fastening plywood to the rear sides of cargo van

Transit4Work · Dec 20, 2023

What is the best way to do this? I am wanting to mount plywood to both sides of the van to mount Milwaukee Packout shelving accessories. They will be holding a decent amount of wait. i could easily see 500-600 lbs per side.

I figured on the top side I could run metal or wooden "beams" across in 3 locations to keep the high sides of the plywood from falling in. I think that would provide a lot of strength and not depend on all of your strength coming strictly from just the fasteners.

I definitely dont just want to use some type of sheet metal screw. Maybe just nuts, bolts? I havent even taken the thin black plastic panels off of the insides to see what is there, but I have owned many vans and am sure it is similar stamped metal ribs.

Below is what im after. TIA!!

pbethel · Dec 20, 2023

My cargo van had some existing threaded holes that I used if they were close to being in the right place. Otherwise I just
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TODXQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 as needed.
Use the BEMM for your model and year for location of "no drill" areas. https://fordbbas.com/publications

chicagoandy · Dec 20, 2023

Google Rivnuts.

These are threaded rivets that you insert into existing holes. Then you can use 1/4 20 or m6 bolts to attach to the walls. They are VERY strong.

Your can learn more here: Threaded Inserts for Vans (Crossnut & Rivet Nut) | A Complete Guide

avenge · Dec 20, 2023

Definitely use rivnuts it's how I've done my shelving and anything else in all my vans. You don't need existing holes use a carbide bit with a stop.

harryn · Dec 20, 2023

If it were me, I would build up a real frame to the floor for support at both the wall and the central aisle, not just hanging from the wall.

Rivnut strength itself is not the limitation, it is the steel wall of the van interior.

i gave up on rivnuts and similar - and switched to putting a stud through the wall and oversize washers. Some rivnuts into that thin sheet metal isn't going to hold anything in an collision.

chicagoandy · Dec 21, 2023

To be clear, the recomendation is to use Rivnuts into the structural ribs, not the sheet metal. There is nothing thin about that metal, and some if it is very high-strength boron steel. It is very strong.

Transit4Work · Dec 21, 2023

Thanks everybody for the info. All good info. I will try to document my build and post pics.

CaptainUnderpants · Dec 21, 2023

Maybe just purchase a skeleton system from Adventure Wagon. Might quickly get you the strength you are looking for.
Modular Interior System

Paulmorabito · Dec 23, 2023

Pretty sure all AdWag systems are complete. But I could be wrong. I’ve seen knock off companies selling components.
best of luck

fastening plywood to the rear sides of cargo van

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