road featured in this video is North McDonald Road in Glacier National Park!) but that means less room for stuff! We have found an awesome cargo carrier that has a 4 inch rise on it to allow for ground clearance, and paired with a truck cargo tool box we picked up, we have found a great storage solution for our travels in the van. The cargo carrier has cut-outs for LED lights, which we think is a great added safety feature. We also added a stabilizer bar to the tow hitch to help stabilize the carrier and keep it from wobbling.
The tool box we use has key locks which helps keep thieves and bears out. Even in an all-night soaking rain, all of our items in the toolbox stayed dry! We have found this set up to work great for us and the tool box even doubles as an outdoor table or kitchen counter for cooking at campsites.
CLICK HERE for the links to the products we use to create our extra storage for our van: www.backroadsvanner.com/all-po...
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CREDITS:
Music used in this video:
Hooky with Sloane by Bird Creek - KZread
#CamperVan #VanConversion #LivingInAVan #VanLife #VanLife #DigitalNomad #Backroadsvanner #OffGridCamping
Van Cargo Hitch | Van Storage | Cargo Box for Van Travel

Пікірлер: 244

  • @roamingfree6968
    @roamingfree69684 жыл бұрын

    Dude! Where are you? Hope all is well. Sure do miss your helpful tips & info. 😢

  • @norcalvandweller8401
    @norcalvandweller84015 жыл бұрын

    Miss your videos Hope all is ok in your world

  • @Louie12673
    @Louie126734 жыл бұрын

    Hey brother, miss your vanning videos. Hope all is well!!

  • @Omnitrio1

    @Omnitrio1

    11 күн бұрын

    was in a bear attack i dont think he is around anymore

  • @Louie12673

    @Louie12673

    11 күн бұрын

    @@Omnitrio1 Well I hope he is still around. Thanks

  • @joshandthejam7806
    @joshandthejam78065 жыл бұрын

    You we right in my back yard in this video. Hope you enjoyed Glacier.

  • @vanwhalen3719
    @vanwhalen37197 жыл бұрын

    Awesome idea, I installed one on the front of my van because my job requires me to tow a trailer. had to use a bit shorter of a tool box so that it didn't block the head lights and it still does a tiny bit .So far so good though .

  • @ShadeTreeGarage68
    @ShadeTreeGarage687 жыл бұрын

    I loved that scenery in the background. I was waiting for Andy and Opie to walk by with fishing poles on their shoulders.

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    LOL... We were hoping for a bear!

  • @madbitvanner9107
    @madbitvanner91076 жыл бұрын

    Love your ideas. Always done with style. Just bought a van and I’m starting to build it out. Thanks for the ideas!

  • @Scott-J
    @Scott-J7 жыл бұрын

    Oh man, a locking truck box on a hitch platform, that's so easy, and so brilliant. I love it!

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    Hi Scott, thanks! Here's some more info about the hitch box if you want one too! www.backroadsvanner.com/all-posts/extra-storage-van-dwellers-van-travelers-using-cargo-box-carrier-tow-hitch/

  • @GypsyFeet316
    @GypsyFeet3166 жыл бұрын

    We have magic dust here in NW Montana...it just finds its way into everything!!! I pack stuff in zip locks then pack. I love your knack box idea 💗

  • @cyndifoore7743
    @cyndifoore77437 жыл бұрын

    Great ideas Mike! Happy trails!

  • @TheYFlyer
    @TheYFlyer7 жыл бұрын

    Excellent point on the 4" rise to the cargo carrier.

  • @robertgarner6023
    @robertgarner60237 жыл бұрын

    impressed with your down to earth camper solutions!

  • @marshabrown8337
    @marshabrown83376 жыл бұрын

    I love your videos. Thnks so much for shaing your knowledge. Hope to see some more videos soon. Take care.

  • @danparisien1856
    @danparisien18567 жыл бұрын

    Very good advise Mike. Thanks for sharing all these good ideas.

  • @zalleywaalley8227
    @zalleywaalley82277 жыл бұрын

    It seems to me that it would also be useful for very lite off-roading also (GMC Jimmy). Thanks for the video.

