Van shelving
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Joined: Aug 2020
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Van shelving
Has anyone on here ever made wood shelving for their vans? I want to build some as I do not want to spend a fortune on new shelves for the back and used ones are hard to find in my area. Any pictures would be helpful.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 787
Likes: 22
It depends on what you are using the shelves for. Is this for work or some kind of Recreational van. If its for something like an RV checkout
sportsmobile`s website or search online for van life and there are lots of pics.
Good Luck.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 153
From: Kansas City KS
I build shelving for a living. So every trailer or van i have worked out of gets something built by me. I use 1/2" plywood c-3 grade birch for verticle parts and i use 1/4" plywood or mdf as a cladding to effectively act as a dado. I dont actually dado anything but the 1/4" gives each shelf material to sit on if that makes sense. I face frame with poplar 1x2 to add strength for the horitzontal shelves. I use yellow glue, subfloor glue, screws nails and staples.
Most of what i build is built as a unit and then installed in the vehicle. Building to suit your needs allows you to accomidate certain items or plastic bins and tubs. For me building from wood means i can modify things easily later. I can knock out a shelf to allow storage of a larger item. I can add a shelf later by using 1x2'cleats.
I draw everything i build. I make a cutlist and from this a material list. Feel free to ask for suggestions if i can help.
Most of what i build is built as a unit and then installed in the vehicle. Building to suit your needs allows you to accomidate certain items or plastic bins and tubs. For me building from wood means i can modify things easily later. I can knock out a shelf to allow storage of a larger item. I can add a shelf later by using 1x2'cleats.
I draw everything i build. I make a cutlist and from this a material list. Feel free to ask for suggestions if i can help.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 699
Likes: 5
From: S. Illinois
That's interesting T-Wood.
So the 1/4" is what the shelf sits on. Is the shelf gled in or screwed in from the side??
So the 1/4" is what the shelf sits on. Is the shelf gled in or screwed in from the side??
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 153
From: Kansas City KS
When working with 1/2" ply i staple w 1.25" finish staples...i don't glue the shelves in.
I do subfloor glue the faceframe on. Likewise i use a 1/4" back that gets glued. If i plan to mount any hardware on the back ill use 1/2" ply as it hold screws or bolts better. I add a nailer at top and bottom of the unit using whatever i have on hand 1x4 or 1x3. Through this nailer i mount the unit to the wall. Once i build the unit. I go back through and add screws, for durability.
The units i build for trailers normally look like an old school ent center. Heavy duty enough to hold miter saws planers whatever. Hooks for hoses cords.
I sold my last cargo trailer. Or i would take some photos. The van im in now isn't 100% set up. The majority of my storage in it is shelves on a cargo slide.
I do subfloor glue the faceframe on. Likewise i use a 1/4" back that gets glued. If i plan to mount any hardware on the back ill use 1/2" ply as it hold screws or bolts better. I add a nailer at top and bottom of the unit using whatever i have on hand 1x4 or 1x3. Through this nailer i mount the unit to the wall. Once i build the unit. I go back through and add screws, for durability.
The units i build for trailers normally look like an old school ent center. Heavy duty enough to hold miter saws planers whatever. Hooks for hoses cords.
I sold my last cargo trailer. Or i would take some photos. The van im in now isn't 100% set up. The majority of my storage in it is shelves on a cargo slide.
Last edited by T-wood; Jan 15, 2021 at 01:04 PM. Reason: Detail
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From: Holladay,Ut
I built a set of shelves on each side and then enclosed lockable storage boxes under the rear side windows. All out of wood products. I had limited space to build with all the windows. I also eft about a 50" width at the floor so I could load full 4x8 pieces of Sheetrock or plywood still
New User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1
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yes I'm currently building some in the back of a E350 super duty extended cargo van, if you have the wood working tools its pretty easy and very cheap compared to store bought shelves
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