We Asked 4 Owners Why They Added Rear Window Gullwings + MOLLE Panels To Their 5th Gen 4Runner – Here’s What They Said!
This Week’s Topic: 4Runner Rear Window Gullwings
Hey guys, welcome back to another Feature Friday and the first Feature Friday of 2023! I hope you all had a great holiday season and are ready to crush 2023! If you missed last week’s FF, we looked at some rigs with exterior window MOLLE panel setups.
This week, we go more in-depth with gullwing (and associated MOLLE panel) setups specifically for their stealthy and sleek utility.
Enjoy guys!
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4Runner Gullwing & MOLLE Setups
Why Add Gullwing Window Panels?
Last week we took a look at the exterior rear window MOLLE panel setups for the 5th Gen 4Runner. The majority of those panels mount externally and attach directly to your roof rack, making installation a breeze. However, gullwing-style MOLLE panels like the Velox Off-Road Gullwings give the benefit of added storage and organization with a more discrete approach.
The Velox Off-Road Gullwing rear window delete kit allows you to easily access your gear in no time. They are super cool because they allow you to utilize the outside face of your interior MOLLE panels which wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Perhaps the best feature is that they don’t expose all of your gear to the elements. No matter what you need to access, your gear is within arm’s reach and you won’t need to climb through your cargo area. The main drawback, however, is that you can’t mount larger items like RotopaX or a WaterPORT. They are perfect for smaller items like recovery gear, inflation tools, or camera gear.
One of the largest considerations with gullwing-style setups is that it requires you to completely remove your rear cargo windows. This can be done either by smashing them out or by the more professional approach of cutting the adhesive. Either way, this can’t easily be undone compared to the bolt-on external MOLLE panels.
Now let’s see why the owners below took the plunge and picked gullwing setups for their 4Runners.
1. Stewart Green (@trikerastops) – Velox Off-Road / Rago Fabrication
MOLLE Panel Details
- Model: Driver & Passenger Side Rear Window Gullwing
- Price: $1160/Pair
- Rago Fabrications MOLLE Panels
- Price: $400/Pair
Why Did You Add These To Your 4Runner?
When adding a rear bumper with a swing out, you end up creating more problems for yourself than you solve. With the swing-out bumper and MOLLE storage shelf and panels, it takes more effort to access my gear. Obviously, this is solved by buying more things, which is exactly what I did.
While living out of my 4Runner from June to September on the east coast, I can say these Velox Off-Road Gullwings are one of my most used mods. I keep sunscreen, a grocery bag, toiletries, and a small travel towel on the driver’s side which I use almost every day. On the passenger side, I keep air tools, gloves, a winch remote, and some soft shackles.
If you buy these Velox Off-Road Gullwings, I recommend their MOLLE panels and not Rago’s. The Velox Off-Road MOLLE panels are designed with more depth for larger items to be accessed through the gullwing. With Rago’s panels, there is not much depth for mounting or storing anything.
2. Adam Vass (@txoffgrid_overland) – Velox Off-Road
MOLLE Panel Details
- Model: Driver & Passenger Side Rear Window Gullwing
- Price: $1160/Pair
Why Did You Add These To Your 4Runner?
I’ve had the Velox Gullwings on my 4Runner since the beginning. However, I originally went with a different brand of MOLLE panels to run in conjunction with my gullwings and it didn’t take long to realize that was a mistake.
I switched to the Velox MOLLE panels and have been thrilled with them ever since. One of my favorite features of my Velox panels compared to my previous ones is their depth. I can store larger items on them than with other brands. Additionally, the fitment of these panels is much more snug and fully covers the side and bottom to prevent items from falling into the abyss.
I utilize my panels for everything from recovery gear, first aid supplies, or anything that I want quick access to on the trails. I love my build because it suits me and my needs. I’ve made a multitude of changes along the way, but one of the main things that have remained are my Velox Gullwings and MOLLE panels.
3. Cindy Locklin (@echo_inthepnw) – Velox Off-Road
MOLLE Panel Details
- Model: Driver & Passenger Side Rear Window Gullwing
- Price: $1160/Pair
Why Did You Add These To Your 4Runner?
When I first laid eyes on the Velox Gullwings, I knew I needed to have them. Having access to my safety gear both from the outside and inside was a big draw. Additionally, they are just plain cool! These panels are probably one of my favorite mods to date.
4. Ashley Oldham (@okiegirl_overland) – Velox Off-Road / Rago Fabrication
MOLLE Panel Details
- Model: Driver & Passenger Side Rear Window Gullwing
- Price: $1160/Pair
- Rago Fabrications MOLLE Panels
- Price: $400/Pair
Why Did You Add These To Your 4Runner?
I loved having all the mounting space on the interior of my vehicle with the use of MOLLE storage panels. Once I installed the gullwings, it added an additional level of convenience by allowing exterior access to items I might need to grab quickly (recovery gear, comms, etc.). The fact that they are lockable is an added bonus!
Final Thoughts
What a great Feature Friday to follow up on our previous one! Which option would you pick? Let us know in the comments if you prefer the super stealthy and lockable gullwing-style setup or the more easily accessible external MOLLE panel!
I’ll catch you all in the one, have a great weekend everyone!
Can you show some good pics of them closed?
I added the Gullwings because some dickwad busted out my rear windows to steal my gear!
I always assumed that these would reduce your blind spot visibility, especially to the right. Am I mistaken?
I don’t think so. In my experience while driving my 4Runner, I can check my blind spot by use of the rear right passenger window; that in itself gives ample visibility. And with how the rear cargo windows are positioned, the sightline is too high to even see any passenger cars that would be detectable in the rear passenger windows. Those rear windows serve no real used other than filling up space.