  • @timelwood2555
    @timelwood25557 жыл бұрын

    You really are a very bright guy. Good stuff again

  • @stephenlockecyclonedrifter6876
    @stephenlockecyclonedrifter68767 жыл бұрын

    I alway appreciate your good advice. Plan to do the same on my Storm Chaser!

  • @ForeverForNow3
    @ForeverForNow35 жыл бұрын

    Using a metal box for a counter top and with it being metal being safe to heat (within reason) is a great tip! thank you

  • @clermontcubby9207
    @clermontcubby92077 жыл бұрын

    Great job as always, Mike.

  • @enriquemariorodriguez2637
    @enriquemariorodriguez26377 жыл бұрын

    Love 💕 your videos guys, always thoroughly explained & great quality, good job! 👍

  • @cattalkbmx
    @cattalkbmx6 жыл бұрын

    Top notch setup, videos, and info. Thanks man, you've got your setup dialed in.

  • @jrcook927
    @jrcook9277 жыл бұрын

    You can always buy or build a swing-out arm to mount the basket on. Then those doors will clear. Great vid!

  • @bartgoodell2017

    @bartgoodell2017

    7 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, thinking the same thing. Swing from passenger side and have one long counter top.

  • @WatersandWilderness

    @WatersandWilderness

    6 жыл бұрын

    I've seen someone have to get his hinges fixed because of the weight added to the hinges on those swing out arms.

  • @lass-inangeles7564

    @lass-inangeles7564

    4 жыл бұрын

    Not if its that heavy, are you kidding! You will break the hinge.

  • @watapompi4824
    @watapompi48244 жыл бұрын

    Mike your teaching skills are crazy!!!! what a great channel, thank you for all the videos!!! hi from France

  • @stoneteller9662
    @stoneteller96627 жыл бұрын

    That's awesome, great channel. Love all your videos!

  • @caravann26
    @caravann267 жыл бұрын

    thanks for giving some practical real advice I.e. the rise in the hitch. and not just a show and tell, talking about your stuff.

  • @LaVonneEllis
    @LaVonneEllis6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, now I know why I need one!

  • @mrbr549
    @mrbr5497 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I really liked the clear explanation of how you have it set up and how you use it. It sure gives me ideas on how I could use something similar.

  • @annehowellable
    @annehowellable7 жыл бұрын

    thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. super helpful. u da shizzle

  • @hueypilot1950
    @hueypilot19505 жыл бұрын

    I don't see many KZread van conversions talk about using cargo carriers. I had a week long trip to Florida this spring. Minivans are barely big enough anyway so I made good use of the hitch mount carrier. If I camped a little more often, I would spring for your set up with the elevated carrier and tool box. I like the low tech simple solutions such as you have, let me add excellent practical solutions.

  • @kabzak
    @kabzak7 жыл бұрын

    Another great video, Mike!

  • @Russellbeta
    @RussellbetaАй бұрын

    Great for an existing van, but depending on the use case I'd probably go for a longer van over a short one with a storage box like this in order to get more volume for the extra length.

  • @smileywarrior1870
    @smileywarrior18706 жыл бұрын

    I just bought a cargo carrier. I need to get a hitch tightener, and the aluminum box. That 4” raise hitch attachment is also something I need. I noticed driving off my driveway the bottle scrapes a bit. Not so bad but watching this video, I know exactly what I need to pick up next time I’m at autozone or Harbor freight. Great vid!

  • @KatandzR
    @KatandzR7 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I have been looking into something like this.. 🌞

  • @alifeofdiversions3174
    @alifeofdiversions31746 жыл бұрын

    Nice box idea! Just love that location, had watched this before and wanted to see that area again, just gorgeous!

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    6 жыл бұрын

    We were up by Seeley lake, MT. Absolutely beautiful country.

  • @lass-inangeles7564
    @lass-inangeles75644 жыл бұрын

    Good point about that clearance - happened to my van on a dip!

  • @Leon-lp9fl
    @Leon-lp9fl4 жыл бұрын

    Neat box, inside and out.

  • @emya.9885
    @emya.98853 жыл бұрын

    Perfect! It is what we are looking for. Thank you so much!

