Popup Camper Mods: Tension Rod Wire Shelving Unit

Pictures to Come!!! Look for Tutorial on YouTube Coming Soon!

As I struggled for more space in the popup camper, I turned to Pinterest for ideas. On more than one occasion I saw this easy-to-make Tension Rod Wire Shelving Unit, that looked fast and cheap to make. But I had to ask myself was it stable enough for my items.

As I found out there is more than one way to make this DIY shelving unit, and this is the process I choose. It has seemed to work so far and is easy to put up and take down. It adds much more vertical storage, and I am very pleased we have chosen this DIY project.

What you will need

2 sets of Closet Pole Socket (I bought mine at the Dollar Store for $1 ea.)

Another Option to Purchase- Bulldog Hardware Closet Pole Socket Set, White Plastic @ Walmart $4.93 ($2.47/ea.)

68 in. White Single Track Upright for Wood or Wire Shelving by Rubbermaid

Home Depot $7.98 (cut in half) makes 2 pcs -34 in. ea. or by 2 36 in. rods.

Shelf and Rod 6 ft. x 12 in. Ventilated Wire Shelf by Closet Maid

Home Depot $11.58 (cut in half) makes 2- 3ft. shelves ea.

ShelfTrack 12 in. x .5 in. White Shelf Bracket by Closet Maid

Home Depot $5.47 (4 ea.)

Mainstays 28-48 in. Adjustable Spring Tension Curtain Rod, 7/16 in. Diameter, White

Walmart $2.97 (2 ea.)

Hyper Tough 6 Piece Assorted Size Steel Hose Clamps, 36212WD

Walmart $3.44

Loctite Power Grab Construction Adhesive Express All Purpose, 6 fl oz Squeeze Tube

Walmart $6.67

Supplies on Hand

Leveler
Marker
Screwdriver
Tape measure
Small saw knife

How to Make the Unit

Measure your 6’ wired shelf to 3ft in and mark on both side of the shelf. Use your Leveler to connect the measurements and draw a line down the wired shelf. Measure again to make sure both sides measure to 3 ft equally. Cut on each medal piece exactly were you marked at with a small saw or sharp knife, until the 6’ shelf is into 2 pieces of 3’ ea.

2. Joined together the tension rods and track system by using hose clamps. I prefer my track system up higher on the tension poles. So that my shelves will be higher to the ceiling than to the countertops. Tighten hose clamps very well once you have gotten your desired height. I measure 2” down from the top of the pole and then added my track system. This will help me later with leveling out my shelves.

3. Two tension rods are extended out to touch the ceiling and the back of the countertop or base applying. Make sure it is long enough, where you will need the pressure to pull down on the tension rod to remove it from the area. Place your tension rods 2’ and 8” apart, where your desired location would be.

4. With a leveler, level the tension rod square and vertically. With a Marker, mark a spot on the ceiling and countertop where your tension rods touch. Remove the tension rods and either glue or screw on the Closet Pole Socket. Leaving the top of the roof for the closed-end and adding the opened end to the countertop or base. Let Glue dry for at least 12 hours with a tension rod on both sides.

5. Add your shelving brackets to your track, in your desired placement. Then add your shelves. This creates 2 shelves, but you add more by buying another shelving unit. At this time, you can check the leveling of your shelves. They should be equal if you set the tracks equally on both sides. If not, remove tracks from the pull and lift the track up or down to correct your leveling.