Downsizing to panel van

We have had our 2009 Broadway twin bed model for 5 years and we've loved it but looking to trade it in for something newer and an automatic. The 6.3m size is just right for me and my husband. We use the underbed storage (with outside access on one side) for chocks, water pipes, electric cable, walking boots, bike helmets, BBQ, charcoal, tins of food, toilet rolls etc.  Two bikes go on the bike rack. Outside chairs go behind the passenger seat inside. The Broadway is currently stored in a lockup facility which following a house move is an 18 miles round trip away and there is no nearer storage place. If we downsized to a panelvan eg Warwick XL, Wildax Europa, Vantage EOS, IH C680 we could keep the van on our drive and I think we would get more use out of it, especially short spare of the moment trips as we are now retired. The broadway does fit on the drive at a squeeze (which is where we pack/unpack/clean it)  but it doesn't look very nice there long term especially being white and more bulky. 
The problem/question I have is where do all you panelvan owners keep all the 'outside' gear I've mentioned bearing in mind I can't have a backbox due to bikes and a roof box isn't practical at our age. Thank you.

Outside gear is kept to a minimum. Ramps, hoses, collapsible bucket, cleaning gear etc lives under a bunk. Although not an option for you, we carry outside chairs on the bike rack. Only the EHU cable travels on the floor of the van as we like to have access through. We don’t have a BBQ and food/household goods live in the van cupboards or under the bunk. We carry enough food for about 3 days and only a small emergency supply of tinned stuff. 

You will manage but it'll need a rethink.

We have opted for a Thule back box, which is attached to a Thule easy carry rack.
The rack is attached to a tow ball, more expensive than a Fiamma rear door bike rack.however IMO more secure,no holes in doors.
Boaby

Here's our last one, we are minimalist so here's what we did.
This is the RHS bed base, and still under construction
The useless drawer was removed, front of it removed and refitted as a drop down front lid.
Still space for EHU between lid and this.
Here was have space for 12 bottles wine or loads beer, 2 camping chairs, enough space for 4 or 5 more 2 litre water bottles to right as seen. In front of this, between it and the Truma, a carrier for 4 2 ltr bottles, the water hose and a folding water carrier.
On the other side, a partition, behind which levelling ramps, gas cooker and griddle pan used as BBQ. Fwd of partition, all bedding incl pillows.
Both rear bed panels unscrewed and re fasted with magnets, can't escape when door closed anyway.

BTW this was a 6m van, Warwick Duo and although fitted with a bike rack when bought, it was removed asap and the screw holes carefully hidden. In that way it remained at 6m, easier to park, a 6.3m with bikes will be 7m overall approx, cheaper for ferries and safer when reversing up to a wall.
If desperate to carry bikes, they can be carried inside the van I designed a simple, LIGHT, and easily removable way of doing this, actually intended for the wife's moped!

Minimalism is, for us, everything, sometimes we've seen people unpacking on sites and wondered if they were moving house!!!!
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We carry bag chairs (Brunner good quality ones) which travel on floor and transfer to cab on site or underneath. Ehu cable in zip bag also on floor along with ramps.

We only have a 5m van and have to be very creative with use of space.
Our EHU cable, for example, is not wound around a great big drum but round a much smaller rectangular frame my husband made. When travelling, this fits into the passenger footwell and I often rest my feet on it whilst travelling.
Chairs are strapped to rear of a front seat and on site, can be stored upright in passenger footwell when seat is rotated. 
We carry only one gas bottle and use the space where the smaller ‘spare’ one could go to store our walking boots and fresh veg and fruit as it is a cool space.
Look carefully at your lockers etc..... if there are two of you, you only need 2 mugs, two glasses etc. though we also carry a few cardboard ‘mugs’ as spares. Look for items that stack inside each other too. 
Bike helmets can be strapped to the bikes perhaps?

Hope this helps a bit. 
All the best. Bev

...... oh we also have a box on wheels that we keep outside the van when on site ( I think it is a Stanley tool box actually). On site this makes a great side table, foot rest etc as the top is flat. In there we keep bike cover, small electric hot plate that we use instead of a bbq,  side panel for wind out canopy and general odds and ends. Have only once been worried about it disappearing when we were on a rather odd site so we used a bike lock to lock it to the van step.
When travelling, it fits behind a front seat.
We’ve had it 15 years now- was a great buy.

