Keeping your 5th Gen organized doesn’t have to break the bank, nor do you have to settle for low-quality gear from Amazon. In this guide, I’ll highlight five popular interior organization options that are budget-friendly and built to last.
Whether you’re gearing up for your next adventure or just trying to keep the chaos of everyday life in check, the items featured below will help you stay organized. In addition, they make amazing Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers for friends and family who love their 4Runners!
Table Of Contents
1. Cali Raised Rear Hatch MOLLE Panel
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Cali Raised offers a variety of storage solutions for the 4Runner. One of the most budget-friendly options, and my personal favorite, is the rear hatch MOLLE panel.
Crafted from durable yet lightweight 5052 aluminum, this panel provides ample space to secure gear of all shapes and sizes. Installation is straightforward, making it an easy upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their storage. It requires drilling into the factory plastic trim, just a heads up.
If you want to optimize your rear hatch space without committing to a full rear window and shelf MOLLE system, this panel is a great alternative. Plus, it blends seamlessly with your rear hatch.
2. BlueRidge Overland Gear Headrest Storage Bag
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Many people overlook the space behind their front seats as a practical spot for organizing gear, but let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The BlueRidge Overland Gear Headrest Storage Bag is a smart solution for maximizing this unused space. Made from durable yet lightweight 500D nylon Cordura, it measures 14 x 14 x 4 inches, making it the ideal size to keep your smaller essentials organized and within easy reach.
Whether you’re organizing kids’ supplies or gear, this bag keeps everything neatly in one place, sparing you the frustration of rummaging mid-trip. Plus, it’s simple to attach and remove for on-the-go use.
3. Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro
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One of the simplest ways to organize is with storage boxes. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a flexible solution that you can easily remove when not in use.
The Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro is a rugged, stackable storage box made from impact-resistant polypropylene plastic. It is water and dust-resistant, protecting your gear no matter the conditions, and weighs just over 8 lbs. With a storage capacity of up to 8 gallons, it’s ideal for everything from camping gear to tools, and can easily be tailored to fit your needs.
I use these boxes to store all my gear and can easily free up my cargo area when I need extra space. This system helps me stay organized without sacrificing valuable trunk space for everyday use.
4. Duluth Back Seat Bunker
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Another great way to utilize the space behind your seats is with the Duluth back seat bunker organizer. This organizer easily attaches to the back of your rear bench and provides three tiers of built-in storage to keep everything neatly arranged and within reach.
Constructed with industrial-strength 1200D backing and 600D polyester pockets, it’s designed to handle the rigors of daily use. The telescoping aluminum poles ensure the organizer maintains its shape, even when fully loaded. With seven storage pockets—including mesh pouches and zippered compartments—it offers plenty of room for all your essentials.
This organizer can also be handy for families with young kids, offering a convenient place to store snacks, activities, and toys for long road trips.
5. Ryan’s DIY Drawer System
Build Plan
A drawer system is perfect for drivers who want to organize their gear without sacrificing too much trunk space. It provides a dedicated area for storing tools, recovery equipment, or camping supplies, all while leaving enough room for other cargo or even a pet-friendly space.
If you’ve ever priced out pre-made drawer systems, you know they can cost hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars. While these systems are convenient, they’re often out of reach for budget-conscious adventurers. Fortunately, one of our contributors, Ryan, has a DIY alternative that costs under $200! Using just a single sheet of plywood, some basic hardware, and drawer slides, he created a functional and durable storage solution tailored for the 5th Gen 4Runner.
The best part? Building it yourself saves money and lets you customize the design to fit your specific needs, whether that means adding dividers, incorporating locks, or painting it to match your interior. Albeit, more features will add to the total build cost.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your 4Runner’s interior doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. These budget-friendly mods not only enhance your storage but also make your vehicle more functional. We hope these ideas help you enjoy a clutter-free ride on your next journey and if you feel we’ve missed any, drop a comment!
