Overlanding and off-road enthusiasts know organization and accessibility are crucial when gearing up for adventure. Cali Raised’s Exterior Window MOLLE Panel offers a durable and functional solution for 5th Gen 4Runner owners looking to expand their storage space and keep their interiors clean.
What may be considered a bit too “overland” by some could also be exactly what the off-roaders are looking for. I’m a bit OCD when it comes to keeping my interior clean and organized, so being able to store items like dirty shovels or other recovery gear on the outside caught my interest. This also allows me to keep my rear hatch closed during recoveries, as everything I need is easily accessible from the outside.
Table Of Contents
Overview
Cali Raised designed these panels to combine rugged durability with lightweight efficiency. CNC laser-cut from 5052 aluminum and 10 GA steel, they’ll endure harsh outdoor conditions while keeping your gear secure. The powder-coated black semi-gloss mini texture finish provides corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term reliability.
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Powder-coated black finish for corrosion resistance
- Excellent fitment
- Pre-drilled mounting holes for easy customization
- Compatible with Cali Raised and Prinsu roof racks
- Low-profile design maintains aerodynamics
- Highly versatile for mounting fuel, recovery gear, and accessories
Cons
- Price is more premium ($280 per panel) – although cheaper than many alternatives (like Sherpa)
- The weight limit of 25 lbs. may be restrictive
- Requires roof rack compatibility for proper installation
Installation Overview
Installation only requires a few simple hand tools with no drilling required.
Tools Required
- 3/16 & 5/32 Allen Keys
- Ratchet
- 10mm Socket & Wrench
This panel’s key selling point is its ease of installation. Designed specifically to be compatible with Cali Raised and Prinsu roof racks, the top of the panel bolts to your roof rack’s side panels and uses an industrial suction cup to secure the bottom portion to the window, preserving a clean aesthetic.
Functionality & Storage Versatility
This MOLLE panel offers exceptional versatility, allowing 4Runner owners to customize their storage solutions according to their needs. Whether mounting RotopaX fuel and water containers, recovery gear, or essential tools, the well-placed attachment points provide a practical and secure setup.
Beyond overlanding essentials, you can also mount smaller accessories like flashlights, first-aid kits, or utility pouches, provided you don’t mind them getting dirty or wet. One of the best uses I’ve seen for these panels is mounting a portable diesel heater.
Integrating seamlessly into the 4Runner’s exterior without looking extremely aftermarket was a huge plus for me. Its low-profile design ensures minimal wind resistance (until you add gas cans or other bulky items, at least).
These are priced within the premium range for the category (but cheaper than other alternatives). While this may seem like an investment, they deliver high-end durability, precision engineering, and long-term functionality, making them worth the cost for many.
Final Thoughts
These MOLLE panels are a great addition if your interior is overflowing with copious amounts of gear or if you want to keep dirty items like gas cans or shovels out of your interior. The customization options are plenty, with the ability to mount pretty much anything (within the weight capacity limit) that can utilize the mounting system.
What are your thoughts? Would they benefit your rig, or do they scream, “I’m an overlander!”? Drop a comment!
I’ve had one of these on my 4Runner the past couple years. It’s a great spot for the Waterport when camping.
I was considering these, but a lot of owners gave negative reviews on the nuts/bolts that hold the suction cup because they get in the way of mounting gas cans.
I wonder why that is. I’ve seen a bunch of stuff mounted on them. The suction cups seem to sit relatively low. And if I understand correctly, there are dedicated rotopax mount holes in three configurations. So it has to work… lol. And they sit well above the suction cups. I wonder what people are trying to mount there? Rotopax seems like the best and most low profile way to do it.