Maximize Cargo Trailer Space with Shelving Ideas

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Top-view Photography of Cargo Ship With Intermodal Containers
Credit: pexels.com, Top-view Photography of Cargo Ship With Intermodal Containers

Maximizing cargo trailer space is all about optimizing your shelving. A well-designed shelving system can increase storage capacity by up to 30%.

To start, consider the vertical space in your trailer. Installing shelving units that go up to the ceiling can add extra storage without sacrificing floor space.

Trailer Shelving Ideas

Enclosed trailers and vans are essentially blank canvases, waiting for your creativity and customization. Not every trailer is designed to support the same kind of shelving, so it's essential to consider the material, collapsibility, and accessories when designing shelves.

Good shelf ideas for enclosed trailers will lead to keeping equipment off the floor, giving you a more professional look and more room to work with. This is especially important for keeping all your tools, equipment, and accessories in one place, making it easier to track your supplies.

Here are some benefits of cargo or utility trailer shelving:

  • Keeps equipment off the floor
  • Helps you keep track of all your supplies
  • Makes equipment easily accessible
  • Leads to more organization, less mess, less stress, and higher productivity

3. V-Nose Trailer

V-nose trailers offer a unique design that provides extra space compared to flat trailers. This extra space can be transformed into additional storage.

Adding v-shaped shelving to the walls of a V-nose trailer is a great idea, as it makes the most of the available space.

Cabinets work especially well in this v-nose enclosed trailer shelving design, allowing you to close drawers and save space.

Rack'Em Lubrication Rack for Trailers

Cargo Ship Near Port
Credit: pexels.com, Cargo Ship Near Port

The Rack'Em Lubrication Rack for Enclosed Trailers is a great option for organizing your trailer's storage space. It's designed for trailers, so you know it'll fit perfectly.

One of the unique features of this rack is the lubrication station, which is perfect for keeping your tools well-lubricated and ready to use. This is especially useful for tasks like adjusting chains or hinges.

The rack is also equipped with pre-drilled holes, making it easy to mount on your trailer. This saves you time and effort compared to drilling the holes yourself.

You can store a variety of items on this rack, including bottles and cans, making it a great multi-purpose solution. Some people even use it for storing small tools or equipment.

The rack is 5 inches wide, which is a great size for most trailers. It's also 31 inches tall, giving you plenty of vertical space to store your items.

Here's a quick rundown of the features you can expect from the Rack'Em Lubrication Rack:

  • Bottle and Can Racks
  • Lubrication Rack
  • Hobby Space
  • Landscaping
  • Recreation
  • Pre-Drilled Holes
  • RackEm
  • 5 Inch Wide
  • 31 Inch Tall

Metal

Blurred worker in a cold storage facility with shelves of perishable goods, emphasizing motion and efficiency.
Credit: pexels.com, Blurred worker in a cold storage facility with shelves of perishable goods, emphasizing motion and efficiency.

Metal is a great option for cargo trailer shelving, especially if you don't have the time to build a DIY shelving system. It's usually made of steel, composites, or aluminum, which can be a lightweight, durable material.

Metal shelving won't warp, break, or become deformed as easily when handling heavy items, making it a great choice for storing tools and equipment. This is a big advantage over wood, which can be prone to damage.

Metal shelving is also easier to clean than wood in the event of spillage. This is a big plus, especially if you're planning to store messy items like paint or chemicals.

One thing to keep in mind is that metal shelving can be more expensive than wood, which may be a drawback for some people.

Shelving Components

For cargo trailer shelving, it's essential to consider the shelving components that will provide the best storage solutions for your needs. The material the shelves are made from, such as plywood, is a key factor to consider.

Industrial warehouse interior featuring shelves and an orange cart, ideal for logistics.
Credit: pexels.com, Industrial warehouse interior featuring shelves and an orange cart, ideal for logistics.

You can use a table saw or a circular saw with a straight edge to cut the shelf parts, or a plunge cut saw like I used for this project. Cutting all the uprights first can help with production time.

The Rack'em Shelf Kit for Enclosed Trailers part #RA-13 is a great solution, as it comes with everything you need except for the lumber to build the shelves. It's also adjustable, which is a convenient feature.

Here are some common shelving components you may need to consider:

Pre-drilled holes can also be a convenient feature, as seen in the Rack'Em Lubrication Rack for Enclosed Trailers.

E-Track Brackets

E-Track brackets are a game-changer for trailer organization. They're adjustable and removable, clicking easily into your E-Track rail slots.

You can choose from horizontal, vertical, and cross designs, depending on your E-Track system. E-Track brackets are a quick and easy way to create a customized enclosed trailer organizer shelf.

A truck driver in high-visibility gear unloading cargo at an industrial facility.
Credit: pexels.com, A truck driver in high-visibility gear unloading cargo at an industrial facility.

These brackets add flexibility to your trailer, as you can raise, lower, or remove them when needed. Don't need the shelf anymore? Simply unclick the bracket and store it until needed.

Suddenly need more space to get your equipment off the trailer's floor? Add two brackets and the shelving wherever you need quickly and easily!

Here are some options for E-Track brackets:

  • Horizontal & Vertical Cross Galvanized E Track for Trailer Truck (Price: $4.09)
  • E-Track Horizontal Galvanized Rails, Made in USA (Price: $5.19)
  • Black Powder Coated Horizontal E-Track Rail - Made in USA (Price: $5.19)

Rack Shelf Kit

The Rack Shelf Kit is a must-have for any trailer owner looking to maximize their storage space. It's a comprehensive kit that comes with everything you need to install shelves in your enclosed trailer, except for the lumber to build the shelves.

