9 Essential Gear Picks for Building DIY Overhead Storage Nets in Van Conversions

When converting a camper van, every square inch of vertical space is prime real estate that can easily go to waste. Installing overhead storage nets is one of the smartest ways to store lightweight, bulky gear like bedding, jackets, and packing cubes without adding heavy wooden cabinetry. Utilizing the right combination of heavy-duty materials and hardware ensures these ceiling-mounted storage solutions stay secure even on the bumpiest washboard roads.

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Why Overhead Storage Nets Work Best in Van Builds

Standard overhead wooden cabinets add significant weight to a van build, lowering fuel efficiency and raising the vehicle’s center of gravity. Storage nets, by contrast, offer an ultralight alternative that flexes to accommodate oddly shaped items like sleeping bags, winter coats, and yoga mats. They keep frequently used gear visible and easily accessible right above the living space.

These netting systems also preserve the open, airy feel of a small van interior. Instead of blocking natural light and narrowing the visual hallway of the living area, nets hug the ceiling contours and utilize the otherwise dead space above seating or sleeping platforms. They are highly adaptable, meaning you can easily reconfigure or detach them when carrying taller cargo.

Cargo Netting – Gladiator Cargo Net SG-100

The foundation of any overhead storage setup is a durable, non-sagging mesh or webbed grid that can hold items flush against the ceiling. Standard bungee nets often stretch too much under load, causing gear to dangle dangerously into the living space. You need a rip-stop, heavy-duty cargo net that offers structured tension across its entire surface area.

The Gladiator Cargo Net SG-100 stands out because it utilizes durable, weather-resistant rip-stop webbing instead of thin cordage. Its tight mesh design prevents small items from slipping through, while the integrated brass grommets and heavy-duty triple-layered edges provide robust anchor points. It holds its shape under tension, keeping your gear compressed and rattle-free.

• Dimensions: 4.75′ x 6′ (ideal for medium to large van ceilings)
• Material: Heavy-duty, weatherproof rip-stop nylon webbing
• Load Rating: Rated for heavy loads, far exceeding typical van storage needs

Keep in mind that this net is highly structured, so it does not stretch endlessly like cheap elastic bungees. You must plan your ceiling anchor points precisely to match its physical dimensions.

This net is perfect for builders who want a sagging-free, professional-grade ceiling shelf that will not degrade under UV exposure. It is not suitable for ultra-minimalist builds looking for a highly elastic, loose-fitting pocket system.

Mounting Track – US Cargo Control L-Track

To mount any overhead netting securely, you need a solid foundation anchored directly to the van’s metal ribs or ceiling framing. Running a dedicated mounting track along the upper wall seams allows you to slide, adjust, and lock your tie-down points exactly where you need them. It eliminates the limitation of fixed-point hooks that cannot be rearranged as your gear storage needs evolve.

US Cargo Control L-Track is the industry standard for high-strength, low-profile anchor systems. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, it offers exceptional corrosion resistance and a clean, flush-looking installation inside a cabin. The pre-drilled holes make alignment straightforward, and the track can be cut to custom lengths with a standard hacksaw or miter saw.

• Material: Lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum
• Profile: Low-profile recessed or surface-mount options
• Fasteners needed: Flanged 5/16-inch bolts or structural rivets (not included)

Installing L-Track requires drilling directly into your van’s metal framing, so precision measurement and rust prevention coatings on the drilled holes are crucial steps. You must ensure you have clear access behind the ceiling panels before drilling.

This track is ideal for van lifers seeking a modular, clean-looking mounting solution that allows them to adjust the net’s position over time. It is not ideal for those unwilling to drill into the van structure or those working on an ultra-low budget.

Track Fitting – US Cargo Control Single Stud

A mounting track is only as useful as the hardware that connects it to your cargo net. Track fittings slide into the L-Track slots and lock securely into place, creating a reliable, high-strength attachment point. These fittings allow you to clip your carabiners, shock cords, or straps directly to the track without any rattling or shifting while driving.

The US Cargo Control Single Stud Fitting features a stainless steel ring and an easy-to-use spring-loaded mechanism that locks instantly into any position along the track. Its compact design keeps the profile tight to the ceiling, preserving maximum headroom. The corrosion-resistant materials ensure they will not rust or bind up over years of exposure to interior condensation.

• Working Load Limit: 1,333 lbs (far stronger than any storage net requires)
• Ring Material: Durable stainless steel
• Mechanism: Spring-loaded plunger for rapid repositioning

Be sure to push the plunger completely down when inserting, and verify it snaps fully into the track slot to prevent accidental sliding. Check them periodically to ensure road vibrations have not loosened the seat.

