DIY rear cargo shelf

[hockeynut258]

For those looking to save some $$ and enjoy a little project, this could be a great option for you! Here is a write up on building up my own rear cargo shelf using custom JL brackets.

My goals for a cargo rack:
1) compatible with the sky-one touch top so it had to install on the roll bar,
2) has adjustable height
3) could be quickly removed or installed.

I have used it on several cross country off road trips and overlanding. It’s been great! I like having the ability to adjust the height based on what cargo I’ll be using. Having M8 knob and t-bolts require no tools and 20 seconds to remove and a minute to install. That’s huge when your jeep is a daily driver and you need the extra vertical space. If you’re comfortable with measuring, cutting and drilling wood, this is a great option!

Parts list:

Jeep Wrangler JLU Cargo Shelf Brackets

3/4-in x 20-in x 4-ft S4S Spruce Pine Fir Edge-glued Board

80/20 brand Extruded aluminum four slot ( 4040x455 ) 18” long. 80/20 Inc., 40-4040-Lite

Rubber caps Made in USA Prescott Plastics

Mardatt 15Pcs M8 Star Knob...

15 Pcs M8 x 40mm Thread T Slot Bolts...

1-1/2-in W x 2-1/4-in H x 3-ft L Zinc-plated Steel Perforated-slotted Angle iron

Some notes on parts selection:

M8x50mm bolts x4 to connect the bracket to the roll bar. The bars are not square you and may need to use washers or nylon spacers to shim the bracket from the roll bar.

I used 1-1/2-in W x 2-1/4-in H x 3-ft L Zinc-plated Steel Perforated-slotted angle iron on the front and rear edge. The angle iron adds a lip to keep things from sliding off and also allows the use of bungee cords or straps to tie down bags and cargo. I think a small cargo net would be the perfect solution but so far I usually put bulky light things on the shelf that are easily secured. I went with the 1-1/2”x2-1/4” because I felt 1-1/2” might be too short and having two different lengths I could flip it should 2-1/4”be too tall.

I installed the brackets and 4040 channels then took measurements on the pine board.

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[CarlosMOtoCO]

For those looking to save some $$ and enjoy a little project, this could be a great option for you! Here is a write up on building up my own rear cargo shelf using custom JL brackets.

My goals for a cargo rack:
1) compatible with the sky-one touch top so it had to install on the roll bar,
2) has adjustable height
3) could be quickly removed or installed.

I have used it on several cross country off road trips and overlanding. It’s been great! I like having the ability to adjust the height based on what cargo I’ll be using. Having M8 knob and t-bolts require no tools and 20 seconds to remove and a minute to install. That’s huge when your jeep is a daily driver and you need the extra vertical space. If you’re comfortable with measuring, cutting and drilling wood, this is a great option!

Parts list:

Jeep Wrangler JLU Cargo Shelf Brackets

3/4-in x 20-in x 4-ft S4S Spruce Pine Fir Edge-glued Board

80/20 brand Extruded aluminum four slot ( 4040x455 ) 18” long. 80/20 Inc., 40-4040-Lite

Rubber caps Made in USA Prescott Plastics

Mardatt 15Pcs M8 Star Knob...

15 Pcs M8 x 40mm Thread T Slot Bolts...

1-1/2-in W x 2-1/4-in H x 3-ft L Zinc-plated Steel Perforated-slotted Angle iron

Some notes on parts selection:

M8x50mm bolts x4 to connect the bracket to the roll bar. The bars are not square you and may need to use washers or nylon spacers to shim the bracket from the roll bar.

I used 1-1/2-in W x 2-1/4-in H x 3-ft L Zinc-plated Steel Perforated-slotted angle iron on the front and rear edge. The angle iron adds a lip to keep things from sliding off and also allows the use of bungee cords or straps to tie down bags and cargo. I think a small cargo net would be the perfect solution but so far I usually put bulky light things on the shelf that are easily secured. I went with the 1-1/2”x2-1/4” because I felt 1-1/2” might be too short and having two different lengths I could flip it should 2-1/4”be too tall.

I installed the brackets and 4040 channels then took measurements on the pine board.

I appreciate your ingenuity and I love a good DIY project, but I added your part list and a can of black spray paint and the grand total is around $200. I didn’t pay much more for the Hooke Road model that mounts with similar brackets and is rock solid. That said if a guy had some leftovers in his shop and just purchased your brackets, it would save a little. Thanks for the nice write up.

 

[hockeynut258]

I appreciate your ingenuity and I love a good DIY project, but I added your part list and a can of black spray paint and the grand total is around $200. I didn’t pay much more for the Hooke Road model that mounts with similar brackets and is rock solid. That said if a guy had some leftovers in his shop and just purchased your brackets, it would save a little. Thanks for the nice write up.

It was right around $200. I was about to buy the Hooke shelf but I wanted adjustable height and easily removable. You could use some knob bolts for the Hooke to make it quicker to remove but it looks like the height is fixed.

 

[Mellowfocal]

Just stumbled upon this thread in search of this exact solution that nobody else has mass produced yet. Love it!! I am going to have a go at making something similar myself. Those premade brackets were the only thing holding me back.

 

[hockeynut258]

Just stumbled upon this thread in search of this exact solution that nobody else has mass produced yet. Love it!! I am going to have a go at making something similar myself. Those premade brackets were the only thing holding me back.

Post up how it turns out!

 

[Mellowfocal]

Update: I did not realize the custom brackets came in a pair from Send Cut Send. So I have an extra pair now if anybody sees this and is interested.

Thinking about building fully out of extrusion and having the hand knobs run along the outside of the roll bar brackets so the entire tray can be removed more easily. Might be more expensive to build but I am looking for it to support a good amount of weight in expensive camera gear inside pelican cases.

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