What was the rear compartment actually for?

[TheDurk]

There's no room on the drivers side, the filler for the fuel tank, and the outside vent both take up this real estate.

That, and the inside wall is set closer to the outside than on the other side. So any storage comes at the cost of the cargo bay.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Agreed. I never understood why car manufacturers never put more of these in. I know they made the access panel bigger in the later year 3rd gens, but who thought that it wasn't worth making it EVEN bigger, or maybe with multiple access doors? It's not like the space isn't there, and it's not like the extra plastic they have to carve around actually provides any side impact protection...

And why the hell leave the driver's side completely alone? Was a panel on that side that much more difficult/ expensive?

Lets take a standard overlanding / 4x4 vehicle and give it as little factory storage space as possible. No one needs recovery and safety gear...

My old Rav4 has more storage panel space than my 4runner...because the 2 kid soccer moms need concealed storage like you couldn't imagine...

Our 4Runners are more narrow and shorter than most sedans now in production. I think the reason why we love 4Runners is their small size but rugged capabilities. If you want more storage you'll need an SUV the size of a small tanker like they make them now... the bodies bulge so much there's space to stash stuff everywhere. Well, except that they make seats about 6 inches wider now, so annoying!

 

[BoarderDave]

The squared off portion with straps was for a Toyota road side emergency kit. It came in a box and had a triangle cone things (2 or 3?) and a vest I think. I've seen them before online but can't seem to find any pictures now. Certain countries require than stuff.

Good thread idea. I always wondered the same thing too. If it was just an open area I would've just assumed "extra storage" as well, however the straps and square portion and stuff always looked purposeful to me.
Thanks for the info!

That being said.. I do not have that kit. hah. I have fit mine full with tie-downs, a tow strap, bungee cords, pair of work gloves, spare bulbs, surf wax, a small hand brush (brushing out beach sand or dirt from things), and a few hand towels to dry up any spills or water from wetsuit/surf equipment. :yo:

 

[SIN-Japan]

I seem to remember that Japan has a law that cars have to carry a fire extinguisher and that's why it has the mount and straps in there because the Surf came from the factory with a fire extinguisher. Is that right? Does anyone actually keep a fire extinguisher in there?

Japan only requires you have a road flare in the vehicle, the straps were for the optional first aid kit to my knowledge.
The Road flare is mandatory in all vehicles in Japan and has to be located in the front driver or passenger compartment.
The ones in the Surfs are located on the Passenger kick panel and looks like a small red tube that clips onto the body panel.

 

[SpookyMulder]

I kept a bong in there for a while.

 

[Scramble]

I've always kept a first aid kit in there & a fire extinguisher.
Now I've added jumper cables, fuses, tail light bulbs, bungies & shop towels.

 

[MandAtaco]

Here's mine.


I've added a BlueSea distribution fuse block and some relays in here since this pic was taken.

 

[fourfive]

I've always kept a first aid kit in there & a fire extinguisher.
Now I've added jumper cables, fuses, tail light bulbs, bungies & shop towels.

My wife keeps extra shoes (as in multiple) in there no kidding. But this^ sounds much more functional.

 

[fourfive]

I usually keep my blow in there to go with my hookers. It's like they designed these 4Runners with hookers and blow in mind.

T4R2014's clearly down to party.

 

[repo]

mystery solved

 

[AZ4Runner11]

Mine seems to be a great spot to throw dirty rags, old belts and a screwdriver or two. I think it was made for that :rofl:

 

[SpidermanGeek]

Jumper cables and I think I keep a quart of oil in there. Never needed to use either. I'll have to check again, lol.

 

[TheDurk]

mystery solved

That's what I said it was for upthread. I own a truck that came that way, thanks to Brazillian law.

Full disclosure: It's still in my name, but my ex-wife has custody. I have visitation rights and I get to use it when I visit my kids in Brazil. Same with the Jeep CJ5.

 

[cbr900boy]

Jumper Cables??? You guys need to step into the 21st Century and get an Antigravity Micro Start. :banana:

I have a Firstaid Kit and Antigravity in mine.