Can this panel bear a load?

1/2

I’m about to expose myself as a complete noob, pls go easy on me. I have a mid-roof transit and want to build a bed platform without losing the window bump-out (lay east-west). I’m thinking of mounting e-track to the pink area pictured, which I know will bear a massive load, but how much weight can that part of the van wall bear?? Thx!

in fordtransitby Chubb_Life

75%

20d

eat_mor_bbq

20d

I'd strongly advise against it. Build a platform for the bed and mount it to the wall so it doesn't slide around but isn't weight bearing

Chubb_Life

20d

That’s good advice, and I think there’s just no good shortcut to making the elevated bed.

eat_mor_bbq

20d

I'd agree. You might be fine but any damage will be extremely visible from the outside. That's actually why Amazon vans are the color they are. They believe it hides damage better and keeps their fleet looking better even though it's torn to shit.

darktideDay1

20d

I have mine hanging from the row below and it is fine. The one you suggest, I don't know for sure but I have doubts. Below has a lot more reinforcement. Do you really need the extra couple of inches in length?

Chubb_Life

20d

Yeah, I have doubts too! I’ve seen too many middleweight van bros just hanging L-track and putting a bed on it. We have (ahem) bigger considerations 😂

RideFastGetWeird

19d

Username checks out!

treetree888

19d

Fwiw, I (like many others in this post) mounted to the holes below. I have flares, and I made an elevated bed by building 8020 walls (15 series) that meet the ground, and are joined by bars on top. This means that the force of people on the bed is supported by the floor, and the wall mounts are there to ensure the bed doesn’t move laterally or vertically. This felt dramatically safer to me. I am using flares, and the bed is 1/3 of the way up that bump out you’re trying to keep.

tictacotictaco

19d

Im accomplishing this with furring strips, 3/4" plywood "wall", and then a 3/4" plywood cutout with inlays for beams. Could go with steel tubing, like in the video. Could go with 2x4 connected to the side with a joist hanger (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-LUS-ZMAX-Galvanized-Face-Mount-Joist-Hanger-for-2x6-Nominal-Lumber-LUS26Z/100375105)

See my post for incomplete furring strips: https://www.reddit.com/user/tictacotictaco/comments/1cjd2of/van_progress/

and

See this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9Hl7Z78pgI&t=720s

Another option: https://faroutride.com/platform-bed-installation/

but i think the furring strip/ply/support is PLENTY strong. Was worried, but it's basically all built out now, and it's bomber

r20smith

20d

My build is just starting, but I attached to the row below your indicated holes, and other lower ones. Plywood wall to the floor. I’m building shallow cabinets that inclose the wheel wells. These will form the top of the bed and support a bridge between