Rear Garage Cargo Nets

Nets also protect interior surfaces by stopping heavy items from bumping trim or doors. When paired with smart tie downs and dividers, they keep weight centered and low, which improves handling. For daily carry, a net becomes a catch all that speeds pack out and pack in without adding much weight.

Core benefits you can feel on the road

• Quick access without opening bins
• Stable loads that resist sway and slide
• Better airflow for wet gear and layers
• Low weight compared to hard barriers
• Flexible fit as your kit changes

How to choose the right cargo net

Start with your platform size and layout. Measure width, height, and the depth of the zone you want to cover. Record the distance between mounting points so the net can tension evenly. A slightly smaller net that stretches into place often sits cleaner than an oversized sheet that sags.

Material matters. Nylon webbing offers good stretch and quick recovery, while polyester webbing resists UV and moisture with less elongation. Knotted rope style nets work for bulky items but can snag small gear. Tight mesh panels contain loose items and balls but block more airflow. For most van garages, a medium grid with reinforced borders balances containment and breathability.

Consider hardware. Stainless or coated steel hooks, carabiners, D rings, and footman loops handle road vibration and weather. Plastic hooks save weight but can deform in heat. Look for bar tacks or box stitching at stress points, plus finished edges to prevent fray. A quality net will list a working load limit and not just a stretch size.

Fit and function checklist

• Confirm net dimensions versus mounting points
• Choose webbing suited to sun and moisture
• Verify reinforced corners and edge binding
• Select hardware compatible with your anchor style
• Check working load and recommended use

Mounting, safety, and upkeep

You have two common placements. A vertical net mounts behind a bed platform as a gate that contains bins and soft goods. A horizontal net mounts above the floor as an adjustable shelf for jackets, helmets, and camp quilts. Some builds combine both for layered storage that stays stable over rough roads.

Install into strong anchors. Factory tie downs are a good starting point but often need more contact points to avoid stress on any single anchor. Add rivnuts or track systems to structural members where possible. Tension the net evenly, setting the lower edge firm and the upper edge slightly looser so you can load and unload without fighting the mesh.

Safety comes first. Nets are not seat belts and should never restrain people or pets. Sharp edges, recovery boards, and fuel containers need extra protection, often in hard cases, before sitting behind a net. Keep heavy items low and forward to minimize leverage on mounts. Inspect for frayed webbing, bent hooks, and loose hardware every few trips.

Practical tips that save time

• Pre tie quick release points at the top corners for fast access
• Color code carabiners for left and right to speed setup
• Use small stuff sacks inside the net for gloves, straps, and cords

Care and longevity

Clean salt and grit with fresh water, then air dry. Avoid harsh solvents that break down fibers. If you operate in high sun regions, choose UV stable webbing or consider a light cover when parked. Replace any hardware that shows corrosion or deformation to preserve the net’s working load.

Integrating nets into a full storage system

Rear garage cargo nets shine when paired with drawers, smart floors, L track, and soft sided bins. The net keeps soft goods from ejecting while drawers lock down heavy tools. Vertical dividers stop lateral slide. An adjustable net above the floor doubles as a drying loft for wet layers on travel days, using airflow from the rear doors or roof fan.

If your build includes bikes or moto gear, plan net geometry around bar ends, pedals, or levers so they do not snag. For snow sports, a tighter mesh protects sensitive bases and edges. Overland travelers often add a secondary safety strap behind the net for long washboard sections, which spreads load across multiple anchors.

For many owners, a professional install is the fastest path to secure, quiet storage. Properly placed anchors, reinforced backing, and dialed tensioning make the difference between a net that sags and a net that disappears into your routine.

Bring it all together with OZK

Our team designs rear garage containment as part of complete van storage plans. We align net sizes, anchor patterns, and access paths with your bed height, power wall, and drawer faces so loading feels natural and safe. Want to see how this fits your travel style? Explore our recreational vans, review a recent custom build van, or browse mainstream vans platforms that finance.

Ready to secure your rear garage

Tell us what you carry, from camp kitchens to recovery gear. We will spec the right rear garage cargo nets, anchors, and layout, then install it cleanly so you can focus on the drive. Submit the form and let OZK Customs build a storage system that works every mile.