Top 11 Drawer Systems For The 5th Gen 4Runner – Buyer’s Guide

Drawer Systems & Cargo Plate Options For The 5th Gen 4Runner – Everything You Need To Know About Overland Drawers & Storage

The 5th Gen 4Runner features a large cargo space but no configurable storage solution from the factory.

There are, however, many cargo area storage solutions on the market to choose from including:

• Sealed Storage Boxes
• Configurable Gear Plates w/ Fridge Slides
• Gullwings
• MOLLE Shelf Systems
• DIY Drawers
• Sleeping Platforms

Whether your goal is exploring the unknown, wheeling hard with the boys, or setting up a dialed camp kitchen on the run, all while being hyper-organized and prepared for it all at a moment’s notice – a drawer system might be for you. To all of my OCD personalities out there, yeah, this one’s for you.

Simply put, drawers help you better organize and access your gear quickly. Whether it’s camp kitchen gear, recovery gear, general camping gear, guns and ammunition, everyday carry, or a mix of it all – drawers make living an outdoor lifestyle even more enjoyable (insert OCD personality smile).

If you’re tired of digging through multiple bags and shuffling around storage boxes just to find that random set of string lights – it’s time to install a system. Then take it a step further, grab some overland storage bags, and label everything like a storage boss.

Okay, we all want a system, but here are the big questions:

• Drop big money on a brand name or build your own?
• Low-profile drawers or full-height?
• Where do you put the fridge slides?
• Full-width drawers, single drawers or offset drawers?
• Are gear plates better than drawers?

The list goes on. There are so many options that you need to look at when deciding which drawer is right for you. As with most mods, there is never one “best” option out there. There is only what’s best for your specific needs.

Before we jump into the post, if you’re looking for a good resource, reach out to my guy Daniel at Tiny Rig Co. They’re official retailers for Goose Gear, Alu-Cab, REDARC, and many other outfitter brands. They know the drawer systems space well and can answer any questions you might have about drawer options, fridge slide systems, integrated power systems, gear plates, and so much more. You can’t buy products from Goose Gear directly, so having a good point of contact is key when shopping around. Daniel and the team at Tiny Rig Co offer a wealth of knowledge for all your drawer needs and more.

Without further delay, let’s jump in.

Gear Plates Vs. Drawers

Goose Gear was the first company to design and manufacture a gear plate.

Back in 2019, Frank Rebelo wrote a post on the Goose Gear Rear Cargo Plate System for the 5th Gen 4Runner. This was the first time the industry saw a made-to-fit baltic birch floor base that came pre-drilled with multiple fridge slide tray systems and gear mounting points. Plate systems are great for anyone that wants to get creative with a flat surface.

With the pre-drilled holes that Goose Gear provides, you can mount a wide variety of popular fridge slides on one side and customize a drawer option on the other. Or, you can drill your own holes and mount whatever configuration of storage you want; be it fridge slides, drawers, or anything else.

Cargo plates are great for anyone who wants to build and customize their own setup based on a stout platform made for the 5th Gen 4Runner. I am currently running an AJC Gear Plate, and have loved it for my needs so far, however, it didn’t scale very well for additional drawers and modules – which is where Goose Gear has them beat. The Goose Gear Plate is designed to scale into any configuration you can imagine with its drawer and add-on modules.

DIY Drawers Vs. Brand Name

DIY drawers are a great place to start if you’re looking to save some money, but still want a system. Just search “drawer system” on Trail4Runner.com and you will see quite a few DIY setups.

Although they can be affordable, the downside to a DIY system is the time it takes to design/build one in addition to the lack of potential longevity. If you’re handy with wood and feel like you can build a rattle-free precision fit system – then, by all means, build one yourself. If, on the other hand, you’re a person who values their time and wants something done right the first time, then maybe a brand name drawer is for you.

Low-Profile Vs. Full-Height

There aren’t many brands offering true low-profile options other than Truck Vault. Truck Vault might be one of the only brands that offer true “lower profile” options sitting at either 6″ or 8″ in height. Truck Vault also offers 10″ height drawers, commonly found in many other brands.

I previously ran the 6″ Truck Vault drawer system on a previous build. However, it was stacked on a table slide so it ended up being around 14″ in total height. Looking back, I would have opted for no table in order to gain more usable space in the 4Runner cargo area. Go read that review for an overview of that drawer.

