Whether you’re a delivery service provider, plumber, or HVAC tech, adding shelves to your work van is a great solution for improving organization and maximizing space. The right van shelf can ensure your tools, equipment, and materials can be neatly organized, making it easier to find what you need quickly. So what’s the best shelf for van storage? Let’s compare some great options.

How to Choose a Shelf for Van Storage

First, let’s talk about considerations. There are a lot of options when it comes to upfitting your van to maximize storage space. Factors to consider when choosing a van shelf, include your van make/model and size, intended use, load capacity, aesthetic (listen, we like our vans looking sharp) as well as:

  • Packaging
  • Construction
  • Assembly
  • Installation
  • Pricing

Top 8 Van Shelves for Storage and Organization

Let’s look at some of our favorite options to consider when choosing a shelf for van storage. And keep in mind — we’ll look at van shelves that are relatively 44–46 inches high with closely varying widths and depths since this size shelf can fit in most full-size cargo vans and has a wide variety of applications.

Adrian Steel: AD44FP Adjustable Van Shelf

Adrian Steel shelves are robust and versatile in terms of capacity and customization options, catering well to large fleet needs. However, the challenges with packaging, assembly difficulty for non-professionals, and additional costs for installation components may limit its appeal to smaller businesses or individual users looking for a straightforward, cost-effective solution.

  • Specs
    • Width: 44”
    • Height: 46”
    • Depth: 14”
    • Price: $450.15 plus shipping
  • Packaging
    Right off the bat, the packaging gives clues to some potential snafus. The manufacturer relies on the distributor to add extra layers of protective cardboard, suggesting that the original packaging may have a high damage rate during transit. Additionally, the lack of sealing tape on the carton edges ans a loose internal fit increase the risk of hardware loss and shipping damage.
  • Construction/Capacity
    The shelf is constructed from steel, with 16 gauge (approximately 1.5 mm thick) end panels and 20 gauge (about 1 mm thick) shelves. The load capacity varies with the orientation of the shelf lips — 100 lb when up and 200 lb when down. On a three-shelf unit, this provides 300–600 lbs of load bearing capacity. This flexibility offers a decent load-bearing capacity for most applications. However, the material thickness and overall construction are on the thinner side, which might affect durability under intense use.
  • Assembly
    Adrian Steel provides a thorough assembly and installation guide. Assembly is theoretically straightforward, with minimal screws required. However, the shelf is pretty unstable when putting it together and you’ll need a special fixture for assembly typically used by professional upfitters, making this van shelf a little less friendly for DIY installers as it is for professional setups. This can be a significant drawback for individual buyers or small fleet owners who prefer to handle installations themselves.
  • Installation
    Adrian Steel uses vehicle-specific installation kits, which are an additional expense and complicate the installation process for non-professionals. One benefit of the installation kit is that it uses extruded aluminum rails that mount to the van walls and allow you to adjust and finetune the position of your shelves without having to drill holes in the van for brackets. However, the need for specialized tracks to mount the shelves might be easier for professional fleet installations rather than individual or small business installations. So again, maybe not the most user friendly if you’re trying a DIY van upfit.
  • Pricing
    At a street price of approximately $450.15 plus shipping, the AD44 FP model is slightly cheaper than the average market price but does not include the essential installation kit. This additional cost potentially makes this a more expensive van shelf compared to other options that include all necessary hardware. The 3-year warranty, while seemingly generous, is only valid if the installation is carried out by an authorized Adrian Steel distributor, which may further complicate matters for DIY installers or those using unauthorized installation services.

American Van Shelf: CN 3944

American Van offers a competitively priced, sturdy van shelving solution with customer-friendly packaging and assembly options. The overall value provided by American Van, especially given the price point, makes it a compelling option for both individual and business customers.

