Under Hood Storage with V6

[OpenRoad]

A continual conundrum for me is where to store things in the van.  I have found that there is a lot of space under the hood with the V6 engine (may not be true with the v8, I don't know) which somewhat offsets the drawback of the V6, i.e. somewhat lacking on power.  My most recent addition to the under hood storage are leveling ramps.  I purchased these at Harbor Freight and they fit with almost an inch of clearance to the hood when closed.  So my total list of things that are now stored there are:

- pair of leveling ramps

- come-along winch

- tow strap

- spare qt of oil

- small storage box for miscellaneous

- OEM jack and jack handle packet

- awning tarp and extendable poles

There is room to fit another pair of leveling ramps behind the first pair if I find that I need them.  I have now traveled many thousands of miles with these items under the hood with no complications.

 

As a side note I recently downloaded an app to my android phone for helping on leveling called "Camper Leveler".  It automatically calculates how many inches are needed at each wheel to bring the van to level.  I haven't used it yet but expecting it to make things easier than guessing while looking at the bubble level I have used in the past.

[crusty]

The jack and tool pouch were inside in a clean and dry area.  Under the heed they are exposed to the elements.  I would be worried about the condition those items will be in when you need them after a few years outdoors.

[OpenRoad]

They have been under the hood for 3 years with no change in their condition and I have had to use them a couple of times.  The only difference from being inside the van is the temperature from engine heat, there is no dirt or moisture.  I know it is unusual to store things in the engine compartment but during the van conversion inside space limitations drove me to think "outside the box".  It is a huge engine compartment, especially with the V6 engine.

[crusty]

To what you have said, it has worked for you for the past 3 years.  That is it worked for you.  For someone thinking about copying this idea, think about yourself and not just what worked for one person.  There are parts of the country that are not so gentle.  Where I live, I could probably get away with it.  I have friends who live places where you watch metals oxidize faster than paint dries.