These fittings are essential for anyone using L-Track for their overhead net system. They are not compatible with airline tracks or proprietary T-track systems from roof rack manufacturers.

Shock Cord – Sgt Knots Marine Grade Bungee

While the main cargo net provides structural support, elastic shock cord is what keeps the system dynamic and tight. It allows the net to stretch slightly when loading bulky sleeping bags, then snaps back to pull the mesh taut against the ceiling. High-quality bungee cord is essential for weaving through the perimeter of the net to create a spring-tensioned closure.

Sgt Knots Marine Grade Bungee features a 100% Dacron polyester jacket that resists UV degradation, mold, and abrasion far better than standard nylon-wrapped cords. The inner core is made of top-tier Malaysian rubber, which maintains its elasticity and tension even under constant stretch and temperature fluctuations. It does not stretch out permanently or dry-rot after one hot summer in a closed van.

• Diameter: 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch (recommended for ceiling nets)
• Jacket Material: UV-stabilized Dacron polyester
• Core: Premium natural rubber

When cutting this cord, always use a hot knife or melt the cut ends immediately with a lighter to prevent the outer polyester sheath from fraying. Always wear safety glasses when tensioning and securing raw bungee ends.

This marine-grade cord is the best option for long-term travelers who park in high-heat or high-humidity environments. It is not necessary for temporary setups where cheap, pre-cut bungees will suffice for short-term weekend trips.

Cord Locks – Ravenox Dual Hole Toggle Stoppers

To adjust and maintain the tension on your shock cords, you need a reliable way to lock the cord in place without tying permanent knots. Cord locks allow you to tighten or loosen the perimeter of the storage net on the fly as your gear load changes. Without them, adjusting the net’s tension requires untying tight knots in awkward, cramped ceiling corners.

The Ravenox Dual Hole Toggle Stoppers are molded from high-strength, acetal plastic that resists extreme temperatures and UV rays. Unlike cheap craft store toggles, these heavy-duty locks feature a stainless steel spring that will not rust or lose its gripping power over time. The dual-hole design allows you to route both ends of a loop through a single lock, streamlining your tensioning setup.

• Material: Heavy-duty acetal plastic with stainless steel spring
• Hole Diameter: 4mm (perfectly sized for 1/8 to 1/4-inch shock cords)
• Pack Sizes: Available in multi-packs from 10 to 100 pieces

Make sure to select the correct hole size matching your shock cord diameter. A lock that is too large will slip under heavy loads, rendering your tensioning system useless.

These toggles are perfect for DIYers who want a tool-free, adjustable tensioning system for their ceiling nets. They are not suitable for holding static, heavy loads where a solid, non-slip knot or mechanical clamp is safer.

Pad Eyes – Muzata Stainless Steel Loop Plates

If you prefer not to install a full L-Track system, or if you need auxiliary anchor points in tight corners, pad eyes are the perfect alternative. These compact metal loops mount directly to flat surfaces, providing clean, low-profile anchor points for carabiners, bungees, or straps. They can be mounted to the undersides of cabinets, on wooden ceiling slats, or directly to the van’s sheet metal.

Muzata Stainless Steel Loop Plates are stamped from marine-grade T316 stainless steel, offering maximum protection against rust and corrosion. Their low-profile, rounded design ensures they won’t snag on fabrics or scrape your head when moving around the cabin. The base plates feature smooth, countersunk screw holes that allow mounting screws to sit perfectly flush.

• Material: T316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel
• Mounting Type: 2-hole screw-down base
• Load Capacity: Varies by mounting surface and fastener type

When mounting to wooden ceiling panels, ensure the screws penetrate into a structural wooden rib behind the paneling. This prevents the pad eye from ripping out under tension when the net is fully loaded.

These loop plates are ideal for builders looking for a clean, minimalist, and permanent mounting point in specific spots. They are not ideal for those who want a modular, adjustable system like L-Track provides.

Carabiners – Nite Ize S-Biner Dual Carabiner

Connecting the corners of your net to the pad eyes or track fittings requires durable, easy-to-use clips. Carabiners allow you to quickly detach one or more corners of the net to access buried items or to fold the net out of the way entirely. Using high-quality clips prevents frustrating snags and ensures the net remains securely attached during sudden stops.

The Nite Ize S-Biner Dual Carabiner features a unique double-gate design made from high-quality, weather-resistant stainless steel. This double-gate system allows you to clip one side to your ceiling anchor point and keep it there permanently, while using the other gate to attach and detach the net. The spring gates close firmly and will not rattle open under the vibration of road travel.

• Body Material: Stainless steel
• Gate Type: Dual spring gates
• Size Options: #2, #3, or #4 (size #3 is ideal for most van netting)

Note that these are non-locking utility carabiners and are not rated for climbing or securing heavy cargo loads in a crash. Do not overload them beyond their rated working load limits.

