[njvagabond]

The inside shelf looked a little flimsy in the videos, and it almost looked like it was coroplast

Dunno anything about these bags, but just wanted to point out that not all corrugated plastic is created equal.
Might be useful if considering using the stuff for whatever.
Corrugated Plastic sheets, panels, pads, rolls, Corrugated plastic sheeting, 2mm 3mm 4mm 6mm 8mm 10mm corrugated plastic sheeting, bins, single face corrugated plastic white clear plastic corrugated sheets

 

[gregoryx]

Dunno anything about these bags, but just wanted to point out that not all corrugated plastic is created equal.
Might be useful if considering using the stuff for whatever.
Corrugated Plastic sheets, panels, pads, rolls, Corrugated plastic sheeting, 2mm 3mm 4mm 6mm 8mm 10mm corrugated plastic sheeting, bins, single face corrugated plastic white clear plastic corrugated sheets

Can confirm that we've purchased the coroplast stuff and Lexan panels from Home Depot. They are not even similar. The Lexan panels are amazingly strong and durable.

 

[njvagabond]

Can confirm that we've purchased the coroplast stuff and Lexan panels from Home Depot. They are not even similar. The Lexan panels are amazingly strong and durable.

Well, that's an entirely different animal, polycarbonate vs polypropylene.

I'd love to get my hands on some of this Brushed Fabric Lamination - Coroplast® for a ceiling, but Coroplast (brand) stuff has very tightly controlled distribution to the point that even market segment are differentiated. 😖

 

[AVC RIG]

Great to hear from a pro. The inside shelf looked a little flimsy in the videos, and it almost looked like it was coroplast. Does that seem OK to you? Also, do the pockets seem useful or too shallow?

I would never remove these so the point for me would be ease of install and a little body part protection while moving around in bed. Does this seem to fit the bill based on your experience?

The shelves are a heavy-duty hex-style coroplast, I would guess stiffer than you would expect.

Front pockets are about 2 inches deep, the picture is deceptive- they have velcro on the bottom so that they lie extra-flat against the front.

I think they totally fit the bill for your purposes.

 

[rustythorn]

Dunno anything about these bags, but just wanted to point out that not all corrugated plastic is created equal.
Might be useful if considering using the stuff for whatever.
Corrugated Plastic sheets, panels, pads, rolls, Corrugated plastic sheeting, 2mm 3mm 4mm 6mm 8mm 10mm corrugated plastic sheeting, bins, single face corrugated plastic white clear plastic corrugated sheets

and there is corrugated FRP

 

[Calaverasgrande]

I made boxes out of coroplast and 1/4" plywood.
They are mostly coroplast (same stuff that mailtotes are made of)
The plywood is jut there for stiffening and to be able to bolt them to the walls.
They weigh about 2lbs each.

 

[njvagabond]

I made boxes out of coroplast and 1/4" plywood.
They are mostly coroplast (same stuff that mailtotes are made of)
The plywood is jut there for stiffening and to be able to bolt them to the walls.
They weigh about 2lbs each.

Can you post some photos, especially construction details.

 

[skymons]

I thought the Mule Bags were over-priced when I first saw them, so I made some knock-offs out of cheap duffel bags. I put a plywood box inside them so they would have enough structure to mount them to the wall alone.

But by the time I got them all lined with 4-way stretch, made bungee restraints and got them mounted, (dozen riv nuts into the van wall sheet metal), I decided the Mule Bags weren't so outrageous.

I think if I did it over again, using support from the ceiling (which kind of necessitates a "trapezoidal" cross section to the bag) and a much lighter bag structure would be better.


Something just like the Van Der Moon Box.

 

[Rolf]

I thought the Mule Bags were over-priced when I first saw them, so I made some knock-offs out of cheap duffel bags. I put a plywood box inside them so they would have enough structure to mount them to the wall alone.

But by the time I got them all lined with 4-way stretch, made bungee restraints and got them mounted, (dozen riv nuts into the van wall sheet metal), I decided the Mule Bags weren't so outrageous.


View attachment 184931 View attachment 184932

I think if I did it over again, using support from the ceiling (which kind of necessitates a "trapezoidal" cross section to the bag) and a much lighter bag structure would be better.


Something just like the Van Der Moon Box.

Great idea and you get the same function with out spending big $$$ of the boutique brands..
where did you find these duffels ?

 

[skymons]

I think they were this:

Amazon.com | DALIX Blank Duffle Bag Duffel Bag in Black Gym Bag | Sports Duffels

Buy DALIX Blank Duffle Bag Duffel Bag in Black Gym Bag and other Sports Duffels at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.

smile.amazon.com

I got two different sizes.

But again, I had to reinforce them, line them etc.

The bags are really cheap but the price of the duffel was just part of it.

