I'm assuming the hole is for a center support that attaches to the headliner not all vans came with it.

 

I installed a six-switch box for external lights in the left cubbie. On the right side I installed the control panel for a Renogy inverter and a power switch for my Starlink dish.

I was able to run wires to the cubbie from the top of the driver side A and B pillars with the headliner installed. If you open the overhead plastic center console there is a hole in the headliner for wires

 

Other comments are spot on. I have used it for radio gear, can route to A pillar or the roof hole for rack for antennas. Put extra vent holes for heat dissipation. Use a splitter on the shelf routed down through a pillar. Switch control and can charge other stuff as well without having to add another power run.
They are pretty useless as stock imho, mid roof has brace and no visible hole. Good luck

 

I like the idea of mounting a radio in one. We plan to go across the country and stay off grid so a CB or some form of two-way may come in handy. Thanks for the pic too. I like that bracket in the middle; I assumed the hole was for mounting something similar.

 

The hole works well to bolt to a shelf above the cubbies - making the whole thing more stable.

 

I am liking the Bearcat CB / Scanner combo. Uses GPS for auto changing scanner. Its not the best CB or Scanner but plenty for average needs.

 

Thanks for your input. A scanner would be convenient. Also something with weather alerts too. Another research topic! 😆😆

 

I have not finished this yet.

 

I have not finished this yet.
View attachment 231434

Carrying the weight of the shelf and bar over to the van body is genius.

 

@gregoryx Thanks
I made the shelf supports out of 1/8" aluminum. The curtain rod is half inch emt. I covered the plywood with curtain material from walmart. I am happy with how it came out.

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Pretty clever.

We added some angle-aluminum to ours to stiffen it up. Didn't occur to me to go the route you did!