These are perfect for van lifers who want a quick-release connection that prevents the net from slipping off its hooks. They are not suitable for heavy-duty load securement that requires locking, industrial-rated hardware.

Rivet Nut Tool – Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442

Mounting heavy-duty tracks or pad eyes directly to a van’s metal ribs requires a secure mechanical connection. Self-tapping screws can strip out over time due to road vibrations, causing your overhead storage to collapse. A rivet nut (or “rivnut”) tool inserts threaded metal sleeves into pre-drilled holes in the van’s sheet metal, creating permanent, high-strength bolt threads.

The Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442 is a professional-grade hand rivnut tool featuring a double-handle design that provides excellent leverage. Its toolless quick-change head design allows you to swap mandrels in seconds without extra tools. Constructed from high-strength steel, it easily collapses rivets into tough automotive-grade steel without binding or stripping the threads.

• Mandrel Sizes Included: Metric and SAE sizes (M5, M6, M8, 10-24, 1/4-20, 5/16-18)
• Handle Style: 13-inch double-jointed handles for maximum mechanical advantage
• Weight: Approximately 3.3 lbs

Using this tool requires a steady hand and proper calibration. Over-squeezing can strip the threads of the rivnut, while under-squeezing will leave the insert loose and spinning in the hole.

This tool is a must-have for DIYers who want to mount structural elements to their van’s metal chassis. It is not necessary for builds where all mounting points are secured directly into thick wooden cabinetry or furring strips.

Grommet Kit – General Tools 71264 Grommet Kit

If you are modifying a cargo net or building one from scratch using canvas or heavy fabric borders, you need a way to reinforce the attachment holes. Plain holes cut into fabric or webbing will quickly fray and tear under the tension of shock cords. Metal grommets provide a clean, reinforced collar that protects the fabric and allows cords to slide through smoothly.

The General Tools 71264 Grommet Kit is an all-in-one package that includes a heavy-duty hole cutter, a solid steel anvil and mandrel, and solid brass grommets. The solid brass construction ensures the grommets will not rust or seize up when exposed to humidity or condensation inside the van. The precision-machined setting tools ensure a clean, rolled edge every time you strike them with a mallet.

• Grommet Size: 1/2-inch (ideal for accommodating thick shock cords)
• Material: Solid brass (rust-proof)
• Kit Contents: 12 grommets, hole cutter, setting tool, wood block

You will need to supply your own heavy hammer or mallet to set the grommets. It is highly recommended to practice on scrap fabric first to ensure you get a clean crimp before working on your final cargo net.

This kit is perfect for custom builders who need to add durable, professional-looking cord-routing holes to heavy fabric or webbing. It is not necessary if you are using pre-made nets with integrated metal rings or grommets.

How to Tension Your DIY Cargo Netting Correctly

Getting the tension right on a ceiling cargo net is a balancing act between ease of use and structural security. If the net is too loose, your stored gear will sag downward, blocking your rearview mirror or hitting you in the head while you drive. If it is too tight, loading items becomes a physical struggle, and you risk bowing your ceiling panels or pulling your anchor points out of the walls.

Start by mounting the net’s fixed corners securely to your L-Track or pad eyes using static carabiners. Next, weave your marine-grade shock cord through the outer edges of the net, pulling it until the net sits completely flat and parallel to the ceiling with about 10-15% of the cord’s elastic stretch engaged. Secure this baseline tension with your heavy-duty cord locks, leaving a small tail of cord so you can adjust the tension as the elastic relaxes over time.

Safety Tips for Mounting Overhead Storage in Vans

The most important rule of overhead van storage is to never store heavy, hard, or sharp objects in open nets. Items like cast iron skillets, heavy tools, or laptops can easily turn into dangerous projectiles during a sudden stop or collision. Restrict your ceiling nets to lightweight, compressible soft goods like sleeping bags, pillows, coats, and extra clothing.

Additionally, always verify what lies behind the sheet metal before drilling holes for your rivet nuts or L-Tracks. Camper van walls often house factory wire harnesses, window washer fluid lines, and structural airbags. Use a drill stop to limit the depth of your drill bit, and inspect the cavity with a flashlight to ensure you do not puncture something vital to your vehicle’s operation.

With the right hardware and a methodical approach, overhead cargo nets offer an elegant, lightweight solution to the eternal struggle of van storage. By selecting rugged materials like marine-grade bungees, robust L-tracks, and stainless steel hardware, you can construct a system that holds up to the rigors of off-road travel. Take the time to secure your anchor points properly, and enjoy a clutter-free, organized cabin on your next adventure.