For those who own a van, sliding drawers can be a great addition to make the most of the space available. Not only do sliding drawers provide additional storage, but they also make accessing your tools, equipment, or camping gear much easier. However, choosing the right sliding drawers can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure what to look for.
In this blog post, we’ll provide all the information you need about sliding drawers for your van, including the benefits, types, and things to consider before purchasing.
Benefits of Sliding Drawers for Your Van
Sliding drawers for van owners offer a range of benefits, including:
- Organised Space: Sliding drawers can provide a more organised space when compared to traditional storage setups.
- Easy Access: With sliding drawers, you can easily access your tools, equipment, and camping gear without having to rummage through stacks of items.
- Additional Space: Sliding drawers for van cargo areas make it possible to add extra storage space without sacrificing your seats or cargo area.
- Customisable: You can customise your sliding drawers to fit the specific needs of your van, such as preinstalled obstacles, odd shapes, and bulk items.
Types of Sliding Drawers to Consider
There are several types of sliding drawers to consider when choosing the right one for your van, including:
- Kitchen Drawers: If you enjoy camping or road trips, kitchen drawers can be a useful addition, allowing you to store all your cooking equipment in one place.
- Shelf & Racking System: This type of sliding drawer is ideal for storing bulkier items, such as tools and equipment. It provides more space than a traditional slide-out drawer system and can be easily customised to fit your needs.
- False Floor Drawers: Featuring sliding drawers under a false floor, this option allows van owners to utilise the space in its most efficient form.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Sliding Drawers
Before making your purchase, there are things you need to consider, including:
- Durability: Ensure the sliding van drawers are made of strong materials so they can handle the weight of your items and last for years to come. While many design options are available, composite materials are the most durable.
- Weight Capacity: Make sure the sliding drawers can hold the weight of the items you plan to store. Most drawers hold up to 150 kilos, but other storage options, such as slides, may hold more.
- Sliding Mechanism: Choose a sliding mechanism that is easy to use and has a locking mechanism to keep the van drawers in place when driving. Galvanised steel running rails with ball bearings are usually the best option.
The final consideration should be given to the activities you will be doing in your van. If you plan to travel and camp often, you may want to invest in more robust false-floor drawers or kitchen fit-outs. If you plan to use the van for work, then multi-drawer storage solutions and racking systems may be more helpful.
If you are having trouble figuring out which solution is best, consider getting a free quote from a local vehicle storage specialist.