Uses for Storage Compartments

[y=mx+b]

I know of a place that no one has mentioned. In fact it's not really a storage bin at all but it can be used as the best ever hiding place for very small objects. I'll guarantee that no one will ever find what you've got hidden there. On both front doors, the armrest pad simply pulls off, no screws, nothing but a couple of push clips. You grab it at the front and pull up. It's off in about 1 second. Underneath that is hard plastic with a small hole in it. You simply carve the hole out big enough to fit whatever you want to hide and you have a perfect hiding place for any small item you don't want found. Depending on what you're hiding you may want to stuff something else down in there first to keep your item from dropping too far where you can't easily retrieve it. The armrest snaps right back on and no one has a clue that anything is hidden there. The uses for this are numerous. Still smoking and your significant other doesn't know? Hide the cigs in there. Got a new girls phone number and don't want it found? Stick it in there. You could stuff cash in there, or some coins in a zip lock. I guess you could even hide a small amount of drugs in there although I'm not a user so I haven't tried that. Pretty sure the sniffing dogs would find them anyway. Just remember to take out whatever you have in there if you ever take the T4R to the shop to have any work done involving removing the door panel.

Like in here?


These pics come from my door lock actuator writeup, shameless plug: 4th Gen Door Lock Actuator Replacement: Step by Step with Pictures

 

[Bassturd]

I use the right rear compartment as my power distribution center. There’s a 6 circuit fuse box and negative bus bar back there. Straps and gloves in the left. Think there’s some spent .223 casings from a dog hunt in the center one up front.

 

[importman]

Like in here?


These pics come from my door lock actuator writeup, shameless plug: 4th Gen Door Lock Actuator Replacement: Step by Step with Pictures

Funny, I thought I had replied to this. That's the spot. Just carve out that square hole as much as needed, (within reason) and you've got yourself a secret compartment that no one will know about. (Unless they own a 4runner and/or they read this thread).

 

[simple]

I honestly can't believe people are complaining about hidden storage. I bought a 5th gen...you want to talk about worthless storage? Check that out. The under radio storage is worthless on that. And the rear storage compartment is a major downgrade.

Personally I love the under climate control storage. In my old 4th gen, I didn't have homelink so I used a 3m strip to mount my garage door opener there. I know keep a seatbelt cutter, a car sickness bag, and my headphones for the gym. My current 4th gen has the subwoofer instead of the storage compartment and I really wish I could ditch that for the hidden storage compartment.

 

[Boort]

Hi All,

The box under the heating controls - WTF is that good for?

Mine carries Napkins from fast food restaurants and a few packs of matches.

My WTF were they thinking areas of mine are the trashbag holder on the back of the console and the little flip up writing platform on the armrest.

Boort

 

[simple]

Mine carries Napkins from fast food restaurants and a few packs of matches.

My WTF were they thinking areas of mine are the trashbag holder on the back of the console and the little flip up writing platform on the armrest.

Boort

That flip up writing platform is actually designed as a fast food 'burger tray'.

 

[jgmx893]

Lets see...
Rear right in the trunk area: car vacuum attachments
Rear left in the trunk area: flathead and phillips screwdrivers, oil pan drain bolt washers
Center console: I 3D-printed a divider system, so I have a bunch in there. Bug spray, sunscreen, A/C disconnect lines, sunglasses, my check book.
Front bottom tray thing in front of the shifter assembly: tire gauges, pens
Top storage area: safety glasses
Glove box: manual, registration and title, service records.
Secret glove box mini compartment: secret mini compartment stuff

Almost forgot, as for the rear door storage areas: ENO hammock, shop towels

 

[Syr4RinNC]

I found that the storage compartment below the temperature dials is the perfect place for my smartphone while driving. So I open the compartment and wedge my phone horizontally between the latch on the compartment and below the temperature controls

 

[laufer]

• Cubby below climate controls: extra USB charger, sunblock stick, OBD2 bluetooth adapter
• Secret compartment: small first-aid kit, Leatherman
• Glove box: foldable solar lantern, paper maps, lint roller, visor hat, small case with misc. items, small tools
• Center console: Vehicle OCD organizer (6-way) - USB cables, ham radio 12V adapters, spare batteries, antennas, tire gauges, pens, glasses, paper tissues (pocket packs)
• Center console smoker's kit ash tray: removed to make room for small handheld radio
• Overhead: sunglasses
• Doors: sanitizer, work gloves, microfiber cloth, cough drops, sunscreen, bug repellent
• Left rear wheel well: safety vest, BOLT receiver lock
• Right rear wheel well: used to have DVD navigation ROM, removed that and reclaimed for storage -> bungee cords, more microfiber cloths
• Below left rear D pillar: jack/tools, spare light bulbs and fuses
• Blue Ridge attic (aftermarket): camping pillows, spare blanket

 

[Montego Murph]

My 03 came with JBL and Navigation, so all the passenger side compartments are otherwise occupied.

One of my biggest gripes after seeing different SUV's over the years is the lack of a larger storage compartment under the floor, I guess where the spare tire is located. I'd love to have a place to stash the cargo cover when I haul larger things so that it doesn't get damaged.