Van Life: Extra Storage For Van Dwellers / Travelers Using A Cargo Box & Carrier On The Tow Hitch

[@roamingfree6968]

Dude! Where are you? Hope all is well. Sure do miss your helpful tips & info. 😢

[@ShadeTreeGarage68]

I loved that scenery in the background. I was waiting for Andy and Opie to walk by with fishing poles on their shoulders.

[@BackroadsVanner]

LOL... We were hoping for a bear!

[@norcalvandweller8401]

Miss your videos Hope all is ok in your world

[@markreynolds3850]

Mike miss your channel, videos.

[@joshandthejam7806]

You we right in my back yard in this video. Hope you enjoyed Glacier.

[@Scott-J]

Oh man, a locking truck box on a hitch platform, that's so easy, and so brilliant. I love it!

[@BackroadsVanner]

Hi Scott, thanks! Here's some more info about the hitch box if you want one too! www.backroadsvanner.com/all-posts/extra-storage-van-dwellers-van-travelers-using-cargo-box-carrier-tow-hitch/

[@vanwhalen3719]

Awesome idea, I installed one on the front of my van because my job requires me to tow a trailer. had to use a bit shorter of a tool box so that it didn't block the head lights and it still does a tiny bit .So far so good though .

[@Louie12673]

Hey brother, miss your vanning videos. Hope all is well!!

[@Omnitrio1]

was in a bear attack i dont think he is around anymore

[@Louie12673]

@@Omnitrio1 Well I hope he is still around. Thanks

[@watapompi4824]

Mike your teaching skills are crazy!!!! what a great channel, thank you for all the videos!!! hi from France

[@madbitvanner9107]

Love your ideas. Always done with style. Just bought a van and I’m starting to build it out. Thanks for the ideas!

[@kabzak]

Another great video, Mike!

[@marshabrown8337]

I love your videos. Thnks so much for shaing your knowledge. Hope to see some more videos soon. Take care.

[@timelwood2555]

You really are a very bright guy. Good stuff again

[@danparisien1856]

Very good advise Mike. Thanks for sharing all these good ideas.

[@cattalkbmx]

Top notch setup, videos, and info. Thanks man, you've got your setup dialed in.

[@TheYFlyer]

Excellent point on the 4" rise to the cargo carrier.

[@hueypilot1950]

I don't see many KZbin van conversions talk about using cargo carriers. I had a week long trip to Florida this spring. Minivans are barely big enough anyway so I made good use of the hitch mount carrier. If I camped a little more often, I would spring for your set up with the elevated carrier and tool box. I like the low tech simple solutions such as you have, let me add excellent practical solutions.

[@cyndifoore7743]

Great ideas Mike! Happy trails!

[@clermontcubby9207]

Great job as always, Mike.

[@LadyTSurvival]

ian & teresa skelley on you tube has a video using a swing away hitch in conjunction with that as well as a swivel. it moves completely out of the way of the doors.

[@neuroleptika]

The color of your van is absolutely beautiful, it really suits the design

[@robertgarner6023]

impressed with your down to earth camper solutions!

[@caravann26]

thanks for giving some practical real advice I.e. the rise in the hitch. and not just a show and tell, talking about your stuff.

[@tomiswick]

Love your videos man they are helping me tons with my conversion. Cheers from Hamilton ontario canada 👍

[@jamestaylor8860]

I was trying to figure a way which included removing the bumper and replacing it with a storage box. You have helped me so much. Thank you

[@ForeverForNow3]

Using a metal box for a counter top and with it being metal being safe to heat (within reason) is a great tip! thank you

[@jeffthompson8663]

You are smart and detailed,,, love the details,,,, i just subscribed.

[@LaVonneEllis]

Thanks, now I know why I need one!

[@mehGyver]

You can always buy or build a swing-out arm to mount the basket on. Then those doors will clear. Great vid!

[@bartgoodell2017]

Yeah, thinking the same thing. Swing from passenger side and have one long counter top.

[@WatersandWilderness]

I've seen someone have to get his hinges fixed because of the weight added to the hinges on those swing out arms.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Not if its that heavy, are you kidding! You will break the hinge.

[@GypsyFeet316]

We have magic dust here in NW Montana...it just finds its way into everything!!! I pack stuff in zip locks then pack. I love your knack box idea 💗

[@enriquemariorodriguez2637]

Love 💕 your videos guys, always thoroughly explained & great quality, good job! 👍

[@L-lp9fl]

Neat box, inside and out.

[@Russellbeta]

Great for an existing van, but depending on the use case I'd probably go for a longer van over a short one with a storage box like this in order to get more volume for the extra length.

[@mrbr549]

Great video! I really liked the clear explanation of how you have it set up and how you use it. It sure gives me ideas on how I could use something similar.