With our Symbol which is only 5.4m and has quite minimal storage we had to think about what we needed to carry rather than what would be nice to carry.
Having said that we manage well enough...bedding goes in the overhead storage above the front seats and in large pillow shaped covers which double up as cushions in the daytime. Bottles and a few other odds and ends are stored in the lift up lid locker under the hanging wardrobe. Food and cooking stuff is stored in the overhead lockers (the Symbol only has them on one side), in the fridge, & in the floor cupboards. One overhead locker holds binoculars, Scrabble, a couple of other small games & that sort of thing. Another holds crockery and anything else that is squishy and will fit in. The space under the n'side seat holds all sorts of things that are not used frequently (we hope) ramps, hose, a few spares, etc). We removed the bottle clips from  the little cupboard near the side door and that holds some tools, small fan heater (just in case) and items that might be needed quickly. The EHU cable sits in a bag in the front passenger footwell, no problem with that. We made a smaller table that uses the island leg and fold down legs that fits in the wardrobe. Our two camping chairs and small foldable camping table are strapped to the back of the front passenger seat and are removed when on site. They are either stored in the cab or underneath the MH when not in use. 
Walking boots are carried either under the o/side seat/bed (not much space as that is where the Truma, leisure battery and now the water pump are) or in the washroom. Clothes are distributed between the wardrobe and a squishy bag or packing cubes in the large space (daytime) under the hanging wardrobe. At night this can be placed in the cab area or on the swivelled around passenger seat. The squishy bag usually travels on the rear passenger seat, secured by the seat belt.
Jackets hang on the back of the front seats.
Collapsible bucket, watering can (for freshwater refilling if necessary), soft shoes, fleece jacket and a few clothes are stored in the wardrobe.
We try to maintain easy access through from front to back and try to keep everything fairly tidy during the day.
We don't take bikes or a BBQ. We do have a small induction hob that can be used outside via the 240v socket by the sliding door if we want to cook outside. As a last resort we also have a tiny, tiny spirit/wood stove that is extremely efficient and packs away to a size less than a cigarette packet.
We have an umbrella which doubles as make-do sunshade in the sliding pocket + spare lashing straps for use when needed, and in the long pocket above the door we have a first aid kit (another in the driver's door pocket and probably another in the passenger door pocket!), spare towel + anything else that will fit in securely.
Fire blanket is kept just above the cooker. Paper towel rolls are packed in everywhere  that there is a space that needs filling as it helps reduce things jiggling around. We used to keep bread in the microwave but as the door is always flying open we don't do that anymore and are probably going to remove it as we don't use it anyway! That will make another nice big cupboard!
We only carry the essential nighttime seat cushions and have removed the unwanted ones. We use the two singles arrangement.
That's about it I think!

SENTINEL wrote:With our Symbol which is only 5.4m and has quite minimal storage we had to think about what we needed to carry rather than what would be nice to carry.
Having said that we manage well enough...bedding goes in the overhead storage above the front seats and in large pillow shaped covers which double up as cushions in the daytime. Bottles and a few other odds and ends are stored in the lift up lid locker under the hanging wardrobe. Food and cooking stuff is stored in the overhead lockers (the Symbol only has them on one side), in the fridge, & in the floor cupboards. One overhead locker holds binoculars, Scrabble, a couple of other small games & that sort of thing. Another holds crockery and anything else that is squishy and will fit in. The space under the n'side seat holds all sorts of things that are not used frequently (we hope) ramps, hose, a few spares, etc). We removed the bottle clips from  the little cupboard near the side door and that holds some tools, small fan heater (just in case) and items that might be needed quickly. The EHU cable sits in a bag in the front passenger footwell, no problem with that. We made a smaller table that uses the island leg and fold down legs that fits in the wardrobe. Our two camping chairs and small foldable camping table are strapped to the back of the front passenger seat and are removed when on site. They are either stored in the cab or underneath the MH when not in use. 
Walking boots are carried either under the o/side seat/bed (not much space as that is where the Truma, leisure battery and now the water pump are) or in the washroom. Clothes are distributed between the wardrobe and a squishy bag or packing cubes in the large space (daytime) under the hanging wardrobe. At night this can be placed in the cab area or on the swivelled around passenger seat. The squishy bag usually travels on the rear passenger seat, secured by the seat belt.
Jackets hang on the back of the front seats.
Collapsible bucket, watering can (for freshwater refilling if necessary), soft shoes, fleece jacket and a few clothes are stored in the wardrobe.
We try to maintain easy access through from front to back and try to keep everything fairly tidy during the day.
We don't take bikes or a BBQ. We do have a small induction hob that can be used outside via the 240v socket by the sliding door if we want to cook outside. As a last resort we also have a tiny, tiny spirit/wood stove that is extremely efficient and packs away to a size less than a cigarette packet.
We have an umbrella which doubles as make-do sunshade in the sliding pocket + spare lashing straps for use when needed, and in the long pocket above the door we have a first aid kit (another in the driver's door pocket and probably another in the passenger door pocket!), spare towel + anything else that will fit in securely.
Fire blanket is kept just above the cooker. Paper towel rolls are packed in everywhere  that there is a space that needs filling as it helps reduce things jiggling around. We used to keep bread in the microwave but as the door is always flying open we don't do that anymore and are probably going to remove it as we don't use it anyway! That will make another nice big cupboard!
We only carry the essential nighttime seat cushions and have removed the unwanted ones. We use the two singles arrangement.
That's about it I think!