  • @stringbender57
    @stringbender577 жыл бұрын

    Good info on extra storage. I too have seen totes, wooden boxes etc. on a trailer hitch rack but never a truck tool box. Looks great, locks and is strong. Great idea! I love your entire van build and new paint. I wish I had the skills and patience to build one just like it. Thanks for posting. 🚐💨

  • @tradmanmike3360
    @tradmanmike33602 жыл бұрын

    ANOTHER GREAT INFORMATIONAL VIDEO AND WELL DONE! ALWAYS THUMBS UP!!!! PLANING TO BUILD OUT THE SAME VAN AND LOVE THESE IDEAS. THANK YOU!!!

  • @marshabrown8337
    @marshabrown83374 жыл бұрын

    Hope you and yours are well. Take care.

  • @c230benzito
    @c230benzito7 жыл бұрын

    Great idea. I'll be doing that if i ever get the courage to build me a bov

  • @rodreddick
    @rodreddick7 жыл бұрын

    Awesome 🎥 great information thank you..

  • @tomiswick
    @tomiswick6 жыл бұрын

    Love your videos man they are helping me tons with my conversion. Cheers from Hamilton ontario canada 👍

  • @jeffthompson8663
    @jeffthompson86636 жыл бұрын

    You are smart and detailed,,, love the details,,,, i just subscribed.

  • @bikersbabede
    @bikersbabede7 жыл бұрын

    Hey guys! Found you through Adventure Vanman. Love the rig.

  • @sc9551
    @sc95513 жыл бұрын

    Love your van!

  • @neuroleptika
    @neuroleptika6 жыл бұрын

    The color of your van is absolutely beautiful, it really suits the design

  • @LadyTSurvival
    @LadyTSurvival4 жыл бұрын

    ian & teresa skelley on you tube has a video using a swing away hitch in conjunction with that as well as a swivel. it moves completely out of the way of the doors.

  • @fed9186
    @fed91864 жыл бұрын

    Swivel carriers are nice too.

  • @jacmoll9
    @jacmoll96 жыл бұрын

    Love your channel brother so informative

  • @ChristineBEACHCRICKETLowery
    @ChristineBEACHCRICKETLowery7 жыл бұрын

    I would love having one of those!

  • @aHigherPower
    @aHigherPower7 жыл бұрын

    Nice setup! Oh I wish I could build my van now. lol

  • @user-of4rk7zq3p
    @user-of4rk7zq3p7 жыл бұрын

    NICE MIKE👍👍

  • @mrmagoo9901
    @mrmagoo99017 жыл бұрын

    Another good idea young man...thanks...

  • @JJF10101957
    @JJF101019577 жыл бұрын

    Good Video! A Van life is possible, storage is always an issue. I subbed!

  • @tangotracker5297
    @tangotracker52976 жыл бұрын

    Cool tip! Thank you for the video!

  • @MrKenFernandes
    @MrKenFernandes7 жыл бұрын

    Nice.If someone has a carrier already(like me). We went and got a Roadmaster Hi-low 8'inch extension.

  • @GatorLife57
    @GatorLife577 жыл бұрын

    Thumbs up....ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE

  • @chevyvandweller2706
    @chevyvandweller27067 жыл бұрын

    I like the aluminium tool box ideal, nice and lite. I've been using two large plastic totes on the back of my cargo hitch carrier. it's hard to lock those :)

  • @WhoDigsMedia
    @WhoDigsMedia3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing.

  • @FeatheredMoonReadings
    @FeatheredMoonReadings7 жыл бұрын

    thank you!!

  • @MSJ12333
    @MSJ123335 жыл бұрын

    Where have you been? Why are you quitting your KZread for quite sometimes, and yet you’re a one of my favorite person on KZread. Please come back make more films!

  • @markreynolds3850
    @markreynolds38503 жыл бұрын

    Mike miss your channel, videos.

  • @Tygerlady99
    @Tygerlady997 жыл бұрын

    Hi! I'm a new subber to your channel (saw you & your wife on Adventure Van Man's channel and love what you did with your van.

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much. We appreciate you watching!

  • @jamestaylor8860
    @jamestaylor8860 Жыл бұрын

    I was trying to figure a way which included removing the bumper and replacing it with a storage box. You have helped me so much. Thank you

  • @Jeepdude601
    @Jeepdude6017 жыл бұрын

    I enjoy your videos . really like your raptor liner, I'm starting on my van 1999 dodge b2500

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    Great! Keep us posted on how it turns out! Thanks for watching Doug!

