Packing and Organizing for Van Life with a Motorcycle

Today, we move back into our MODE LT Ford Transit camper van by Storyteller Overland and find a place for everything as we packed for two months of living out of the van.
One key to enjoying van life is getting everything organized in the camper. With the addition of the Garage Storage System (GSS) by Canyon Adventure Vans we can better organize all of our gear in the garage. Learn more about CAVans garage storage system canyonadventur...
Step22 Rhino Bag Rig-A_Maroll: step22gear.com...
Take a tour of our camper • Ultimate AWD Ford Tran...
► Official Website weretherussos.com
► Newsletter bit.ly/wtrsignup
► Books weretherussos....
Joe and Kait have been traveling in various adventure based campers since 2015. For travel destinations, camper guides, essential gear and tips from the road visit weretherussos.com and / weretherussos
ⓢⓤⓑⓢⓒⓡⓘⓑⓔ & Turn on Notifications for New Videos
www.youtube.com...
=========================
© We're the Russos, LLC 2022. All Rights Reserved.
=========================
- Disclosures -
We’re the Russos is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

[@dallaskl90]

I'm in the middle of watching your video you guys are awesome I love your wife Kate with her long hair she was great with short hair but you guys are both awesome and love your videos

[@warrenscorner]

Why do I smell coffee as I’m watching your video? Great storage solutions!

[@rogerbuss5324]

Glad I'm not the only one that has invented ideas about storage I am now condensed down to a small teardrop trailer and trying to condense down so I can stay in my weight limit

[@Weretherussos]

Good job!

[@nancylagoyda5337]

Loving your new van. I also love how organized you have stored everything. Can’t wait to see where you are going next!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Nancy

[@lynfl9814]

You can tell you guys have done this a time or two. Really good organization for your upcoming road trip. Can't wait to 'ride' along.

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@scottthejeepguy7499]

As always, I love your videos, excellent tour of your van and how you organized all the cargo. Nice job Russos, thanks for sharing, both of you. 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👍🏻 🚐

[@LtDan-ov6bf]

*Organization The Key to successful camping*

[@johnwilliamson9453]

Two thumbs up Joe and Kait! You really jump started our LT #5! These vlogs are so well thought out and implemented.

[@Weretherussos]

Glad you like them!

[@cariboudave]

love the Berkey station. I had the top section come off last fall, while it was in the sink during travel.. fell to the floor and snapped off a filter. $170 later to get a 2 pack replacement . Packing job looks great. like the van!

[@Weretherussos]

We had that happen once - hence the dual straps

[@damonhowatt]

We travel in a FWC Fleet and space is tight! For sauces, we use the Oxo brand 6.0 oz and 13.0 oz squeeze bottles. They stay secure and don’t open. Buy at Amazon. Great video series by the way!

[@TheEdelKampers]

Great job of packing. We are still figuring out how we want to organize our Truck Camper. Enjoyed the tour. Have a great week. Mary 💕Fred

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you and good luck!

[@CraigNiesenPhotography]

I am always amazed at how much you guys can pack with you, no matter the vehicle. Thank you for sharing. Peace and Safe Travels -Craig

[@Weretherussos]

So are we...once you lay it all out, it's kind of shocking

[@keyplayer5]

This reminds me of you packing up your Hymer back in the day. I still remember you rolling up your clothes and making it all fit. I’m so glad things went so well for you guys in getting a house and such a wonderful home for the road as well! You guys way deserve it! I definitely want your camper but at least I can enjoy it through your adventures. 💕

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Barbara!

[@ProvoDrive]

Great episode.

[@stydeman]

Yo both have added, SO MANY, new ideas for my STO Beast organization! THANK YOU BOTH & enjoy that STO Mode LT. (Beast #63.22)

[@Weretherussos]

You’re welcome!

[@teddysdadcory]

I LOVE the wood cabinets in your van. They add the perfect touch of warmth and natural material without the glossy style you see in others.

