New 16 foot enclosed trailer

[CarolinaNomad]

Ron Paulk has inspired me to get organized.  And I sure could use an organized trailer.  So my venture of upfitting the trailer has come to a stop due to attaching the cabinets to the walls.  I know the cabinets need to be screwed to the metal studs and there is a 3/8" chip board attached to the metal studs.  But I'm scared to pull the trigger on which technique or screw type.  The self tapping screws would be nice but the added 1/4" tip plus the amount of screw needed to use and take into account the small selection of length screws has tripled the frustration.  Based on 3/4" backing, 3/8" wall and the metal stud, a 1 1/2" self tapping screw would work but it seems just a hair short.  From there it jumps to a 2" screw and now I'm worried I'm going to drill through the trailer skin.  Can someone share a little more detail of how they attach the cabinets to the wall? 

 

[Eli]

Maybe french cleats and E track along the length with ratchet straps? Secure, short screw length, able to shift layout easily and quickly.

 

[rizzoa13]

The metal ribs are at the very LEAST 3/4" thick. The outside metal also has some flex to it and will give some before being punctured. You also could use a self tapping screw or drill bit to pilot the hole and then put a properly sized wood of machine screw into the hole.

 

[Klemm]

Nomad, I can appreciate your frustration. Let's see if we can help. What make and model is your trailer?

 

[CarolinaNomad]

Thanks for the replies.  I'll have to look up the make and model. 

I've bought 2" tapping screws #14.  Figured for the extra $15, get the biggest one.  I'm going to do a french cleat and the e-trac for the big tools, table saw.  And the ribs are greater than 3/4", so I have plenty of room before puncturing the skin.

 

[Klemm]

Nomad,
you'll want to run your screws into the vertical structural members and not rely on any interior or exterior sheeting for pull-out strength - but you probably knew that already

 

[ichkabible]

Why not just add a furring strip? If you know your vertical supports are 3/4" and your cabinets are also 3/4" then just add another 1/2" strip to the back of the cabinet before you install it (assuming you are still using 2" screws). Use a finish cup washer to give you the extra clearance so you don't puncture the outside wall, and viola.