New Camping Setup

[Bruce Berger]

I decided to scrap the cheap plastic Costco boxes I've been using for my camping gear and got some quality Zarges boxes. I removed the other seat on the right side to make a perfect space for the boxes. They fit like they were designed to go there. They remind me of the fitted luggage from upscale '50s European cars.



The ratchet straps have flat metal hooks that use the lip on the underside of the top of the body side panel.



I added an aluminum bar using some spacers and the mounting holes for the seat to anchor the other end of the ratchet straps.

I took the Pinzi out for the first time with this setup over Memorial Day weekend. I was with a group that went to Coyote Flats and Sanger Meadows in the Sierra Nevada mountains outside of Bishop, CA. The boxes were rock solid. I was able to negotiate the very rough trail to Sanger Meadows without any problems. So far, I'm very happy with this setup. I can carry my gear and still leave a narrow aisle in the middle.

Another addition is a real mattress for my bad back. A half queen mattress fits perfectly on the folded seats. It always seems luxurious to sleep between sheets while camping. You can even get fitted sheets for a split queen mattress on the Internet.

[Profpinz]

Great setup!
JFI, I hadn't heard of Zarges boxes so I looked them up .......Pricey, but a nice product.

[itsalljake]

Well done sir. Looks slick but solid.

[pcolette]

Looks great!

Which size of the Zarges boxes did you go with?

[Bruce Berger]

I'm using 2 Zarges 40564 and 4 Zarges 40568 boxes. They are all from the K-470 series which include reinforced corner peices to facilitate stacking. They are not cheap but I wanted to set up the interior for longer trips and the boxes are much cheaper than an Earthcruiser. The 40568 boxes are also bear resistant rated just in case I'm somewhere that requires bear resistant food storage and the rangers would happen to check. Although, I'm not sure that sleeping in the back of a soft sided truck with my food and fridge is such a good idea in bear country. At least they will have a hard time getting to my food after they are finished with me .

[krick3tt]

Very nice setup.