[@Weretherussos]

We’d agree!

[@JJKHaywood]

Right on! good lay out in this model and the mods really work. The Ford has a good Dealer network for service and repairs. Win Win

[@Weretherussos]

We agree!

[@LisaMarli]

We travel in our Prius V. Soft bags are wonderful for getting more stuff packed in. We are mostly going to conventions and staying in hotels, but as I unpack the car, everyone is in awe how much stuff is in there.

[@Weretherussos]

You can squirrel away a lot in those little cars!

[@rvmohr]

Are you thinking about a lift kit or air bags? I`m thinking you need some more ground clearance. SEE YA OUT THERE!!

[@Weretherussos]

It’s already been lifted - can’t be lifted any more.

[@suzannewch7202]

Great information on creative storage solutions! Safe travels!

[@CoolInOlympia]

Cool! A new van!

[@jesdm8]

Loving the new van & storage area's

[@guylongley1573]

I really like that van. Like the room. Kate really knows how to pack. She should have a series on just packing. 🤣 Can't wait for the summer adventure. Hope it's as good as last year's. 😁👍

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Guy!

[@pamelaweihrauch7735]

Really enjoyed this vid! Really looking forward to your summer travels. Love your hair Kait!!! Safe travels!!!

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

Nice rig. The wife and I are considering the exact same setup; not too big for all over access and I just have to bring a motorcycle. Oh and my hot sauces too! Good luck on your adventures!

[@judyfeldman5066]

Thanks for the storage tips. We will adopt a couple for our Transit van.

[@Weretherussos]

You're welcome Judy!

[@richardburguillos3118]

Looks great. More room than expected. You should consider adding a shovel up o. The roof as well. Comes in handy for digging those 💩 holes when off road adventuring. Also an axe might come in handy. Be fun to see how it all goes on your first adventures.

[@Weretherussos]

We don't have ours on this trip because we knew we wouldn't be that far off grid to need it.

[@deborah4579]

Kait the organizer Queen! Thanks for the tips. Enjoy your summer.

[@JohnGrit]

cant wait to see your first trip!!

[@reinhardgavel2042]

like your new ford van. always happy travel and thanks for doing more vids. many greetings from germany...

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks for watching!

[@joycejohnson1396]

Glad to see you again. Be safe and happy travels.

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you! Will do!

[@jmichaelmalone]

Koozies as protectors - genius! 😉

[@Weretherussos]

we thought so!

[@christinavallem5669]

Bag for pantry storage, xl boat bag: Cotton or nylon, open or zip top, LLBean or LandsEnd

[@pattimitchellbichner5956]

Awesome idea, storing bottles in koozies.

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jimsteele7108]

I'm exited for you two. It's always fun to get a new space set up.

[@Weretherussos]

That it is Jim

[@bonniepwtf]

So glad you guys made a video about loading everything in. I know with my van being much smaller, I had to be very strategic. Everything looks great where it is. QUESTION: How will you be using the Birkie with the spout so low? Happy & safe trails.😊❤ Christine, if you're watching, you're in my thoughts & prayers.

[@Weretherussos]

We just move it to the edge of the sink when we need water

[@bonniepwtf]

@@Weretherussos Ah! Thanks for responding.

[@robertabrams8562]

Great job! I’ve now seen you two pack 3 vehicles during all my years of following you : The Aktiv, Leo and now your new LT (if memory serves, you also did a moving in video a coupla years ago with that $185K ‘Green Monster’ off road campervan, but that was only a test drive for 2wks, so that doesn’t count - I could be wrong about the specific vehicle though, my memory is not what it used to be lol)! Looking forward to seeing what summer adventures you have in store for us! Cheers as always 🍻🤗🤗

[@DayZeroFWD]

Just the video I needed to watch. Thanks..

[@Weretherussos]

You’re welcome!

