Pritchnakoff
New member
For quite some time I've read up on several storage drawer build threads; keeping a watchful eye over good ideas - bad ideas - and general best practices. Since that time, there have even been some over the counter models that you can now buy online that bolt right in. After having some much deserved holiday time off and a nice sized pile of plywood growing dust bunnies in the garage, I decided it was time to throw in my own build and get some dedicated gear storage.
As my signature indicates, I have a 2004 4Runner Sport, but I am sure with a slight tweak to the measurements this could fit most any SUV type platform. Toyota model vehicles have wheel wells in the rear cargo area, I found 41.5" to be a nice snug fit, that left enough room for two sliding 24" drawers in the front and an 8" (give or take) "easy access" grab box for the rear. NOTE: I'll post up all actual dimensions and parts list towards the end of the build.
The first part was pretty basic; cut the base platform. I've seen a lot of threads just have straight drawers that come direct off the wheel wells - I've seen a lot of threads try to cover up the "side space" with decorative pieces screwed to their face plates and rendering the space unusable. I decided to give my base platforms a set of wings to utilize the factory tie down hook bolt space; this way, I can have a nice clean factory look (as much as possible) from the entire drawer system. After the base was measured and cut, it was time to rout out the grooves for the side walls and center piece for the drawer slides and top. After quickly cutting the needed side walls to length they quickly got glued and screwed into place (all screws countersunk).
Easy part now completed, it's time to build the drawers. Having built tons of drawers these went together lickety split, I threw on the slides and mounted them to fit. A lot of typing which has gone just about as fast as today's work, let's get in some pictures:
Base & Drawers
Left Drawer Out
Right Drawer Out
You'll see I decided to go with one over sized drawer and one slightly smaller drawer rather than two of the exact same sized. I had not seen this done before and wanted to take a look at what gear would go into what drawer. After much thought, I figured one drawer would be best served as First Aid and would not require the space as would tools and recovery gear and thus could make one drawer smaller to suite
Here are some drawer detail shots for any of you sawdust heads out there
Left & Right Slides
Drawer Face
Drawer Rear
Next was another basic task to cut the top piece for size, route grooves for side walls and then the "rough" drawers and deck would be complete for the front half of the cargo system. This went together super fast and left me with the final task for building out the "easy access" box for the rear of the system. The box for the rear will have a hinged lid that opens upward so as to be able to utilize the entire rear of the vehicle. Again, I used the factory tie down space to secure the box. I have seen just two other builds who have attempted to go this direction and they both used a 90 degree box; which is fine, but the 4Runners have angled seat backs and by doing this you loose valuable space - I did not want to cheat myself the additional space here. I pulled out the angle finder and measured out 16 degree angle, cut all the dadoes and rabbets to match and glued and screwed the rear box. Soon I had all the pieces secured nicely (not yet bolted) in the rear space and decided to call it a day. Here are some more pictures of the final progress...
Front Half Deck w/View of Rear Box
Rear Box Front View
Rear Box Back View (seat folded down to show angled fit)
Day 1 was a lot of progress!
:thumb3:
As my signature indicates, I have a 2004 4Runner Sport, but I am sure with a slight tweak to the measurements this could fit most any SUV type platform. Toyota model vehicles have wheel wells in the rear cargo area, I found 41.5" to be a nice snug fit, that left enough room for two sliding 24" drawers in the front and an 8" (give or take) "easy access" grab box for the rear. NOTE: I'll post up all actual dimensions and parts list towards the end of the build.
The first part was pretty basic; cut the base platform. I've seen a lot of threads just have straight drawers that come direct off the wheel wells - I've seen a lot of threads try to cover up the "side space" with decorative pieces screwed to their face plates and rendering the space unusable. I decided to give my base platforms a set of wings to utilize the factory tie down hook bolt space; this way, I can have a nice clean factory look (as much as possible) from the entire drawer system. After the base was measured and cut, it was time to rout out the grooves for the side walls and center piece for the drawer slides and top. After quickly cutting the needed side walls to length they quickly got glued and screwed into place (all screws countersunk).
Easy part now completed, it's time to build the drawers. Having built tons of drawers these went together lickety split, I threw on the slides and mounted them to fit. A lot of typing which has gone just about as fast as today's work, let's get in some pictures:
Base & Drawers
Left Drawer Out
Right Drawer Out
You'll see I decided to go with one over sized drawer and one slightly smaller drawer rather than two of the exact same sized. I had not seen this done before and wanted to take a look at what gear would go into what drawer. After much thought, I figured one drawer would be best served as First Aid and would not require the space as would tools and recovery gear and thus could make one drawer smaller to suite
Here are some drawer detail shots for any of you sawdust heads out there
Left & Right Slides
Drawer Face
Drawer Rear
Next was another basic task to cut the top piece for size, route grooves for side walls and then the "rough" drawers and deck would be complete for the front half of the cargo system. This went together super fast and left me with the final task for building out the "easy access" box for the rear of the system. The box for the rear will have a hinged lid that opens upward so as to be able to utilize the entire rear of the vehicle. Again, I used the factory tie down space to secure the box. I have seen just two other builds who have attempted to go this direction and they both used a 90 degree box; which is fine, but the 4Runners have angled seat backs and by doing this you loose valuable space - I did not want to cheat myself the additional space here. I pulled out the angle finder and measured out 16 degree angle, cut all the dadoes and rabbets to match and glued and screwed the rear box. Soon I had all the pieces secured nicely (not yet bolted) in the rear space and decided to call it a day. Here are some more pictures of the final progress...
Front Half Deck w/View of Rear Box
Rear Box Front View
Rear Box Back View (seat folded down to show angled fit)
Day 1 was a lot of progress!
:thumb3:
Last edited:
op2:
