Work Van Shelving Layout - How to Design & Build Efficient Van Storage Shelving

In this video I give you a tour of how I built my work van shelving. Lots of tips and tricks on how to layout and construct work van tool storage. My van is a Ford Transit 350 High Roof Extended.
Toggle Clamp Quick Release Tool - geni.us/Pbwcav on Amazon (commissions earned)
Kreg Foreman Pocket Hole Machine - geni.us/0vffhzf on Amazon (commissions earned)
Broom Ceiling Bracket - geni.us/BR2AoQG on Amazon (commissions earned)
Steel Flat Brace (drawers) - geni.us/ODfl7Zp on Amazon (commissions earned) (similar to this)
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[@InsiderCarpentry]

Toggle Clamp Quick Release Tool - amzn.to/3c2E3Lg Kreg Foreman Pocket Hole Machine - amzn.to/2FrCZ88 Broom Ceiling Bracket - amzn.to/2FEyXcf Steel Flat Brace (drawers) - amzn.to/3hCeYrZ (similar to this) RivNut Tool - amzn.to/3kqWpbS

[@dalerex9687]

I built my Transit shelving according to your videos. The shelf peg holes took some time to drill accurately, but made the shelves infinitely adjustable. I also used your cool drawer latch idea. I absolutely love the results. It's a great system. Thank you for all of your excellent videos.

[@johnryan1029]

I love the drawer latch system, I’m gonna steal that idea

[@moeszyslack4676]

Organized, efficient, productive. The mark of a professional and a craftsman. Beautiful set up.

[@mattbrooks1302]

Not to mention clean 👍 . Lotta hacks think because the work makes a mess, it's OK to be messy.

[@moeszyslack4676]

@@mattbrooks1302 Good point, you are right.

[@hhprogressiveconstruction1140]

Doing one trade specific thing really helps with organizing the van setup . Not having to carry a wide range of tools and materials .

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It really does. Everything changes when you open up your scope of work. I do use totes for other trade specific tools. I've got totes for paint, drywall, plumbing, electric, etc. So if I do have to tackle one of those things its just a matter of loading up a tote and I have all the basic tools. But that never happens any more. I've locked into trim work and haven't taken on anything else for probably 4 or so years now.

[@martinjames6798]

Well thought out design, brilliantly executed! Love the draw latching system.👏

[@iekoch1]

I have all my sustainers on drawer slides and I love the drawer latch. Thanks for the tour.

[@agonw741]

I have Mercedes 2500 and search for a long time for KZbin ideas on how to outfit with self made shelves. Your setup and video show and tell is definitely by far the best how too. Well done! I’ll take a few idea and incorporate into my shelving system.

[@chadshank5115]

Looks good. You did a really nice job utilizing space. Thanks for speaking about the sizing on the van itself. Very helpful.

[@ou8nucks630]

I just built out my trailer last weekend, but there are a few minor details that I've gotta work out. I was wanting to use the toggle clamps on the roof for my tracks, but that broom idea is a good one too. The drawer catches are pretty brilliant man,may have to steal that one as well. Excellent content, as always Spencer.

[@joelwalsman773]

Well done Spencer! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world.

[@Mike-dy8bq]

Thanks for the ideas. It's one thing to have the skills to do the work and it's another to be organized so that you can make money at it. P.S. Ron Polk also has a great drawer idea that doesn't use any extra hardware.

[@timfoster8469]

Nice design; well thought out. I love the drawer latches!

[@khavafis]

Great set up Spencer. Much obliged for your detailed tour, to the point without any waste of time. The drawer catch is particularly clever, simple and effective not to mention cheap! Your vid pushed me in the direction I was going: get the ugly land whale Transit EL because space... is never enough, forget the parking headaches.

[@mueckenhoeffer]

Thank you. This video is giving me some very good ideas for building out my enclosed trailer.

[@paulnaismith4078]

Great ideas for setting up a van or trailer! I really like your methods for efficiency!

[@Thoughtfulbuildsllc]

That’s sweet thanks for the walk trough and tips just bought a medium size roof. Transit. My first work van . The next van will be bigger probably gonna go with packout shelves

[@deejayfantasma9753]

excellent how everything is organized; that's my plan for my van

[@charliekim4062]

You made it so brilliant. I want to make it like yours. Thanks a million.

[@-Kreger-]

Very clever locks on your drawers. Well done

[@salurika]

Awesome! Creativity brings happiness to your life.

[@BradHuebner1]

Love the drawer locking mechanism

[@jpk2742]

I have the rotating latches and I totally agree you do forget sometimes. Good job festool sys are built well.

[@mxfern12]

Fantastic, van layout beats trailer all day!!!

[@kingsovernines]

The drawer latch system is beauteous! Great design all around. I bet it makes day to day life much more enjoyable to have a great system like that.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It does!