[@taurusview9]

Thanks for the video and it was really nice to meet you at the show the other day, I never knew we had some (distant) connection as you described it to me...RV ON brother :)

[@Weretherussos]

Great meeting you as well!

[@52Dannytheman]

Nicely presented and informative. I noticed a lot more of good looking Russo. I like that. 😘😘😘

[@Weretherussos]

lol...thanks!

[@matthewedwards3550]

TAAAAAALLY HOOOOE!!! well done you two...as always!!! Safe journeys!!!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lindastrous5243]

Looking great. Be safe.

[@LastNameTom]

Sorry if you answered this, but now you have traveled in a few different types of vans, campers, and RV's, what has been your favorite?

[@Weretherussos]

It all depends on the type of travel - they’ve all be great for different things and they’ve all be compromises in some form or another.

[@LibbyRal]

Brilliant coozie trick. Thanks for the tour

[@pammcfarland1727]

Love Kait and all your solutions !

[@sewistnotsewer]

Love your new van and all the great organizing ideas!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@heatherangellight8558]

Wow great info and great organizing!!!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@elizabethw4519]

Great idea about the zoozies, now I will start keeping them.

[@gasanm9207]

Great I like van

[@heatherlucero2530]

Loved watching where stuff will all go! 👍🏻

[@Weretherussos]

Glad you enjoyed it Heather!

[@CharlieGraceAdventure]

Love the way you set it up! Hope to see y'all again this year at the Van Expo.

[@Weretherussos]

We’ll be at the upcoming one in Hood River and then the Chattanooga show

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

Over Memorial Day we were in Sisters, Oregon and I saw a Storyteller Overland at the park, and took a careful look... but it wasn't you. I wasn't surprised by the van, it just seems that it will match your lifestyle. I am still getting used to Kait's long hair in the recent videos - I thought she really rocked the buzz cut before. Keep up the interesting videos and safe travels to you!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks! If you're still around OR, we will be at the Adventure Van Expo in Hood River and then the Overland Expo close to the Sisters area.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, interesting and informative van. Take care you guys

[@Weretherussos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@glendaandbill1562]

I loved seeing you at the overland expo in Sacramento, even though I was shy. Thank you for the tshirts you gave hubby. We plan to go to the Redmond expo too! Hope to see you there!

[@Weretherussos]

You’re welcome!

[@gracegotmehere]

Take out the rice cooker. The instant pot can make rice, be a skillet, slow cooker, high pressure cooker, etc..

[@terrypopejoy8331]

I’m really glad to see you on the road again in a new van! Good choice off a van! I was at Overland Expo 2022 at Flagstaff I !had a great time there, bought a lot of cool stuff for my overland rig! Will we see you at Redmond?

[@Weretherussos]

Yep we'll be there!

[@christinewells8209]

Love Cannecuh Sausage. I tried it once and forgot to write down the name. Thanks for the reminder. It's seriously the best!

[@Weretherussos]

You’re so welcome Christine!

[@pupcamper58]

Safe travels.👍🏻❤️

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Joe - when you get back to your base camp. I would like to send you some hot sauce that's locally made here in Northeast Ohio called Dirty Ol' Sheets.

[@Weretherussos]

Would love to try it. Send us an email [e-mail] and I'll send our address. Thanks!

[@lrobie123]

still think two vans are needed. the cooking and stuff storage van #1 and shower, toilet, relax, sleeping van #2. Of course, that is a wild idea...but people buy 43 foot RV's these days too. Two vans is better than hauling those huge RV's that are limited to where they can be parked

[@wabbit7608]

You should get the stainless steel stand made by Burkee. I have one and it is a lifesaver.

[@Weretherussos]

We’ll look into it - thank you!