  • Specs
    • Width: 39”
    • Height: 44”
    • Depth: 16”
    • Price: $341.70 plus shipping
  • Packaging
    American Van showcases their extensive experience in direct-to-customer shipping with their robust packaging methods. The products are tightly packed within the box, using bubble wrap and paper to prevent damage, which is especially important as they primarily ship through parcel carriers like UPS or FedEx.
  • Construction/Capacity
    The shelves are constructed from 18 gauge steel (1.21 mm thick) for both the end panels and the shelves. This thickness is slightly lighter, especially for the end panels, compared to the industry standard of 16 gauge. Despite the lighter gauge, the shelf structure is very sturdy, with minimal flex during testing.
  • Assembly
    American Van offers a unique assembly option: customers can choose to have the shelves pre-assembled before shipping. This service is free, however it does require additional shipping costs due to the larger size of the shipment. For those assembling the product themselves, they include a detailed guide to help with the assembly process. Notably, attaching the shelves to the end panels with 24 pieces of hardware per shelf (totaling 72 for three shelves) can be cumbersome and time-consuming. This could be a drawback for customers looking for a quick and easy setup.
  • Installation
    The van shelf includes all necessary brackets and hardware for installation, as well as a plus nut setting tool for convenience (which is rare these days). Having the detailed installation manual included in the box is also helpful. The only added complexity is having to drill holes in the end panels to attach brackets.
  • Pricing
    This is our cheapest pick if you’re looking for an affordable shelf for van storage without compromising on quality. At $341.70 plus shipping, American Van’s CN 3944 offers substantial savings compared to the market average and even more so compared to the most expensive options on this list. While no warranty information was found, American Van does provide a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, allowing customers to return the product for a refund if not satisfied.

Holman Van Shelf: 48420

Holman van shelves offer robust construction, exceptional packaging, and user-friendly assembly and installation processes. While priced slightly higher than average, the additional stability features and comprehensive guides provided make it a worthwhile investment for users seeking quality and durability in van shelving solutions.

  • Specs
    • Width: 42”
    • Height: 46”
    • Depth: 14”
    • Price: $554.73 plus shipping
  • Packaging
    Packaging features foam sheets and a tight fit within the box, along with shipping straps to maintain rigidity.
  • Construction/Capacity
    The Holman 48420 van shelf is constructed from 16 gauge steel (1.74 mm thick) for the end panels and 18 gauge (1.43 mm thick) for the shelves, which is fairly standard in comparison to other brands. The shelves sport a matte gray finish, which is favored for avoiding glare, a minor but practical design choice. While no specific weight capacity is advertised, the construction includes pre-drilled holes for adding accessories and gussets for leg support, enhancing the overall stability and versatility of the shelving.
  • Assembly
    Holman shelves are easier and quicker to assemble compared to other brands. This is achieved through well-designed features such as pre-welded nuts and “lances” on the end panels that allow shelves to rest securely, reducing hardware needs drastically to just four screws per shelf. The assembly guide provided is detailed, fully illustrated, and separate from the installation instructions, enhancing the user experience. However, the lances restrict shelf placement to 4.5-inch increments, which may limit customization compared to brands offering tighter adjustment options.
  • Installation
    Holman also provides a comprehensive installation package, including all necessary brackets and hardware and a detailed, illustrated installation guide for easy install. The shelving unit features optional mid-mount brackets for enhanced stability, a unique offering among reviewed brands. The brackets themselves are sturdy, likely made from 10 gauge steel.
  • Pricing
    At $554.73, the Holman shelving unit is about $60 above the average market price for similar products. However, given the additional features such as gusset supports, included back panels, and extra installation brackets, the pricing seems fair. The warranty conditions are standard, requiring purchase from an authorized retailer but not necessarily installation by one, which is slightly more lenient than some competitors.

Knapheide Van Shelf: 4460-1

The Knapheide van shelving unit is a high-end, sophisticated system with meticulous German engineering that might appeal to those who value detailed, high-quality construction and the ability to customize their setup precisely. However, the higher cost, complex assembly and installation processes, and the potential issues with packaging might make it less appealing for those looking for straightforward, cost-effective storage solutions.

  • Specs
    • Width: 40”
    • Height: 44”
    • Depth: 15”
    • Price: $681.95 plus shipping
  • Packaging
    The packaging is less than ideal. The box is too large for the product which can result in movement during transit and potentially damage. Additionally, the hardware was bagged but loosely sitting within the box, which runs the risk of potential loss if the packaging were compromised during shipping.
  • Construction/Capacity
    Knapheide shelves are noted for their sophisticated German engineering, providing a seamless and functional design with no exposed bolt heads or hardware. The end panels and shelves, though made from thinner 20 gauge steel (1.07 mm), are likely designed to maintain strength through specialized engineering practices. The shelves are equipped with integrated bins and clips, enhancing functionality and stability during transit. Despite the thinner gauge, each shelf can support up to 175 lbs, totaling a capacity of 525 lbs.
  • Assembly
    Assembly of the Knapheide shelving unit was complex, with no assembly guide included in the box or available online. The shelves use special spring nuts that fit into grooves on the end panels, and while they offer very precise adjustments at 3/4-inch increments, this precision adds complexity to the assembly process.
  • Installation
    Like the assembly process, installation is intricate and detailed. The shelving unit comes with separately bagged brackets and hardware, but requires custom bending and specific orientation, with no provided instructions.
  • Pricing
    The Knapheide 4460-1 is the most expensive shelving unit reviewed, priced at $681.95. While it offers additional features such as bins and a shelf lip, and is designed for easy expansion with accessories, the price is significantly higher than the average — nearly $200 over. The shelving unit includes a standard three-year warranty, which does not extend beyond what is typically offered by other brands.

