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How To Anchor 80/20 Aluminum Extrusion To Floor of Van?

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How To Anchor 80/20 Aluminum Extrusion To Floor of Van?

You can attach 80/20 aluminum extrusions to your van floor with rivnuts and bolts. This gives a strong and lasting hold. It keeps van cabinets steady and safe, even on bumpy roads. If you have the right tools and plan ahead, you can make a safe setup. T slot aluminum and aluminum profile accessories from Lansi Aluminum help you build something that lasts. Follow each step carefully for good results that keep your things safe.


Use the right tools like drills, rivnut tools, and clamps. These tools help make strong and safe connections.Plan and measure carefully to find flat spots on the van floor. Mark anchor points so they are spaced out evenly.Drill holes in the right places and install rivnuts. Rivnuts make strong threads for bolts that hold the aluminum extrusions.Use good fasteners and accessories like corner brackets and angle brackets. These help keep the frame stable.Stop rust and vibration by painting drilled edges and using thread-lock. Check the bolts often to make sure they are tight.


Tools for 80/20 Aluminum

Essential Equipment

You need the right tools to anchor 80/20 aluminum extrusions to your van floor. These tools help you work safely and make the connection strong. Here is what you should have:

  1. Drill and Drill Bits: Use a power drill with sharp bits to make holes in the van floor and the aluminum extrusions. A drill press with an end mill bit helps you make exact holes.

  2. Rivnut Tool: This tool puts rivnuts or plusnuts into the van floor. Rivnuts give you strong threads for bolts.

  3. Measuring Tape and Marker: Use these to measure and mark where you want to put anchors.

  4. Clamps and Jigs: These hold the aluminum framing still while you drill and attach it. Jigs help you do the same thing for each piece.

  5. Wrenches and Allen Keys: Use these to tighten bolts and screws.

  6. Stop Collars: Put these on your drill bits to control how deep you drill.

  7. Masking Tape: Cover spots around where you drill to keep metal shavings out of the van.

Tip: Paint the holes you drill so they do not rust. Use thread-lock on bolts so they do not come loose.


Fasteners and Hardware

Picking the right fasteners is important for a safe and strong build. Here are some of the best choices for 80/20 aluminum extrusions:

Hardware Type

Purpose

Example Use Case

T-nuts

Slide into T-slot channels for strong threads

Attaching legs to a frame

Anchor Fasteners

Secure extrusions internally, hidden from view

Mounting a tabletop

Corner Brackets

Create strong right-angle joints

Stabilizing shelving corners

Joining Plates

Connect extrusions at flat surfaces

Building modular workbenches

Button Head Cap Screws

Provide reliable thread engagement

Fastening extrusions to van floor

Angle Brackets

Add extra support at corners

Reinforcing frame joints

Use more than one fastener and space them out to spread the weight. Always pick the right size fastener for your project. If you need more strength, use thicker joining plates or aluminum beams. Lansi Aluminum sells many aluminum profile accessories like T-slot nuts, anchor fasteners, and corner brackets. Their products use strong alloy, are made with care, and have finishes that stop rust. This keeps your van build strong and looking good.


When picking a supplier, look for lots of fastener choices, good quality checks, and custom machining options. Lansi Aluminum has all these things, so they are a great choice for aluminum extrusions and accessories.


Preparing the Van Floor

Preparing the Van Floor

Planning and Measuring

Before you start drilling, you need to look closely at your van floor. Most van floors have ribs and flat spots. Ribs give extra strength, but they can make it hard to get a flat surface. You want to find the flattest areas for your anchor points. This helps your 80/20 aluminum extrusion sit level and stay strong.


Start by removing any floor mats or coverings. Use a flashlight to see the shape of the metal. Run your hand over the surface to feel for bumps or dips. Take a measuring tape and check the size of the space where you want to install your van cabinets or other structures. Write down these measurements. Good planning now will save you time later.

Tip: If you plan to use aluminum profile accessories or T slot aluminum profile from Lansi Aluminum, check their sizes before you mark your anchor points. This ensures everything fits together well.


Marking Anchor Points

Once you know where the flat spots are, you can mark your anchor points. Use a marker or chalk to make small dots where you want to drill. Space the marks evenly to spread out the weight. This gives your build more strength and keeps it safe on the road.

