Cargo Nose

[tradarcher69]

I'm going to be putting a shelf in my v-nose area and was wondering if some of you can share how you did this to yours. I have a 6x12CT. I'm thinking of just built a frame out of 2x4's and then setting plywood on top. I thought of brackets on the trailer walls but am concerned with weight on the wall. I'm also trying to come up with a design that will work in the actual nose of the front using a frame. Any ideas would greatly be appreciated.

[McDave]

Make a template of the floor in the "V" area and mark where the metal studs in the wall are. Then you can build a frame and counter top in the shop and just move it into trailer. You'll want to attach it to the wall studs and floor to keep it from traveling and tipping over.

McDave

[beachguy005]

I agree with a template but you also need to consider your load on the shelves and accumulating weight in the trailer. Consider 2x2s rather than 2x4s, cuts that weight in half. I used 2" L brackets that I screwed through the ply and into the steel stud with self tappers to support the top.

[tradarcher69]

beechguy005
IRT your brackets you used. Did you attach them straight on the ribs on each side of the v nose?? I had thought of this but was concerned about support weight on the ribs (metal studs). There will be nothing on the shelf during transport, in camp will only be a coffee pot and maybe a microwave. I know I will have to have a leg support on the long side of the shelf. As far as brackets I was considering those grey shelf brackets that every one selsl. Your thoughts?? Thanks

[beachguy005]

I have a bullet nose...a rounded V nose. My framing is 1" square steel tube 16" OC. and I just used 2" version of these brackets. 2 screws into the stud and 2 into the underside of 3/4 plywood top. I have a face frame with doors on the front of it.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-1 ... /202034301
Are you planning on just an open shelf or a cabinet with doors?

[tradarcher69]

Yes sir, I'm planning having an open front. The most I might do is put some sort of curtain up just to dress up the front a little.

[beachguy005]

My attitude is to keep it as light and simple as possible. There are a lot of ways to mount it but I'd cut a triangular shaped piece of 3/4 plywood to fit in the nose. Use the brackets to secure it or run 1x2 or 2x2 ledger boards screwed horizontally to the walls for the shelf to sit on. Glue and nail a piece of 1x2 wood along the exposed edge of the ply to cover the plys and stiffen it up.

[tradarcher69]

Thanks beachguy. Like you, I wanted to keep it light and simple. Appreciate it.