Hey there,
Yes I extended that shelf out another 8 inches or more with a piece of birch ply and put a small lip on it so things weren't flying off. In my converted van it holds my battery setup, all my toiletries/ JBL speaker/ clothes in packing cubes/ books etc. Its a super handy little space, was thinking about putting a little strip of LED's in so I can see better in there (only downside). Can post photos later if anyone is interested.