parcel / boot shelf question

Has anybody ever seen or DIY'ed a rigid shelf to replace the fabric one that comes in the RAV, I need something that is a bit more secure, it doesn't have to be bomb proof but just a bit more supportive than what's in there already.

[pjw1967]

Sorry if this reply is less than what you expect. Over here in the colonies, that fabric gizmo is to basically hide prying eyes from seeing what's in your boot, so to speak. Hence the lack of rigidity. If you want to use the anchoring points to mount a rigid shelf, I'd suggest you head to the Welsh equivalent of Home Depot and get yourself some 1/4 in plywood, a saw, and some appropriate hooks. In reading this it might sound a little sarcastic. That's not it at all. Didn't want your request to go unanswered.

[RAV4Don]

ir803, welcome to the board.

I agree with the post above. I have never seen anything on the market. If you want a storage shelf you'll probably need to fabricate one.

Ok this is what I'm getting back from a few forums.
My first idea was to make a wooden shelf that slotted in to the existing mounting point...but someone pointed out that if i got shunted from behind this could be dangerous to rear passengers. SO....
my latest idea is maybe not so bomb proof but still more rigid than the fabric and should provide a little less deterant to smash the glass and have a route around.
take a sheet of chicken wire and glue (laminate) a set of cork floor tiles to either side of it (flexible but tough and not easy to push through in a hurry) then cut for a snug fit and cover in speaker box carpeting felt - have it attach into the holes either side in the boot but it'll be some kind of locking bolt rather than a spring loaded deal, it will cover the rear seat unlocking handles as well.
in theory this will work and be safe because in a crash it will bend and collapse.

[RAV4Don]

Originally Posted by ir803

My first idea was to make a wooden shelf that slotted in to the existing mounting point...but someone pointed out that if i got shunted from behind this could be dangerous to rear passengers.

Correct, the French call those things guillotines.

Ok...picking up the car tomorrow, getting very excited :D
latest idea for parcel shelf is a sheet of 50mm thick rigid foam insulation board, it's rigid and supportive but in a crunch will crumble and collapse.

OK here's the new shelf so far.

made from double layer of foil backed foam insulation board (1inch thick) will be covered with spealer box felt. will post more tomorrow when it's done.

[bigred-d]

What are you planning on putting on the shelf?

If you have to stop quickly, whatever is on there may go flying forward in the car and possibly hit the passengers. Something to think about....

;D

[jerad]

instead of making a shelf, why not put legs on it and secure them to the tie down loops with modified bungy cords. the legs would be at the corners so as not to interfere with rear cargo or opening of rear compartments. legs are easy to get a reno stores, they are aluminum or steel and screw to a base plate supplied, like you're making a small desk. just a thought.

[dtown40]

I think I ve seen this before. Did nt Red Green build something like this?