Thursday, March 5, 2009

Fender Well Space--What Do You Use For?

Nearly all truck camper folks have a little bit of--well, is it properly called "basement storage" when it's on the same level as your floor? That little space in front and behind the wheel wells, just outside your camper bed box. Our truck camper manufacturer thoughtfully provided little access doors so reach this otherwise "dead" space. We have three spaces available. How do we use them?

In the galley area, just under the stove a handy bit of space is used by the cook for excess food storage. She carefully puts things that aren't weather or bug sensitive there--canned goods, or dried stuff in air-tight containers. Across the way and under the refrigerator is a handy space that the driver keeps a couple of extra quarts of oil, brake fluid, etcetera.

To some the oddest use is that found in the driver side rear "compartment." Here is inserted a small plastic dishpan, just wide enough to squeeze between the truck bed side and the side of the camper. In the dishpan, cat litter. Nope, we don't keep it there for traction on icy roads (we avoid icy roads by staying where it's warm) but rather, for its original purpose. Yep, our traveling cat uses the pan as her litter box. She access the litter box through a "pet door" we built into the factory access door. Keeps that cat litter (and smell) outside the rig, but keeps the cat safe.

When we're settled for a while and want the truck free of camper, a special "kitty condo" mounts up to the side of the camper and she has access to fresh air and cat box.

So how about you? Have any unusual uses for your basement storage? Drop a line to editor at icanrv dot com.