DIY Plans for a Van-Top Cargo Carrier

Build a cargo carrier for the top of your van.

Vans are made for carrying things, but sometimes there just isn't enough room. A cheap cargo carrier for the top of your van is a way to carry a lot of extra luggage without having to rent a cargo trailer or sacrifice leg room. Cargo carriers can also hold larger items such as surfboards, snowboards or construction materials. You can separate your dirty items into the cargo carrier to keep everything inside your van clean.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood
• 2-by-4s
• Wood screws
• Metal hinges
• Sheet metal screws

Instructions

1. Screw four 1-foot long 2-by-4s into the four corners of a sheet of plywood.

2. Cut out four more pieces of plywood for the sides of the cargo carrier. Screw these into the 2-by-4s.

3. Screw at least two (three or four if you are using an entire 4-by-8 sheet of plywood) hinges into the long side of your cargo carrier.

4. Screw another piece of plywood, identical in dimensions to the floor of the carrier, into the hinges. This will serve as the door for loading and unloading your cargo carrier.

5. Put the carrier onto the roof of your van and attach it with at least six sheet metal screws.

References

• Woodworking Corner: How to Make a Blanket Chest