Goose Gear does offer its standard drawers at 10″ in height (pictured above) and it provides a ton of storage space both in and above the system. This system allows all my gear to stay organized while daily driving. I carry items such as tools, spare parts, winch accessories, recovery gear, and jumper cables, along with all my camping gear. When I am ready to head out for the weekend, all I have to do is load up the Front Runner boxes and a fridge and then head out.

Full-Width Vs. Offset

Almost all drawer manufacturers offer a full-width or offset setup. For most overland build setups, offset drawers make the most sense, though.

Offset drawers are nice, especially if you’re running a fridge drop slide. With one drawer open, and one closed, you can easily drop your fridge down all while accessing your cooking essentials from the accessible drawer.

With a full-width drawer installed, it’s one or the other; the drawer open or the fridge dropped down. However, sometimes full-width systems are needed for longer gear items that require full use of diagonal space. It really depends on the type of gear you carry and how you intend on accessing gear.

1. Goose Gear Plate

Find It Online: 

• Goose Gear Plate (Tiny Rig Co – Authorized Goose Gear Reseller): Check Price

Goose Gear offers a highly customizable plate system that allows you to choose from various drawer options, including their CampKitchen, IceBox, or storage drawers. The modular design makes it easy to add or remove components based on your needs. If you have any questions about add-ons that are compatible with the plate system, call our friends at Tiny Rig Co and they can help.

2. AJC Plate

I’ve had the AJC Gear Plate for a couple of years, and it’s worked well for our needs. However, many others have voiced their customer service concerns via multiple posts here on the site (with the cargo slide tray and the cargo slide tray delete). Supposedly, they are working through their issues.

Although AJC did directly copy the Goose Gear plate system – it’s still a nice product and worked well for everything I’ve used it for. I listed it here because it is a cheaper alternative and if you want to deal with the potential customer service challenges they face, then go for it. If you want a drawer system-focused platform brand, then go with Goose Gear.

3. Goose Gear

The Goose Gear System offers two series, the Park Series and the Explore Series.

Explore Series (Original Pre-Built Design)

The Explore Series is the original drawer system design that was created back in 2014. Goose Gear has a really cool story, check out this page to learn more.

The Explore Series is a modular and customizable storage solution that uses an aluminum extension shell, birch wood, and very nice finishes all the way around. It provides versatile options to optimize space and securely store gear during outdoor adventures. With this series, you can configure a ton of different options; full-width drawers, low-profile drawers, fridge slide integrations, and so much more.

Park Series (DIY Assembly Required)

The Park Series from Goose Gear is an offering that was launched in 2023 to allow for a wide range of applications including a rear storage package, an ultimate chef package, and a sleep/storage package. This drawer system ships flat and requires you to assemble everything. They offer many solutions for Subaru Outbacks, however, the drawers are modular so they would work in any vehicle as long as you have somewhere to mount them down. I could see these working very well in the back of a 4Runner on a Goose Gear plate system or something.

The selling point of these drawers is that they are affordable, easy to assemble, and easy to break down if you want to free up cargo space. A Gear Plate system with their Park Series would be an awesome setup for a lot of people. I would think that Goose Gear would design this system to be compatible with its plate but you might want to call a retailer to be sure.

Find It Online:

• Goose Gear Drawers (Tiny Rig Co – Authorized Retailer Goose Gear): Check Price
• Tiny Rig Co (Contact Number): (657) 400-2009

Features & Specs

• Base Weight: 123 lbs
• Drawer Load Capacity: 350 lbs
• Low Height (call dealer)
• Mid-Height (fitted top plate): 10″
• Full Height (call dealer)
• Lockable w/ Keys

4. ARB

ARB is a well-known brand in off-roading, and their Outback Solutions Roller Drawers offer a highly customizable system.

The design and build feature large handles, a strong locking mechanism, heavy-duty margin-grade carpet, heavy-duty roller bearings, and a weather-resistant design all the way around. The deck is configurable so it’s made of many materials; marine grade plywood, high traction carpet surface, and is finished with high-impact plastic along with aluminum side trim down the center drawers and on the slides.

What I like most about this system is that you can customize it to fit your exact needs. They offer a 50/50 split with equal height, a 50/50 split with high or low-height options or you can order single drawers and stack them accordingly. ARB also features a built-in slider on top of its drawer which means you don’t need a fridge slide. This slider can be added to a full-height or low-height drawer on either side.