[@rdc2724]

Helmets take up a lot of space, have you considered using the inside of the helmet as storage space for small items contained in little bags? (as long as your head is not in it off course ;-))

[@Weretherussos]

We put our gloves in them

[@flybyairplane3528]

WTR, HELLO JIM &KATE, SO Isee you got everything statched away, I know you’ll love the HEADROOM, in NJ THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY & NJ TURNPIKE JUST HIT $ 5.07 /gal regular, I do not drive much anymore has NOTHING to do weigh price I use COSTCO NOW $ 4.83 /reg $ 5.34 premium, as of JULY 15 HERE COSTCO WILL BE CARDHOLDERS ONLY, safe travels ,happy trails God Bless you ,, CHERIO, 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@CarrieMtn]

Some good ideas. Thanks

[@Weretherussos]

Glad you like them!

[@artclosson2500]

Great info. When you have a chance please post we’re you found the nets you added.

[@rebeccawoodbixler9536]

Fantastic!

[@Weretherussos]

Many thanks!

[@tommyeverest]

Nice 🚐 you two ☮️

[@paulacartwrightjohnson8479]

Great van!

[@43lk]

Awesome video, thank you a lot, made my day... there are still people like me... pack a bag and move out for a few days ;)

[@Weretherussos]

You’re very welcome Michael!

[@robertsitch1415]

Being part-time you now get to decide what to bring depending on where you are going. You are much more able to decide between winter gear or the motorcycle for example dependent upon the season.

[@Weretherussos]

Very true Robert!

[@robertsitch1415]

@@Weretherussos yes that could make for an interesting fall video.

[@Cdentonphr]

Will this van have solar or does it already and I missed the video about it? Love this van - BTW!

[@Weretherussos]

Yes it has solar

[@Scott___T]

knowing the space requirements helps make things more specialized or tailored to you

[@Weretherussos]

Exactly.

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Awesome video Russos

[@Van_Liberty]

Pack mastery! Ever try Cometeer coffee. Been subbing for a few months now. Pricey, but worth it and lots of blends...Love the Equator blend. Have you tried the shower yet? Such an interesting take on the subject.

[@Weretherussos]

No I haven't but I also don't drink pod coffee. We love the shower in the van, have used it a lot.

[@Van_Liberty]

@@Weretherussos It's really not pod coffee, per se. It's brewed on site and flash frozen so you just add it to hot water. It delivered in a box with dry ice in four custom roaster packs. The system is for sticks and bricks. Happy travels!

[@samstellastephen]

Having a rice cooker and an instapot does seem overkill. Instapot makes rice well once you dial it in. could just get another inner pot if needing to do rice and also other things, just make rice first, take out pot and put in new pot.

[@skistrycharski6999]

I B a watch geek, wrist check for u, name of watch. Clean/nice looking !

[@Weretherussos]

It's a Citizen...don't remember the model but it's about 16 years old.

[@stephenstringer3689]

Looks like you decided to keep the driver side cabinets…is there more headroom in the Ford so you don’t bang your head like in the sprinter? I like your Berkey solution…do you still have room for the induction stove or is this just for travel security?

[@Weretherussos]

Yes significantly more headroom and the Berkey can be moved wherever. That said we typically cook outside with the induction.

[@jxg5448]

Joe, I have to ask, seeing the way you wear your cap, are you prior military?

[@clemmycat]

I enjoy y’all’s channel! ♥️

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@clemmycat]

♥️🏕🚙

[@musicmarlene]

I make rice in the instant pot, works well

[@Weretherussos]

So do we but it's not as good as an actual rice cooker.

[@conniewaite1371]

Did you sell the truck and camper? Sorry ,I missed that story

[@Weretherussos]

Here is the update: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKbUg3-OlLSIqKs

[@cuddlemymicky]

I just love organizing tetris. Hows Mom Russo doing?

[@Weretherussos]

She's doing much better - thank you!

[@BillSprague]

I’m pretty sure no no one uses the porta-pottie unless there’s a bear outside. 😏

[@Weretherussos]

We use it every day

[@BillSprague]

@@Weretherussos That’s good to know. I think I saw you using your larger porta potty when your mom was along right?

