Wheels & Feels Storage & Camping System For 5th Gen 4Runner – Install & Review

Using 3D scanning techniques in Houston, Texas, Wheels & Feels’ (W&F) Advanced Storage & Camping System for the 4Runner is a custom-fit setup designed to have a perfect fit. It is secured using factory tie-down locations and doesn’t require drilling holes into your expensive vehicle.

This setup also provides noise cancellation of the cargo area and is constructed from plywood that’s waterproofed with a lacquer finish that adds durability, perfect for frequent, dirty off-road trips. They offer soft black carpeting as a premium option, and the drawer tops can be used as pull-out platforms, helpful in accessing a fridge. Alternatively, the top can be secured in place to serve as a drawer. The system comes partially assembled for safe shipping.

Every inch is carefully designed by engineers in collaboration with owners. Over 200 installations completed. We have created a highly reliable, lightweight, and versatile installation system. No squeaks, no rattles.- WheelFeels

Limited Time Discount!!

• W&F have provided us with a great discount code
• 18% off sitewide
• Runs 7/22 – 8/22 (2025)
• USE CODE – TRAIL4R at checkout

Who Is Wheels & Feels?

Wheels & Feels LLC is revolutionizing SUV storage systems. At the heart of their operation in Houston, Texas, USA, is a robust, high-speed CNC machine that ensures precision during the manufacturing process.

Founded in 2022 by husband and wife Andrew (CEO) and Oxana, their team of engineers and assemblers is passionate about crafting top-notch cargo drawers, camper kitchens, and sleeping platforms for the overlanding community. They only utilize locally sourced, premium plywood. Before starting their own business in the USA, Andrew and Oxana were involved in creating and selling storage systems for automobiles in Eastern Europe.

Initially, we didn’t have solutions with sinks, faucets, and sleeping platforms. This idea came about in the USA because camping is very popular here. When you travel to remote places, a kitchen and a sleeping platform are essential! -Oxana

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out their Pinterest page.

System Options

There are drawer systems available for all 4Runner configurations, including those with the 3rd row and factory cargo deck. With customizability at the forefront, you can start with just one drawer and add more as needed. For a comparison highlighting the differences between the Pull-Out Platform vs. the Modular Camping System, check here.

2nd Row Seating Options:

• Pull-Out Platform with Storage & Sleeping System: Check Price
  • Height: 3.7″ (with rear seats folded, the system provides a flat sleeping area)
  • Ratio: 50/50
• Advanced Storage & Camping System: Check Price
• Advanced Storage & Camping System (2-Row Seating & OEM Rear Cargo Deck): Check Price

3rd Row Seating Removed:

• Advanced Storage & Camping System: Check Price

3rd Row Seating NOT Removed:

• Advanced Storage & Camping System: Check Price 

Product Overview

Above, you can see my simple attempt at a basic platform. It was time for something better…

Let’s take a closer look at the new setup.

Specs

• Made in the USA
• 3D scanning process
• CNC machined
• Locally sourced premium plywood
• Partially assembled, all hardware included (some screws were missing from my kit but a quick message to W&F via Instagram got them shipped out the next business day)
• No drilling, uses factory tie-down locations
• 100% waterproof
• Adds noise cancellation to the cargo area

Dimensions

• Weight: approx. 70-100 lbs.
• Drawer Length: 33″ (for all sizes)
• Height
  • 5.7″ (for minimalists) | 3.8″ interior space
  • 7″ (an optimal one) | 5.5″ interior space
  • 10.6″ (max capacity and max sleeping area) | 9″ interior space
• Width
  • 40% ratio: outer width 14.9″, inner drawer width 11.5″
  • 50% ratio: outer width 20.5″, inner drawer width 17.2″
  • 60% ratio: outer width 26.2″, inner drawer width 22.9″
  • 100% ratio: outer width 41.1″, inner drawer width 37.8″
• Sleeping Area:
  • 5.7″ system: 53″ x 70″(drawers without extensions)
  • 7″ system: 53″ x 70″ (drawers without extensions)
  • 10.6″ system: 60″x 82″ (w/extensions)
    • If you install extensions and remove the 2nd row car seat cushions. In this case, the unit becomes flush with the sides of the trunk, which maximizes the available space, allowing for a flat floor.

