So I have been testing out and going through multiple generations of my cargo area build. It started out as a grate I bought off craigslist so that our gear wouldn’t fly forward and kill us. The dog was a little pup at the time so he sat by the kids feet:


Then I added a simple shelf on one side for the dog and gear below. When I did this I modified the wire grate so that it did not go to the floor and take up space.



Not soon after I modified my cargo mat to fit the dog area and put in a 7 gallon water jug and shelf above.


Then I added the slide-out-and-fold-down table:


Next I added a slide out drawer on the left side of the cargo area, but I don’t have a picture of that. That is the transformation of the last year and a half. Here is the thread with more details about these builds:






I just got an Engle fridge, and it did not fit well with my cargo build. So I took out the drawer and table and built a new one. I spent the ENTIRE weekend working on this, so I have to give credit to my wife, who handled the rest of the household responsibilities. But, this version is ready now for our trip to the sand dunes next week!

Here it is before you load the fridge:


Now with the fridge loaded. The design puts the heavy fridge as low as possible and all the way to the back of the cargo area (front of the vehicle). This is the best spot, “center of gravity-speaking” for it. I designed the slide so that it sits on the cargo floor. This way the weight of the fridge is right on the vehicle and not stressing the slides. I glued a sheet of metal on the bottom of the floor the fridge sits on, so it slides better on the carpet.


Once you load the fridge, you can insert the drawer and bucket, with wing nuts:



Now it’s loaded and ready for camping! I found that I always have paper towels and baby wipes “wet wipey’s” laying around the back of the rig (remember, three little kids with me almost always). So I built a hinged door with storage that has a spot for paper towels, wet wipes, dog poop bags, tissues, garbage bags and toilet paper.


I can still open the top of the upper storage area with everything closed up.

Behind the wall of toiletries, is a space for “hopefully” 5 backpacks of clothes, a shoe bag and jacket bag:


On the left side of the slide-out is a folding table and shelf with various items…also a spot for the folding dog bowls and leash.


On the right side of the slide-out I cut out some “extra” wood, trying to make it lighter, and realized if I screwed a piece of metal on the front, I could store more stuff. So…I did, and I fit three folding silverware knifes, scissors, a can opener, wine opener, steak knife and cheese grater. I used every bit of space I could:


I made a slot above the folding table to store more stuff…spatula, grill brush, salt n pepper shakers, etc…


I can open the fridge pretty far, and if needed, the lid easily removes. I ordered the 70/30 split top basket for the fridge to make it more user friendly. The split baskets should be able to pull out just fine:


There is a table that folds out, right next to the water spigot. The next part of this build I will tinker with will be a built-in folding sink under the water spigot. I can store a cutting board behind the table area too!


There is a shelf above the water tank that holds a bunch of stuff…a 12-inch skillet, bottle of whiskey, lantern, bag of headlamps, etc.



I slide the grill underneath the heavy floor mat in the dogs area…works great!


On the right side of the slide-out, I left the area open for now. I am not sure what I will do with this area. With the removal of the cargo liner on the side, I have a lot of space here to work with.


Heres a pic of the whole thing.


I weighed the various parts of this build and the total weight, without gear, is about 50 to 55 lbs. I am going to try some ways to lighten it in the future. I am also going to try to find a way to build in or at least store a single burner stove.
I didn't paint anything or really finish it off that nicely, because it is still a test versoin in my mind. It's getting close though...


So this is where it stands now…but I will keep tinkering with it. Needless to say…I am so freaking excited out this new build!!

This is pimp. I've been considering something similiar, and if I do I will be ruthlessly ransacking your pics for inspiration.

That's about all I need in an apartment.... ever thought of renting it out?

Mike

looks nice man . Did you make it removable?

that thing is awesome. good job.
hows the driving though with blind spots or looking out the back?
you must have a mall dog to fit in that smaller area.

That's a hellable installation...

CSL,

This 4Runner Kitchen is awesome...thank you for sharing!!

Time to add this Thread to your Signature.

You are a master craftsman!

You got a permit to build that right? lol