[@tradmanmike3360]

ANOTHER GREAT INFORMATIONAL VIDEO AND WELL DONE! ALWAYS THUMBS UP!!!! PLANING TO BUILD OUT THE SAME VAN AND LOVE THESE IDEAS. THANK YOU!!!

[@smileywarrior1870]

I just bought a cargo carrier. I need to get a hitch tightener, and the aluminum box. That 4” raise hitch attachment is also something I need. I noticed driving off my driveway the bottle scrapes a bit. Not so bad but watching this video, I know exactly what I need to pick up next time I’m at autozone or Harbor freight. Great vid!

[@MSJ12333]

Where have you been? Why are you quitting your KZbin for quite sometimes, and yet you’re a one of my favorite person on KZbin. Please come back make more films!

[@GatorLife57]

Thumbs up....ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE

[@c230benzito]

Great idea. I'll be doing that if i ever get the courage to build me a bov

[@zalleywaalley8227]

It seems to me that it would also be useful for very lite off-roading also (GMC Jimmy). Thanks for the video.

[@emmgee7153]

where have you been? miss your educational vids.

[@stoneteller9662]

That's awesome, great channel. Love all your videos!

[@stephenlockecyclonedrifter6876]

I alway appreciate your good advice. Plan to do the same on my Storm Chaser!

[@rodreddick]

Awesome 🎥 great information thank you..

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Good point about that clearance - happened to my van on a dip!

[@TONSOFVANARCHY]

I agree with van inn.....please come back.

[@marshabrown8337]

Hope you and yours are well. Take care.

[@sc9551]

Love your van!

[@emya.9885]

Perfect! It is what we are looking for. Thank you so much!

[@stringbender57]

Good info on extra storage. I too have seen totes, wooden boxes etc. on a trailer hitch rack but never a truck tool box. Looks great, locks and is strong. Great idea! I love your entire van build and new paint. I wish I had the skills and patience to build one just like it. Thanks for posting. 🚐💨

[@JJF10101957]

Good Video! A Van life is possible, storage is always an issue. I subbed!

[@stevethepirate2875]

You could also use a construction game box. They lock and can even take a hit from a sledgehammer ... or a Lull. Don't ask me how I know that. Also, a small metal rack system could be used to carry large 5gallon gas cans between the box and the back of the van. For those really long trips between gas stations.

[@BackroadsVanner]

You're absolutely right steve! Those gas cans come in handy while traveling the backroads! Thanks for watching!

[@alifeofdiversions3174]

Nice box idea! Just love that location, had watched this before and wanted to see that area again, just gorgeous!

[@BackroadsVanner]

We were up by Seeley lake, MT. Absolutely beautiful country.

[@MrKenFernandes]

Nice.If someone has a carrier already(like me). We went and got a Roadmaster Hi-low 8'inch extension.

[@bikersbabede]

Hey guys! Found you through Adventure Vanman. Love the rig.

[@annehowellable]

thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. super helpful. u da shizzle

[@mrmagoo9901]

Another good idea young man...thanks...

[@Tygerlady99]

Hi! I'm a new subber to your channel (saw you & your wife on Adventure Van Man's channel and love what you did with your van.

[@BackroadsVanner]

Thank you very much. We appreciate you watching!

[@Juliaronan]

Have you seen the swing away racks? Those are cool, too!

[@jacmoll9]

Love your channel brother so informative

[@angelikaszabo1962]

It's been about a year, where did you and Shannon go? Love your videos, thanks to you, I am now watching many, many videos from other van dwellers! Love the creativity you all have. Please...need more videos from you guys! Waiting patiently, Angie

[@Matty-Travels]

5 years. Hope you're still not waiting. Lol.

[@angelikaszabo1962]

@@Matty-Travels Hahaha! Nope! But, if you are coming back I will watch your channel again! Thanks for the message, had to laugh! You're funny! How is it going out there? Are you guys having fun? Enjoy the adventure!

[@kennethfeist5504]

Mike where did you go? What are you doing these days?

[@aHigherPower]

Nice setup! Oh I wish I could build my van now. lol

[@Rickburkettgmail.comBucket60]

NICE MIKE👍👍

[@MDC2020]

I noticed you have new wheels and tires could you do a video on that. They look sharp the few angles I get to see.

[@BackroadsVanner]

Yes! Have that in the works! Thanks for asking.

[@peterm.eggers520]

If a swing out bracket won't work, how about a frame with legs that would fit both top of the box (upside-down) and the smaller bottom? Might be a hassle getting on and off the receiver though. Maybe with some sort of spring loaded legs you could just push down on the top of the box to get proper alignment. You'd still have to be able to compress and lock each leg to be able to get the frame off and flipped over to attach to the top of the box for traveling.