[@timothykuharich9967]

I also thought the drawer latch system was very nice. Low key out of the way but effective. Thanks for the tour Spencer

[@matthewshull8376]

Thanks for the tour, I always like seeing how others envision their organization. I have my 16 trailer setup, but have changed it 3 times to become more efficient every time I see others with something to help me just a little bit more. I am already working on change 4 to go to a 75% Systainer organized trailer as it works best for my cabinet and trim business when I roll up to a job. Lock and click and roll it all in. Nice video, keep them coming. On a sided note, your thin line chalk line, and Pica markers have become my new favorites, thanks for talking about them and "persuading" me to get them both!

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Glad you find them useful my friend.

[@JoeGerossie]

You’re an organized, efficient machine! Listened to the modern craftsman podcast with you the other day as I was working by myself. Inspiration

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Thanks man! I appreciate that. 👊👊

[@ealdydar]

love the crastman versastack. I use a mix of the versa and the dewalt tsak which are the same box and stack together including the stanley ones too. Got to have drawer on my boxes.

[@danboilard9881]

Fantastic drawer locking idea!

[@gerarddonoghue6622]

Great job, very professional looking van

[@ToddAndelin]

brilliant design on the drawer constraint mechanism....

[@lawcorp]

I really love this setup, thanks for sharing

[@ayl3166]

That is a great kitting-out job. Its not often my ocd is at peace....

[@donproctor3445]

great idea for the drawer locks.

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Nice! and Great idea for locking the drawers 👍 😊

[@josgravoz]

Some of these ideas will go in to my 2020 Ford Transit Custom. Thanks!

[@TheDazman50]

Dream van for me, luv it.

[@tylermims]

I love this setup! Great job!

[@ScottyLo]

Nice layout. I think the panel vans are the way to go. Setting one up looks like a fun project in itself.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Its kind of a dream setting up your first van for sure. This was my second van but first big euro style cargo van with a high roof. Great fun.

[@billkapaldo2712]

Nice work! Some great ideas I think I'm gpoing to steal!

[@MrJackchap]

Well thought out and executed !

[@RNeuby77]

Excellent video! Thank you for sharing.

[@ciobanugabriel6876]

very useful ideas the drawers lock system and the festool lock system is just amazing.I will use those soon :D

[@intothedustwoodworks657]

Dang that drawer latch 🥰🥰🥰

[@CRShimota]

Hey Spencer, I've not had much luck with Menards pre-finished plywood, it seems to start bowing as soon as I cut it up. But I do love Menards TigerFORM 3/4" forming plywood, same weight and much more straight and stable! It's got a tough black phenolic finish on both sides plus a nine ply poplar core. Cost is about the same, where I am it's a special order but well worth the wait! I just got a sheet to build (your) wings for my new Dewalt 780 slide saw. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@billybike57]

Awesome layout for your work space 👍🏼

[@geraldlessard7446]

Thanks for the great tour.

[@renovationhomeservices6133]

❤ Love the design how practical and easy to work

[@fireblaster9961]

I’ve fitted out few vans I’ve had and one thing I’ve learnt is if you like to put your foot down, think about the material your using to make it all as it quickly adds weight to the van, plus tools and the materials your load up, it all adds up and it will slow you down.

[@MrLuwitin]

What's the lightest material that you recommend. I won't be storing heavy tools

[@georgep1665]

That's really nice. nice job.

[@hankb7725]

great work! very helpful.

[@jorgecallicutt1272]

Thank you for showing your van> this have given me great ideas for my van setup

[@softmetals3702]

one of the most efficient set ups yet

[@javieralcantar1754]

Great set up...

[@guytech7310]

Well thought out layout, Very nice!

[@thomasalison6188]

Nice set up! Very efficient!

[@miguelquiroz1550]

Perfect! Thanks for the advice!.

[@bravy1966]

wow!! really clever! good for you!

[@mikepeterson4746]

Excellent video

[@fillowtree5505]

Nice set up! You should go more in-depth on what is in the storage boxes.

[@stophatecollaborate5419]

Thank you for the video he gave me some good ideas I just bought a 12 ft box fan and I love the latches on the drawers that was a great idea I'm stealing it LOL thank you again for video

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Glad I could help

[@mikecats]

I Really like this guy !

[@govnor]

Nice job on the layout!

[@raifordcombs6398]

Thanks Bro this helps a lot.

[@johnarcan9567]

Great content as usual always looking forward to your posts I think you missed your career... should have been an engineer/ designer ,still you are a MASTER at everything you do . God bless you in all your endeavors!

[@tinpankid]

Nice... man is a legend... this van is boss...

[@pro-fitkitchensandbathrooms]

Wish I had ur van spencer. Some set up u have. 👌🏻👌🏻🇮🇪

[@donproctor3445]

I have a 14" Gruman workhorse van (looks like a Fedex van) I have built out the inside. I love it I carry everything I own in it. I have one last section to build out and then I share some pics. I was trying to decide on building a rolling toolbox from a wheelbarrow and decided on the Milwaukie pac out. So now I more space to build out. I have found no matter what I always say "wow I need more space for things". When does it end LOL

[@stockbulll]

Nice job!

[@nicolasstanley1392]

drawer latch invention blew my mind

[@MovingToMnPro]

Great advice! Thanks

[@peterwilcox7188]

Nice van fella,,fair play,,👍

[@SoCalKevin]

Thanks for all the great info! I really like your shelving layout. Any tips for additional van security to keep thieves out?

