2002 4Runner Storage Box for entire cargo area?

[Master Yoder]

Hello, Has anyone seen some type of storage box that will fill up the cargo area? I need something that I could go with back seats up or back seats down and maybe add something on to it for the extra room. I probably need something that goes to the inside of the roof, for example I can more than fill a Avalon trunk with my stuff so the smaller half size boxes for cargo areas wont work for me.

Basically I need a way to secure expensive items in the cargo area from smash and grab and make it harder if my car is ever targeted, with home safety making yourself more of a pain to rob goes a long way in preventing it in the first place, generally the car is parked in retail parking areas so basically just simple plywood with a sturdy lock would probably work fine.

Is this something I can buy or does anyone have pics of something like this so I can get an idea for building it myself?

The main thing is I want to be able to add it or remove it as needed. I guess it will probably need to be able to be broken down into smaller pieces.

Any ideas on how to set this up? Any problem (other than seeing) with making it go to the roof on the inside, is that illegal in certain states? I wouldn't think so since a lot of vans have blocked rear windows.

Thanks for any help or advice you can give. I'm trying to avoid buying a commercial type minivan for as long as possible and think it will work if I can just secure items in the cargo area.

EDIT: Now that I think about it I think I can get by with only taking it a few inches above the back off the seats so I should still have room to see out the back window.

 

[gannonrt]

This is one you should do a search on since there are so many variations. Commercial ones are available but they are typically not built specifically for a 3rd gen and they would cost >$500 for one similar to what you described. Most people build their own. You should also search ExPo: Adventure and Overland Travel Enthusiasts for their storage thread here. It's huge so have fun. Post up your drawer/storage system - Expedition Portal. You have to comb through for third gens but it still gives great ideas from people that really store a ton stuff in their T4Rs.

My favorite is this one since I don't have plans for a rear carrier bumper in the future.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/107165-cargo-box-deck.html

 

[Master Yoder]

Great thanks thats a lot of good info.

What about the legallity of building abox that goes up to the inside of the roof so you can't easily see out the rear view mirror? Is that a issue in any states?

After thinking about it I will probably just build it to go to the top of the back seat head rest so I might still be able to see out the rear view mirror, I just need to take some measurements and see exactly how much space that would give me and then figure out if I need it to extend past the back seats also.

 

[BucknutBob]

Here's something I built for mine--maybe you could do a second tier, since you want to go a bit higher, maybe like four drawers about this size or one large one below and two of these above? You can always put slides on top of the box, too, to slide stuff toward the back when you want it. I've been thinking of doing a rack of some sort on the sides, just inside the windows, to hang stuff like shovels, Hi-lift, etc., lengthwise--the side windows could be blacked out to keep out wandering eyes (it doesn't matter once you're behind the front seats). Anyway, just some ideas.