That's a good summary. I was thinking about removing the bottle clips as well, and probably the plate rack, which is no good for travelling unless you love rattles. You didn't say what is in the space just behind the driver's seat, but that's where my EHU cable lives at the moment (in a bag). There's actually quite a lot of storage, just not necessarily of the size needed to store an individual large item like a barbecue.

Oh yes, plate rack removed. We store the plates and bowls, which have non-slip rubber bases, in a pile, interleaved with either paper towel sheets or that non-slip rubber mat stuff.
We keep the bed head cushion thing that is meant to velcro to the underside of the hanging wardrobe (it used to fall off after a few pot holes) in the box behind the driver's seat, together with a warning triangle ! and an old fashioned road map book, + campsite books and related papers.
We still rethink how to store things as we use the Symbol in various different situations. Sometimes we need to adapt.

Ah yes, the bed head which as you say is "meant" to Velcro to the bottom of the wardrobe, but only stays there more than 10 minutes if you're stationary. Genius design that is! I've left that at home as I don't need it.

Thank you everyone some really great tips here 

We are changing from a A/S Broadway (2019) to a Globecar Sumit Prime 6.40.  So same length, but narrower & lower.  One of the major reasons is my small folding mobility scooter.  Whilst "lightweight" (all things are relative) it is still 17kg with battery.  Currently it has to travel in the main part of the van - so lug it up the steps, and on site it can jut fit in the passenger seat well, if the seat is in just the right position - so lug out of van & up into footwell (it wont go between the two front seats)  This is becoming a real chore.  So the Globecar (with 2 single beds, which is a must for us) has lots of space under the beds accessed easily from the rear doors.  As A/S do nothing like this, we have to change make.
We have really assessed the space available and our outdoor chairs & table will go under the beds, as will cable, water pipes, ramps etc.  All the indoor stuff will fit reasonably easily into the inside of the van.  We carefully considered the swap from oven/grill/3 gas 1 electric + m.wave to two burners & decided that was fine. Have never used the oven.  use m.wave at home but rarely in the van.  Grill we will miss for toast - but there are other ways round that.

HJA wrote:We are changing from a A/S Broadway (2019) to a Globecar Sumit Prime 6.40.  So same length, but narrower & lower.  One of the major reasons is my small folding mobility scooter.  Whilst "lightweight" (all things are relative) it is still 17kg with battery.  Currently it has to travel in the main part of the van - so lug it up the steps, and on site it can jut fit in the passenger seat well, if the seat is in just the right position - so lug out of van & up into footwell (it wont go between the two front seats)  This is becoming a real chore.  So the Globecar (with 2 single beds, which is a must for us) has lots of space under the beds accessed easily from the rear doors.  As A/S do nothing like this, we have to change make.
We have really assessed the space available and our outdoor chairs & table will go under the beds, as will cable, water pipes, ramps etc.  All the indoor stuff will fit reasonably easily into the inside of the van.  We carefully considered the swap from oven/grill/3 gas 1 electric + m.wave to two burners & decided that was fine. Have never used the oven.  use m.wave at home but rarely in the van.  Grill we will miss for toast - but there are other ways round that.

Have you not looked at a Autosleeper WXL, 2 single beds plenty of storage ,room for mobility scooter between seats , we sometime travel with 2 scooters depending on site and location

Our WXL with scooter between the seats for travel , seat stored on bench. Also allows seats to be used for lunch break etc.
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FreelanderUK wrote:

HJA wrote:We are changing from a A/S Broadway (2019) to a Globecar Sumit Prime 6.40.  So same length, but narrower & lower.  One of the major reasons is my small folding mobility scooter.  Whilst "lightweight" (all things are relative) it is still 17kg with battery.  Currently it has to travel in the main part of the van - so lug it up the steps, and on site it can jut fit in the passenger seat well, if the seat is in just the right position - so lug out of van & up into footwell (it wont go between the two front seats)  This is becoming a real chore.  So the Globecar (with 2 single beds, which is a must for us) has lots of space under the beds accessed easily from the rear doors.  As A/S do nothing like this, we have to change make.
We have really assessed the space available and our outdoor chairs & table will go under the beds, as will cable, water pipes, ramps etc.  All the indoor stuff will fit reasonably easily into the inside of the van.  We carefully considered the swap from oven/grill/3 gas 1 electric + m.wave to two burners & decided that was fine. Have never used the oven.  use m.wave at home but rarely in the van.  Grill we will miss for toast - but there are other ways round that.

