Building the Platform

• 1
  Measure open space in the rear of the vantape measure image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  Measure the interior open space in the back of the van. Determine the length and the width of the platform desired. Mark the plywood using the marking pencil to show appropriate length and width of final platform.
  
  
• 2
  Cut the plywood using circular and jig sawscarpers prepare for sawing plywood 2 image by Graf_es from Fotolia.com
  
  Cut the plywood to the appropriate length and width using the circular saw. Sit the plywood in the van where you want the platform. If necessary use the marking pencil to mark placement of internal wheel wells. Using the jig saw, cut on those marks to cut plywood to fit around wheel wells. Sit the platform in the van to check for final fit.
  
  
• 3
  A circular saw makes the task easier.sawing wood image by Aussiebloke from Fotolia.com
  
  Cut six legs of equal length using the circular saw and the two by four inch board. Place one leg under each corner and the remaining two legs under the outermost center of each long side of the plywood. Using the screw driver screw two screws through the plywood and into the top short side of each leg.
  
  
• 4
  Use screws to secure the legs and L bracketsscrewdriver image by bluefern from Fotolia.com
  
  Attach the L brackets under and on the inside of each leg and then to the underside of the platform. Each L bracket will have holes for a specific number of screws. Screw one 1/2-inch wood screw into each hole.
  
  
• 5
  Staple the carpet to the platformstapler and staples image by Federico Romano from Fotolia.com
  
  Lay a piece of carpet slightly larger than your final platform on top of the plywood. Pull the carpet tight and staple it securely to the sides of the platform. Place all crates on top of the platform to test for fit and stability prior to inserting the completed platform into the van.
  
  
• 6
  Arrange crates on top of the platformdog in a cage image by igor kisselev from Fotolia.com
  
  Arrange dog crates on the carpeted top of the platform. Leave crate doors easily accessible to van doors. Place crates so that they sit at least one inch apart.
  
  
• 7
  Pack vehicle so items do not shift during travelutility vehicle car speed isolated on road image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
  
  Stack the heaviest equipment under the platform near the largest van door. Load other necessary items in the remaining space, packing so that items do not shift during travel.