Level Up Your DIY Camper Van with a Headliner Shelf

Why do you need an overhead shelf in your camper van?

The goal of any camper van conversion is to utilize every bit of space efficiently. A headliner shelf, or an overhead cab shelf, is the perfect solution for optimizing otherwise dead space in your van. And, trust us, when we tell you that space is valuable storage space for things like blankets, jackets, outdoor rugs, and other things that don’t have an obvious home in your campervan.

Unlike most of the space in your camper van, a headliner shelf is pretty much the only way to utilize the space in headliner area. It is also some of the simplest storage to build as you simply need the shelf bottom, not sides and a top.

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Vancillary Headliner Shelf DIY Kit Overview

This is a project you can tackle in a day with a simple DIY kit from Vancillary consisting of custom brackets that are easy to install and a shelf that you will cut out using a template to ensure a perfect fit in your headliner. The headliner shelf project is extremely DIY friendly and a great option, along with swivel seats, as a first DIY camper van conversion project.

Vancillary currently offers brackets and templates for Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter vans. If you have a different rig, you will need to get a little creative, but the concept is the same. You do not have to use the DIY kit from Vancillary, but for the price point, we think it is worth it for how difficult it would be to get your brackets to fit so perfectly.

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Ford Transit

DIY Headliner Shelf Kit

Mercedes Sprinter

DIY Headliner Shelf Kit

How to Install a Headliner Shelf in a Ford Transit or Sprinter Van

The actual install of the headliner shelf is simple and will take no more than a day. However, let’s first discuss a few considerations like tools needed and install requirements.

Install Requirements

The Vancillary DIY Headliner Shelf Kit works for Mercedes Sprinter Vans 2007+ and Ford Transit 2015+. However, for Ford Transit vans you must have the factory overhead shelf as that is what the brackets will attach to. See photo of our van below.

Tools Needed

Brackets for your respective chassis (Sprinter or Transit or your own)
US allen wrench / hex key set
US socket wrench set
6x 1/4-20 bolt assemblies (lengths vary depending on shelf thickness)
Vancillary Shelf Template (Sprinter or Transit or your own)
Minimum of 5′ x 3′ plywood for shelf cutout (we recommend 3/8″ Baltic Birch- see Campervan Weight Savings Guide)
Jigsaw for cutting out the shelf
Optional fabric + 3M adhesive, or paint, for finishing your shelf

Bracket Install for Your Headliner Shelf

The first step to mounting your headliner shelf is to mount the brackets. The install of Vancillary brackets is simple and uses all OEM parts in your van for mounting to. See your respective guide for in depth instructions and photos.

Ford Transit

Headliner Shelf Install Guide

Mercedes Sprinter

Headliner Shelf Install Guide

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Shelf Templating and Construction

Next up: the headliner shelf. The best part about the Vancillary headliner shelf kit is that there is no need for cardboard templating as it includes a “to-scale” paper template to trace onto your shelving material for both the shelf and front flange.

Once you’ve traced both pieces fully, cut them out with your jigsaw. Then, sand down, and remove any burrs from the edges before assembling the pieces with wood glue, and finishing the shelf with paint, or fabric or choice. Below, you can see where we used Nassimi Fabric for a softer finish.

For Mercedes Sprinter vans, you have the option to buy an aluminum CNC cut shelf instead of creating your own.

Final Assembly

The assembled shelf should rest perfectly on the installed brackets. Align and drill the 3 holes on each side and secure with your bolt assemblies. Pro tip: use nylock nuts since your van will resist an earthquake a day on those forest roads!

Camper Van Headliner Shelf Final Thoughts

In our opinion, a headliner shelf enables a huge improvement with little effort and should be in all van builds. It is on par with the simplicity of swivel seats which open up your layout beautifully! As always, let us know if you have questions, or need clarifications, in the comments. Happy building!