  • @BelindaTOV
    @BelindaTOV5 жыл бұрын

    I agree with van inn.....please come back.

  • @JayDubber
    @JayDubber7 жыл бұрын

    Sweet vanner stickers..

  • @CaravanCarolyn
    @CaravanCarolyn7 жыл бұрын

    Awesome Thank you!

  • @cybersecretary
    @cybersecretary7 жыл бұрын

    great job!

  • @norcalvandweller8401
    @norcalvandweller84015 жыл бұрын

    Miss you on You Tube, ever gonna come back? Hope everything is ok ?

  • @jacbox3889
    @jacbox38897 жыл бұрын

    Miss your vids! Happy Boxing Day!

  • @stevethepirate2875
    @stevethepirate28757 жыл бұрын

    You could also use a construction game box. They lock and can even take a hit from a sledgehammer ... or a Lull. Don't ask me how I know that. Also, a small metal rack system could be used to carry large 5gallon gas cans between the box and the back of the van. For those really long trips between gas stations.

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    You're absolutely right steve! Those gas cans come in handy while traveling the backroads! Thanks for watching!

  • @VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY
    @VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY2 жыл бұрын

    *great tips*

  • @Guzzirodo
    @Guzzirodo7 жыл бұрын

    interesting. Thank you

  • @Juliaronan
    @Juliaronan7 жыл бұрын

    Have you seen the swing away racks? Those are cool, too!

  • @brandonGCHACHU
    @brandonGCHACHU Жыл бұрын

    Great tips. Hope you're ok

  • @angelikaszabo1962
    @angelikaszabo19626 жыл бұрын

    It's been about a year, where did you and Shannon go? Love your videos, thanks to you, I am now watching many, many videos from other van dwellers! Love the creativity you all have. Please...need more videos from you guys! Waiting patiently, Angie

  • @Matty-Travels

    @Matty-Travels

    Жыл бұрын

    5 years. Hope you're still not waiting. Lol.

  • @angelikaszabo1962

    @angelikaszabo1962

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Matty-Travels Hahaha! Nope! But, if you are coming back I will watch your channel again! Thanks for the message, had to laugh! You're funny! How is it going out there? Are you guys having fun? Enjoy the adventure!

  • @woffordsoverlandjourneys8618
    @woffordsoverlandjourneys86184 жыл бұрын

    I need one of those for my Astro

  • @TheKurtLyon
    @TheKurtLyon2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks guys. Great idea and real world feedback. Liked & Sub’d

  • @anothersomebody8195
    @anothersomebody81955 жыл бұрын

    Hey man, you're down to earth and just say it as it is and move on 👍We have an E-150 and everything you said I was like yeah, me too!!! We just did glacier.... how about those shoulders!?!

  • @anothersomebody8195

    @anothersomebody8195

    5 жыл бұрын

    YellowstoneNP wants you to store all your cooking items in the vehicle. Do you have a solution for outside storage without putting off scents to nearby bears? New subscriber :-)

  • @_onesimpleidea
    @_onesimpleidea7 жыл бұрын

    +Backroads Vanner Hey Mike. Simple, but very useful video. Thanks for the tips. A couple thoughts or questions: 1. Receiver: I think the "receiver" is the female part of the hitch. I think the male part that gets inserted -- what you said had a rise to it -- is actually called a "drawbar". So, the new piece that you introduced was a _drawbar_ with a rise. Nice feature and explanation. 2. Drawbar length: Do you think it would be a good idea (for others) to buy a drawbar slightly longer than yours (maybe 6") that would allow them to open the rear van doors without removing the cargo box? 3. U-bolt: What is that u-bolt around the drawbar near the receiver? I figure it is to keep the drawbar from wiggling loose and falling out. However, I thought those types of hitches used a removable retaining pin to keep the drawbar in. 4. Superman Paint: How is your bulletproof van paint holding up? I think it really looks great. Makes me want to put it on my vehicle. Thanks and keep doing what you're doing. P.S. - I envy your camping spot!

  • @Into_The_Mystery_13
    @Into_The_Mystery_137 жыл бұрын

    nice box! I need one of them

  • @ibetrollintheybehatin6857

    @ibetrollintheybehatin6857

    7 жыл бұрын

    Saw your sticker lol pretty awesome!

