Hack #39 Under dinette bench storage idea #1.
A member of the GD 22MLE Facebook page posted this mod.
A great use of the space under the dinette bench against the pantry wall.
The water pump for the fresh water tank is here but you can move the wiring and plastic pipes a bit to make more room. There will be room for a shallow tray over the pump.
Tie things out of the way with zip ties. It is not very deep but there are a lot of things you should be able to store here.
You can cut the panel and add hinges or just let the top panel lie in place (it will stay there).
Add support under the panel if you use the hinges.
Build a slide-out drawer for the front area.
You can make this as deep as possible (about 22 inches likely) but leave at least and inch or two between the back of the drawer and any wires or hoses behind it – just to play it safe.
Use Ball Bearing Side Mount Drawer Slides on the sides to mount the drawer.
You will need to add wood blocking, as needed, to mount the slides.
Use the piece of paneling from the hole you cut into the front of the bench to cover the front of the drawer then add trim around it to cover the edges and add a handle.
Frame in a box for the rear space. Frame in the remaining angled front space too.
Do not nail the bottom down of the rear box to the frame as you need access to the pump below it for winterization.
Use a soft, but durable, material to line the front area.
You should be able to locate a cloth basket sized pretty well just right for the rear box.
If not, construct your own and line it with the same fabric. Make sure you add handles to allow you to lift it out.
You will still have to remove the cushions for access to the boxes but there are many items you seldom need that can go there. Enjoy the new added space..