[@sammiepuppy4196]

Great video as always. Enjoyed your storage jacks, especially the cozy idea! Question- I noticed that the motorcycle is in front of where your tag is. Are you going to have to relocate your tag?

[@Weretherussos]

Yes, the tag was relocated

[@djrr3066]

We also have both a rice cooker we use every day as well as an instant pot. I agree a rice cooker makes better rice, we need a larger capacity one than the one we have now. What rice cooker is that one and would you buy the same one again?

[@garretlewis4103]

Coming along with you guys getting use to the van. Thought it was going to be a little more like 10 pounds in a 5 pound sack. I bet you guys were glad it wasn’t.

[@TheProfessorandHerPassport]

Love the design. Where did you get the small netting?

[@Anne-qv7ve]

What did you do with your truck and previous camper? Kate - your hair is beautiful at the new length.

[@Weretherussos]

This video explains it kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKbUg3-OlLSIqKs

[@robertsitch1415]

It seems that quite a few of the new conversation vans don't have a propane cooktop and instead give you a portable induction cooktop.

[@Weretherussos]

Correct. When you have such a large battery bank like we do (1,000 amp hours) the thinking is just go all electric. Propane takes up room and adds weight

[@mickylawless1941]

Are you guys heading back to Montana? You still need to spot a griz up close. Cheers!

[@Weretherussos]

Not this year

[@pathollis9543]

I sure learned a lot from this video! I'm buying a 148 " Tall Transit AWD soon to have it built out! Did not know Canyon Adventure Vans could also fit into the Transit!! Thought it was just for Revels! I live in North County San Diego so thats an easy trip for me to make! Was yours custom built? Good idea carrying a spare freezer!

[@pathollis9543]

By chance, was that the Truma C30?

[@pathollis9543]

Whoops just heard C40

[@kevinyohanjohn5102]

1st veiw

[@dondouglas3431]

Did Storyteller upgrade the suspension on this Mode LT or if not, do you think you will? My wife and I were wondering if Adventure Canyon Vans had a Transit GSS. Very functional! Kait, do you always carry the Instant Pot and a rice cooker on your trips or just when you are heading to gatherings?

[@Weretherussos]

Yes, Storyteller adds the Van Compass lift and shocks. Kait got the rice cooker while we were on the road so we just happen to have both

[@sandrab.5065]

Please review the Truma fridge. Is it quiet? How much power does it draw? Does it keep food cold etc… THX.

[@Weretherussos]

We probably won’t make a video about it but to answer your questions, it’s very quiet and is very efficient. We have it set to freezer so it will get as cold as you want. We like the Truma much better than the Dometic we had. This is the Truma we got: shop.truma.net/products/truma-cooler-c44-single-zone-portable-fridge-freezer

[@cabinvibesebaystore8956]

New sub ! Liked 👍😀✌️❤️

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks for the sub

[@travelingwithcharity4617]

💛💛💛

[@allenbazar2707]

What’s a max track? That orange item on your roof.Nice storage areas.

[@Weretherussos]

It’s a traction board used to get out of sand, mud, etc

[@dougdekuiper3194]

👍

[@ShredwithEd]

I would love to see if packed with the dirtbike inside! Theft is too common so I'd be concerned about keeping it inside and safe.

[@Weretherussos]

You don’t want to put a motorcycle inside a camper because you’ll get exhaust and fuel odors in the van…especially on a carbed bike

[@ShredwithEd]

@@Weretherussos I run mostly fuel injected, but that's a good point. I'd store the fuel in one of those owl vans boxes. I'm looking to building or buy something mostly for MTB and MX road trips, nothing full time.

[@Weretherussos]

Even with FI bikes, you don't want to store them inside your living area. There will be residual exhaust fumes and the gas tank will vent with changes in altitude and temperature.

[@juangutierrez9834]

You have lots of odds and ends