Dual Drawer Storage System & Sleeping Platform DIY Plans for the 5th Gen 4Runner
Have you always wanted to maximize the storage in your 4Runner? Didn’t want to hassle with a Roof Top Tent?
Well, @SolidWoodWorx has solved that problem with a set of Do It Yourself step-by-step plans to build a dual drawer system for your 4Runner + an integrated sleeping platform.
Sleeping in the back of a rig is not for everyone but if you are the type that does enjoy sleeping in the back of the 4Runner, then this drawer + sleeping platform might be for you.
If you aren’t the type to sleep in the back of the 4Runner, that’s fine, Solid Wood Worx has a drawer system only plans for the 5th Gen 4Runner as well.
Drawer System Storage Options
- Dual Drawer System – Check Price
- Dual Drawer System w/ Sleeping Platform – Check Price
- Turnbuckles
- Drawer System Carpet
- Carpet Spray Glue
- Wood Sealant
- Bed Liner
- Folding T Handle Latches
- Drawer Organizers
The plans include a cut list for all the pieces needed to build the storage box and basic drawers. These plans are offered for 1st, 3rd 4th n 5th Gen 4Runners.
Solid Wood Worx Drawer System
Through there website, you can get add-ons to the drawer system like a removable bed platform, side cubby templates, and different drawer setups.
Bed System
The bed system allows you to fold down the second-row seats, set up a bed support, and then lay in a piece of wood that sits flush with your drawer system. This creates a nearly 6′ long flat platform to then lay down your mattress, cushions, sleeping bag or whatever you prefer.
Side Cubby
The side cubby templates use the extra room next to your wheel wells. The templates are sent via pdf which you then print out and trace onto a piece of wood, to then be cut out with ease. Once the pieces are attached you are able to store items in this area without them falling out or getting stuck in the door!
DIY Plans
Additional DIY Plans are available on the website to change the drawers that fit in the drawer box if you wanted dividers or a false top to cook or work on. This helps maximize your working area and while not having to haul around a table to set up at every stop!
Tie Down Points?
You can use turnbuckles to attach the box to the stock d rings mounted to the floor of the 4runner.
Carpeting Options?
Once the box is built I would recommend either coating the wood in a water-resistant sealant or spraying a truck bed liner. Additionally, you can glue down some carpet to protect the box, and help keep items on top of it from sliding around.
Lock Options?
If your worries about somebody breaking into the box or want to keep some valuables inside I would recommend adding some locking folding t handle latches.
Track system for tie-down points?
I have yet to install something like this but it is totally possible to do. Just give me a call or let me know exactly what you are looking for.
How to mount a fridge?
If you wanted to mount a fridge on top I would recommend installing a heavy-duty sliding drawer they make specifically for certain fridge companies. One of the companies that make them is Tembo tusk.
Set-up and breakdown process of the sleeping platform
The sleeping platform is very simple to add on, as you will see in the DIY plans you will get the measurements to build a support system that will set on the folded down seats.
Once that is in place the bed extension piece sits on top of that and is supported by the cleat that is added to the back of the drawer box. The bed extension fits snug between the box and the back of the folded seats so it will not move side to side at all!
Are DIY Drawer Plans for you?
If you are looking for a DIY drawer system for the 5th Gen 4Runner, this option might be for you. It really does take the guessing game out of building your own drawer system. No taking measurements, or wasting a bunch of wood making the wrong cuts.
With these plans, you save big money compared to other pre-built drawer systems like the Dobinsons Drawer system as well as the new Front Runner drawer system for the 5th Gen.
There is nothing wrong with these systems, it’s just nice to have an option that explains to you exactly how to make your own for a fraction of the price. If you are looking for an affordable alternative to a high-priced drawer system, take a look at Solid Wood Worx DIY plans.
The negative reviews below are v old. For anyone thinking about doing this, I got the plans recently and they seem much more detailed than the reviews below suggest. And to those asking for the plans for free FO!!…why should you get this man’s hard work, initiative and expertise for free ya damn freeloaders!!
Thanks Brian, am halfway thru the project and finding your plans excellent so far
My 4-runner has a sliding cargo tray which I’m working to work around. But I was wondering the plans would still be the correct measurements in a trunk with the sliding cargo tray
Was taking a look at this option, but I have the model with the third row seat. Do you have a modified version for my 2017 4Runner Limited w 3rd row seat?
thanks!
I don’t think you guys take into consideration how much time, effort and money this man has puts into designing it from scratch(several man hours min), the trial and error aspect of actually constructing the thing itself (as mentioned a full day (WITH PLANs) plus the cost and time of obtaining materials (2-4 hours and probably 4/5x mat cost from what’s in the plans). Then you have to account for the intellectual aspect of it.
So my point is, it’s not only wrong and possibly even illegal to “share” plans. It’s insulting to the people who stayed up late constructing the drawers, the wording/pics etc for the plan to ne on their own website in the comments asking for it for free.
Imo if you can’t afford the $40 for the plans you should rethink your whole project, budget and maybe financial situation…but def your anoraks/ethics
Hey Man I want to get an exact same drawer system for my 2011 4Runner how much would that cost me?
Hey there go to my website for all the costs! http://www.solidwoodworx.com
I am interested in a sleeping platform with storage for a 5th gen 4 runner but with third row seating. Do you have a plan for that?
I do not yet
Does anyone have these plans for a 3rd Generation 4Runner
Hey there go to my website and you can find them! http://www.solidwoodworx.com
Hi, does the plan include the drawer rail model that you use ? Also, what is the cost of material for the wood and drawer rail.
Hello plans show the material needed and rail thickness
Bought the plans. printed them early in the morning. Took me on solid day to complete with speaker fabric/including side cubbies. Plans are basic and straight forward. Could use more information but a cut list was all I needed.
Plans have been updated a month ago!
Would you mind emailing me the cut list that’s all I need for some replacement pieces @Taratnt361@gmail.com
I don’t think you guys take into consideration how much time, effort and money this man has puts into designing it from scratch(several man hours min), the trial and error aspect of actually constructing the thing itself (as mentioned a full day (WITH PLANs) plus the cost and time of obtaining materials (2-4 hours and probably 4/5x mat cost from what’s in the plans). Then you have to account for the intellectual aspect of it.
So my point is, it’s not only wrong and possibly even illegal to “share” plans. It’s insulting to the people who stayed up late constructing the drawers, the wording/pics etc for the plan to ne on their own website in the comments asking for it for free.
Imo if you can’t afford the $40 for the plans you should rethink your whole project, budget and maybe financial situation…but def your anoraks/ethics.
That’s all! 🙂
I purchased these plans and began building the basic system yesterday.
Some things I found that could be vastly improved:
Design does not take into consideration that most plywood in the US is not a true .75″
No hardware list
No inventory list
No tool list
No methods or instruction is really supplied. Instruction that is included is extremely simplistic and basic. This is no problem for me but I think it may be for a lot of people.
It should be mentioned, for most people, that certain tools are needed to build this setup. I have a circular saw, a jigsaw, a router, a miter saw, etc.. Many people do not. They will be disappointed when they purchase the plans to create a drawer top or drawer separators and realize they need to buy a $150 tool and a router bit to accomplish this. I didn’t buy the additional plans for the drawer upgrades, but based on how basic the standard plans are I’m assuming they don’t explain how to create a jig or what bit to use either.
If you buy the drawer slides it is not mentioned that they don’t come with screws. You will need ~40 #8
I’m not saying these plans are useless – I am saying that for $40 + addons they could remove ALL of the work for the purchaser. They are far from doing that at this point.
I manage a group of people that writes instructional documentation for automated equipment for a packaging solutions company. I don’t expect something you buy for $40 online to be ISO 9001 standards, but just having some basic things to actually make it worth the expense would go a long way.
Further, it’s disappointing that any negative reviews, even when polite and respectful, seem to be immediately erased from this site. I left a similar review yesterday and it has been deleted. On top of it being deleted, the seller emailed me and asked why I was dissatisfied. I hope this more complete review explains why.
I would never have mentioned another thing but when I realized my review had been taken down I now feel it is my mission to inform everyone both in regards to my feedback for these $40 plans, and with how I feel trail4runner is a dishonest and biased organization. Any true middleman that cared about their readers and the people they are selling to would NEVER remove an honest critical review. You guys should be ashamed.
Bravo – now to see if they like the market feedback and improve them.
Would you mind emailing me the cut list that’s all I need for some replacement pieces @Taratnt361@gmail.com
I’ll be honest – after buying these plans I’m a little disappointed. The plans are drawings with SOME of the measurements and dimensions. There is no materials list, all dimensions are not included, and the assembly instructions, while adequate, could have been much better if they had invested 60 minutes into writing this up instead of only 30.
There are better plans out there for the 5th gen 4runner that can be had for free.
Thanks for your honest review sir. Could you link to the free plans, so a cheapskate like myself could find them? Thanks again, Matt
Did you ever get the link?
I purchased the plans for 2018 5th Gen 4Runner TRD Off Road drawer system. I am curious about one thing; how do you compensate for the lip just behind the rear seats? It appears in the video that the drawers sit flat, does the Limited NOT have the lip when the seats are folded? If it doesn’t have the bump, how would you recommend addressing the issue? Sould I elevate the entire box to compensate for the height of the bump? Just curious.
Hey Ace, In that video of the Limited build there is a lip behind the seats I actually removed that piece of plastic and used the bolts underneath to hold the box down!
Do you think the drawers are long enough to be able to fit a shotgun? I think this is awesome, I’d like one set of drawers to store a few shotguns for hunting trips
On the 1st, and 3rd gens the inner dimension of the drawer box is 38.5″ long. The 4th and 5th gen drawer box inner dimension is 37″. Let me know if you have anymore questions thanks
Brian, this is really nice. Do you know what the approximate weight of the materials is?
I would say maybe 124lbs, can be closer to 100lbs if you use lightweight wood!
So. Freaking. Awesome.
Thanks man
This looks awesome. Wouldn’t raising the platform to be flush with the rear wheel wells be beneficial?
That is something that can be done, never had a problem with it being where its at. Any mattress you add will still fit that width but might have very small bump in it!
Brian, this is fantastic!
Do you have a version of this with the 2nd row of seats removed completely, seat and back (5th gen 4Runner)? Thank you!
I have not built into a 4Runner with back seats removed yet. Take a look at the video on this page and it will give you an idea of what it would look like!
As someone who built his own, I seriously wish I had this before I started and completed my own project. I wouldn’t mind going back and redoing them again as the drawers are falling apart and the sliders are coming off. I learned a lot and would love to see these plans and how they differ from when I did it. The sleeping platform is a nice touch too.
Ya have a look at the video on this page to see how the drawer system works!