Masterack Van Shelf: 02J64KP

Masterack offers a robust product with a standard construction and adjustable features suitable for a range of uses. However, the challenges in packaging, assembly, and installation leave something to be desired for DIY van upfitters.

  • Specs
    • Width: 37”
    • Height: 44”
    • Depth: 12”
    • Price: $489.95 plus shipping
  • Packaging
    The Masterack shelves are shipped in a double-walled corrugated box, suggesting an initial attempt at durability in packaging. However, the execution seems to fall short as the foam sheets included were insufficient to prevent internal shifting of components. The box was secured with only light-duty shipping straps, and the hardware was loosely bagged, allowing potential for loss if the packaging were compromised during transit.
  • Construction/Capacity
    The construction of the Masterack shelves uses standard materials for van shelving, with end panels likely made of 16 gauge steel (1.65 mm) and shelves of 18 gauge steel (1.38 mm). This is consistent with industry norms. The unit includes a large back panel made from a hardboard-like material to prevent items from falling off the back of the shelves, although this material might not be as durable as metal. The shelves feature pre-drilled holes for adding accessories, offering flexibility for customization. The flex test results were comparable to other brands, indicating a sturdy yet standard construction.
  • Assembly
    No manuals are included with the product, and the online manual is somewhat generic and not particularly helpful. The shelves themselves can be adjusted in 1-inch increments, providing good flexibility in configuration, but they require eight bolts and lock nuts per shelf for assembly, which could be cumbersome without clear instructions.
  • Installation
    Installation of the Masterack van shelf can be challenging due to the absence of an installation guide, brackets, and installation hardware. As a result, you’ll have to purchase a separate installation kit or improvise with available materials, which may not be feasible for all users. It seems this product is targeted more toward professional upfitters or fleet operators who might have more resources and experience in van shelving installation.
  • Pricing
    The van shelf is priced at $489.95, placing it around the average market price for similar products. The warranty is typical as well, offering three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.

Ranger Design Van Shelf: RD-N4-RS36-3

Ranger Design offers a van shelving unit that stands out for its design, ease of assembly, and sturdy installation. The main areas for improvement include the initial packaging effectiveness and the inclusion of a full printed assembly guide to enhance the user experience.

  • Specs
    • Width: 36”
    • Height: 44 ½”
    • Depth: 16”
    • Price: $546.30 plus shipping
  • Packaging
    The Ranger Design shelf’s packaging uses foam blocks to prevent internal shifting. However, when we unboxed the shelf, the product still shifted within a box that was too large.This issue resulted in minor damage to one of the end panels, although it was rectified once assembled.
  • Construction/Capacity
    The steel end panels of the shelf are stamped with a diamond plate texture and feature a gloss black finish with distinctive yellow vinyl accent stripes. Extruded aluminum lips and a wood base provide a unique combination of materials that differentiate this product from competitors. The end panels are made from 16 gauge steel (1.58 mm), standard for durability. However, the lack of pre-drilled holes for attaching accessories might require additional work for customization.
  • Assembly
    Assembly of the Ranger Design shelf is straightforward with minimal hardware required—just eight screws per shelf. Despite the ease of assembly, there were some difficulties with the screws in the aluminum lips, including a broken screw head, which could frustrate users.
  • Installation
    The installation process for the Ranger Design shelf is notably easy, aided by clear, illustrated instructions that are unfortunately only available through a QR code. The package includes robust 11 gauge mounting brackets and all necessary hardware, providing a solid installation experience.
  • Pricing
    At $546.30, the Ranger Design shelf is priced slightly above the average of $490. The higher cost can be justified by the product’s unique design features, higher quality materials, and overall robustness. The value is further enhanced by an exceptionally long 10-year warranty, significantly surpassing the industry standard of three years.

