Sportliner - Pillow Storage

Sportliner - Pillow Storage

Sportliner owners are well aware that space is at a premium and of the need to make maximum use of what storage space is available. The locker under the rear seat (accessible from the outside access hatch or by lifting the hinged rear seat support) extends right through to the water tank locker and provides a useful storage area. An inventory of what we normally carry in this space reveals:-

1 - cut-down milk crate containing wood blocks for stabilising jacks; wood blocks to place under wheel(s) on un-level sites; hydraulic jack; 6 metre long 240V 15A heavy duty extension cable
2 - tool carry trays containing: hammer for awning pegs, water hose fittings, tow ball coupling lock, adjustable spanner, small pack of grease, two torches, small WD-40, small broom head, two pairs of slip-on shoes
2 - rectangular buckets containing funnel; window squeegee-wiper; sponge
1 - door mat
1 - 12V fluorescent tube lamp
1 - stabilizing jack tool
1 - telescopic handle for broom and window squeegee-wiper
1 - foldaway table with integral four seats
1 - 12 metre water transfer hose
2 - folding chairs (for A'van Club Gatherings nattering)
1 - rolled up rectangular piece of carpet
1 - awning
1 - awning ground cover (shade cloth material)

Despite all this, there is still at least 100mm of clear airspace under the rear seat support! We are currently trialling sleeping bags instead of the usual mattress protector, sheets and doona, and on a recent trip these have proved very successful. When not in use, the bags (with sheet inner linings) roll up neatly and act as back rests on the rear seat. We still need to find a home for the pillows however? Remembering the 100mm space beneath the seat support, we have built a timber "tray" 800mm wide, 575mm front to back and 70mm deep. The tray and underside of the hinged timber seat support have been lined with self adhesive "Cover-it" to avoid any tearing of the pillows on the timber. The pillows neatly lie side by side in the tray. The rear seat is lifted only to get or replace the pillows. All other "stuff" is accessed as usual via the outside access door.

Keith and Pam Thomas