Maximum Load Capacities

• Inside the system:
  • Up to 150 lbs. (on the entire surface of each drawer, even if it is fully extended)
  • 100% drawer ratio option holds up to 250 lbs.
• Top of the system:
  • Up to 200 lbs. on top of each drawer
  • A split system holds up to 400 lbs. (combining two drawers)
  • 100% drawer ratio holds up to 200 lbs. (due to the large width, you can load the top to 200 lbs. with the limiter installed)

Features

Modular & Expandable

The modular system allows the addition of more drawers on top, creating a layered storage solution. All drawer tops can be used as pull-out platforms. Each top cover slides out effortlessly, making it ideal for refrigerators or for quick access to items, a convenient feature for a large trunk. If you don’t need the pullout option, you can secure the top cover with the provided hardware and add a lock if necessary.

Robust Design

Depending on which system you pick, load capacity up to 200 lbs. on top of each drawer, so if you have a split system you can easily put 400 lbs. (if you have the 100% drawer, due to the large width you can load the top with limiter installed).

Security & Additional Accessories

When ordering, you have the option to add accessories at an additional cost for ultimate convenience:

• Lock kit
• Table set
• Dividers
• Sink and faucet
• Light bars
• Fridge mounts

My Setup (2-Row Seating)

I’ve been wanting a semi-permanent drawer system in the back of the 4Runner for years and have been waiting for this to be produced (I saw their Instagram ad on my feed and was immediately sold)!

Here are the specs I picked for my drawer system:

• Height: 5.7″
• Ratio: 50/50
• Covering: Soft black carpeting
• Accessories: Sleeping platforms, Divider set, Table set, Folding sink, Camping faucet, Fridge mounting hardware

Before I installed the W&F’s system, I had a plywood platform with three cut and sanded 2x4s that were held down with one ratcheting strap – it looked a bit ratchety, if you know what I mean. I was able to stow my essential gear underneath it, and it made the space flat when the second-row seats were folded down, but it wasn’t a long-term solution.

Why Go With These?

There are more companies than I can keep track of that offer storage/drawer systems, but I had specific criteria and I’m picky:

1. Reasonable price point that looks good
2. Lightweight and durable
3. Quiet on washboards
4. Allows me to store my essential gear securely
5. Minimal impact of headspace in the cargo area – short drawer height offering
   • Being 5’2″ on a good day means I need a drawer system that isn’t too tall for an already lifted vehicle. I’ve found that drawers that are 7″+ require extra height from the user when you need to look into the drawer, especially on uneven ground on trails (I’m not willing to travel with a step-stool to accomplish that!)
   • Space for an 80 lb. dog to stand
   • Space to throw my mountain mike in the back

The majority of the options for the 4Runner are too tall for me, overbuilt, overpriced, and unnecessary (in my opinion). Who needs to carry all their camping gear and other outdoor gear in the back of their 4Runner all the time?

I have a minimalist, lightweight mindset when it comes to accessories on the 4R. More weight means the supercharger/engine (I added a Magnuson SC) will have to work harder to get up the hill, won’t be as quick (but will sound pretty damn good) and the output will mean less MPGs. In today’s world, the price of premium fuel is noticeably higher than that of regular unleaded.

Installation

Inspired by IKEA’s “preassembled out of the box” assembly design (not IKEA’s low-quality products), W&F drawers are made from locally sourced, premium plywood. They are designed to be put together by connecting the interlocking, precut notches and using the provided fastening hardware, following the provided instructions, illustrations, and key.

Tools Required

• 4mm Allen key
• Phillips screwdriver
• 10mm socket/wrench

When I installed this setup in my 5th Gen, I was recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, so I can attest to their claim that assembling this kit was easy. Given my injury and the doctor’s orders to be non-weight-bearing on the injured leg for 9 weeks, this took me around 2 hours to install. If I hadn’t had to use crutches and hop around on one leg, I think I could have gotten it done in 30 minutes.

Step 1. Unpacking

W&F packs their products seriously! The system was divided into three boxes, each with two layers of cardboard protecting the pieces. Two of the boxes housed the drawers, while the other contained the sleeping platform and interior drawer accessories. If they get mixed up, it’s not difficult to find what you’re looking for. The manual has pretty good visuals for identifying parts.

Step 2. Cabinet Assembly

Locate the left and right panels that have the slide runners facing inward. The rear panel has a rectangular cutout at the top.

Note: The pink circle in the photo above is highlighted because a pre-drilled hole was missing on the panel.

