Cable drums in vans

[Voltimax]

Hi guys

Question, how do you folks store cable on your vans? I've tried using some big plastic containers but they always split. My drums of cable just sit towards the front of my van and after a few days become strewn all over the van. Just wondered if anyone has a neat way of storing them. I have seen one van that had a long pole down one side with all the cable drums threaded through, but if you want the one in the middle you'd have to get all the rest off.

You know when I'm bored, I ask trivial questions :|

 

[androiduk2002]

Good question Volt, my intial idea would be, if for just reels of twin and earth maybe a small vertical rack made out of 3 X 2 with 1 inch knotches to hold pieces of 20mm steel conduit maybe made wide enough to hold 2 reels of each cable you carry, with a turn buckle to hold conduit in place should you hit a large pot hole.

Does that make sense ?

 

[Zeespark]

store them flat within the space you have -ie whatever floor space that your tools and what not arent sitting on if that makes sense. Careful stacking can also work depending on the drum size, weight and if they have a cardboard outer sheath like Pirelli/AEI cable.

AndyGuinness

 

[Voltimax]

store them flat within the space you have -ie whatever floor space that your tools and what not arent sitting on if that makes sense. Careful stacking can also work depending on the drum size, weight and if they have a cardboard outer sheath like Pirelli/AEI cable.

Tis the way I have been doing it for years Andy, but they seldom stay that way. I have a place for everything in my van, but cable always gets relegated to the floor area and I carry quite a bit. Just wondering if anyone has a better way, but I guess it's one of those things that will always be

Android I think I get the idea.

 

[Zeespark]

Why not turn it on its side then and stack next to eachother? not a criticism just a thought

AndyGuinness

 

[sellers]

I have a kitchen cupboard on its side so the door flaps down to the floor. Put all my drums in then pull the door up and fasen.

 

[Voltimax]

Well that's ok when the drums are in boxes, but the brands my wholesaler sells seldom ever have boxes. Funny isn't it, after 20+ years in the game, my van looks just like my electricians inside when I was an apprentice. Some things never change

 

[Zeespark]

LOL clean van = clean work site = clean mind

Cleanliness - Right next to Godliness

AndyGuinness

 

[Apache]

The tidier my van is the less work I have to do!

 

[Voltimax]

I have a kitchen cupboard on its side so the door flaps down to the floor. Put all my drums in then pull the door up and fasten.

Now there's a good idea B-)

 

[Zeespark]

Why not use 2 small sheets of ply about 2 reels apart and make a small compartment that way?

AndyGuinness

 

[androiduk2002]

<a href="http://s770.photobucket.com/albums/xx348/androiduk2002/?action=view&current=Reelrack.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx348/androiduk2002/Reelrack.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Quick rough idea the spacings and actual measurements you would have to calculate 1 bar 1 size of cable or if you do industrial/commercial work the same could be easily achieved with Unistrut.

 

[Lee321]

summat like this so you can get at the drum you want ?

 

[paul b b]

<a href="http://s770.photobucket.com/albums/xx348/androiduk2002/?action=view&current=Reelrack.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx348/androiduk2002/Reelrack.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Quick rough idea the spacings and actual measurements you would have to calculate 1 bar 1 size of cable or if you do industrial/commercial work the same could be easily achieved with Unistrut.

i was thinking of something along this ling but thought it might put a lot of weight in one area

 

[Andy™]

all just dumped on a shelf....

ill take some pics later today

 

[androiduk2002]

i was thinking of something along this ling but thought it might put a lot of weight in one area

Centre of van behind bulk head should be fine

 

[davetheglitz]

I've used a large plastic storage containers and screwed a notched piece of 3 x 2 inside on the ends. These hold a rod on which I can store the cable. Easily carried in to the house - and cable reels off easily. With small diameter cable drums it may be possible to stack them - but haven't tested that out yet!

 

[Andy™]

pics as promised

pic 1: passenger side. all rolls of cable are up against wheel arch. and they never fall out of place

pic 2: driver side. bottom reels are against wheel arch. singles are in green box, tails/other random bits of cable just stay on shelf. surprisingly, its very rare for any of this to fall onto floor when going round corners etc

 

[NozSpark]

+1

I've got the same as Andy..

2x1 batten screwed to floor under racking!

Keeps all my reels in place so long as I dont just chuck it in the van!!