[@andriy_moskalyk]

Hey Spencer, i love ur setup. And did similar for my first van. But after it I did it, I realized it can be more efficient. I’m about to build my second- high roof medium length ,van shelves. If u want to rebuild urs and do a joint video about updated setup, let me know. I’m in NY. Willing to travel to ur area.

[@chrisgentry4837]

Great video!

[@jamartin1]

Very nice!!💜

[@tomthinks2089]

Very meticulous looks good.

[@fee911]

At 6'4" I wish I had the taller Van, but I still love my express and can't wait to start my first attempt at getting anywhere near the build you have. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@Mopardude]

Impressive layout! I am cabinet maker by trade so the first thing I said was you can actually haul cabinets in that setup. So it made me happy to see you mention that several times in the video. I can't tell you the number of carpenters that show up to pick up cabinets and their vans or trucks are freakin disasters in side. Want to know how to piss off a cabinet maker fast? Bring back a cabinet an hour later with damage on it from a messy truck it rode in. LOL

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I hear you. I transport all the built ins I build in the van. It’s been a great tool for me. I even design some of built ins around the interior height of my van so I can haul them more efficiently.

[@crackerman3]

Good stuff!

[@KBizle]

Love the setup... Looking to incorporate something like this in my new box truck. Those one pads are different, the larger ones: what's the brand and are they comfortable?

[@robertchiavoli5932]

Looks good ! I have upfit promaster for carpenter & handyman work. Just a guestion about other bigger items. Where do you carry some 1x2,3,4 pine. How about 2x4 stud & p.t.. Then ur cut 1\2", 3\8" drywall, 3\4"& 1\2" ply? Lastly where is the dog and drop cloth compartment? Is this design meant for tool transport to full on construction site?

[@zaccomusic]

amazing contents friend

[@alexlotscher7816]

Thanks for sharing.

[@mykalimba]

"...Festool Systainers -- very overpriced plastic." I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this.

[@jeffpower6473]

I thought so too. Until I started using them. I’m easily saving 15-20 minutes every day in setup and a clean up. Not to mention time saved finding stuff

[@GreenSaxon]

Very waterproof, tidy & easily moved.

[@stevealbert2284]

Great video! The build out is really ingenious! I was hoping you might make a video of how you made templates for the vertical dividers. Thanks for posting this!

[@snomofilms]

Awesome

[@JoseHernandez-ks3ty]

you just the best .

[@jefferyholland]

Nice setup Spencer. I have moved most of my worksite stuff to packouts. Not sure if you know this but there are some folks making adapters for the Milwaukee jobsite organizers to lock to the packout systems. Those containers are real nice for fasteners and are cheaper than the packout cases.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I've seek the stuff kapez inserts is making for the packout. I'm really excited to see what packout comes out with in regards to totes with drawers. I feel like that will be a game changer.

[@geraintwilliams9574]

Iv just had a 2nd van and I'd like to kit it out how do I get a fixing to side of van please

[@segundosuin9463]

Perfecto muy buena explicación excelente

[@runinguy]

thanks for sharing your great work. 19:18 how exactly do you keep it from freezing?

[@ariesbarb418]

Genius!!

[@dsdragoon]

Did you ever see Ron Paulk’s Smart Woodshop? It is his storage system for his 8x14 x 6.5 high trailer.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Yep. It’s a nice system but not very ideal for my workflow.

[@octasker1032]

Great videos Spencer. Building out my Mid Transit 350 with the padded flooring. Having trouble keeping the shelves plumb, as the floor is uneven/sloped. A few questions: 1) How did you overcome this issue? 2) Did you use any shims under the partitions? 3) It doesn’t appear the top of the van comes out the same as the bottom, top of window area to bottom - how did you accommodate for that? 3) Did you build the shelving outside the van then move it in, or did you build it in the van. 4) Due to the slope of the floor, and the van, depending on how it is parked, checking for level is very difficult, how did you accommodate for that? 5) I am finding that the shelves need additional support due to the weight of the boxes/tools on them, did you find the same issues? Thanks!

[@chrisblore6385]

Great job. I would luv to have you build bout my Nissan tall van.

[@nkeller5883]

How about a video about your punch out set up, in the two craftsman boxes

[@Homerbub]

I really like your videos. They’re very informative, and helpful. I need to get a new work van, and I like how you’ve got yours outfitted. Have you ever had a problem sliding plywood in on the vinyl floor of your van? I would think it might rip it as you slide the wood in. Thanks

[@InsiderCarpentry]

So far no issues. The rubber mat is from ford and is pretty durable.

[@keithdygert1120]

What’s the specific hardware you used from Lowe’s to make the drawer latches and what did you use to cut it down? I’m looking at doing the same type of thing on my new van build out that was significantly inspired by your video! Thank you.

[@a9paintingservice532]

I like it bro

[@davidfink7707]

Hi Spencer, much appreciate your videos. How wide are your plywood frame panels on your van shelving? One side is narrower and one deeper.. Would greatly appreciate info. Thanks David Fink