Quick answer
Start with a partition behind the seats, put shelving along the driver side wall, keep heavy items low, and add a drop-down ladder rack on the roof. Measure your van's wall height and length, and stay under the payload rating.
Step 1: Know your van
Van shelving and racks are sized to the model, roof height and wheelbase. Write these down before you shop: make and model (Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, Chevy Express, GMC Savana, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Nissan NV), roof height (low, medium, high) and wheelbase (regular or extended).
Step 2: Add a partition
A partition behind the front seats keeps loose cargo out of the cab in a sudden stop, cuts noise and helps the heat and A/C work. It's the first piece most fleets install.
Step 3: Plan your shelving
- Driver side wall: the most common spot for shelving, because the passenger side has the sliding door.
- Heavy items low: put parts, fittings and tools on the bottom shelves to keep weight centered and the van stable.
- Drawer units for small parts and hand tools you grab all day.
- Bins and dividers so fittings and fasteners stay sorted.
- Leave a walkway to the rear doors.
Step 4: Use the roof
Put ladders, conduit and pipe on top. Drop-down ladder racks lower the ladder alongside the van so you load from the ground, which saves time and backs. Add conduit tubes and extra crossbars for long materials. Stay under the rack's rating and the van's roof load limit.
Step 5: Watch your payload
Shelving, inventory, tools and racks add up fast. Weigh the van loaded and compare it to the payload on the door sticker. Overloaded vans wear brakes and tires quickly and handle poorly.
Why we carry Weather Guard® for vans
Weather Guard® builds shelving, drawer units, bins, partitions and ladder racks designed for full-size work vans, so the pieces fit together as one system.
Shop van shelving and storage and van racks.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to drill holes to install van shelving?
Most shelving bolts to the floor and wall using factory mounting points or brackets; some installs need a few holes. Check each product's mounting notes.
Which side should van shelving go on?
Usually the driver side, since the passenger side has the sliding door. Many vans add shorter units on the passenger side behind the door.
Does van shelving fit a high-roof van?
Yes, but taller vans can use taller units. Select your van's roof height and check the shelf dimensions.