Storage in the 4runner

Asking for ideas on storage. Yes, there is plenty of cargo space in a 4runner, but it's all out in the cabin (except what you can stuff in those two tiny storage cubbies in back. What do you all do (jumper cables, tools, extra towels for the dogs) if you don't want them out loose? Do you get one of those boxes that mounts on the roof rack?
Wondering if I am overlooking some obvious options.

 

I shoved my tire pressure gauge, gloves and some jumper cables in with the jack on the left side.

The right side takes some tie-downs, first aid kit, bicycle chain brush. I have a bicycle helmet there too that is holding my inflator in place surprisingly well while I think of something better.

I have a flat cargo net in the rear so oddball things can go under that but it’s for actual cargo and last resort for something that’s going to be in the car permanently.

I have a cargo net (vertical) hooked up to both front headrests for small object storage behind the front seats.

I saw this mod, might be inspiring but I haven’t done it myself to date: https://trail4runner.com/2022/01/11/diy-2nd-row-seat-hidden-molle-panel-install/

There’s also a custom bag that fits in the L-shaped cubby you can buy (spotted on eBay) but I haven’t felt like it.

You can definitely pop off the bolt covers and use those as mounting points for a bag too. (see: where Molle panels hook up to)

I definitely miss the under-trunk-floor storage of my last car but oh well, get some ya lose some.

 

A tote box

 

Anyone know of a tote box that fits between the wheel wells and is about 12" deep & about 16" front to back? I'd use something like that to put loose stuff in.

 

Tote box and duffel bags mostly. A few items have dedicated bags or cases. A few larger items I carry loose (traction boards if I'm not using a rooftop basket).

 

I use the same thing this dude documented here

 

Some ideas here;

 

I bought this. It is a 'lil pricey but my stuff stays put.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olG4qq5mpYc

 

I also cut sections from the molle panels to use the space between them and the windows. I can get a lot more gear in that space than I could hanging stuff on the molles.

 

I'm surprised storage is like non existent in the Runner. At some point I'll add drawers but I just use the Toyota tote in the back.

 

Another thing that works surprisingly well is installing Seat Jackers. Gives you some decent space under the seats. I can get four- 8" 4x4's stacked 2 boards high under them. I use the 4x4's for cribbing the jack.

 

Ditto on this. I was also apprehensive on the functionality, but now having it installed for a couple months it's a legit solution and leads me to wonder why Toyota didn't do something similar with it from the factory.

 

Speak of the devil, your idea is on my list of to-dos for this week.

Regarding the OPs question,I’ve found molle panels to be quite useful. Truth be told, they are a little “overlandy” and are a bit of a pain to work with, but once you figure out what needs to be up there and figure out a good way to organize what goes up there, they are very handy to have. I recommend mounting various small soft bags to put your high use items so they are always easy to access.

 

Great question. Mine came with third row seats and NO storage for my jumpers, air pump, and all the other emergency stuff. Since i have no storage but stupid back seats i prop up my right, smaller seat and put all the stuff in front of the seat, pretty much on the floor.

 

The Plano storage boxes are pretty good. I have one medium size one that lives in the back for jumper pack, tools, etc and have one of the large ones that comes on trips.

 

Might be of interest;

 

Since my dog likes to ride in the back, I didn't want to use a hard plastic tote for storage. I found an old computer bag that holds, jumper cables, tie downs, two road reflectors, gloves, towels, hand cleaner, a Leatherman and a small ratchet set. I also have a separate smaller bag that has a medical kit with everything I need. Works for me.

 

I did this as well.
Quality materials, it conceals and it definitely stays put!

 

I’ve been wanting a drawer system like the one from Dobinson

https://dobinsonusa.com/products/do...-without-rear-a-c-with-fridge-slide-rdkit4r4/

 

I have my jumper cables with the jack in the compartment on the left, but can barely close it with just those in there.

 

The molle panels offer a lot of options. Harbor Freight and Amazon has some decent bags and boxes too. The HF box in the lower right holds my gloves, some basic hand tools, tire guage, trailer hitch pin, flashlight, and an emergency ration of my favorite snake bite medicine.

 

It could be yours are longer/thicker but I put my cables behind/below the tool and jack.

 

I have the molle panels mounted in the back, and heavy duty bags strapped to them. They hold all the stuff you mentioned, and more. I also have the cover panel for the right rear area. Nothing is in it, right now. But I have another place to store stuff when I need it.

 

I have a Pelican BX135. It's more than I need most days but I wanted something that can secure my camera gear. For tools and recovery gear, the BX90R is probably a better option.

 

This is a great idea. I never even thought about doing that.

 

I have the Rubbermaid Action Packer tote box. It is the perfect size. The dimensions are 20”x14.5”x12”. I have the rear cargo cover and it keeps it covered. I had an issue with it sliding around on the cargo mat so I drilled small holes in the bottom and added magnetic feet to keep it in place. Works perfectly.

 

An axe is a must.. attach it to the driver side mole. Strap it down with a Velcro

 

Also perfect for steel pans. Held on with individual hooks so they can swing around. Oregon Trail covered wagon OG style!

 

Drive at highway speed and test the AEB functionality of the vehicle with molee mounted extinguishers and axes, held down with tactical black masking tape

 

Perhaps look into building something similar to what I did in my 4th Gen to store those same items...
https://www.top4runners.com/ja/2007/cargobox.html