Vantech Van Shelf: 4642 D2

Vantech van shelves provide a robust and cost-effective storage solution for van owners, offering innovative packaging and solid construction. While assembly and installation may require a bit more effort due to the additional steps and the need to purchase some hardware separately, the overall value and quality of the product, combined with a favorable 5-year warranty, make VC shelves a compelling choice for both consumer and professional markets looking for durable and affordable van storage options.

  • Specs
    • Width: 42”
    • Height: 46”
    • Depth: 13”
    • Price: $423.70 plus shipping
  • Packaging
    Vantech has nailed packaging for this product, showing their commitment to product safety and customer satisfaction. The shelves are tightly secured within the box using plastic wrap and shredded cardboard, with additional reinforcement from shipping straps and multiple staples. Each component is further protected by individual wrapping, minimizing the risk of damage during transit.
  • Construction/Capacity
    The shelving unit is constructed with aluminum end panels and aluminum lips, paired with a plywood bottom that features a grippy rubber or vinyl coating. This combination offers a durable yet lightweight alternative to traditional all-steel units. The thickness of the aluminum used in the end panels is 2.04 mm, which provides a good balance of strength and weight.
  • Assembly
    Assembling the van shelf involves a bit more effort compared to some competitors, primarily due to the need to attach the shelf lips to the plywood bottoms before attaching them to the end panels. This extra step might complicate the process slightly but is a trade-off for the more compact packaging and reduced shipping size. The shelves can be mounted in 3.5-inch increments, offering less flexibility than the 1 to 2-inch norms seen with other brands, but still sufficient for many needs. The inclusion of a fully illustrated assembly guide and parts list in the box is a helpful addition that aids in simplifying the assembly process.
  • Installation
    Assembly is straightforward, but the shelves do not include hardware. You’ll need to source plus nuts, compatible bolts, and a plusnut installation tool separately, which could be a minor inconvenience.
  • Pricing
    Priced at $423.20, the Vantech shelving unit is nearly $70 below the average price of comparable shelves reviewed, making it an attractive option for those seeking a lightweight, aluminum-based shelving solution at a competitive price.

Weather Guard Van Shelf: 93543 D03

Weather Guard van shelves are a robust and economically priced option, offering straightforward assembly and installation with superior packaging and warranty terms. The product’s design and construction are practical and user-friendly, making it a highly attractive choice for both professional installers and DIY upfitters.

  • Specs
    • Width: 42”
    • Height: 44”
    • Depth: 13 ½” 
    • Price: $368 plus shipping
  • Packaging
    Packaging includes custom cardboard blocks and shipping straps to secure the product, which generally seems effective, though there’s a notable lack of tape or staples which might increase the risk of the package opening during transit. The loose hardware in the box is a concern since it could potentially escape through openings if the box is damaged.
  • Construction/Capacity
    The product is constructed from steel, with the end panels approximately 16 gauge (1.53 mm) and the shelves 18 gauge (1.4 mm), aligning with industry averages. They are finished in a bright white gloss, which is unique and could help to brighten the interior of dark work vans. The shelf design includes pre-drilled holes for easy accessory attachment and comes with dividers that fit into pre-cut slits on the shelf lips. The advertised weight capacity is 150 lb per shelf, totaling 450 lb, which is typical of a shelf for van storage.
  • Assembly
    Assembly is straightforward, requiring only four bolts per shelf due to pre-pressed nuts in the shelves. The lack of a full printed assembly guide in the box (replaced by a one-page sheet with a QR code) could be a minor inconvenience. The shelves can be adjusted in 2.5-inch increments, providing a reasonable amount of flexibility for organizing space.
  • Installation
    Weather Guard excels in installation ease, providing an ample supply of installation hardware, including multiple sizes of spacers, plus nuts, and robust 11 gauge brackets. Notably, they include a plus nut tool, which is a significant advantage for DIY installers, often omitted by other brands. While there is no full installation manual included, the QR code sheet directs to necessary instructions, simplifying the process.
  • Pricing
    Weather Guard offers their shelving unit at a competitive price of $368, which is significantly lower than the average. This price point, combined with the product’s features and construction quality, represents excellent value. Additionally, Weather Guard provides a limited lifetime warranty, which is outstanding in the industry, though it is valid only for the original purchaser and effectively lasts for the typical duration of vehicle ownership.

Get Help Choosing the Right Shelf for Van Storage & Organization

Each of these brands are good and even great choices depending on your needs and level of experience installing a shelf for van storage. You can shop for van shelving units and more storage and organization solutions at Upfit Supply. Still not sure which van shelf to choose? Contact our Customer Support team to find the right solution for you.