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I'm trying to find or build a simple modular cabinet storage system inside a cargo van that is being converted to a living space.
The basic concept is to keep the design and function simple, modular (removable, changeable) and affordable.
If I need to remove the cabs (cabinets) to make room for a larger item that needs to be transported it can be easily done since the cabs are not permanently secured to the interior structure of the vehicle.
The cabs will be made from simple lightweight plywood that can be stained/finished and attached to the upper overheard part of the van walls and ceiling but not the floor.
These will be mounted onto tracks that will be bolted to the metal walls which will be tongue and groove wood paneling or something similar that can be removed to access the insulation and wiring if needed.
The paneling will be mounted onto wooden ribs which are attached to the metal body of the cargo space.
I have looked at these systems so far:
1. E-track, X-track and L-track systems (primarily used in landscaping trailers, tractor trailers and box trucks)
2. Modular adjustable metal track shelving and cab systems (primarily used inside homes and business offices)
3. Wall mounted slatwall style panel systems (primarily used in garages and retail stores)
4. Aluminum extrusion slot bars (primarily used for industrial, commercial, hobby and special projects)
5. Other systems?
1. I'm familiar with E-track and X-track systems which can be found inside landscaping trailers, tractor trailers and box trucks and are primarily used to hang tools and secure cargo and equipment with load bars and ratchet straps.
I was initially thinking I could use these end beam track clips for wood 2x4s and build cabs that can clip on and off the metal track.
However I know that a lot of etrack and xtrack clips are still loose, woobly, and jostle around after being clipped in, so custom cabs would move around and make noise.
I did find this metal etrack cab but it's too small for my needs.
I'm having trouble finding etrack and xtrack products that clip in "permanently", are screwed in, clamped in, or are completely stiff and don't move around when clipped in, does anyone know of any?
2. The modular shelving systems are primarily designed for home and office interiors and most appear to be very stylish and thus expensive.
They are mainly vertical track systems and while are nice to look at, they are designed by professional designers and are out of my "simple build" budget.
If I can purchase the metal tracking and attachment mechanisms then I can construct my own cabs using the mounting system.
3. The slatwall mounting systems are designed for garages and are made from pvc or plastic.
There are also similar mounting systems for retail stores for hanging products.
The potential problem is will my van walls and tracks/mounts be able to hold the weight inside the cabs?
4. Aluminum extrusion slot bars such as 80/20 seem to be another option but can get expensive or not have the exact parts you need as they weren't specially designed for cab making. These are also used for solar and roof rack systems.
I have seen a few websites and threads detailing the use of 80/20 but it seems to quickly get expensive and complex and there are alternatives similar to 80/20 I'm looking into.
I think sometimes people also make things more complex than they could be, which is why I'm trying to find a simpler solution if possible.
It's been fun and educational to learn about all the different mounting and shelving systems - maybe others reading this will get ideas for what may work for them in or out of a van.
Currently for me the options seem to narrow down to attaching a horizontal or vertical metal track mounting system or just some simple brackets to the van wall paneling and ribs.
I can imagine many possibilities when building cabs such as permanently attaching the cabs to the walls and ceiling but since my goal is to make the cabs modular I am trying to come up with a different system.
Does anyone have experience, completed projects or suggestions?
I'm basically looking for a metal track bar with 1 or 2 slots that I can bolt to the metal van wall and ceiling and then mount some type of L shaped brackets into which the wooden cabs will be secured to.
I'm looking for an "affordable alternative" to 80/20 as the cost is high and/or make/ship time is too long.
I will continue to research and will update this thread.
The basic concept is to keep the design and function simple, modular (removable, changeable) and affordable.
If I need to remove the cabs (cabinets) to make room for a larger item that needs to be transported it can be easily done since the cabs are not permanently secured to the interior structure of the vehicle.
The cabs will be made from simple lightweight plywood that can be stained/finished and attached to the upper overheard part of the van walls and ceiling but not the floor.
These will be mounted onto tracks that will be bolted to the metal walls which will be tongue and groove wood paneling or something similar that can be removed to access the insulation and wiring if needed.
The paneling will be mounted onto wooden ribs which are attached to the metal body of the cargo space.
I have looked at these systems so far:
1. E-track, X-track and L-track systems (primarily used in landscaping trailers, tractor trailers and box trucks)
2. Modular adjustable metal track shelving and cab systems (primarily used inside homes and business offices)
3. Wall mounted slatwall style panel systems (primarily used in garages and retail stores)
4. Aluminum extrusion slot bars (primarily used for industrial, commercial, hobby and special projects)
5. Other systems?
1. I'm familiar with E-track and X-track systems which can be found inside landscaping trailers, tractor trailers and box trucks and are primarily used to hang tools and secure cargo and equipment with load bars and ratchet straps.
I was initially thinking I could use these end beam track clips for wood 2x4s and build cabs that can clip on and off the metal track.
However I know that a lot of etrack and xtrack clips are still loose, woobly, and jostle around after being clipped in, so custom cabs would move around and make noise.
I did find this metal etrack cab but it's too small for my needs.
I'm having trouble finding etrack and xtrack products that clip in "permanently", are screwed in, clamped in, or are completely stiff and don't move around when clipped in, does anyone know of any?
2. The modular shelving systems are primarily designed for home and office interiors and most appear to be very stylish and thus expensive.
They are mainly vertical track systems and while are nice to look at, they are designed by professional designers and are out of my "simple build" budget.
If I can purchase the metal tracking and attachment mechanisms then I can construct my own cabs using the mounting system.
3. The slatwall mounting systems are designed for garages and are made from pvc or plastic.
There are also similar mounting systems for retail stores for hanging products.
The potential problem is will my van walls and tracks/mounts be able to hold the weight inside the cabs?
4. Aluminum extrusion slot bars such as 80/20 seem to be another option but can get expensive or not have the exact parts you need as they weren't specially designed for cab making. These are also used for solar and roof rack systems.
I have seen a few websites and threads detailing the use of 80/20 but it seems to quickly get expensive and complex and there are alternatives similar to 80/20 I'm looking into.
I think sometimes people also make things more complex than they could be, which is why I'm trying to find a simpler solution if possible.
It's been fun and educational to learn about all the different mounting and shelving systems - maybe others reading this will get ideas for what may work for them in or out of a van.
Currently for me the options seem to narrow down to attaching a horizontal or vertical metal track mounting system or just some simple brackets to the van wall paneling and ribs.
I can imagine many possibilities when building cabs such as permanently attaching the cabs to the walls and ceiling but since my goal is to make the cabs modular I am trying to come up with a different system.
Does anyone have experience, completed projects or suggestions?
I'm basically looking for a metal track bar with 1 or 2 slots that I can bolt to the metal van wall and ceiling and then mount some type of L shaped brackets into which the wooden cabs will be secured to.
I'm looking for an "affordable alternative" to 80/20 as the cost is high and/or make/ship time is too long.
I will continue to research and will update this thread.