As if all these options weren’t enough, ARB recently launched its slide kitchen which features a stainless steel table, built-in stove, additional drawer, and an attachable sink for washing dishes.

To further customize the setup, you can option barriers, shelf systems, flat surface roller drawer tables, ARB branded storage bags, fridge systems, fridge straps, tie-down points, and everything in between.

Here is the downside, they don’t offer a fit kit (carpeted wings and wheel arch covers) for the 5th Gen. I know, it was almost perfect.

Find It Online: 

• Manufacture Direct: View Site
• Dealer Direct (Mudify.com): Check Price

Features & Specs

• Base Weight: 150 lbs
• Low Height (75mm): 2.9″
• Mid-Height (105mm): 4.1″
• Full-Height Drawers (215mm): 8.5″
• Integrated Fridge Slider
• Mounted Pull Handles
• Lockable w/ Keys
• Built-In Safety Closing Features

5. Dobinsons

Dobinsons is an Australian company known for manufacturing high-quality suspension components, and they also offer a range of accessories for off-road vehicles, including drawers.

The Dobinsons 50/50 split drawer system is one of the most popular options for the 5th Gen because of its cost, design, build, and overall quality. Both drawers feature lockable latches and handles to pull out the drawer in addition to an integrated fridge slider system on the driver’s side, similar to the ARB drawers.

It’s made of zinc-plated steel, 12mm heavy-duty plywood panels (not birch), and is topped with marine-grade carpet. What makes this system special is the built-in fridge slider which can save you well over $150+ and the sleek integrated table slide. With both of these combined, it would make for a very functional setup while still being pretty affordable compared to others.

This drawer is potentially packed with every feature one would need out of the box. The downside of this system is two-fold; the wings need trimming and mounting the system requires drilling.

It starts around $1,300 and quickly gets up to $2,000 if you add everything; the wing kit, additional table slide (not to be confused with the fridge slide), dividers, etc.

Find It Online:

• YotaMafia: Check Price

Features & Specs

• Base Weight: 125 lbs
• Height: 10″
• Load Capacity: 330 lbs (per drawer)
• Integrated Fridge Slider
• Mounted Pull Handles
• (8) Stainless Steel Tie-Down Points
• Lockable w/ Keys

Optional Add-Ons

• Wing Kit
• Stainless Pull-Out Table
• Dividers

6. Front Runner

This system offers a very clean look with its deck completion set (top plate), and a face completion (wings) both covered in marine-grade carpet.

It’s made of aluminum subframe components with powder-coated steel drawers and is finished on top with laminated plywood and nylon carpet. Like most 50/50 split systems, this unit comes with two lockable drawers and two keys per lock. What’s unique about Front Runner is that they include three tie-down L-track rails and six tie-down rings. There’s nothing too special about Front Runner that warrants a $3,000 price tag compared to others, though. That’s especially true when you compare it to Dobinsons at half the price, for more features!

It can be easily customized and expanded to fit your needs, however, all of the Front Runner accessories are very expensive, so be prepared to pay. The system starts at $2,200; after tax and $350 for shipping, it comes out to almost $2,900. That’s not including the dividers, fridge slides, fridge straps, and everything else you might want to customize. With a Front Runner system, it’s going to be expensive depending on which options you want.

Find It Online:

• Manufacture Direct: Check Price

Features & Specs

• Base Weight: 142 lbs
• Height: 13.4″
• Load Capacity: 250 lbs (per drawer)
• L-Track System Included
• Tie-Down Points Included
• Lockable w/ Keys

Optional Add-Ons

• Dividers
• Fridge Slide 35L – 45L
• Fridge Slide 40L – 52L
• Water Tank Pickup System
• Water Tank Mounting Kit
• 4 Cub Box Fridge Slide Combo Kit
• 4 Cub Box Drawer
• Water Tank Surface Brackets

7. Big Country 4×4

The Big Country 4×4 Savute drawers from Rugged Bound are very similar to the Front Runner drawers, however, they’re more affordable and a bit more refined. The design is made of galvanized steel shell, wooden deck top (probably plywood), carpeted throughout, and then finished in black powder-coated aluminum trim.

The kit provides a drop-in carpeted wheel arch cover that meets up with the wings in order to make for a nice finish. You get a 50/50 split drawer design with locks, however, there are no handles.

