Honda Element owner Sam Rivera turned two motorcycle delivery baskets into a cargo shelf behind the rear seats—and adapted it to work around both his OEM retractable cargo cover (cargo-cover listing on eBay) and his folding MOLLE table.

It’s a clever way to add another storage level for toolboxes and camping gear. Sam joined two steel-framed baskets, shortened all their hoops so the folding table could open freely, and chose a shelf height that kept the cargo cover usable underneath.

Build by Sam Rivera. See Sam’s original post

A second level for cargo

The finished shelf adds a storage level above the cargo cover.View larger ↗
The finished shelf adds a storage level above the cargo cover.
Toolboxes and containers on Sam’s cargo shelf with the cargo cover beneath
Toolboxes and other gear on the upper tray, with cargo space below.

What Sam used

Sam used two KIMISS motorcycle/e-bike delivery baskets, which he describes as 21 × 17 inches each. He supplied the product link below: US Amazon ASIN B0CP6PR1BZ. The baskets provide a steel frame and raised edges to work with.

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What he changed

Sam joined two baskets and adapted the frame to the space in his Element. The shortened hoops clear his folding table, while the shelf height leaves the OEM cargo cover usable underneath. His fabrication photos show cut tubing, welds along the frame and a side support bracket.

Shortening the tubing

Sam says he shortened all the hoops so his folding MOLLE table could open freely. The workbench photos show the cut tube ends and removed hoop sections behind that change.

The baskets on the workbench, with removed tubing nearby.View larger ↗
The baskets on the workbench, with removed tubing nearby.
A closer look at the cut tube ends.View larger ↗
A closer look at the cut tube ends.

Joining the frame

The fabrication photos show welds and exposed metal around several joints. Later views show the frame with a black finish. Sam has not yet explained the full joining and finishing process.

Welds around the frame and the added side support.View larger ↗
Welds around the frame and the added side support.
The joined shelf before the final finish.View larger ↗
The joined shelf before the final finish.
A basket frame laid out on the tailgate.View larger ↗
A basket frame laid out on the tailgate.

Supporting the shelf at the side

Sam explains that the cargo area narrows toward the rear door, so he used mounts of different lengths to suit that shape. A bracket connects two tubular supports at the side of the shelf, visible beside the interior trim in the installed close-up.

He confirms that he installed the rivnuts in the plastic side panels to secure the shelf. This describes his custom mounting arrangement; its load capacity and mounting strength remain unverified.

The side support bracket beside the interior trim.View larger ↗
The side support bracket beside the interior trim.

What stayed usable

The retractable cover underneath is an OEM Honda Element accessory. Sam says he chose the shelf height specifically to keep it usable, so the extra storage level doesn’t mean giving up the cover.

A view underneath the loaded shelf and cargo-cover assembly.View larger ↗
A view underneath the loaded shelf and cargo-cover assembly.

Another clever detail

The separate folding panel on the side is a tailgate table intended for the 2021–2025 Ford Bronco, excluding Bronco Sport, adapted to the Element. Sam says it can fit either side and that trimming a corner reduces the gap at the bottom. We don’t yet have the exact table product to link.

One practical caution: secure the cargo

Commenters pointed out that loose gear could move toward occupants or hit the rear glass. Sam acknowledged the concern and suggested a net with hooks; the thread doesn’t establish that he installed one.

This custom installation has no verified load rating or mounting-strength assessment. The rack seller’s advertised capacity doesn’t establish what the modified shelf can safely carry. If you’re considering something similar, plan the mounting and cargo restraint before loading it.