Wheel well box kits

What wheel well box kits do better than loose bins

Wheel well box kits turn awkward, curved arches into flat real estate. By wrapping each arch with a rectangular enclosure, you gain a sturdy ledge for bed platforms, drawers, or cabinets, plus a barrier that separates cargo from the body panels. The result is less rattling, cleaner lines, and a foundation for modular interiors. A well fitted box also reduces road noise and helps manage heat transfer from the tire cavity.

Beyond storage, these enclosures establish symmetry and datum lines for interior layouts. With a pair of level boxes, a bed rail or cabinet run can span wall to wall without shimming. They also protect insulation around the arches, which often takes abuse from gear. In short, wheel well box kits transform a tough space into structure, storage, and style.

Materials, dimensions, and design choices that matter

Material choice sets the tone for strength, weight, and longevity.

• Baltic birch plywood offers rigidity, clean joinery, and easy finishing. Sealed properly, it stands up to moisture and daily use.
• Aluminum saves weight and resists corrosion. It is ideal when every pound counts, though it benefits from sound damping liners.
• HDPE and similar plastics shrug off water and scuffs. They can be slick for cargo unless textured or carpeted.

Common box footprints stay just wider than the arch plus clearance for insulation and wrap, often in the 12 to 16 inch width range. Heights typically match the arch crown for a flush top, which simplifies bed or cabinet alignment. Length spans vary with wheelbase and layout, but many boxes run forward to the B pillar or aft to the rear doors to capture maximum surface area. Use rounded edges and recessed hardware to keep hands and soft goods safe.

Access is the next decision. Hinged lids, removable tops, and side service panels all work. Hinged lids with soft close or gas struts feel refined, while drop in panels keep things simple. For long cargo like skis or recovery boards, add pass throughs or divided compartments. If you plan to house electrical or water inside a box, design vents, drain options, and service clearances from the start.

Measuring for a precise fit across popular platforms

Wheel wells look similar but dimensions differ across van models and years. Start with the arch width at its widest point, then the height from floor to crown, and the distance from the body wall to the inner edge. Note any flare, seam sealer build up, or wiring paths near the arch. Map door swings and seat bases so lids do not collide. A cardboard mockup helps visualize clearances before you commit to material.

Mounting and safety essentials

Anchoring is more than keeping squeaks at bay. Under hard braking, unsecured boxes can shift, damaging floors or cargo. Use rivnuts or factory threaded points where available, paired with structural adhesive for load distribution and vibration control. Add tie down points or L track on top of the boxes, since they become convenient anchor rails. Inside the box, secure batteries, water tanks, or tools to the structure, not just to the lid.

Noise, heat, and moisture control inside the arch cavity

Wheel arches transmit tire roar and road spray. A box alone helps, but the best results come from a layered approach. Apply sound deadener to the metal arch, follow with closed cell foam for thermal break, then skin it with the box. Seal raw wood with epoxy or varnish and consider marine carpet or textured coatings on wear surfaces. Add a small gap between the box and the wall to avoid hard contact points that can buzz as the body flexes.

For moisture management, avoid trapping water inside the enclosure. If the box will see wet gear or snowfall from skis, specify drain holes or liner trays. Where electrical components live inside, use screened vents for airflow and keep wiring in protective loom. Plan service access so fuse resets and hose inspections do not require disassembling furniture.

Integrating power or water in a wheel well box

Many builders tuck lithium batteries, inverters, or water tanks over the arches to balance weight and save interior space. Batteries need ventilation for heat and room for cable radius and fusing. Tanks benefit from service panels for pump checks and winterization. If mixing storage and systems, isolate compartments with baffles so heavy gear cannot strike components on rough roads.

Layout strategy and ergonomics

Start with how you move through the van. If you sleep side to side, box height sets the bed height and dictates under bed volume. For fore aft sleepers, a slightly lower lid can make sitting on the edge of the bed comfortable. Consider lid opening direction relative to doors and aisles to keep access easy. A pair of boxes can frame drawers between them at the rear doors, turning the back of the van into a gear garage.

Finish matters inside a rolling cabin. Chamfered edges, carpet wraps, and durable laminates keep gear sliding smoothly and resist scuffs. If you plan to carry bikes or motos, top the boxes with traction mat or narrow L track so tie downs find solid purchase quickly. Label hidden compartments so everyone in the crew can find tools without guesswork.

How OZK Customs turns wheel well box kits into a complete solution

Wheel well box kits shine brightest when they tie into a bigger plan. That is where a professional custom builder earns its keep. OZK Customs designs and installs wheel well enclosures as part of custom van interiors, tying them into bed platforms, drawer systems, power, and water so every inch works together. If you are exploring an adventure van path, start with this overview and then see how we build out full rigs on our Recreational Vans page. Explore recreational vans

Looking for a ground up layout that locks in structure, power, plumbing, and storage from day one Our team can craft a made for you interior where wheel well storage becomes the backbone of the bed and gear system. See how a purpose built interior comes together here. Custom build your van

Prefer a platform that keeps financing in play while still delivering thoughtful storage and clean lines We can locate and upfit a mainstream van platform with secure wheel well storage that fits your travel plans. Learn more about our finance friendly options. Finance friendly mainstream vans

Ready to make the arches work for you

Wheel well box kits are more than boxes. Done right, they are structure, silence, and organization all in one. OZK Customs brings cabinetry, metalwork, and systems know how to the task, so your storage integrates cleanly with sleeping, power, and water while meeting safety and service needs. We do complete custom builds and partial upfits for vans and overland rigs, tailored to real world use, not showroom posing.

Ready to turn bare wheel arches into secure, quiet, and functional storage that is tailored to your travel style Contact OZK Customs to spec a wheel well storage solution inside a complete van build or partial upfit and leave with a dialed rig that is road tested and ready.