Lets talk Rear Cargo Storage
 

I'm curious here, if you were to build a drawer system for the back of your 3rd Gen, how tall would you make?

Do to the wheel wells you're kinda limited to about 39" wide max, and the back seat holds you to about 38" long, but there's room to grow in height.

Second question on this, would you maximize the storage by making it with 1 39" wide x 38" deep drawer or 2 18"w x 38"D drawers?

i feel like there are a lot of threads about this around but this is where i ended up.

started out at that height so i could lay it out as flat as possible for camping
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...08bdeefd30.jpg

i have since taken the flap out and kept all the storage in place.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a349bb7e02.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0e2c29e7bf.jpg

original plan was 2 drawers but decided on one after getting traction boards that fit pretty perfectly in the right side along with some recovery gear. The drawer is big enough to hold all my spare parts including an axle as well as the tools i would take on an adventure that aren't already in my "oh shit kit" which sits under the right side flap

The biggest issue is how much head room you want. While you are limited on the width you aren't on the height. You need to decide the head room, and figure out what works best for you. We went with a lower platform, more head room, and two full length drawers. We also have a full front section for storage too. This is what we lived out of for 5 weeks, and continue to use it almost every weekend.

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/6...922/cSm938.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/6...923/v055yi.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/6...924/gbvKFv.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/6...924/pBDLE3.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/6...924/LyGqe3.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/6...924/UFgJcy.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/6...922/loMD9G.jpg

Just get some cardboard and map it out how you'd like it. I definitely recommend making sure you have enough headroom.

Wow, That is some nice attention to detail. Really like what you did there with the rotopax! Very out of the box thinking.

And Joelzy, nice work with the side compartments! Nice way to use space.

So here's what I've been working on for while in Fusion 360:

Thank you!

This is the 3rd platform that I've build for our 4runner, and not the last. I going to start building another one once she becomes a garage princess in a couple months. I've been a lot of time looking into using extruded aluminum or t-slot for a few years now. The biggest thing is to make sure they hold the weight of people, and not gear. For us, we sleep in the back of our 4runner every time we go out, and our platform needs to hold the wait of two grown adults and a 40lb dog.

I've circled the areas of concern around your idea for "MY" needs. The is relying too much on fasteners, and not enough on the extrution. For every area circled is a potential failure. You can very simply by using 1x2 extrution in those areas. This would be for sleeping only or A LOT of extra weight.

Just my thought on it since my next platform will be something similar.

Mike

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/6...922/moR1dH.png

I dont see traction boards or room for them esp when back seat up...keep mine on the rack...otherwise...looks good

very nice..I dont have those skills with metal...looks real nice

It should be for sale by time you make it down!

Mike

thanks...you gave me the itch...I got stuff im supposed to do over the next few days...got an alignment today..think im gonna go camping and fishing ...leave sunday
its your fault :)

Thanks for the input! I really like the discussion and critique.

The extruded aluminum is definitely a little tricky to work with. But the interesting thing is that under each one of those red circles you made is a vertical stanchion. Taking it a step further each of the top panels are inset into the tslot channel, tying the unit together with more than just a fitting and distributes any downward force along the entire perimeter of the top panel. (Essentially it comes out to be that ever 1lbs/psi is distributed across ~21 inches)

I can tell you that the prototype I put together can hold a family of 3 plus a 35lbs fenchie without any deflection (about 500lbs) :wow2:

For me, like any proposed mods, I'd ask first why I'd want it, how I'd use it - here, what exactly do I need or want to stow, the space needed. Once understood, go from there with ideas to accomplish the task...

I contemplated such a platform too and the considerations such as headroom, etc. Once I realized the space needed, I figured that I could make-do with the popular rear passenger side storage mod seen here...

storage compartment mod

https://i.imgur.com/WRsUQPe.jpg

and by making use of the large space between the rear frame rails (spare removed, with cross-member). 18" tool bag and fluids:

https://i.imgur.com/o5x1dzd.jpg

Not needed per se, but I'm now about to make use of available space on the other side:

https://i.imgur.com/7pqkgLA.jpg

Thinking of an SLA motorcycle battery there...

Man I would love some kind of cargo platform back there but I don't have the skill or tools to make one... Haha.

Really enjoy seeing all of your creations though
:snacker:

My work in progress.

Goals: lightweight, simple, front part removes easily and stores on top of the back. Rear area can be permanently installed and the front can be left at home for around town.

The box. I will not build drawers but rather this is sized to accept two under-bed plastic totes.
https://i.imgur.com/EPa6MP5.jpg

With 5/8 plywood trimmed to fit
https://i.imgur.com/YXEvIcn.jpg

Front area slides directly back and sits here. When installed in the front it will key into the center beam and have screw-in furniture type legs (in progress)
https://i.imgur.com/LLo9fpE.jpg

Patented stud mount for front brackets :)
https://i.imgur.com/WlGcPed.jpg

Jross, What if there was a Do It Yourself Drawer kit that came with all of the components precut/milled/drilled, all the hardware you needed and some detailed instructions?... And it could be put together with a small amount of tools? (Like a set of Allen Keys and a Drill/Screwdriver)