RAV4 DIY Custom Trunk Shelf Build
I found myself wanting more trunk storage for some extra summer items without having to sacrifice access to the lower hatch or take my tool bags out. Here is a quick sketch I did for the general idea I had, I have 2011 but this should work for many different years.
![Car Land vehicle Vehicle Motor vehicle Hood]()
I used 2 shower curtain rods (extendable to 72") from Walmart, about $10 each. They fit perfect across the back in the holes already in the car.
![Car Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design Trunk]()
Next I used 1/2" MDF, I bought a 2' x 4' sheet $13, and picked out a relatively straight 1x2x8' furring strip $2. I kept the MDF 4 foot wide but cut the depth of the shelf down to 18". Then I cut the furring strip into two 4 foot sections, stacked them and drilled them together. Then I drilled the strips to one outside edge of the shelf. (Pre drilled all holes - highly recommend so nothing splits)
![Table Saw Motor vehicle Automotive tire Wood]()
I used some black Automarine carpeting from Menards for a covering, 3' x 6' section for $10. Then used spray adhesive $7 to attach the two together. Secured some of the edges with a few staples from a staple gun. (Black spray paint on sides so I didn't have to fold carpeting over edge, and cut flush with edge)
![Furniture Wood Table Rectangle Automotive design]()
Next it's a little hard to see but I put 2 short screws on the bottom. 3.5" from the long edge, and each 10" in from the short edge. I then put 2 more short screws up on the little wall I added also 10" in from the edge to line up with the ones underneath. I drew a diagram to see what I'm talking about.
![Light Automotive lighting Rectangle Font Handwriting]()
The screws are not sticking out very far and aren't in the way, just enough to use a couple bungees $4 to secure the shelf to the shower curtain rods without the bungees falling off
![Hood Motor vehicle Automotive lighting Vehicle Automotive design]()
![Wood Plant Gesture Sculpture Tree]()
Here's the finished result. I'm pretty happy with it. It works well, holds a lot of stuff, and doesn't move around while driving thanks to the bungees. It's very easy to install and take out as well.
![Car Vehicle Motor vehicle Trunk Hood]()
![Motor vehicle Car Trunk Vehicle Camera lens]()
I'm using the back of the rear seats to also keep the items on the shelf but you could build one that has the little wall or lip on both sides so you could use it with the seats down. Total cost came out to be about $60. I already had the tools and screws used. So not bad for the final product, especially compared to people selling the Toyota cargo net hammock thing on eBay for like $80+, and this is much more sturdy and has more storage.
To ensure the safety of all passengers during a collision or hard braking incident, a commenter suggested adding a barricade so that nothing can fly forward. I really like this idea especially if there are children in the vehicle. Definitely consider doing something like this!
![Vehicle Window Car Motor vehicle Hood]()
So I hope you enjoyed the post and maybe you will build your own or modify this design. Post photos if you do, I would like to check them out!
- Ryan S.
I found myself wanting more trunk storage for some extra summer items without having to sacrifice access to the lower hatch or take my tool bags out. Here is a quick sketch I did for the general idea I had, I have 2011 but this should work for many different years.
I used 2 shower curtain rods (extendable to 72") from Walmart, about $10 each. They fit perfect across the back in the holes already in the car.
Next I used 1/2" MDF, I bought a 2' x 4' sheet $13, and picked out a relatively straight 1x2x8' furring strip $2. I kept the MDF 4 foot wide but cut the depth of the shelf down to 18". Then I cut the furring strip into two 4 foot sections, stacked them and drilled them together. Then I drilled the strips to one outside edge of the shelf. (Pre drilled all holes - highly recommend so nothing splits)
I used some black Automarine carpeting from Menards for a covering, 3' x 6' section for $10. Then used spray adhesive $7 to attach the two together. Secured some of the edges with a few staples from a staple gun. (Black spray paint on sides so I didn't have to fold carpeting over edge, and cut flush with edge)
Next it's a little hard to see but I put 2 short screws on the bottom. 3.5" from the long edge, and each 10" in from the short edge. I then put 2 more short screws up on the little wall I added also 10" in from the edge to line up with the ones underneath. I drew a diagram to see what I'm talking about.
The screws are not sticking out very far and aren't in the way, just enough to use a couple bungees $4 to secure the shelf to the shower curtain rods without the bungees falling off
Here's the finished result. I'm pretty happy with it. It works well, holds a lot of stuff, and doesn't move around while driving thanks to the bungees. It's very easy to install and take out as well.
I'm using the back of the rear seats to also keep the items on the shelf but you could build one that has the little wall or lip on both sides so you could use it with the seats down. Total cost came out to be about $60. I already had the tools and screws used. So not bad for the final product, especially compared to people selling the Toyota cargo net hammock thing on eBay for like $80+, and this is much more sturdy and has more storage.
To ensure the safety of all passengers during a collision or hard braking incident, a commenter suggested adding a barricade so that nothing can fly forward. I really like this idea especially if there are children in the vehicle. Definitely consider doing something like this!
So I hope you enjoyed the post and maybe you will build your own or modify this design. Post photos if you do, I would like to check them out!
- Ryan S.