The Rack'em Shelf Kit for Enclosed Trailers part #RA-13 is a great option, as it's adjustable and customizable to fit your specific needs. It's also a cost-effective solution, as it eliminates the need to purchase separate components.

If you're looking for a more specific solution, the CargoSmart X-Track Trailer Shelf Bundle - Matte Black - Steel - 667 lbs - 5' Long #3481788-T is a great option. This shelf bundle is designed for wall storage and comes with hooks, making it perfect for hanging tools and equipment.

Wide aisle in a spacious warehouse filled with industrial metal shelving units.
Credit: pexels.com, Wide aisle in a spacious warehouse filled with industrial metal shelving units.

Here are some key features of the Rack Shelf Kit:

The Rack Shelf Kit is a great way to keep your trailer organized and clutter-free. By installing shelves and cabinets, you can keep your equipment off the floor and out of the way, making it easier to access what you need.

How to Build Modular Construction Trailer Shelving

Building modular construction trailer shelving is a great way to maximize your storage space and keep your tools organized. You can use the Rack'em Shelf Kit for Enclosed Trailers, which comes with everything you need except for the lumber to build the shelves.

Before you start building, it's a good idea to have a plan. You can use SketchUp or another program to create a design that suits your needs. This will help you visualize your project and make any necessary adjustments.

To add shelves to your trailer, you'll need to consider the type of shelving you want and the materials you'll need. The Rack'em Shelf Kit is adjustable, so you can customize it to fit your trailer's dimensions.

Colorful cargo containers on ship near pier
Credit: pexels.com, Colorful cargo containers on ship near pier

You'll also need to think about the weight capacity of your shelves. The CargoSmart X-Track Trailer Shelf Bundle, for example, can hold up to 667 pounds.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when building modular construction trailer shelving:

  • Material: Consider using a durable material like steel or aluminum for your shelves.
  • Adjustability: Look for shelving systems that are adjustable to fit your trailer's dimensions.
  • Weight capacity: Make sure your shelves can hold the weight of your tools and equipment.
  • Accessories: Consider adding hooks or other accessories to your shelving system for extra storage and organization.

By following these tips and using the right materials and tools, you can build a modular construction trailer shelving system that meets your needs and keeps your tools organized.

Cutting Shelf Parts

Cutting Shelf Parts is a crucial step in building shelving components, and it's essential to get it right.

AC plywood is a good choice for this project, offering a balance between quality and cost.

Cutting all the parts to the same dimension speeds up production time and allows for easy adjustability in the future.

Using a plunge cut saw, table saw, or circular saw with a straight edge makes cutting the parts a breeze.

Cutting the uprights first allows the drops to be used for the individual shelves.

Cutting all the shelves at once is a time-saving process since they are all the same size.

Pocket Holes

Drone Shot of a Cargo Ship on Port
Credit: pexels.com, Drone Shot of a Cargo Ship on Port

Pocket holes are a game-changer for building strong and stable shelves.

Drilling pocket holes in the bottom and top of uprights allows for secure attachment to the floor and top piece.

Eight pocket holes in each shelf are drilled to hold the weight of tools, making the shelves sturdy and reliable.

Using pocket screws to install the shelves and back support is a great way to keep everything in place.

Having modular shelves means you can make adjustments on the fly to accommodate your needs, just like William Endicott did with his project.

Installation and Tips

To ensure even spacing between uprights, temporarily install a shelf between each upright using the upper most shelf pin holes and clamps.

Using clamps allows for easy adjustment and removal of the temporary shelf once the uprights are held in place.

For the top piece, notch around the structure of the trailer using a jig saw to accommodate its unique size.

Aerial Photo of Cargo Ship Near Intermodal Containers
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial Photo of Cargo Ship Near Intermodal Containers

This allows for a flush fit and creates space for ladders and extra storage behind the shelves.

Attach the shelves to the structure of the trailer using "L" brackets to the structure and the top of the shelving unit.

By installing the shelves at a slight angle, you can prevent boxes from sliding out during transport.

This is achieved by installing the shelves with the back one pin hole lower than the rest.

Storage and Organization

You can significantly improve your cargo trailer shelving with additional storage options or accessories.

There are many options available, including filing cabinets and storage bins.

Folding trays and tire racks can also be added to increase storage capacity.

Enclosed cargo carriers can be used to transport equipment or tools safely.

If you need something unique, you can order or design a customized storage option yourself.

Benefits and Accessories

Having a well-organized cargo trailer can make a huge difference in your productivity and stress levels. Keeping equipment off the floor of your trailer can lead to a more professional look and more room to work with.

Two Cargo Ships Sailing Near City
Credit: pexels.com, Two Cargo Ships Sailing Near City

Good shelf ideas for enclosed trailers will help you keep all your tools, equipment, and accessories in one place, making it easier to keep track of your supplies. This is especially useful when you have a lot of equipment to manage.

Having a system in place to keep your tools easily accessible can save you a significant amount of time searching for a specific tool or accessory. Knowing exactly which shelf you keep something on can be a huge time-saver.

Investing in construction trailer shelving ideas can lead to more organization, less mess, less stress, and higher productivity. This is a great way to look professional while being functional.

Whether you decide to build your own shelving or purchase a pre-built design, you'll be saving a lot of money in the long run. By keeping all your tools neatly organized, you're improving their lifespans for years to come.

Here are some benefits of cargo trailer shelving:

  • More space and a more professional look
  • Easier to keep track of supplies
  • Easier to access tools and equipment
  • Less mess, less stress, and higher productivity
  • Improved tool lifespans

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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