Okey-dokey, after a few weeks hummin & hawing, I came up with my own idea for a low level rear shelf. This suits my various needs for family use & occasional motorsport marshalling requirements. If you look at the photos, it's obvious what I came up with & as an engineer rather than a joiner, I'm not too dis-chuffed with what I've achieved. It folds neatly in the middle for storage in the garage or carrying on board & doesn't take up a lot of space either way.

The one I have is Mk 1, further mods may be to come, but at present, I'm happy with it. It will take the weight of a camping gas bottle with 2 ring burner, kettle, frying pan etc. the usual requirements for rally marshals in the woods at unsociable hours of the day. (Dry cure bacon & Stornoway black pudding the best roll filling!!)

I made this from one sheet of pine & made cardboard templates to shape the bits to fit into the sides, then cut it down the middle, attached battens & hinges underneath to give it some strength. Quick couple of layers of yacht varnish & voila, a very useful mid-level shelf. It won't take a massive weight obviously unless you use "weapons-grade" material & hinges but it'll take anything I intend to load on it.

Mk 2 might involve battens on the top front & rear to prevent stuff flying off, so the shelf can be left in place, watch this space for an update.

Cheers.

I only use it when stationary, don't carry anything when travelling, sometimes leave it in place when moving, other times fold it up & stow down one side held in situ with bungies, it all depends what I'm doing that particular time/day. It makes a great picnic shelf when meeting up with the family, scads of room for the grub & if it's wet, we can stand under the open door. I leave the normal shelf at home if I'm taking this one.

Thanks for the interest, might be worth suggesting something similar to either Skoda or after-market accessory makers?

Edited 23 October, 201213 yr by thedinger

I like that!!

I always seem to end up with the stove on the floor, having to kneel down to it.

Now what wood have I got in the shed?

SWMBO has already told me I have to have a sort out as we are due to move soon!

A nice bit of carpentry. I might have a go with some ply...and use up some of that grey carpet

very nice! The shelf you made shall surely hold much more weight than the higher placed original.

As 33Q stated,some felt lining on top will make it blend into the Yeti,unless you like the wood finish,which is great.

It will take the weight of a camping gas bottle with 2 ring burner, kettle, frying pan etc. the usual requirements for rally marshals in the woods at unsociable hours of the day.

I hope that's not for storage when you are travelling - what will constrain the gas bottle (or other heavy objects) from hitting you in the back of the head in a sudden stop situation? - do you still have the standard parcel shelf over the top or use a cargo net?

Other than that - looks like a good way to add a layer of storage.

Edit - just seen the Mk2 version will have restraints...

Edited 23 October, 201213 yr by bgw

Mk 2 might involve battens on the top front & rear to prevent stuff flying off, so the shelf can be left in place, watch this space for an update.............looks great. Can I put my name down now for one?

Here is a little of my handywork.

I had a Smart ForFour a few years ago and no shelf was supplied or available. Keen to keep prying eyes from what was mine I came up with this.

Nice idea!,

Just been messing with mine. The normal rear shelf fits on top of the hook rails, seems very sturdy and it has a built in raised edge all round. There's not much height underneath because I have a raised boot floor.

I don't know how much heat your gas ring produces, but is it really safe to use it inside the vehicle (with hatch open obviously) given the amount of plastic etc in headlining & trim? Or am I being overly cautious?

I don't know how much heat your gas ring produces, but is it really safe to use it inside the vehicle (with hatch open obviously) given the amount of plastic etc in headlining & trim? Or am I being overly cautious?

Bobdog.. no!

Bobdog.. no!

You know me so well!

And there I was thinking I was being helpful!! Ah well.....

And there I was thinking I was being helpful!! Ah well.....

Sorry

John,

I've used my stove in the back of the Yeti, on top of a tool box, and as long as there is something over the flame (Kettle, frying pan, etc) it is fine.

Looks good... but really needs a can of black spray paint and/or the carpet on top to make it blend it. Nothing looks more homemade to me than wood in a modern car. Spray it black and no one will know!

Also: is that an A4 sized clock fitted on top of your dash?!

Also: is that an A4 sized clock fitted on top of your dash?!

Probably used for "rally time" if on an occasional motorsport marshalling jaunt :wonder: