Are you the new owner of a 4Runner? Are you looking for ways to get even more storage out of your beautiful vehicle?
Many people who own a 4Runner love to go on adventures. With these adventures comes a lot of different gear that needs extra storage to transport. If you struggle to find a way to get all of your necessary things to fit, keep reading.
We’ve collected the best 4Runner storage tips down below!
Level the Trunk
5th gen 4runner cargo storage is already generous, but there are ways to get even more space out of the vehicle. One of the biggest problems with the 4runner is that the lowered backseats sit higher than the trunk.
This makes it awkward to fit everything into the back of your vehicle because there’s a gap between the two sections. An easy way to make the entire space level is by adding a thick board of wood that’ll lift the trunk floor to match the height of the folded backseats. This frees up a lot of space and makes it easier to store large objects without wasting storage.
It’s a fix that’s easy to remove when you don’t need such a large area anymore. For more comfort, add a layer of felt or carpeting to the wooden board so that it blends in with the rest of your interior.
Remove Foam
Underneath the trunk’s floor is a thick layer of foam that doesn’t serve much purpose other than to muffle sound and provide extra cushioning. When you remove this foam, it opens up a large space underneath the flooring of your trunk.
It’s a great place to install a set of drawers to store smaller items or leave it as is and store items you don’t need to access very often.
There are plenty of ways to customize this space to make it the perfect 4Runner storage system.
Vertical Space
A lot of unused space goes to waste near the ceiling and corners of your vehicle. Those empty spaces are potential storage areas waiting for a little bit of ingenuity.
Attaching netting and mesh pockets in the corners makes those areas an excellent place for all your little knickknacks. Add a large version over the entire ceiling and you’ll have 4Runner overhead storage that’s great for holding clothing and gear without ever getting in your way.
When you’re strapped for storage space and you’ve used all other possibilities, try to figure out how to use up empty vertical space instead!
Utilize the Roof
When we think about storage space, we always focus on the interior of our vehicles. With a 4Runner, however, it’s easy to use the outside of the vehicle as well.
For example, roof racks are a versatile tool to give you plenty of more storage.
It’s easy to attach a big variety of different items onto the top of your 4Runner, allowing you to take along any gear you’ll need. It’s also possible to attach a box for storing smaller items if you’ve run out of room within the interior. Sometimes you’re able to get multiple things up there to free even more space by mixing and matching different storage methods.
Remember to ensure everything’s secure on your 4Runner roof storage before you start driving. Give the roof racks and their baggage a good test tug before you ever put the key into the ignition.
Hitch Cargo Carriers
The back of your 4Runner also grants you a way to add extra storage. A hitch cargo carrier is an invaluable asset to anyone who needs a lot of space to store things. The inside of this miniature trunk is spacious and holds a large amount of gear and luggage.
A hitch cargo fits onto the back of the vehicle without adding too much weight or width. This means you get extra space to store anything you want without messing with the driving quality of your 4Runner. You won’t have to adjust your driving or take extra-wide turns like you would with a trailer.
There are several different styles and sizes of these types of cargo carriers. Make sure to look around and find the one that suits you best.
Sliding Cargo Deck
A sliding deck turns the floor of your 4Runner trunk into a moveable piece. When you pull it forward, you’ll have access to a bit of extra storage space. Push the floor back into place to use it as normal.
Some 4Runners come with this addition already installed, but if yours is lacking one, you might want to think about a future purchase.
The main appeal is that this sliding deck adds height to the trunk to match the folded backseats. This means you won’t need to do anything to have a seamless trunk floor.
Plus, it pulls out far enough to turn into the perfect seating arrangement. When you need a break, sit down on it and enjoy yourself. It holds over 400 lbs of weight, so it’ll hold several people at once!
Seat Organizers
If you’re a parent, chances are good that you’ve heard of these handy items. They loop over the headrest of the front two seats and lay flat against the back of the seat.
It turns the back of the seat into a large storage area that fits all kinds of small and medium items. It’s a great way to use up even more vertical space and also gives any backseat passengers a place to put their toys or other belongings.
It’s one of the easiest ways to extend the storage in your 4Runner!
Get the Most Out of Your 4Runner Storage
By using these tips and tricks, you’ll have no trouble using your 4Runner storage in a way that makes your outdoor adventures easier. Go out camping in style or go on an exciting vacation with all the right gear. There’s plenty of ways to customize your 4Runner.
All it takes is a little planning and you’ll have all the storage you could need!
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