Under mattress storage area

So, now that my galley is fairly organized, Bob and I are trying to decide what to put in the bins under the mattress. One contains the spare tire. We have 3 others with the 560. Our front storage are is limited due to the furnace. Where do you put the hoses, connectors, lock blocks, etc? I know going under the mattress can be a pain, but unless I want to put everything in the TV each time we go out, I am asking for your experienced advice. We plan on labeling the tops of the bin covers so we can see what is in there at a quick glance. Help!
Gina

 

We keep the stuff not needed often under there. It is actually easier for me to get under the mattress than getting to the cupboards behind the couch cushions. There is room for quite a lot of stuff under there, we keep water and propane hoses, collapsible water jug, Lego blocks, extension cord, wheel locking boot, shower bag, hatchet, and a bunch of other stuff I don't remember. I made a map showing what is in each bin and taped it to the inside of the upper center storage bin door to remind me where each thing is; I just drop the door down to see it.

I find the raw edges of the storage bin lids are quite abrasive, I was ending up with scratches on my arms when digging around in the bins. I have solved this by putting some heavy duty vinyl tape over the edges so they are not so sharp.

 

The stuff I use on each camping trip, I keep in the front storage (extension cord, water filter, dog lanyard, hammer/tent spikes, etc.).

Under mattress storage is for stuff I don't use often. Spare tent in case someone comes with us, camp games, extra hoses, etc.

I do keep my water hose under there only because it would kink too much in the front storage.

 

I keep the sofa in the bench position with the wooden back of the sofa folded down. This gives me easy access to the storage.
I got the handicap bars in my 560 and have used them to attach a short strap on each side. I put a longer strap across under the mattress and use this strap to lift the mattress and hold it up while I rummage around in the under bed bins. I go to one side and cinch up the strap and then go to the other side and cinch the other one.

 

Good under the mattress storage items:
First aid kit
Rain coats (unless you live in the PCNW, then they are on coat hooks)
Spare 1lb LP bottle with reserve adapter taped to it
Tarps
Ropes
Paracord
Emergency tools
Spare shoes
Extra cold weather gear (hats, gloves, long johns, etc)
Folding porta potty


Cary

 

Thank you all for your input. Keep it coming. We have already made a list like routus 8 suggested. Now that it's getting warmer just waiting for somewhere to go. May try a night in the garage.