[@ChristineBEACHCRICKETLowery]

I would love having one of those!

[@finnblu3002]

Trust all is well and the experiences fantastic! Any plans to pull off the back road and upload a new vid or two ??? . .

[@BackroadsVanner]

Yes ,I plan on doing many more videos! Sorry it has been so long. Life is great and we are living the dream.

[@KatandzR]

Thank you, I have been looking into something like this.. 🌞

[@CfunkPalace]

Great videos! Hope you're doing well... would love an update!

[@fed9186]

Swivel carriers are nice too.

[@Jeepdude601]

I enjoy your videos . really like your raptor liner, I'm starting on my van 1999 dodge b2500

[@BackroadsVanner]

Great! Keep us posted on how it turns out! Thanks for watching Doug!

[@Louie12673]

Hello... Are you still Active in Vanning? Great Videos!!!

[@brandonGCHACHU]

Great tips. Hope you're ok

[@chevyvandweller2706]

I like the aluminium tool box ideal, nice and lite. I've been using two large plastic totes on the back of my cargo hitch carrier. it's hard to lock those :)

[@norcalvandweller8401]

Miss you on You Tube, ever gonna come back? Hope everything is ok ?

[@jacbox3889]

Miss your vids! Happy Boxing Day!

[@_onesimpleidea]

+Backroads Vanner Hey Mike. Simple, but very useful video. Thanks for the tips. A couple thoughts or questions: 1. Receiver: I think the "receiver" is the female part of the hitch. I think the male part that gets inserted -- what you said had a rise to it -- is actually called a "drawbar". So, the new piece that you introduced was a _drawbar_ with a rise. Nice feature and explanation. 2. Drawbar length: Do you think it would be a good idea (for others) to buy a drawbar slightly longer than yours (maybe 6") that would allow them to open the rear van doors without removing the cargo box? 3. U-bolt: What is that u-bolt around the drawbar near the receiver? I figure it is to keep the drawbar from wiggling loose and falling out. However, I thought those types of hitches used a removable retaining pin to keep the drawbar in. 4. Superman Paint: How is your bulletproof van paint holding up? I think it really looks great. Makes me want to put it on my vehicle. Thanks and keep doing what you're doing. P.S. - I envy your camping spot!

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

I need one of those for my Astro

[@marshabrown8337]

Hope you start posting again. Lovr sll yout videos. Take care.

[@campwardbound3513]

This is the ultimate "chuck box". Thanks for posting. We go in and out of our van though the back. I wonder if you could attach the truck box to sliders and pull out through the barn doors?

[@BackroadsVanner]

check out my interview with Mike and his A/C unit. He has sliders on his box, it is great.

[@anothersomebody8195]

Hey man, you're down to earth and just say it as it is and move on 👍We have an E-150 and everything you said I was like yeah, me too!!! We just did glacier.... how about those shoulders!?!

[@anothersomebody8195]

YellowstoneNP wants you to store all your cooking items in the vehicle. Do you have a solution for outside storage without putting off scents to nearby bears? New subscriber :-)

[@clamo6362]

Nice idea. I would do this but they dont make tuff boxes big enough for my needs.

[@JayDubber]

Sweet vanner stickers..

[@VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY]

*great tips*

[@CaravanCarolyn]

Awesome Thank you!

[@taz10029]

@Backroads Vanner The link to that carrier isnt working. I would really like to get that one. Could you update the link? Pleassseeeee

[@sovereignbeing1655]

What is the make and model of the carrier. Thanks.

[@TheKurtLyon]

Thanks guys. Great idea and real world feedback. Liked & Sub’d

[@elisafrye2115]

Great ideas for many uses, but Why are you not using a Swing-Away Hitch?

[@Z71BagBoy]

Haven't seen any content for a while. How about a video about Cargo vans verses Sprinter vans. I'm really not sure if I want to go with a sprinter or a turtle top Cargo van. This wan build will be for a retired couple. Thank you Lucky

[@WhoDigsMedia]

Thanks for sharing.

[@tangotracker5297]

Cool tip! Thank you for the video!

[@Yodaismycopilot]

Nice video! Just curious - the link from the toolbox doesn't go to any specific item at their website. Is there a part number perhaps? Thanks.

[@mikethespikemorgan]

Nicely videoed by the photographer.

[@BackroadsVanner]

Thanks! Shannan will love to hear that!

[@stealthexpressvan8475]

Thanks, Mike. Can you see the box and carrier in rear view mirror when backing up?

[@BackroadsVanner]

No, but I can with my rear view camera. Thanks for the question!

[@genewander7140]

Plan on buying a used van very used do you have and tips on vans

[@Guzzirodo]

interesting. Thank you

[@cybersecretary]

great job!

[@Feathered_Moon]

thank you!!