For tradespeople, DIY enthusiasts, and professional contractors, organization is the backbone of efficiency. The 80 20 van cabinet represents a sophisticated storage solution designed specifically for the demanding environment of a work vehicle. By leveraging the 80/20 principle, these systems maximize the utility of your cargo space, ensuring that every tool has its place.
The Principle Behind the Practicality
The name itself is derived from the Pareto Principle, which suggests that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. In the context of an 80 20 van cabinet, this translates to utilizing 80% of your available space and 20% of the effort required for traditional storage. The system relies on anodized aluminum extrusion channels that form a rigid grid. This grid allows you to attach accessories like shelves, hooks, and bins without the need for drilling or complex tools, preserving the integrity of your van while providing unparalleled flexibility.
Core Advantages for Modern Professionals
Investing in an 80 20 system offers distinct advantages that go beyond simple storage. The modular nature of the design means you can start with a basic configuration and expand it as your needs evolve. Whether you are hauling heavy machinery one day or delicate instruments the next, the layout can be reconfigured in minutes. This adaptability ensures that your van cabinet remains relevant throughout your career, accommodating new tools and projects without requiring a complete overhaul.

Security and Protection
Security is a paramount concern for anyone leaving valuable equipment in a vehicle. An 80 20 van cabinet typically integrates with your van’s existing door handles and locks, creating a single, secure unit. By closing the van doors, you effectively lock away your entire inventory inside the cabinet. Furthermore, the robust aluminum construction acts as a physical barrier, deterring opportunistic theft and protecting your tools from weather damage while parked.
Feature |
Benefit ![]() |
Modular Extrusion System |
Easy customization and reconfiguration |
Tool-Finding Visibility |
Locate items instantly without unpacking |
Integrated Locking Mechanism |
Enhanced security against theft |
Optimizing Workflow and Efficiency
Time is money, and an organized workspace directly impacts your bottom line. With an 80 20 van cabinet, you eliminate the "needle in a haystack" scenario. Every tool, socket, and accessory has a designated home, often in clear or color-coded bins. This visual inventory allows you to grab what you need in seconds and return it to its exact location, minimizing downtime and maximizing productive hours on the job site.
Streamlined Organization Strategies
To get the most out of your system, implementing a logical organizational strategy is key. Heavy tools should reside on the lower shelves to maintain a low center of gravity, enhancing vehicle stability. Frequently used items belong at eye level for quick access, while seasonal or backup equipment can be stored higher or further back. By assigning specific zones to specific categories—such as electrical, plumbing, or fasteners—you create an intuitive system that anyone on your team can navigate.
Durability and Long-Term Value
Built to withstand the rigors of daily trade use, high-quality 80 20 van cabinets are an investment in durability. Unlike plastic bins or wire shelving that can crack or rust, the anodized aluminum framework resists corrosion, chemical spills, and physical impact. This longevity ensures that your storage solution protects your investment in tools, making the cabinet a reliable partner for years to come.
OurKaravan is currently offering two 80/20 aluminum cabinet kits to aid in your van build. Our bolt-together kits give you a jump on your van build.
80/20 Extruded Aluminum Van Cabinets - OurKaravan
The construction of 80/20 upper cabinets is much more space efficient compared to wood construction. Because extruded aluminum is incredibly strong for taking ...
80/20 Aluminum Overhead Cabinet Build - OurKaravan
15.09.2024 ... store/cabinet-plans DIY VAN MATERIALS LIST: https://tinyurl.com/3r4ns3h3 VAN ... How to use 80/20 Aluminum to Frame Bamboo Van Cabinets. The Van ...
OurKaravan 80/20 EcoFlow Cabinet Kit- OurKaravan
30.10.2025 ... ... van functionality. There's no reason to make beds, cabinets etc with it though, it is much cheaper just to use 80/20 compatible brackets ...
New OurKaravan 80/20 Aluminum Cabinet Kit for Vans - It's Configurable ...
Building Cabinets With 80/20. Customize the design to your space needs, and get the parts list in real-time.
How to Build Van Cabinets with 8020 • Engineers who Van Life
Extruded aluminum galley framing - DIY Sprinter camper van · Easy Drawers for RV/Camper Vans · Bamboo Drawer Faces and Cabinet Door Hinges - DIY Sprinter camper ...
DIY Sprinter Van – Building an 8020 upper cabinet - RidingRoadsAndTrails
03.02.2026 ... ... van. I'm curious if people using 80/20 are doing this? I also wish to have my cabinet and drawer faces inset into the 80/20 rather than set ...
DIY Sprinter Van – Building an 8020 upper cabinet - RidingRoadsAndTrails
24.10.2023 ... Ken and his daughter Kara are the duo behind the van adventures, inspiring Ken's educating YouTube, blog, and 80/20 van community resource ...
80/20 Aluminum Overhead Cabinet Build | OurKaravan | Van interior ...
17.11.2024 ... This van building guide covers how to use 8020 extruded t-slot aluminum in your van to build cabinetry, your kitchen galley, and anything ...
How to build a van with 80 20 aluminum insanely strong – Artofit
15.09.2024 ... 3D Google Sketchup Modeling of the 80/20 Extruded Aluminum Cabinets used in our Sprinter van. Copy our cabinets or modify for your own needs ...
How to Build Van Cabinets with 8020 • Engineers who Van Life
02.11.2020 ... I've finally finished building the upper cabinets for my van! Building cabinets using Extruded Aluminum (8020) was a learning curve, but once I ...
I Built the Ultimate DIY Aluminum Cabinets - YouTube
Adding a layer of insulation in between reduces the heat flow. This is called a thermal break. For example, we also used thermal breaks in our 80/20 aluminum ...
DIY Sprinter Van – Building an 8020 upper cabinet ...
Discover how 80 20 cabinet frames turn T slot aluminum into strong, adjustable cabinetry for vans, shops, and labs. Get design tips on profiles, connectors, ...
OurKaravan 80/20 Aluminum Cabinet Kits- OurKaravan
03.09.2016 ... The cabinet is really lightweight, sturdy, looks good, has tons of storage space for its size, and still allows three people to sit on the bench seat.
OurKaravan 80/20 Aluminum Cabinet Kits- OurKaravan
02.06.2025 ... Building a robust electrical cabinet for our van's electrical system is crucial, and we're turning to 8020 aluminum for its exceptional ...
DIY Van Building with Extruded Aluminum (8020)
The Karavan features upper and lower cabinets framed in lightweight and strong 80/20 extruded aluminum. Large bolts secure the 80/20 to the support ribs of the ...
DIY Guide to Perfect 80/20 Van Galley Drawers
15.07.2018 ... Ross this is beautiful work. I have a similar design in mind using the ceiling and high wall rib in my Ram Promaster to mount 80/20 and build ...
Upper Cabinets Van Build at Bill Eley blog
17.03.2024 ... We share our top tips for building van upper cabinets using extruded aluminum (8020). DIY VAN MATERIALS LIST: https://tinyurl.com/3r4ns3h3 ...
Van Cabinets: How to Build & Install DIY Campervan Cabinets
Want to learn how to use 80/20 aluminum in your van? This course will show you how I used 80/20 to frame my kitchen galley, cabinets, and even my roof rack.
Sprinter Van Cabinets
26.11.2025 ... ... van? https://www.thrivecraftedvans.com DROP-IN ELECTRICAL AND ... How to use 80/20 Aluminum to Frame Bamboo Van Cabinets. The Van ...
Ford Transit Extended Custom Cabinets Bed System Camper Van Conversion ...