The main part of the existing layout of my ASTRO-VAN is the variable bed-frame (see more at ipernity.com/doc/stargazer95050/47262742 .
That size determines the rest of the available space. The cabinets on the passenger side are useful, but they do limit the storage. Compared to my 1st ASTRO VAN, where I could transport wide boxes next to the bedframe this is a big change.
It turned out that these boxes became too heavy to load or transport and now, I divide & conquer ==> e.g. store smaller items in these cabinets can be beneficial but they are an obstacle to storing multiple bikes.

This Divide & Conquer strategy also means, I need to find room to store multiple, smaller bags or boxes. And there are other factors -- some of which seem fixed but are worth reconsidering :


STORAGE -- bicycle. As shown in this photo, transporting one bike inside the new van's cabin is possible, as long as the mattress isn't wider than ~80cm. Transporting two bikes would require them to be partly disassembled. In both cases, you must remove the bike(s) to access the cabinets or storage you have underneath the bed.
Alternative : it is possible to add an external bike-rack -- this new van has the necessary hitch at the rear bumper. That, of course, limits your access via the rear doors while carrying bikes. And you have to protect the bike(s) from the harsh elements, vandals & thieves.

STORAGE -- below the bed : currently clear space offers only ~25cm/10" in height and this can be sufficient for items like surf boards (prev. owner was a surfer). For trips to Burning Man, I have used large, flat boxes to protect clothes & food from the dust. Those fit underneath that frame, but you cannot stack them. EVEN WORSE, my astronomy equipment and ice coolers are taller and don't fit beneath it.
That (low) cargo height allows for a comfortable position to sit on the bed without bumping your head. That's the trade-off of raising to provide storage for larger items -- hanging the bed from the ceiling really avoided many of these issues.
The insulation in the new van further lowered the ceiling compared to the original Astro van.


STORAGE -- raising the bed by max 10 inches : that's adding a lot of extra storage space below the bed frame but removing 10" of headroom also makes it a lot less comfortable to sit. I like the idea of using the cabinet as a table for keyboard & laptop and have the monitor semi-permanently placed there. If the bed is too high, the position isn't comfortable. Currently, I think ~45cm/17" height is large enough for my equipment -- raising it by bed by 5", max 7 inches.

The mechanics of raising the bed & mattress that high are another serious issue that I have started tackling. Below you see a setup to test the modifications and evaluate the changes. It illustrates the possible changes (7" raise) and allows to compare different options.

While experimenting, I found one more useful change -- add a "shelf" between the wheel-well and the rear door and use that to store the telescope tripod. This shelf will make use of unused space and at the same time remove obstacles for easier access.


STORAGE -- driver-cabin : there's one Coleman-cooler model that fits perfectly in the isle between the driver's & passenger's chair. In addition, bags can fit behind the chairs and the wall. The Coleman Box is one obstacle in removing these bags quickly.
The existing bedframe & support leg also are in the way ==> one mre reason to raise the height of the bed.
POSITIVE : that prevents quick smash & grab thefts. NEGATIVE : unloading them for astronomy observation also is a hassle. I'll opt for easier access and -- if really needed -- add some locks & cables to secure the stuff.


STORAGE -- modified driver-cabin & cargo wall : the previous van didn't have a divider behind the driver's seat and that simplified utilizing room between bed & driver's seat for storage. The new van has this wall and it divides this space into two.
One radical option would be to remove this wall -- make the new Vanessa more like the old one and free up space between the bed & driver's seat. OTOH, that wall is useful for other purposes : attach hanging storage or even shelves, adds shade & blocks view, attach curtain.
The divider wall behind the passenger seat has been in place in both vans and in the old van I have found it mostly beneficial. This installation differs and in this van the wall is ~5" further to the rear and that takes away a lot of space.
And I took the drastic step of removing this wall -- you can see the the newly available space :

The new plan calls for a small shelf or other storage to be place in the gap between bed & driver's seat. I even have experimented with sliding the bike in there -- and it will fit !! see www.ipernity.com/doc/stargazer95050/47291564

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