Option: Double-decker cargo system

solargroovy

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I'm still going through all the option combinations available on the Sport V6. Looking at the double-decker cargo system, my first impression is that I don't want it. I can see it getting in the way more than helping out.

Those of you that have it, what do you think? Are you glad you got it? Do you think it's useful or does it get in the way of hauling larger things?

Thanks for your opinions. This forum as been helpful in helping me figure out how I want this vehicle configured. I haven't ordered a new vehicle LONG time; this process is kinda fun if I can ignore how much money I'm spending. :bouncy: At least I know in advance I'm getting Toyota quality. :)
 
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I got the double decker deal in my '06, very handy when you load it down at the Grocery store with too much stuff.

YMMV
 
I have the double-decker system, but I have yet to use it in the two months that I've had the 4Runner.

It takes up very little space when not in use. The upper deck is sort of hinged at the rear, and it just folds up and down as needed. When folded down, it basically lays on top of the cargo area like an extra cargo mat. Therefore, it may steal an inch or so of "height" in your cargo area, but that's about it. I am not sure if it requires larger wheel wells compared to the non-double deck.

Check out this picture from Edmunds. When you open the link, click on the tab labeled "Cargo/Trunk", and then click on the last thumbnail picture in the left column. The two knobs on either side of the upper deck twist to lock the deck in place. They can be unlocked, pull up a little on the upper deck, and it folds down onto the floor. The cargo net is easily attached/removed.


Double Deck Pic
 
I didn't realize it was configured so that it can fit flat on the cargo area. I was thinking I would have to take it out and store it somewhere to haul oversize cargo. Thanks for the helpful info, Baba Booey.

Anyone else have an opinion?
 
I never use it. I always leave it flat because I don't have anything to put on top of it. I don't see a need for it.
 
As Mark said there is no real need for it unless you have stuff that would fit under the top shelf. I will be camping (pop-up) this year so maybe it will come into use.

Koz
 
Haven't used it since owning the truck. It can't handle a lot of weight so you can't store very heavy items on it. I've actually thought of removing it, but the space it recovers when removed is not much.
 
I have it, and not only do I never use it, but it is actually more of a problem than anything else. Specifically, it adds about 1" to the floor. This may not sound like much, but keep in mind that the new 4Rs have a lower roof, which means that you have less overall height. This is a specific problem for me because some of the gear that I use BARELY fits inside. If the stupid DD cargo system wasn't there, then I would have just enough room to not worry about scratching the roof of my truck. Second, the end of the DD system is rounded, so when you put stuff in the cargo net, the stuff almost falls overboard when you open the tailgate - very annoying.

I want to get rid of my DD system.
 
It depends on the load and what I am doing. I use it on big trips where I have a lot of gear. It allows me to access things underneath it that I would otherwise have to unload to get to. I also use it with both seats folded down.....allowing another separation of the cargo area. All of this is helpful when completely loaded with gear while still being able to get to things I need.
 
I have it on my 06 and personally I think it's a waste of time , money , ect.... I only got it because it came that way on the lot. If I had my way I would take it out completely !!
 
I must be the only one here that uses it. I keep my toolbox and other gear under it to keep it all out of the way. Then, when we go shopping, put the taller bags on the space between the double-decker and the door, shorter bags on top of the shelf.

Works great when you're shopping at one of those warehouse stores.
 
jharris2 said:
I must be the only one here that uses it. I keep my toolbox and other gear under it to keep it all out of the way. Then, when we go shopping, put the taller bags on the space between the double-decker and the door, shorter bags on top of the shelf.

Works great when you're shopping at one of those warehouse stores.

You are not the only one that uses it. I use it when I am towing, all the time. My toolbox and other towing gear gets stowed under the shelf. My overnight bag, cooler and other non-tool/towing stuff goes on top.

When not towing it comes in handy when I take my elderly parents places. My Dad's walker fits nicely under the shelf and the other items we often take with us go on top.
 
I use mine all the time. I'm a pilot, so when I go fly, my suitcase fits nicely under there. When I go camping and whatnot, by backpack fits real nice under there. When I go hunting, my guns fit under there. I probably have it up more than down. that's just me though
 
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I like it and have it permanently in use. Everything that stays in the truck - recovery gear, etc. - is stowed underneath in perfectly sized cardboard boxes that are flush with the lip of the top shelf and can slide out easily. The top is for ad hoc use and the area between the deck and tailgate has a couple of coolers and a cardboard box that fill the area so nothing slides around. The coolers are handy as just containers to hold stuff or as coolers whether I want to bring home some milk and frozen food from the store or load up some drinks and ice for a quick trip.
 
it all depends on what you plan on putting in the back. if you have a dog, or are constantly putting large objects back there, it may be inconvenient. if you plan on putting little parcels back there, or have the need to separate and protect certain things, then it may come in handy. i try to use mine, but have found that it is kind of a pain. personally, i wish i could get rid of mine.
 
gonzo said:
if you have a dog, or are constantly putting large objects back there, it may be inconvenient. if you plan on putting little parcels back there, or have the need to separate and protect certain things, then it may come in handy.
Good point -- didn't think about the dog since we don't have one any longer. Although if the dog is smaller, isn't it safer to have them ride on the floor behind the front seats?
 
Haven't actually used it yet. But I've read in another thread about it robbing an inch of height in the cargo area. I also have a Tacoma, hauling bulk isn't much of a concern with the 4R. I got a Limited--it was a standard option.

A good use I thought about is I could hide things underneath the shelf, granted it's not a whole lot of space. But things like a backpack or laptop computer case. It would be less noticeable to theives than using the cargo cover. IMO, when the cover is in use, it sends the message "there's something under here I don't want you to see." I also wish our 4R's have a storage spot for the cargo cover like the RX330/350/400h.

The downside of a truck or SUV is hiding valuables, other than that, I'll be in my truck or SUV any day over than being in my Camry. :)
 
jharris2 said:
Good point -- didn't think about the dog since we don't have one any longer. Although if the dog is smaller, isn't it safer to have them ride on the floor behind the front seats?

Not only is it inconvenient if you have a dog, my dog at least, can not get a grip on the hard surface of the DD cargo thing. He slides around on it and I can tell it was stressfull for him. I now put a rubber mat over top of it and he is fine.

Anyone want to trade my DD system for the trim piece I need if I take it out? :D
 

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