Roof / tool storage conundrum!

[Ben Cleveland]

Hey good folks! I need some help and suggestions.
Edited-re-read this post and holy lord it is long. Shortened because it was ridiculous. I have some storage issues on my 4Runner, and I'm trying to lay out how to use the remainder of my roof rack space! Could use help or suggestions in thinking through how I'm storing things .
We are using a 2003 Toyota 4Runner, with a 3"dobinsons lift, prinsu roof rack, and CVT Mt Shasta RTT.
The vehicle in question (sorry, no good pics since the suspension changes):



I'm finding my wife and I need to improve our tool storage. I keep a bunch of stuff in the rig all the time, and prioritize 2 bags of emergency supplies on top of our camping gear, which also stay in my rig all the time. I'm trying to keep this a neat, orderly and modular system that keeps my tools and emergency gear accessible while camping AND commuting, and is pretty seamless when moving from camping to daily commuting. I've considered a drawer system, but I just don't know. It seems obvious I'm going to have to store some of this stuff inside, but I don't know where or how.

Important considerations:
1) I'm probably installing a 270 degree awning off the drivers side sometime in the next 6 months. So mounting stuff against that side is sort of out.
2) I don't want to have to unpack anything on the roof rack to get to my tools in the plano box.
3) I'm getting traction boards in the next month. Planning on mounting them ON TOP of the plano case.
4) I really want to keep space on the roof rack for a water jug and 2 gas cans.
5) I feel like its super obvious that a rear bumper with a swingout and jerry can holders would fix a lot of my space issues. That's not really in the books right now though. Maybe one day, but not right now.
6) We have a 7 month old, who goes camping with us, so the 60% portion of the 60/40 rear bench seat is kept for her carseat, and my wife to sit beside her if she's fussy.
7) We also have 2 dogs, who we are trying to take camping with us too.

My big questions:
1) What do I do with the tools I haven't gotten to fit inside the plano case? small tool bag, bag of ratchet straps.
2) Where do I mount my shovel?
3) Thoughts on my plan for mounting traction boards?
4) Where in the HECK do I keep my bag of emergency supplies.
5) Bonus, but if anybody has any wise suggestion for dog crates, then that's awesome too.

What I'm trying to reconfigure and store more efficiently:






This is how far I've gotten: Mount the plano to the roof rack, and leave space for water/fuel between it and the tent. Traction boards installed on top of the plano. Shovel mounted somewhere around there. Still not sure what to do with my other tools and emergency gear without having random bags and totes floating around inside my rig all the time.

 

[Lindenwood]

Honestly, I couldnt be happier with the functionality of my drawer system.

Also, as far as tools go, without having seen your tool set I'd say really pare down your tools. I can pretty much do anything to my rig with this small collection that I have been refining over the last 15 years. Roughly this same volume of tools used to ride in a tiny toolbox in the engine bay of my old Samurai :) .




I also built myself a swing-out tray for carrying extra stuff, because I hate using roof racks.

 

[Kilo Sierra]

For the emergency kits, you could try to mount MOLLE panels in the rear windows and use Velcro rip-away pouches for it. This is my setup for my Xterra:

I use a rip away for my Trauma Kit (the strapped lower right) and a Survival Kit mounted lower left.

Or perhaps mount some panels on doors, or hang a set off the front or rear seats?

 

[Bob (Fishingbob)]

Ben
Looks like you are already well on your way to being prepared. I have always said -better to be prepared and have what you need, than to wish you had something. Problem is I probably carry more than I will need.

I'm not familiar with your vehicle-but do you have any storage ares below the front or rear seats-I use collapsible tool bags for tools, air compressor etc and store them below the seats.

It has taken me quite some time to narrow down what I really need to take along-versus what I want to take. Also, what I'm more likely to need for a particular trip -running down the beach on Padre Island vs a mountain excursion or desert run.

Check out Google-There are a couple of good ideas you may be able to modify to fit your needs concerning "Recovery Board Storage"-I'm looking to modify my rear Thule bike rack to carry my recovery boards when I'm not pulling my Morris Mule trailer-where they are usually mounted to the side of the trailer. For now I would just strap the recovery boards (or bolt to the Plano case) to the Plano case and attach the shovel to the top of this and carry the set up in front of your RTT.
You may also be able to permanently mount a trailer hitch receptacle to the front or rear of the vehicle and build/purchase a rack to carry extra stuff like the recovery boards, shovel etc. This could be removed when your not planning a trip (during the week).

Hope this helps--hope to see you at a future San Antonio meet-Greet!!!
Bob

 

[Ben Cleveland]

Appreciate y’all thoughts! I guess y’all are pretty much confirming some directions I was already going in. Drawer system will probably be a project for this winter, which I believe will really improve the cleanliness overall of the vehicles storage.

I had NOT really thought about the molle panels, OR underseat storage. Also, I had not really considered hitch mounted storage on the front. I looked into a Wilco heavy duty swingout tire and cargo carrier for the rear. However once I added up the cost of the unit plus Jerry can and cargo accessories, I was looking at spending over a grand. At that point I might as well just save up for a bumper.

I think I’m going to play with underseat and random existing storage options right now. And do what Bob suggested for my Plano, traction boards and shovel up on top.

I know the Plano will be useful but I don’t know how many tools I’m going to keep up there all the time. I’ve already got the RTT up there, I’m getting pretty top heavy.


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