Michigander
New member
Since the third row takes up all the middle under-floor cargo space, there is not much left. I wanted a place that I could stash a tow strap and other items not used too often but need to be securely stored.
My big concern is having heavy items flying around in case of an accident or roll-over. So anything with mass needs to be tightly strapped down or in a latched compartment.
Anyway, there are two compartments that toyota did not care to make useful for us. They are on the sides of the third row seats by the back tail gate. The floor plastic (with carpet covering) is independent of the hinged floor covering the seat bottom in the middle of the cargo area. To get the side floor covers off: Pull up on the side plastic starting at the front near the 3rd row seat belt. Pull on the outside and hinge up toward the center of the cargo area. You have to pull hard.
After you remove the plastic false-floor panel, start to cut with a dremel. Cut off the center support leg (tube), cut the stepped clip that fits under the tie-down anchor (don't cut the whole clip, just the step portion) trim down the front long piece of plastic, and trim off two of the punch clips (long thin clips). Leave the two clips that are on the outside edge of the panel.
I have left the cut edges rough in this picture.
Thread two flat pieces of ribbon or rope between the two panel pieces (through the center hole where the support leg used to be) out to the outer side of the panel.
Now you should be able to slide the flattened tabs under the center portion of the cargo area, keep the rope loops up so you can use them to lift the panel, and now push the panel down at the outside edge until the two outer clips snap closed.
Repeat on the other side.
You now have two hidden compartments for less-used stuff.
I am going to look through the bins at the hardware store and come up with latches for the outside edge instead of relying on the plastic clips.
Once you pull the panel, you can see there is a decent amount of space being wasted in the corners.
I cut the "stepped" portion of the middle left tab in this picture so the left side of the lid slides easily under the middle panel. I also cutout the female "tab" that would slide into the button near the tab.
Finished product (with temporary ribbon)
My big concern is having heavy items flying around in case of an accident or roll-over. So anything with mass needs to be tightly strapped down or in a latched compartment.
Anyway, there are two compartments that toyota did not care to make useful for us. They are on the sides of the third row seats by the back tail gate. The floor plastic (with carpet covering) is independent of the hinged floor covering the seat bottom in the middle of the cargo area. To get the side floor covers off: Pull up on the side plastic starting at the front near the 3rd row seat belt. Pull on the outside and hinge up toward the center of the cargo area. You have to pull hard.
After you remove the plastic false-floor panel, start to cut with a dremel. Cut off the center support leg (tube), cut the stepped clip that fits under the tie-down anchor (don't cut the whole clip, just the step portion) trim down the front long piece of plastic, and trim off two of the punch clips (long thin clips). Leave the two clips that are on the outside edge of the panel.
I have left the cut edges rough in this picture.
Thread two flat pieces of ribbon or rope between the two panel pieces (through the center hole where the support leg used to be) out to the outer side of the panel.
Now you should be able to slide the flattened tabs under the center portion of the cargo area, keep the rope loops up so you can use them to lift the panel, and now push the panel down at the outside edge until the two outer clips snap closed.
Repeat on the other side.
You now have two hidden compartments for less-used stuff.
I am going to look through the bins at the hardware store and come up with latches for the outside edge instead of relying on the plastic clips.
Once you pull the panel, you can see there is a decent amount of space being wasted in the corners.
I cut the "stepped" portion of the middle left tab in this picture so the left side of the lid slides easily under the middle panel. I also cutout the female "tab" that would slide into the button near the tab.
Finished product (with temporary ribbon)
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