The Savute drawers were specifically designed for the 5th Gen cargo space and use custom brackets for bolting down all 4 corners. No turnbuckles are used and no drilling is required. One of the biggest selling points of this system is its usable drawer space. Rugged Bound claims 34% more usable drawer space than other popular options on the market. When they’re quoting this number, I think they’re challenging companies like Front Runner and ARB.

They start at $1,800 and after $275 shipping, will set you back $2,150.

Find It Online:

• Manufacture Direct: Check Price

Features & Specs

• Base Weight: 150 lbs
• Height: 12″
• Load Capacity: 255 lbs (per drawer)
• Volume: 50 Gallons
• (2) Dividers
• Lockable w/ Keys

Optional Add-Ons

• Heavy Duty Steel Drop-In Recovery Boxes
• Tip-Up / Removable Work Surface
• L-Track Cargo Kit: 3 X L-Tracks & 8 Tie-Down Points

8. Ironman 4×4

Ironman 4×4 offers a couple of super-affordable options for the 4Runner; the 900mm (34″ X 38″) full-width dual drawer system or a single (34″ X 19″) option.

The full-width option, like most of these drawers, takes up the entire cargo area while the single drawer can be positioned on the passenger or driver side leaving one side wide open. The single option is great if you want a system but aren’t ready to limit your cargo space storage functionality.

Both boxes are made of galvanized steel, 12mm marine-grade plywood, and lined with heavy-duty black marine-grade carpet. The full-width steel system weighs 138 lbs while the single steel drawer weighs 78 lbs. which is much heavier than its aluminum counterparts.

The advantage of this system is cost, it’s under $800 for the large system and $100 for shipping, which puts you at under $1000 for a full-width drawer setup. The downside of this system is that it’s bare-bones. There is no configurable top plate, side coverage wings, cubby system, or hatch drawers. Aesthetically, it looks like basic a steel box in your trunk. However, Ironman 4×4 does offer a handful of configurable add-ons such as a fridge slide, fridge straps, L-track systems, and some other system mods to further customize the functionality. 

Find It Online:

• Manufacture Direct: Check Price

Features & Specs

• Base Weight: 138 lbs
• Height: 10.82″
• Load Capacity: 220 lbs (per drawer)
• Lockable w/ Keys

Add-Ons:

• Fridge Slide 65L/74L
• Fridge Slide 30/40/50L
• Anchor Track 24″
• Water Hose Kit
• Fridge Straps

9. Boss Strong Box

Boss Strong Box offers one option, a full-width steel construction single drawer with a 3-point locking system and a MOLLE panel cutout system on the side. This system was built by law enforcement with the protection of your goods in mind. The full-width single drawer keeps the price and the weight down, while still offering the functionality of a high-end system.

The interior is lined with heavy-duty black marine-grade carpet. The exterior of the system features a carpeted top for cushioned work surface area and/or mounting fridge slide systems. It’s similar to Ironman 4×4 in terms of affordability, however, they offer a more polished look with the finished top plate and the black wrinkle powder-coated finish all the way around.

The system is offered at a competitive price of $1,250. However, after $300 shipping, it will set you back almost $1,550.

Find It Online:

• Manufacture Direct: Check Price

Features & Specs

• Base Weight: 119 lbs
• Height: 12.5″
• Load Capacity: 250 lbs
• (1) Center Divider
• Lockable w/ Keys

Add-Ons:

• N/A

10. Trex Boxx

This company makes a high-end and outrageously expensive unit.

The Alpha system is 3X the price of every other platform on the market. It starts at $4,500 for the base drawers. Add wings, and that’s another $500. Add the cargo barrier, $800. Two more drawers? That’s another $2,500. Keep adding accessories and you can surpass $9,000.

I understand that quality comes with a cost, so let’s look at what stands out with TrexBoxx over Goose Gear, Truck Vault, and ARB (the next “best” options on the market).

First of all, they have barriers, dividers, and shelf systems that are similar to ARB but appear to be much more stout, more refined, and of higher quality all around. The fridge slide drawer is also unlike any other option – although similar to ARB. The biggest standout feature compared to the competition is how they position the fridge slide on a small drawer with the integrated pop-up work table. It’s pretty intuitive.

I’m sure the attention to detail throughout is impressive, and it better be for the price point. This full system is not for your daily driver or even weekend warrior looking to camp occasionally with how much space it takes up in the cargo area.