You can use a simple table to help plan your anchor layout:

Anchor Point

Distance from Wall

Distance from Next Point

1

4 inches

12 inches

2

4 inches

12 inches

3

4 inches

12 inches

Check each mark twice. Make sure you do not place anchors on top of wiring or fuel lines under the van floor. Careful marking helps you avoid mistakes and makes the installation of your van cabinets much easier.


Installing Aluminum Extrusions

Installing Aluminum Extrusions

Drilling and Rivnuts

You need to start by making precise holes in your van floor. This step is important for a strong and safe build. Follow these steps to install rivnuts for your 80/20 extruded aluminum:

  1. Place a drill jig over the van floor where you want to anchor the aluminum extrusions. This helps you line up the holes perfectly.

  2. Use a center punch through the jig to mark the center of each hole.

  3. Drill a small pilot hole with a 1/8" drill bit. This keeps your larger drill bit from slipping.

  4. Switch to a step drill bit and enlarge each hole to 7/16". Step drill bits work well on thin sheet metal and help prevent warping.

  5. Be careful when drilling near the front of the van. The metal may be thinner, so do not drill too deep.

  6. Smooth out the edges of each hole with a deburring tool. Paint the edges to stop rust from forming.

  7. Insert a 5/16-18 rivnut into each hole. If you notice the rivnut is close to the bottom of the metal, add washers underneath to keep it secure.

  8. For extra protection, place a 3M protective film between the rivnut and the vertical leg of the extrusion. This stops scratches and keeps your build looking new.

Tip: Always double-check your hole locations before drilling. Mistakes can be hard to fix once you start.


Securing with Bolts

After you install the rivnuts, you can attach the 80/20 extruded aluminum to the van floor. Use corner brackets, ball-spring T-nuts, and the right size screws for a tight fit. For most builds, 5/8" screws work for the legs, and 3/4" screws fit the van floor. Tighten each bolt with a wrench or Allen key. Make sure the aluminum extrusions sit flat and do not wobble.


If you plan to add more structures, you can trim the corner brackets so they sit flush with the surface. This makes it easier to add walls or cabinets later. Using high-quality fasteners from Lansi Aluminum ensures your frame stays strong, even when your van moves over rough roads.

Note: Thread-lock on bolts helps keep them from loosening over time.


Using Backing Plates

Backing plates add extra strength to your anchor points. You place them under the van floor, lining them up with the holes you drilled. The plates spread out the force from the bolts, which helps prevent the metal from bending or tearing. This is especially useful if you plan to carry heavy loads or install large cabinets.

Angle brackets also play a big role in making your frame strong. Here is why you should use them:

  • Triangular angle brackets with multiple bolt holes give the best support at 90-degree joints.

  • These brackets hold the aluminum extrusions together, even if you hit bumps or make sharp turns.

  • Angle brackets are easier to use than some other connectors and do not need special tools.

  • They help your van build last longer and stay safe.

You can find many types of aluminum profile accessories, like angle brackets and joining plates, at Lansi Aluminum. These parts work with T slot aluminum profile and other aluminum extrusions, making your build flexible and strong.

Pro Tip: Always use more than one anchor point for each piece of 80/20 extruded aluminum. This spreads out the weight and keeps everything stable.


Tips for Lasting Anchoring

Preventing Rust

Rust can weaken your van build over time. You want to keep your T slot aluminum extrusion and fasteners in top shape. After you drill holes, always paint the bare metal edges. This stops water from reaching the steel. Use rust-resistant bolts and washers. Stainless steel or zinc-coated hardware works best. If you use aluminum profile accessories from Lansi Aluminum, you get products with protective finishes that help fight corrosion.

Tip: Wipe away any metal shavings after drilling. Moisture and shavings together can start rust quickly.

You can also use a sealant around the bolt heads. This keeps water out and adds another layer of protection. If you see any signs of rust, clean and repaint the area right away.


Reducing Vibration

Vibration from driving can loosen bolts and make noise. You can stop this by using lock washers or thread-locking fluid on all bolts. These keep your fasteners tight, even on rough roads. Rubber washers or pads under the aluminum extrusion help absorb shocks. This makes your van quieter and protects your frame.

