"Consumer grade" drawer systems?

Capt.Canuck

Capt.Canuck

New member
I can certainly appreciate Goose Gear, ARB and similar "expedition grade" drawer systems, but simply can't justify the expense based on my usage at the present time.

I'm not a DIYer, so home-built isn't an option.

Can anyone recommend some options for a "consumer grade" drawer system? Specifically I'm looking for something that will bolt down, be lockable - and that could be integrated (with a bit of DIY work) into a 1-person sleeping platform.

TIA.
 
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That's a tough pill to swallow. What setup are you looking for ideally? A platform with drawers below in the cargo bay or a full platform to sleep with rear seats lowered/removed...
 
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There's all kinds of cheaper alternatives out there but probably won't include a platform for sleeping. Pretty sure either you build one or hire it done.

Problem is what you want is a custom build at a mass produced price.
 
I've got one of the Smittybilt steel drawers, not an exact fit but budget friendly.


i just have it strapped in for now.

15726307_1387432147947318_6707302435345654237_n.jpg


drawer is rated for 300 pounds or so.
 
Understandably the price is hight, but even a DIY system can be expensive as quality parts (slides) are expensive no matter what.

I would actually recommend some front runner wolf packs with or without a slide. The boxes could always be taken out and left on the ground, or even stacked to one side when you want to sleep.

No, not a drrawer, but if as you say your usage is low, the boxes give you a lot of flexibility for the 4R when not exploring.
 
greatape said:
That's a tough pill to swallow. What setup are you looking for ideally? A platform with drawers below in the cargo bay or a full platform to sleep with rear seats lowered/removed...
Click to expand...

Yes, to clarify...what I have in mind is a couple of lockable drawers side by side, and then build a removable sleeping platform that I could lay on top or attach to it when the seats are lowered.
 
1engineer said:
There's all kinds of cheaper alternatives out there but probably won't include a platform for sleeping. Pretty sure either you build one or hire it done.

Problem is what you want is a custom build at a mass produced price.
Click to expand...

What I was intending to say above, is that I would add the sleeping platform aspect.

So what I'm looking for is a good mass produced product at a good price.
 
raycie said:
Understandably the price is hight, but even a DIY system can be expensive as quality parts (slides) are expensive no matter what.

I would actually recommend some front runner wolf packs with or without a slide. The boxes could always be taken out and left on the ground, or even stacked to one side when you want to sleep.

No, not a drrawer, but if as you say your usage is low, the boxes give you a lot of flexibility for the 4R when not exploring.
Click to expand...

Good idea and it is something I've considered, but ideally I'd like something that locks for added security.
 
Capt.Canuck said:
Good idea and it is something I've considered, but ideally I'd like something that locks for added security.
Click to expand...

Added security when your rear hatch is closed and locked, or more security when you hatch is wide open and you're nowhere close to your vehicle??

What are you planning to hold in there that you are wanting to be lockable??
 
raycie said:
Added security when your rear hatch is closed and locked, or more security when you hatch is wide open and you're nowhere close to your vehicle??

What are you planning to hold in there that you are wanting to be lockable??
Click to expand...

I'm surprised by your incredulity. Drawer systems are typically lockable, so I'm far from alone in thinking that it is a useful feature.

Recovery gear and tools are expensive. An added consideration is that I may keep ammunition in there from time to time.
 
Something along the lines of what [MENTION=148978]flying eyeball[/MENTION] posted above is your best bet. Check dimensions and find something that has the right height to match the folded seats. It will be generic in width/length but its about as good as you can do without DIY or paying a premium.

You also might try finding someone locally that can fab up something.
 
My only thought is to check craigslist, or perhaps a police auction or something to pick a drawer system up out of an old municipal/state vehicle.

Have you considered starting with the platform and then figuring out storage? I'm thinking something similar to the storage decks I've seen on jeeps. It's essentially a deck-lid for the rear that is locked when a jeep's tailgate is closed. You could replicate something like this in the 4Runner potentially where the sleeping platform couldn't be lifted up without the tailgate open, essentially creating a more secure locked space for gear bags/storage boxes and what not under the platform. This would be custom but I imagine would cost far less than a full on drawer system.