To address the missing hole, I used a 7/32 drill bit. It wasn’t pretty, and I think it ended up splitting the wood here. I should have let it be! Make sure the pre-drilled holes on the vertical panels align with the base (horizontal panel). I used a hammer to ensure everything was sitting flush before using an impact drill to tighten the screws to a snug fit, and then hand-tightened them until they were finger-tight.

Use (10) confirmat screws M6.3x40mm per cabinet at the connecting points. Assemble the other cabinet and set it aside for now.

Step 3. Platform Slide Assembly (Optional)

You only need to do this step if you want to use the top as a pullout platform. If you don’t wish to, skip to Step 4.

Step 4. Attach Decorative Panels

The top of the decorative panel has a notch on it. Use (2) confirmat screws M6.3x40mm per side.

Step 5. Install Hinge Covers

The driver side (left) has a longer edge. Use (6) M5x14mm wood screws per side to secure the covers.

Step 6. Attach Mounting Blocks

Attach both the left (L) and right (R) pieces to the cabinet. Use (2) confirmat screws M6.3x40mm per side on the interior of the cabinet.

For the rear mounting blocks, use (2) confirmat screws M6.3x40mm per drawer.

Step 7. Prep Cargo Area

Identify the (4) OEM tie-down points and fold the 2nd row seats down. Remove these with a 10mm socket.

Step 8. Install Mounting Spacers

Insert (2) spacers into the space underneath the plastic where the OEM tie-down was previously located. There should be two per side included in your kit, labeled ‘L’ and ‘R’, indicating the left and right sides.

The top spacer will have a notch sanded down. You might have to apply some upward pressure to make the stack fit.

Step 9. Place Cabinets In Cargo Area

Position the cabinets so both fit into the cargo area. Lightly tighten the rear mounting bolts. Use (2) M6x80mm bolts.

Loosely bolt the left side down with (2) M6x80mm bolts using a 10mm socket. Repeat for the right side.

Step 10. Connect Left & Right Cabinets

Use (3) M6x40mm bolts with (6) washers and (3) nuts to connect the two cabinets together. Then, tighten the mounting bolts.

Step 11. Assemble Drawers

It helps to lay out the drawer pieces before assembly.

• Drawer panels have sliders facing outward and notches for dividers on the interior.
• The right-side panel will have a blue unlock lever.
• The base plate has a hole in the bottom for the sink accessory
• The rear panel does not have any cutouts.
• The front panel has two handholds and a notch on the right side for the lever.

I used the end of the screw to feel around the carpet on the front panel to find the predrilled holes. Use (14) confirmat screws M6.3x40mm per drawer to assemble the drawer.

Step 12. Install Drawers

I didn’t have photos of this step, but you can follow the instructions above to install the drawers in your 4Runner. Once you’ve completed this step, all that’s left is to install any accessories you may have added at the time of purchase.

Impressions

I really like this new setup! My only complaint is that there are no additional tie-down points after installation, as the system uses the factory ones and deletes the D-rings. You could add your own, and just bolt them to the wood but it would be another neat factory feature.

I would love to see the option of adding a recessed L-track inlaid into the top covers as a future accessory add-on. The thought of hard-sided gear flying towards me if I had to slam on the brakes or something catastrophic happening doesn’t sit well with me. I am currently looking into adding a surface-mounted L-track to have some peace of mind. Again, easy enough to bolt to the system.

I have seen the spectrum of drawers, from DIY $300 Home Depot specials to $ 3,000+ imported, Australian, rare-wood drawer systems, and this one is just right (in my opinion)! As I mentioned, I’m picky, and I’ve been waiting years for a system that meets my specific criteria. I don’t see myself using the table set, folding sink, and camping faucet, but they are a nice addition if my needs change.

Final Thoughts

I believe this will be the first and last drawer system I install in my 4Runner! It checked off most of the boxes for what I had hoped and dreamed of in a storage system in terms of quality, functionality, and looks (OEM+). I am very pleased with W&F’s storage system and have been recommending it to all my 4×4 friends to consider replacing their bulky, poorly manufactured, giant drawer systems with one of these.

Something to note, your 4Runner will probably smell like wood for a couple of weeks (which may not be a bad thing). There will also be wood shavings here and there, so if you’re a clean freak, it might be helpful to hand-sand the exposed wood edges before installation.