Volvo C303 Custom Overlander – Rear storage and bike rack mods.

Overlanding is all about maximising space, being organised and knowing where everything is.

We had a compact space to work with. Good quality sliders was top of the list. It already had two lockable storage boxes, 10 liter water container and a compressed air tank.

It also has an ax, shovel and jerry can spout on the rear door. Slight mods needed to be made to allow the draws to open fully.

We purchased a quality Kinchrome two draw with a fridge slider. We had to replace the pull out knob on the side with a more slim line version.

To satisfy the powers that be for the self containment cert we had to have a toilet, washbasin, running water and grey water among other things.

The black bin with the yellow lid contain the toilet, chemicals, paper, collapsible basin and the 12v portable shower/tap. We place this in the rear on the fridge slider rather than the fridge (better to have that more accessible in the front).

Next to the bin we have a custom ali open bin which we use to store the extension cord, battery intelli-charger, remote and cord for the winch.

We have added a few of the shots of how we secure the camp chairs at the back with heavy duty bungy cords. These utilise the space higher up at the rear and keeps them from moving around and being annoying like most camp chairs are …unless your sitting on one.

On top of the toilet bin we store extra water, Yamaha 1000w generator (only 13kg and quietest on the market) and an extra fuel can if needed.

Note the pic below showing the truck without the rear divider, that’s how it came to us. You can see the rear part of the back seat. Putting the divider in meant we could stack the rear compartment to the roof without putting passengers at risk and giving more storage space.

The draws are set up with plastic containers to serve as compartments. Works extremely well with everything easy to get to and everything has its place.

The Bike rack and storage shelf

The bike rack started its life as a Yakima duel bike rack. Made for the euro style tow bar set ups. This design is very good because it was heavy duty enough to hold 2 ebikes at 20Kgs each and it had a tilt function that allowed you to open the rear door, in some SUV’s like a Q7 for example, without removing the rack.

The Volvo had the usual military hook tow hitch system. We removed that and added the euro RHS style set up.

We fabricated an aluminium shelf to go in place of the forward bike section. It was designed to fit the sink and grey water set up as well as additional jerry cans or whatever else it could be used for.

The design looks a bit chopped up but have a look at the pictures. It gives the maximum amount of storage without hindering the rear door opening or the bike.

You are able to access the rear by stepping in front of the rack…it’s tight but still practical. When a camping stop has been found we would remove the rack ..just one bolt and it comes free.

For extended overland trips this additional storage is really good to have and being able to take an e- mountain bike makes the trip just that much better. The shelve can be removed and the second bike rack can be replaced if required.

Might need a bike cover.

The Workshop 1924 can custom build almost anything. If you have some ideas on what you need for your overlander then reach out to us. We’d love to be involved ph (09) 238 0138 or check us out on FB.

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