Easy Configurable Cargo Blocks for Your Car Trunk

The Problem: Most of us have car trunks filled with loose boxes. When we drive around, these boxes slide around, or worse, tilt over spilling out all of our precious worldly possessions. Some of us have trunk nets. However, these trunk nets are better for loose small items (not boxes or large cargo). One could also buy giant plastic bins with grippy feet. These work, but you will have to shell out $20 or more for a 1 size bin. What if you went shopping and just bought an item that was larger than the bin. what if the product box couldn't fit into your trunk because your trunk bin took up too much space? What if you had boxes of different sizes? Dont you wish you had a method of holding the boxes, packages or cargo in place regardless of its box size?

The Solution: Create a set of cheap, small, strong and most importantly configurable cargo blocks. These blocks will fit any box size and can be easily stored in nook in your trunk when not in use. Essentially, my blocks will simply stick to the floor of the trunk in multiple locations holding boxes and cargo in place.

Estimated cost: $5-6 for set of 4
Estimated build time: <5 mins

Materials

• Joist Angle or Aluminum Angle, 1 to 1.25 inch wide ($.50 usd to $.90 usd ea)
• 1 inch wide self adhesive velcro tape or strips, ($2-$4 usd for 12-18in)

Tools

• scissors
• sand paper (optional)
• marker (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Angle

Remove all labels or stickers from the angle. Clean the angle with a moist towel to get rid of any debris or sticky glue from the label. This will help the velcro adhere to the angle. The joist angle I am using is sized: 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1-1/4".

If you bought an aluminum angle that needs to be cut, then measure out the length you want your block to be and cut accordingly. Please wear goggles.

Optional: sand down the edges of the angle.

Step 2: Prepare the Velcro Hooks

Remove the velcro tape from the packaging. I am using industrial strength velcro for maximum grip. Your velcro should have two separate strips. One strip with hooks (hard prickly plastic), the other strip with loops (soft and fuzzy). We will only need to use the velcro tape side with the hooks. The idea is that the hooks will grab into the felt like material in your trunk liner. Thus, locking your object, in this case the cargo block in place.

Step 3: Assembly Your Cargo Blocks

Peel off the adhesive and stick the velcro on to one of the bottom sides of the angle. Refer to the images.

Step 4: Try the Cargo Blocks

You can position the blocks under the box or against the box. Please refer to the photo.

2 blocks should be enough to hold a box or package in place if the box is pushed up against the wall of your trunk.

When not in use. just store the hooks in a nook or glove box in your car. by the way, these cargo blocks stack well on each other and you can use a rubber band tie them up.

Well I hope this 5 min project was useful and thanks for reading!

If you have questions, please leave a comment.