One thing that is different between my previous LD (1985 TK) and this one (2017 MB) is the lack of a place to put things, such as glasses, cell phone, etc., at night. We plan on sleeping in the rear lounge area with sofas in the twin bed arrangement. I liked my old TK as it had a little shelf along the back window and the sofas. The MB does have a little area along the passenger side sofa where DW will sleep, but not on the driver’s side. Has anyone added a shelf to the forward wall on the driver side? This is also the back wall for the shower and is very thin.
Greg,
We have used several of these shelves. Clear shelf with sides (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BLQBJY3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I like them because: There are sides which help keep items in.
They are clear, so they don't interfere with the open feel/look.
In our LD (89 TK) we have them on the wall between the lounge area and the refrigerator - one of the thin walls. The wall is thicker than you think. We took a screw out of there (actually removed the magazine rack, but see if there is another screw you could take out to measure or I am sure the factory could tell you the thickness. If I remember right it we used a 5/8" screw. But it doesn't need a lot - we don't put heavy things on it, maybe 1/2 lb - things like keys, wifi equipment, masks, headlamps and small flashlights - things we want to have handy.
Another handy spot (we bought 2 sets of 2 so had an extra we hadn't planned for) is above the entry door. Great for things you want to dump there as you come in the door or pick up on your way out (mask, sunglasses, etc.).
Jane
Thanks, Jane! Looks like something to consider. I like the fact they have sides and are clear. I've also thought a folding shelf might work if I can find an appropriate sized one. Our LD already has a factory installed shelf above the entry door for keys, flashlights, etc. which is nice.
Hey, Greg, I just absolutely love the upholstery fabric in your Lazy Daze!
Thanks, Jan! My better half loves it as well!
Greg, you must have a question an hour - lol
I have seen better shelf designs, but this is the one I did for both sides.
The shelf rests on the cushion which we never move. In fact, we have set the back to vertical rather than slanted which adds a few more inches of bed. Note in the picture which shows the shelf turned over is a piece which when in place keeps the shelf level. Note also that you can a drill hole in that piece, remove a screw from the window and reinstall the screw through the wood. The screw only holds the trim piece of the window on. No chance of leaks.
More storage.
We don't use the cab over bed. So this works for us.
Drivers side.
A bookcase built from scrap wood with a tray on top. Screwed to plywood bed floor.
I keep Jeep trail and campground guide books in it.
You can see the storage boxes in the next picture peeking out.
Storage boxes that we use to keep cold clothing when caught in weather we should not be in.
A tray on top of the Map Box which holds the large scale maps of the state we are in.
One more. A tray on the dinette built with scrap wood to hold whatever besides salt and pepper.
Thanks for the storage tips, Don! We are still figuring things out as we've only camped once in Nocona. I'm always hesitant to act on my first impulse so thank goodness for this forum where I can ask questions and learn from all you experts!
After hearing from JuliW and doing some contemplating, I decided not to go the shelf route. I had not even thought of this but she had an excellent idea to just make a bedside caddy, even giving me the measurements to use for one she had made for her LD. Me being the lazy sort, I decided to search online and found this on Amazon so ordered one. A permanently installed shelf would limit me to sleeping with my head at the forward end of the lounge. This setup will allow sleeping either way on the twin bed.
Amazon.com: Joywell Thick Linen Bedside Storage Organizer, Bedside Caddy... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R3FFCDZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I made a caddy "apron" to hang from the puny little shelf-cum-cupholder in the cab of my 2003. A commercial caddy might work for some if the sizes and numbers of pockets were adaptable to what one wanted to stash in it; I calculated what I wanted to carry in the cab apron and sewed the pockets accordingly. If one sews or has access to some who does, a custom design can be very useful.
A suggestion for the "linen" caddy linked above; one might want to read these instructions carefully before deciding on a cleaning procedure. ;)
"This bedside organizer can only be hand washed for easy care and maintenance, separately in cold water on the gentle cycle, do not use bleach. Note: The board contains plastic, so please do not machine wash."
My 2003, like Joan's, had just two cupholders on the doghouse. I bought a "seatback organizer" similar to this one (https://www.amazon.com/CARTMAN-Standard-Organizer-Multi-Pocket-Storage/dp/B00TJSRZPM/ref=sr_1_26?dchild=1&keywords=seat+back+pouch+storage&qid=1613244344&s=automotive&sr=1-26) for ten or fifteen bucks, cut off the bottom row of pouches, and attached it to the doghouse with snaps. (I've found this snap kit (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DHHTZFC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to be very handy.)
Joan's way is better, because if you sew your own, you can customize the size and layout of the pouches. But if you just want a quick fix, the seatback organizer route is easy and cheap.