A simple table shows what you can use:

Anti-Vibration Item

Where to Use

Benefit

Lock Washer

Under bolt heads

Stops bolts from loosening

Rubber Pad

Under extrusion

Reduces noise and shock

Thread-lock Fluid

On bolt threads

Keeps bolts secure

You can find these items along with aluminum angle and other accessories at Lansi Aluminum, a trusted aluminum extrusion supplier in China.


Checking Stability

You should check your van build often. Look at all anchor points and bolts every few months. Use a wrench to make sure nothing has come loose. If you find a loose bolt, tighten it right away. Check for any movement in your T slot aluminum extrusion frame. If you see gaps or hear rattling, add more fasteners or use stronger brackets.

Pro Tip: Make a checklist for your regular inspections. This helps you catch problems early and keeps your van safe.

By following these tips, you keep your aluminum extrusion frame strong and your van build safe for every trip.


Mistakes to Avoid

When you anchor 80/20 aluminum extrusion to your van floor, you want a safe and lasting build. Many people make simple mistakes that can cause problems later. Here are the most common errors and how you can avoid them.


Wrong Fasteners

Using the wrong fasteners can weaken your whole setup. If you pick bolts or nuts that do not fit your T slot aluminum extrusion, your frame may shift or even break. Always check the size and type of fastener before you start. Stainless steel or zinc-coated bolts work best for van builds. Lansi Aluminum offers a wide range of aluminum profile accessories, including T-slot nuts and anchor fasteners, that match their extrusions perfectly.

Tip: Check the product page at Lansi Aluminum to find the right fasteners for your project.


Poor Alignment

If you do not line up your holes and extrusions, your frame will not sit flat. Poor alignment can make your cabinets wobble or cause doors to stick. Use a measuring tape and a straight edge to mark your anchor points. Double-check your marks before you drill. A simple jig or clamp can help keep everything straight while you work.

Problem

How to Prevent

Crooked frames

Use a level and straight edge

Misaligned holes

Mark and measure twice

Skipping Prep

Skipping prep work leads to weak anchors and wasted time. If you do not clean the van floor or skip pilot holes, your bolts may not hold. Always remove dust and debris before you start. Drill small pilot holes to guide your larger drill bit. Paint the edges of each hole to prevent rust. Using products like aluminum angle from Lansi Aluminum can add extra support and make your build stronger.

Note: Careful prep saves you from costly repairs and keeps your van safe on every trip.


By avoiding these mistakes, you make sure your T slot aluminum extrusion frame stays secure. For the best results, choose a trusted aluminum extrusion supplier in China like Lansi Aluminum.

You can make your van safe and look good by doing these steps: First, pick the best 80/20 series profile and T slot aluminum profile for your van’s setup. Next, drill bolt holes slowly and use a drill press so the holes are straight. Then, hold the extrusions in place with plus nuts, socket cap bolts, and strong corner brackets. Add spacers and make T-channels wider if you need things to fit better. Use roll-in T-nuts and countersunk bolts to keep van cabinets and bed platforms steady. Always check your work, pick good aluminum profile accessories, and ask experts if you are not sure. If you plan well and install things tightly, your van will be safe every time you drive.


FAQ

How do you choose the right size T slot aluminum profile for your van build?

First, measure your space and how much weight you need to hold. T slot aluminum profiles come in many sizes. If you want to carry heavy things, pick a thicker profile. Lansi Aluminum has lots of choices. You can look at their product page for more information.


Can you reuse rivnuts if you move your aluminum extrusion frame?

You cannot use rivnuts again after you put them in. If you move your frame, you must put new rivnuts in the new spot. Always use new hardware so your build stays safe and strong.


What is the best way to prevent leaks around anchor points?

Put waterproof sealant around each bolt and rivnut after you finish. This stops water from getting in and keeps your van floor from rusting. Stainless steel fasteners and aluminum profile accessories from Lansi Aluminum also help stop rust.


Where can you find high-quality aluminum extrusion and accessories for van builds?

You can get T slot aluminum profiles, aluminum angle, and other aluminum extrusion products from Lansi Aluminum. They are a trusted aluminum extrusion supplier in China. Their products work well for van builds and other big projects.

Lansi Aluminum is a comprehensive enterprise specializing in the design, research and development, production and sales of aluminum profiles.

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