Tunnel Boots

Gooday,
I was quite concerned when we got our first tunnel boot, am on our second and the best invention. I use two long plastic boxes with lids and rollers about 6inches deep and then one about 12inches deep from one side, then another 12inch deep on the other side for bits and pieces, a couple without lids about 6inches deep and 15inches long on the other side. I find this allows the placement of things like Jockey wheel anti flap kit etc to sit in front of them. Was some trial & error before I worked it out. Would not go back to the traditional boot.
Cheers,
Boroma604.

We hope you enjoy your Patriot as much as we enjoy ours. We had a tunnel boot in our previous van too, and they are great once you get used to packing them logically.
In the Patriot we use the tunnel boot for things we need to carry but don't necessarily want every day eg spare tools, shadecloth awnings, hobby equipment like fishing and fossicking gear. It is a good place for long items like brooms and poles, buckets, Baby Q or camp oven. Put some padding at the ends so there is not too much movement eg groundsheets.
The floor of the Patriot tunnel boot is slippery so, if you organise things in plastic boxes it is quite easy to pull out the box you need with the pole provided, even from the middle.
The front tool box is ideal for items you need quick and frequent access to such as hoses, wheel chocks, power cord, tools. It also holds out towing gear like sway bars, hith and mirrors while we are camped.
The two boots work very well for us - just watch weight - it is easy to overload them with boys toys if you are watching ball weight!
Enjoy your Patriot! Lynne

Can't comment on the tunnel boot, but mate down the lane from me has just taken delivery of one. (Patriot)
What a superbly built and fitted out unit, very envious.
No should not say that, very happy with our old 15 footer!
How long delivery, I notice that the Uralla (nsw) Sunland dealer has one in stock now but may not be to your requirement of course.
Happy travels to you when you have it on the road.
mike

Hi Wendy,
I have a tunnel boot in my new van also. The drivers side has a 900mm locked drawer in it made very snugly. At the end of the draw is a full height divider so nothing from the other side can get through and block or jam the drawer. Anything long goes into either of two lockable pipes under the van, but that is mainly my 1 piece beach rod. All our brooms etc have retractable handles so easily fit in the boot. I hope you have a great time with your top class purchase.

Nev

We also have a tunnel boot in our BT.

On the left side I installed a slide out BBQ

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On the right hand side I installed a large box to carry long, awkward items like aTrail-a-Mate stand.

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There's still plenty of room for other stuff including a twin tub washing machine.

We do not carry a generator - we find that with the large solar panel we have no problem keeping the battery charged even for extended bush camping and we do not have a compressor fridge. (So far we are most impressed with the performance of the large 3 way fridge that came with the Patriot and we tested in in temperatures well over 30C) and we can charge our computer etc via 12 volt power points. The generator just seems to be a lot of weight and another lot of fuel to carry. Some people apparently carry a generator in the front tool box and run it in there - OK if the noise doesn't bother you! We would be reluctant to block off the tunnel boot - it is so useful to access it from both sides. Other people carry a generator in their vehicle.
We considered putting a slide in the boot but, after using the van, decided it was quite unnecessary. A slide takes up space and the Patriot tunnel boot is not particularly high so a slide could restrict what you could fit in. Also, as I said, the lining of the boot is very smooth and slippery so it is easy to pull things out. We don't have boxes with castors either - they also take up space and usually break off anyway, from our experience!
I suggest you wait until you have had a decent shakedown trip and see if you really want a generator or a slide after you work out what you need to carry in your Patriot. Lynne

Hi Wendy
We do not have a full annex and did not have one on our previous van. We have extra shadecloth awnings that we can use on the driver's side of the van or add to the roll out awning for extra shade and privacy when needed. These are handy and we had them made quite cheaply by a canvas place.
We have never needed a full annex but I can see one could be useful for the grandkids - ours are still a bit young to take but the time may come! If yours are old enough they may enjoy a small tent which could be a cheaper and lighter option!
If you mostly intend to tour in your Patriot, as against staying in one place for a lengthy time, you will probably not want to go to the trouble of setting up an annex. Again, this is something you can work out as you go!
You could try posting a question about the usefulness of annexes and good quality manufacturers in your area on this forum or on Caravaners Forum and get suggestions from people who use them. Good luck! Lynne

Hi Lynn

The 80w is still the size of solar panel that is standard on the Patriot and there is an option to upgrade to 135w. I'm not sure what the 80w would do or even the $735 upgrade to the 135w. The 170 watt doesn't seem to be listed as an option. What can you do with yours?

Regards
Wendy