Drawer system vs Molle panels

[Saturnine90]

I like the Rago molle panels but am hesitant to have all my gear out in the open. I have the chance to get a drawer system for a little more than the cost of the Rago panels and it will even include a slide out table. looking to store my air compressor, recovery gear etc. if you had to pick one or the other to start what route would you go? Leaning towards the drawer setup but wondering if ill miss the open cargo space.

Thanks,

 

[Drobs]

$30 GI Duffel Bag w/ zipper:

Amazon.com : Rothco GI Type Enhanced Canvas Duffle Bag : Sports & Outdoors

Fit's all my recovery gear (air compressor, winch controller, snatch block, tree strap, kinetic rope, D-Rings, MRE's, Tire Plug kit, etc) and is quiet.

No squeaks, rattles, or rolling drawer sounds.

Plus I can still get my groceries back there.

It replaced a really annoying $300 Smittybuilt Vault.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3461222-post344.html
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3474769-post359.html
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3498815-post361.html


I'd like to buy a set of Rago panels to mount a fire extinguisher, 1st aid kit, and for the smash and grab / antifa protester protection.

 

[Unretired]

Depends on what you are carrying

I like the Rago molle panels but am hesitant to have all my gear out in the open. I have the chance to get a drawer system for a little more than the cost of the Rago panels and it will even include a slide out table. looking to store my air compressor, recovery gear etc. if you had to pick one or the other to start what route would you go? Leaning towards the drawer setup but wondering if ill miss the open cargo space.

Thanks,

I think the molle panels look cool, but I also wouldn't want so much gear relatively exposed.
I also don't cover my truck in Sig stickers and other attraction getters.

I made a DIY drawer (plastic tubs actually) platform with 2 sleeping extensions.
I only put the extensions in if I plan on sleeping in the truck - rarely.
I always carry the rest of the gear and still have 3 seats and plenty of storage.
If I'm loading up with mulch at Lowes or moving kids to college - just 4 turnbuckles and I can easily take out everything and leave it in the garage for the day.

I also can't imagine strapping a full load of recovery gear to the molle panels.
Way too much size and weight - snatch blocks, straps, tools, compressor... one drawer weighs 25 lbs, the other 50lbs.
Maybe if your recovery gear is real light and limited.
But I bet even with molles you'll need a box or duffel for the big stuff.

 

[Krej]

Drawers. As long as you can fight the need to Play Russian dolls (everything inside a pouch, that is inside a case, which has its own cubby) you can fit a metric ton of stuff in a drawer system, see everything, and still have the same amount (if not more) cargo square footage.

 

[Akkording]

Drawers with locks for the win, it looks like an empty cargo platform if anyone is snooping. Yeah I agree don't draw more attention to yourself with molle panels, no sense in marketing a grocery end cap of your goodies regardless of what your junk cost. 20% tint all around would be the way to go if you plan going the molle route, I suppose you can secure some gear with cable locks. The world has changed, it's not Mad Max time yet but might as well be safe than sorry. You could lock up your armory in your drawers, take apart the upper and lower if you have to. Any functional kitchen aid is a plus. I like having My AED locked up, doesn't take me more than 8 seconds to have my drawers unlocked and unit charging up.

So are you willing to give up 8 inches or so of cargo height? You won't really notice it that much unless you haul something every time that requires clearance. I have a truck if I need to move taller gear.
Mods are endless with drawers especially when you get into running rear power and other electronic gizmos.
No advertising stickers of course, want to keep your drawers and cargo discret, get use to rolling down your windows for grocery runs.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[Mudhorn]

I went with molles due to some stuff I carry in the cargo regularly would not fit height wise with a drawer system. The setup that you can get sounds nice, esp with the table.

 

[DrkBlue]

Why not both?
Light easy access stuff goes on a MOLLE rack, other stuff in cabinets. I don’t see this as either/or...

 

[Rack]

It will matter what height the drawer system is. Too high and it will take up too much space.
Too low and you may not get some items in the drawers.

Mine are 7" high it fits everything I need, but its tight.
If I was to do it over again I would have made it 8" high. 1 inch would not have mattered.
Tried to keep it low enough so with the rest of my gear installed, I could still see out the back of the truck.
Also my radar detector on the dash has a clean shot to operate behind me.
If the price is right go for the drawers for better security.

 

[Saturnine90]

Why not both?
Light easy access stuff goes on a MOLLE rack, other stuff in cabinets. I don’t see this as either/or...

Comes down to $ haha. Trying to do it right the first time. Thanks everyone for the advice. Drawer system to start!

 

[CajunMikeR]

Why not both?
Light easy access stuff goes on a MOLLE rack, other stuff in cabinets. I don’t see this as either/or...

Honestly, this is probably what I'm going to do. I shoot competitively, so I need a locking drawer to keep my guns, rigs, ammo, etc all hidden. But, I do need some stuff that I can grab quickly through the back window.