Alite Mods - Storage

Bumper Storage Tube

A length of 4" corrugated drain pipe makes a lightweight storage tube that rests on the stabilizer screws and is bungeed to the stabilizers. The bungees serve double duty, also keeping the stabilizers from drooping during travel (which they have been known to do). The ends of the tube are capped with slotted drain covers (one cover is screwed on, the other is removable, secured with a cord. Good storage for sewer hoses, tent poles, etc.

"Attic" Shelf

A wire shelf hung from the center pole is a great help for storage. For maximum length, I had to get the shelf as low as possible, and because of the tight space between the A sides when folded, there wasn't room for any kind of wall-mounted shelf bracket. Hardware on the sides of the A-wall extrusions would not get in the way of anything. To provide the most stable support for the downward stress of the shelf, I used 2 hooks taken from suction cups. A screw

 and fender washer fasten each hook to the narrow edges of the A-wall. I crimped small S-hooks on each rear corner of the shelf (the 1" lip of the shelf goes up, against the wall), where they can catch in the A-wall hooks. These S-hooks stay attached to the shelf. At the center front of the shelf (side without lip), I crimped the end of a lightweight chain. Around the overhead pole, I put a large plastic cable holder, fastening the ends together

with another crimped S-hook. 

To hang the shelf, I slip the shelf S-hooks over the hooks on the edge of the wall, then hook the shelf chain on the pole S-hook. To keep dirt from falling through the shelf, I top it with a piece of plastic carpet protector. During travel, the shelf stores under the bed cushion.

Desk Supplies

The raised potty platform gave me about 2" of storage underneath - not enough for shoes, as I'd hoped, but just right for two 6"x15" drawer organizing bins. One bin holds office supplies like pen, pencil, scissors, tape measure, stapler, sewing kit, notepads, etc. The other is my "medicine cabinet" with ibuprofin, alcohol, tweezers, bandaids, dental floss, etc.

Dishes

The narrow "counterspace" to the right of the sink was just big enough to accommodate a clear plastic wall-hung office organizer that holds my dishes, silverware, coasters, cooking utensils, hotpads, dish detergent. Wall files, drawer organizers .... who'd have thought that an office supply store would yield so many camper storage solutions!

Kitchen Cupboard

This little toilet-top bathroom organizer is a perfect kitchen cabinet. We had an identical one in our canvas pop-up, and it's now at home in our bigger Aliner. 

Food

All of my non-cooler food is in a plastic tub that fits nicely on top of the kickspace heater next to the potty. I try to use as many small cans and non-perishable packages (often from Dollar Tree) as I can. Canned chicken is useful, as are small plastic bottles of wine, Flat bread rounds (instead of yeast bread), jam, ketchup and mustard, ground coffee and peanut butter are all on my list.

Paper Towel Holder

I adapted a cheap chrome paper-towel holder to hang from the wire shelf by putting large locking cup hooks through the holes and into wooden plugs to hold them in place. I hang it by shoving the cup hooks onto the shelf. The locking tabs hold it in place.

Shower Supplies

In a zipper lingerie bag (Dollar Tree), I keep shower gel, shampoo, razor and nylon puff. A shoestring threaded through the bag lets me hang it in a campground shower. In the camper, I store the bag in a wire basket hanging from my shelf, and everything dries quickly.

Clothing

I store my clothes in two canvas baskets (Joanne Fabrics) behind the bed-cabinet sliding doors. They have handles, and are easy to pull out. Small items like socks and underwear go in zipper lingerie bags so they don't get jumbled up. 

Water Filter

To keep the water filter from dripping when stored in the front storage compartment, I set it in an empty plastic wipes container. Perfect fit! 

Setup Tub

I keep setup stuff in a small Rubbermaid Roughneck tub which fits in the upside-down step stool for travel. In it are things like electrical adapters, polarity checker, "J" trap for sewer line, teflon tape, duct tape, headlamp, "Y" for campground spigot, tent stakes, and suction-cup flowerbox. At the campground, I slide the tub under the camper. 

Tubs and Baskets

For a small camper, the under-bench areas provide a lot of storage. I've found tubs and baskets that fit well in most areas. I try to keep similar items together: extra batteries, extension cords, flashlights, lantern mantles, and fuses go in one basket; another one holds paper plates and cups, paper bags, and baggies. Three 1-pound propane bottles stand perfectly in a long narrow bin. Cheap padded lunch bags are available in many different shapes and sizes and I use them to protect the DVD player, small propane lantern, small propane stove, and electric burner.

A good time to look for storage options is in the fall, around the time school starts. Stores are full of tubs and bins and lunch bags, especially if you're in an area with colleges or university.

Front Storage Compartment

I love the front storage bin! In it are a fire extinguisher, water filter, grease and grease gun, water hose, utility sprayer, detachable power cord, extension cord, large and small folding tables, small camping chair, stabilizer crank, chocks, kneeling pad, collapsible grey water bucket, rubber mallet, awning, PVC clothesline pipes, Neat Sheet .... and there's room for more!