This is for the full-time overland setup looking to maximize storage space while gaining the most functionality possible from an all-in-one setup in addition to looking for the highest level of quality.

Find It Online:

• Manufacture Direct: Check Price

Features & Specs

• Base Weight: Starts At 200 lbs
• Height: 13″ +
• Cargo Barrier System
• Shelf System
• Lockable Latches
• Unique Fridge Slide, Drawer & Table Design

Add-Ons

• Extra Drawers
• Fridge Slide Covers
• Auxiliary Work Station
• Fridge Straps
• Cutlery

11. Truck Vault

If security and customization are what you’re looking for, then this system might be for you.

I wrote a Truck Vault drawer review and then an installation guide back in 2021 on one of my early 4Runner builds. This is a very high-quality unit. The features available, and build quality all add up to one of the most customizable and high-end drawer systems on the market.

Truck Vault comes from a law enforcement background like Boss StrongBox so most of its systems are geared towards police, first responders, federal agencies, and fire. Because of this, the systems feature impressive Kaba mechanical simplex locks with very heavy-duty locking latches. They’re likely stronger than most of the other drawer locks listed here.

For options, you can customize the living daylights out of your system!

To start, you can option a full-width drawer, 50/50 split, or 70/30 offset – all of which come with marine-grade carpeted wings and wheel well arch covers. All of this, by the way, is an incredibly precise fit. From there, there are a plethora of accessories; see below for a more comprehensive list.

On top of all those options, they offer low-height, mid-height, or full-height drawers. These are all handmade to order and exactly how you want them built.

To top it off, the price isn’t bad compared to others, it starts around $2,500. The build pictured above was around $3,700.

Find It Online:

• Build Your Own: Check Price
• Options (At A Glance): Check Price

Features & Specs

• Base Weight: Starts At 200 lbs
• Low Height: 6″
• Mid Height: 8″
• Full Height: 10″
• Pull-Out Slide Table
• Lockable Latches

Add-Ons

• Full-Width Table Slide
• Integrated Inverter w/ 110V + 12V + USB Outlets In The Drawer
• Custom Carpet Color Inside
• Custom Finish Outside
• In-Drawer Lighting
• Custom Divider Lengths
• Drawer Foam
• Pop-up TV Systems
• Drawing Boards
• Tie-down Rails For Fridge Mounts
• Pistol Boxes & More

Final Thoughts

Drawers are a commitment. Regardless of which system you spec, you’re going to lose traditional storage space when it comes to daily driving applications; store runs, Home Depot runs, etc.

Maybe a gear plate is for you? 

If you’re looking for a functional setup while retaining almost factory storage capabilities in the rear, you may want to go with a gear plate. With it, you can mount whatever you want; a single drawer, fridge sliders, L-track systems, etc.

Running a gear plate with a fridge slide only was one of my favorite all-around setups I’ve run to date. I was able to pack everything up with Front Runner Wolf Packs, and Step 22 Stingray Flat Boxes – and then take it all out when I got back home.

So, what’s for you? 

After running a couple of drawers and plates now; Goose Gear, Truck Vault, and the AJC Gear Plate, the biggest challenge is accessing items in your fridge due to how high the fridge sits. You absolutely must have one of the following if you run drawers; a drop slide in order to access items inside the fridge, a very low-profile fridge, or be a very tall human.

At the end of the day, I really like utilizing my 4Runner for daily driving and hate having bulky systems in the rear. As much as I loved that Truck Vault system, it sat up around 14″ off the kick panel. The difference between that 14″ height truck vault on my last build and the 10″ height of the Goose Gear system I run now is a night and day. With the 10″ height Goose Gear system, I feel like I can actually use my cargo space to throw stuff in the back. The 10″ height also seems to be the perfect drawer for common gear; tool rolls, fuel canisters, etc.

If you need full-width drawers, go with Boss Strong Box.

If I was ballin’ on a budget, I would for sure go with Dobinsons or Ironman 4×4. Dobinsons is a top pick though, as they check a ton of options for a good price and it looks pretty polished once installed.

If you’re debating Front Runner, just go with Rugged Bound drawers; its quality is on par if not better, and more affordable.

Goose Gear, ARB, Truck Vault, and TrekBoxx are all industry leaders for a reason, they’re all incredibly well-made and offer a ton of configurable specs.

Tough choice, right?