My work van is an absolute disaster right now and I feel like Im losing my mind trying to find tools. Ive looked at those pre-made Ranger Design shelving units online but theyre like two grand and I dont have that kind of cash. Some guys on FB suggested DIY wood builds but Im worried about weight. Has anyone found a solid middle ground for a Savana cargo setup?
TL;DR: Check out modular plastic bin systems or metal racking kits instead of custom wood. They are super light, easy to install, and wont break the bank like those high-end aluminum setups! Just saw this thread and honestly, stop stressing about the wood weight. Youre totally right, heavy plywood kills your fuel economy and makes the van feel sluggish. If you want something modular and durable, look into the Weather Guard 800-839 Steel Shelving units. Theyre not as pricey as the premium stuff and they last forever. Are you hauling mostly small power tools or bigger bins of hardware? That makes a massive difference in what you need! If you just have loose gear, grabbing some DeWalt TSTAK System cases that stack up might be the best move. It keeps everything organized without needing a permanent build. Lemme know what you usually carry!
Adding my two cents here, totally agree that wood gets heavy fast. If you want something modular without the custom build, check out DeWalt TSTAK Storage System or Milwaukee PACKOUT Modular Storage System. Theyre basically the middle ground. You can bolt them to the floor or walls easily. Just make sure to use some decent aluminum angle brackets to secure everything so it doesnt slide around while you drive.
Wood is heavy for sure, but aluminum extrusions are a total game changer. I built my own frame and honestly, no complaints. It works well and stays way lighter than plywood.
Seriously, I am struggling with the exact same mess in my Savana. Been dealing with this disaster for like six months now and honestly, I still have zero clue what works.