  • @Into_The_Mystery_13

    @Into_The_Mystery_13

    7 жыл бұрын

    I Be Trollin' They Be Hatin' I think so to :)

  • @emmgee7153
    @emmgee71533 жыл бұрын

    where have you been? miss your educational vids.

  • @MaximusStimulus
    @MaximusStimulus7 жыл бұрын

    two thumbs up ! !

  • @marshabrown8337
    @marshabrown83375 жыл бұрын

    Hope you start posting again. Lovr sll yout videos. Take care.

  • @CfunkPalace
    @CfunkPalace2 жыл бұрын

    Great videos! Hope you're doing well... would love an update!

  • @carlosleon1162
    @carlosleon11627 жыл бұрын

    thanks, nice idea likeit

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Carlos!

  • @12vwiz15
    @12vwiz157 жыл бұрын

    Hey Mike, my toolbox locking mechanism had adjustments that allowed me to fine tune and get a better seal without replacing the gasket. Yours should have it too. Love your videos!

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for the suggestion! I did take a closer look and was able to make the seal much tighter! Wish I would have done this sooner! Thanks for watching!!!!

  • @chrispaulick
    @chrispaulick3 жыл бұрын

    I bet that black box gets hot in the sun. In FL you could probably cook an egg on it.

  • @campwardbound3513
    @campwardbound35137 жыл бұрын

    This is the ultimate "chuck box". Thanks for posting. We go in and out of our van though the back. I wonder if you could attach the truck box to sliders and pull out through the barn doors?

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    check out my interview with Mike and his A/C unit. He has sliders on his box, it is great.

  • @finnblu3002
    @finnblu30027 жыл бұрын

    Trust all is well and the experiences fantastic! Any plans to pull off the back road and upload a new vid or two ??? . .

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    Yes ,I plan on doing many more videos! Sorry it has been so long. Life is great and we are living the dream.

  • @peterm.eggers520
    @peterm.eggers5207 жыл бұрын

    If a swing out bracket won't work, how about a frame with legs that would fit both top of the box (upside-down) and the smaller bottom? Might be a hassle getting on and off the receiver though. Maybe with some sort of spring loaded legs you could just push down on the top of the box to get proper alignment. You'd still have to be able to compress and lock each leg to be able to get the frame off and flipped over to attach to the top of the box for traveling.

  • @Louie12673
    @Louie126734 жыл бұрын

    Hello... Are you still Active in Vanning? Great Videos!!!

  • @mikethespikemorgan
    @mikethespikemorgan7 жыл бұрын

    Nicely videoed by the photographer.

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Shannan will love to hear that!

  • @CooldBloodedGaming
    @CooldBloodedGaming7 жыл бұрын

    ayyy you got the into the mystery sticker

  • @jquest43

    @jquest43

    7 жыл бұрын

    hes a cokehead/methhead now.i unsuscribed

  • @operationeight-ld5kd

    @operationeight-ld5kd

    7 жыл бұрын

    jquest43 why do you say that?

  • @kevmodee1866

    @kevmodee1866

    6 жыл бұрын

    jquest43 and you say that based off of what evidence? It's ok to not like a channel, but to accuse someone of such things, simply from your own speculations only, is childish and very negative.

  • @luckysheets4683
    @luckysheets46837 жыл бұрын

    Haven't seen any content for a while. How about a video about Cargo vans verses Sprinter vans. I'm really not sure if I want to go with a sprinter or a turtle top Cargo van. This wan build will be for a retired couple. Thank you Lucky

  • @MDC2020
    @MDC20207 жыл бұрын

    I noticed you have new wheels and tires could you do a video on that. They look sharp the few angles I get to see.

  • @BackroadsVanner

    @BackroadsVanner

    7 жыл бұрын

    Yes! Have that in the works! Thanks for asking.

  • @clamo6362
    @clamo63624 жыл бұрын

    Nice idea. I would do this but they dont make tuff boxes big enough for my needs.

  • @taz10029
    @taz100295 жыл бұрын

    @Backroads Vanner The link to that carrier isnt working. I would really like to get that one. Could you update the link? Pleassseeeee