Check out this Tuffy product for Jeeps and you'll get an idea for what I'm talking about.

https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-280-tuffy-tj-lj-yj-security-deck-enclosure.aspx
 
I picked up an mid-sized "SUV Cargo Caddy" off Craigslist a couple years ago for right around $100. Looks like they're still available New for a somewhat reasonable price as well. Secured it with a few turnbuckles, and plan to build a sleeping platform extension off of it this spring. It's only a single drawer, but there are dividers and it's lockable. Definitely worthwhile depending on the price.
https://suvcargocaddy.com/order-suv-cargo-caddy/
 
Capt.Canuck said:
I can certainly appreciate Goose Gear, ARB and similar "expedition grade" drawer systems, but simply can't justify the expense based on my usage at the present time.

I'm not a DIYer, so home-built isn't an option.

Can anyone recommend some options for a "consumer grade" drawer system? Specifically I'm looking for something that will bolt down, be lockable - and that could be integrated (with a bit of DIY work) into a 1-person sleeping platform.

TIA.
Click to expand...

Just finished up a build on a custom drawer system for a 5th Gen 2016 4Runner. I will link you when I finish the write up and photos tomorrow. Might try to gauge some interest on pricing and see if anyone would want to purchase one.

There definitely is some options out there though.
How much are you looking to spend on a drawer system for your 4R?
 
I
Capt.Canuck said:
I'm surprised by your incredulity. Drawer systems are typically lockable, so I'm far from alone in thinking that it is a useful feature.

Recovery gear and tools are expensive. An added consideration is that I may keep ammunition in there from time to time.
Click to expand...

Lol... sorry wasn't trying to be a dick, but inquire for more information.

Did need to Google "incredulity" though. The state of being incredulous; disbelief... was I being incredulous that someone would like to lock something up, or being incredulous that there would be anything if importance to be locked up?

Or rather, was I asking a mere question seeking wether you were looking for a single (hatch up) or double (hatch down and locked) level of security.

In either case.... best of luck finding a suitable solution to your situation... heck.... even rubbermaid action packers are lockable... drill a couple holes in the bottom, bolt them to the floor either with a base or not... that's the cheapest option, non-drawer.....
 
Diamond_D said:
I picked up an mid-sized "SUV Cargo Caddy" off Craigslist a couple years ago for right around $100. Looks like they're still available New for a somewhat reasonable price as well. Secured it with a few turnbuckles, and plan to build a sleeping platform extension off of it this spring. It's only a single drawer, but there are dividers and it's lockable. Definitely worthwhile depending on the price.
https://suvcargocaddy.com/order-suv-cargo-caddy/
Click to expand...

Wow, nice score for $100. That looks quite decent for the price. Do you happen to have a photo of it in the 4R?
 
raycie said:
I

Lol... sorry wasn't trying to be a dick, but inquire for more information.

Did need to Google "incredulity" though. The state of being incredulous; disbelief... was I being incredulous that someone would like to lock something up, or being incredulous that there would be anything if importance to be locked up?

Or rather, was I asking a mere question seeking wether you were looking for a single (hatch up) or double (hatch down and locked) level of security.

In either case.... best of luck finding a suitable solution to your situation... heck.... even rubbermaid action packers are lockable... drill a couple holes in the bottom, bolt them to the floor either with a base or not... that's the cheapest option, non-drawer.....
Click to expand...

Haha...no worries. Silver lining, you learned a new word!

Yeah I guess there are a ton of DIY options out there that are workable, I'm just hoping for a decent commercial system to use as the starting point (like that SUV Cargo Caddy or similar) and then build on it from there.

Alternatively, buying a well designed home built system from a member here as mitzenfauker mentioned could be an option...or using some plans to have someone local to me make it - as Bofa suggested. I have a carpenter across the street, and know a couple of cabinet-makers.
 
mitzenfauker said:
Just finished up a build on a custom drawer system for a 5th Gen 2016 4Runner. I will link you when I finish the write up and photos tomorrow. Might try to gauge some interest on pricing and see if anyone would want to purchase one.

There definitely is some options out there though.
How much are you looking to spend on a drawer system for your 4R?
Click to expand...

I'd be very interested to see what you've made. Please post pics and feel free to add me to your list of buyers if you decide to move forward with production.
 
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