Using under-sill space?

[eburrows]

Long Ranger makes diesel fuel tanks for the sill space on D1's, but for those of us that run gasoline in the US, that doesn't help much.

I'd love to move some weight down-center there, such as spare water, washer fluid, compressed air tank, general storage, even batteries.

It looks to me like a simple 8x48" pipe could be placed there with sufficient support bracketing, which could be used for water, and possibly segmented to hold washer fluid as well.

How about something more complex, like a storage box that levers down for access?

Has anyone successfully made use of this space?

 

[Ed Cheung]

I think some LPG conversion kit in the UK use that space to hold the LPG tanks.

 

[ERover82]

I use it to store my mud. Storing fuel, air, or water is probably a better idea.

 

[Ed Cheung]

Found it.

http://www.gaspoweruk.co.uk/lpgconv...landrover_discovery_-_-_2009_gallery_001.html

 

[eburrows]

Thanks Ed, that's very similar to what I was thinking. I'm going to work up a CAD drawing of the space, and potential bracket designs. A simple tube-shaped tank like that wouldn't be too hard to buy/build, and makes a good first step for water/air/washer-fluid storage.

 

[Reed Perry]

You must use a lot of washer fluid...

 

[p m]

Eric, thumbs up. I've been thinking of the same thing - although for a slightly different application.

 

[eburrows]

pm, what application were you thinking?

 

[p m]

E-350.
But now I think the same thing can be done to a Disco or Classic, with access from the passenger compartment.

 

[eburrows]

Under-floor storage with access hatches in the footwells? I suppose you could, but I think only the rear footwell would have good access, and that's a small fraction of the total length of the available space.

 

[Jagfixer]

Use a better heavy gauge tank for washer fluid does burn quite readily if in contact with flame, ie: car accident. Had hard time putting out a fire in my older XJ6 Jag when accelerator linkage shorted with fog lamp wiring and melted washer hose to windshield.

 

[mjbrox]

it would be good to keep emergency recovery gear as well

 

[Some Dude]

Under-floor storage with access hatches in the footwells?

I never thought I’d be smuggling myself in them. This is ridiculous.

 

[p m]

Under-floor storage with access hatches in the footwells? I suppose you could, but I think only the rear footwell would have good access, and that's a small fraction of the total length of the available space.

You don't necessarily need the access hatch to cover the full length of the box. Recovery gear is a perfect candidate for going into the under-floor storage; I also have a bad habit of carrying enough tools to rebuild an engine in the woods - clearly some of them could go into a deeper cave than the very rear of cargo compartment.

 

[jhmover]

Found it.

http://www.gaspoweruk.co.uk/lpgconv...landrover_discovery_-_-_2009_gallery_001.html

Nice ground clearance reduction.

 

[discowolf]

Nice ground clearance reduction.

Those hang way too low, if they were shallower with a skid plate it wouldn't be so bad. I do like the idea of using this space for storage. I'm going to make some floor accessible storage boxes for my tools and recovery. I have a huge dog and cannot use the cargo area for drawers. I'll post pics when I get it all done.