Have you not looked at a Autosleeper WXL, 2 single beds plenty of storage ,room for mobility scooter between seats , we sometime travel with 2 scooters depending on site and location

But where do you put the scooter at night?

The scooter is outside under a cover, we are on a temp holiday site at the moment and it’s outside now with a fitted cover on it , never had a problem with leaving it out in 7 years

We also leave scooter outside, use a D lock and cable to secure it to twobar. Also have an alarm fitted but tend not to use it. If we need it inside the van main bit of chassis sits on its side between front seats, with passenger seat swivelled round. Rear axle and battery sit in front seat well and seat on driver's seat. Works well for us.[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Sorry we away on a site at present and had problems using phone to upload, hence three copies of same photo

sometimes, folk dont want to leave their kit outside....bikes, scooters etc., hence the desire for a van with proper outside storage...a PVC with rear storage 'garage' like a Globecar (mentioned) allows a plethora of stuff to be carried under a bed without impacting on what that area is designed for...sleeping.
its (possibly) fine carrying a scooter inside a rear lounge van, but when you get to site, and its raining, who wants to share their relaxing space with a scooter, or to bung the thing out in the rain?
whist read bedded vans wont be everyones cup of tea, they provide good all weather storage areas without impacting on the usage of the van.
if a rear lounge is important then a large storage area will be a tricky thing to find once on site.
the other (real) advantage of a rear bedded van, along with the great storage, is a proper bed to sleep on....which goes a long way to selecting a van's layout.

bolero boy wrote:sometimes, folk dont want to leave their kit outside....bikes, scooters etc., hence the desire for a van with proper outside storage...a PVC with rear storage 'garage' like a Globecar (mentioned) allows a plethora of stuff to be carried under a bed without impacting on what that area is designed for...sleeping.
its (possibly) fine carrying a scooter inside a rear lounge van, but when you get to site, and its raining, who wants to share their relaxing space with a scooter, or to bung the thing out in the rain?
whist read bedded vans wont be everyones cup of tea, they provide good all weather storage areas without impacting on the usage of the van.
if a rear lounge is important then a large storage area will be a tricky thing to find once on site.
the other (real) advantage of a rear bedded van, along with the great storage, is a proper bed to sleep on....which goes a long way to selecting a van's layout.

Our scooters have spent many a happy night outside in all weathers covered under a quality made cover with no Ill effects, just lift the battery inside if very cold

Having just downsized myself it was quite interesting what came out of the old van that we never used or infrequently used. You do need to be a wee bit more regimental in what you pack.

The only thing causing us a problem is our chairs which won't fit under the bed storage. So looking for some comfortable chairs that fold into bags that can go underneath the beds.

mefeinmccabe wrote:Having just downsized myself it was quite interesting what came out of the old van that we never used or infrequently used. You do need to be a wee bit more regimental in what you pack.

The only thing causing us a problem is our chairs which won't fit under the bed storage. So looking for some comfortable chairs that fold into bags that can go underneath the beds.

When we got the Symbol we tried out some fold-into-bag type chairs but found nothing as comfortable as our Vango highback chairs. We strap them to the back of the front passenger seat and then remove them when arriving on site so that we can swivel the seat around. (We rarely swivel the driver's seat). They sit up on the raised floor bit quite neatly and don't interfere with the side door access.
We actually also carry our fold open camp table sandwiched between the two chairs in this position.
At night they store under the van in a big poly bag, but could probably be stored in the cab area if necessary.
TBH I don't think that even if we had found a comfortable fold-into-bag type that it would have been easy to store the bags anywhere! (In a Symbol anyway!)
Also, some of the fold-into-bag chairs can be extremely challenging as far as assembly is concerned 

mefeinmccabe wrote:Having just downsized myself it was quite interesting what came out of the old van that we never used or infrequently used. You do need to be a wee bit more regimental in what you pack.

The only thing causing us a problem is our chairs which won't fit under the bed storage. So looking for some comfortable chairs that fold into bags that can go underneath the beds.

On both our Warwicks we carried folding chairs on the bike rack. 

There are a couple of provisos - first you need a bike rack and second you won’t want you be carrying bikes. 

Also, some of the fold-into-bag chairs can be extremely challenging as far as assembly is concerned 


You mean remove from storage......
Pull out of bag....unfold (usually 0.25 second) then sit!!!!!! [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]