(And while I think I thought of it before I saw their post, member NateCostello does a nice writeup on the basic duffel-as-cabinet thing. Don't think I can claim it as my idea)

 

[Calaverasgrande]

Can you post some photos, especially construction details.

I'll see what I can find. Dont think I took any photos along the way.

 

[Bajabound]

I have always imagined that I would build 8020 framed, bamboo-faced overhead cabinets. But I ran across these soft-ish cabinets from Poland and started to rethink that idea. I am seeing a lot of storage pockets inside and out, less head bumping above the bed (although I was thinking about only doing overheads above my feet), and a fast install.

I'd love to hear from folks who have real-world experience with overheads.

The only downside I could imagine would be using the zipper. Maybe not an issue for clothes you only access once in a while? The outside pockets don't seem very deep, even when the snap keepers are undone.

It appears most people go with the upper cabinets going down the sides of a van. I have this configuration in the galley area of my van but not in the bed area. (My bed is a platform bed set up North/South) I do not have a queen mattress, but instead have a double mattress. On the drivers side of the van I have cubbies built from the bed platform to the van ceiling. I got the idea from FaroutRide and I am happy with the storage capacity and live-a-bility. No head bumping and my cloaths never fall out. I could clean up the look with baskets to store my cloaths inside the cubbies, but it is not required and would reduce storage access and capacity. I used re-claimed mahagany for my face frame, and the shelving is baltic birch painted off-white. Just another option to consider.

 

[BobCollins]

Here's another version:

sprinter 36 Inches soft cabinet Transit Cabinet Promaster Cabinet Camper Cabinet | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for sprinter 36 Inches soft cabinet Transit Cabinet Promaster Cabinet Camper Cabinet at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I bought one of these—sold by eBayer markwen11—last fall and camped with it. Quite nice, though I was thinking that I would construct my own.

After reading this thread I became inspired to spend money instead of time on the cabinets and considered the Van der Moon units. After studying them, I became even more impressed with the unit I bought, partially based on value, but also based on design. I like that the flaps fold up and can be held up using velcro. I also like that there are two openings instead of one large one. As far as size, height and depth, they are about the same as the Van der Moon units.

I bought the 36" wide unit and am about to order 5 more.

 

[njvagabond]

I bought one of these—sold by eBayer markwen11

FWIW-
I think those are the same ones on https://www.sprinterswivel.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59
Probably the same seller?

When you get a chance, could you post some photos that show some of the construction details. The online photos are not very good. Have you installed the first one yet? If so ...

Thanks.

 

[BobCollins]

FWIW-
I think those are the same ones on https://www.sprinterswivel.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59
Probably the same seller?

When you get a chance, could you post some photos that show some of the construction details. The online photos are not very good. Have you installed the first one yet? If so ...

Thanks.

It does look like the same item and the same seller, though s/he has changed their address.

I did a hack install so far, but I will take pictures on the unit for you. BTW, my unit is gray inside and out.

 

[Mauronic]

The shelves are a heavy-duty hex-style coroplast, I would guess stiffer than you would expect.

Front pockets are about 2 inches deep, the picture is deceptive- they have velcro on the bottom so that they lie extra-flat against the front.

I think they totally fit the bill for your purposes.

I think my reservation is that I need their largest, 45" model, but I am worried about the usability. Say I wanna just grab a shirt - I have to get on my bed and unzip something like 70" of zippers (up, over, down). Ugh.

 

[gregoryx]

I think my reservation is that I need their largest, 45" model, but I am worried about the usability. Say I wanna just grab a shirt - I have to get on my bed and unzip something like 70" of zippers (up, over, down). Ugh.

Glad you realize this. I was talking with @Brandon and his missus yesterday (stopped by while in town - I should'a got a photo!) and saying that after /using/ over-the-bed storage, it's not as awesome as it seems at first. I'd minimize the sizes and use the above-the-bed storage for smaller stuff - or just keep the area clear and enjoy the more open feel of the van.

 

[Van Den]

Like the idea light weight bags, keeping the center of gravity low. Decided to go the imatation route with a 32" $60 duffle, added 1/4' plywood to the bottom, bolted the bottom back to the unistrut and to the top of wall and hung the front with the carry strap to the ceiling unistrut to keep it from flopping since it wouldn't stretch to the ceiling with the obtuse angle.Sure it will hold sleeping bags, pillows and clothes.

 

[Gallaher]

I installed 80/20 like you, then added 1/4 inch plywood bottoms and 3/4” maple face frame…no doors.
use plastic bins to organize the contents. After 6 months and 6k miles I’m very pleased with the system.
no rattles and I believe all will hold up well in an accident. Safety is the primary reason I used 80/20.
of course, don’t store heavy objects up high, cast iron skillets, heavy tools etc.

 

[Randall Dee]

There are quite a few good reasons to go with a product like this, but in mind mind the best reason is the weight savings.