I like to make my own boxes to fit the purpose and space.   While the
Rubbermaid containers are certainly really easy to just go buy at some big
box store, they really aren't very attractive and they aren't strong enough
to walk on or stand on, really.   And of course, they only come in standard
sizes which never seem to be a perfect fit for my needs...
   For instance, the box I made to contain my portopot also is sized to
just go under the rear seat as a support and also serve as a seat and a
step to access a roof rack when I need that.   The one I made to fit
between my front seats, that one is made to leave room for the brake handle
to be used and for it's own lid to be slid down beside the passenger seat
when I want access to the inside....where I sometimes stash my full coffee
pot in the morning as I begin my daily travels...and my coffee creamer, etc.

   I also have a couple of nice sturdy  tool chests of baltic birch and
teak for my job tools that are sized to fit just right, behind the upright
rear seat.

 One more recent and  handy addition to my van that I haven't added to my
web photos below (some pics of the boxes I mention in that web album) is:
I often have to load long boards, both construction lumber and sailboards,
into my van.   I cut a piece of  (4"?) PVC drain pipe to fit down over the
top of the rear seatback....it slips down over the cushion and protects the
upholstery as well as allows the items being loaded to slide in easily over
the seat back....When not in use, it just slips off for storage under or
behind the seat...

  Don Hanson

https://picasaweb.google.com/112899774170781374478/VanagonMods?authkey=Gv1sRgCJnj78ukqaPufw

https://picasaweb.google.com/112899774170781374478/SomeShopIdeas?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWej_mdvuX7jAE#5620312428480649122

On Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 10:00 AM, Don Hundt <donhundt@gmail.com> wrote:

> I swear by Rubbermaid Rough Totes. I have around 50 of them, I used them to
> move from  Oregon to D.C. and back again, stacked about 5 high in a
> trailer.
> I also use them as semi-dry boxes for rafting. Much more durable than the
> sterilites(I've had both), and inexpensive, at around $8.00 each for the 18
> gallon.
> Don
>
>
>  On Aug 9, 2012, at 10:08 AM, David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net> wrote:
>>
>> The bins themselves are great, but the lids a) aren't waterproof and b)
>> take an awful set (sag) if you put even moderate loads on top for any
>> length of time.  They look as though they'd stack, but the tops won't
>> stand it.  Doesn't make them useless, but cramps their style.
>>
>