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Don’t let chaos in your canopy leave you stranded. From tailgate tricks to rear wheel bags, here’s how to keep your 4WD recovery gear storage on point by making sure everything is organised, accessible and ready when it counts.
Whether you’re tackling a solo run down the Canning Stock Route or heading off-grid for a long weekend, one thing that will quickly ruin your trip is having your recovery gear buried under a mountain of camping equipment, or worse, not knowing where it is at all.
When your fourby is bogged to the chassis, broken down, or dealing with a puncture in the middle of nowhere, you want to access your recovery gear, spares or tools fast. That’s why having a well-thought-out 4WD storage system isn’t just about tidiness. It’s about safety, efficiency and keeping your cool under pressure.
Over the years, we’ve tested just about every setup you can imagine, from milk crates and tool rolls to full-blown custom drawer systems. Here’s a rundown of the most effective recovery gear storage solutions, spares organisation methods and tool storage systems for 4WDs, plus the pros and cons of each, so you can decide what works best for your build and the way you travel.
1. Drawer systems
The go-to for touring builds
Drawer systems are one of the most popular 4WD storage solutions, and for good reason. These units mount in the rear of your wagon or canopy, usually made from steel or alloy frames with marine carpet or aluminium tops. You can install one or two drawers, depending on your setup, and many include top-slide platforms for fridges.
Pros:
- Keeps gear organised and easy to access
- Lockable for added security
- Customisable with dividers, foam inserts and built-in power
- Often allows for stacking of gear or fridges on top
Cons:
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- Can be heavy and reduce payload
- Takes up permanent space in your setup
- Not cheap, especially custom builds
Hot tip: Keep your most-used recovery gear like soft shackles, gloves, winch controller and tyre deflator in a separate drawer near the tailgate so you can grab them quickly.
Read more: The ultimate guide to 4WD drawer systems »
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2. Slide-out trays (under canopy)
Hidden but handy
Slide-out trays mounted under the canopy or even under the vehicle can be a clever use of otherwise wasted space. These trays are ideal for toolboxes, 4WD spares or heavier gear like bottle jacks and compressors.
Pros:
- Makes good use of dead space
- Keeps heavy gear low and accessible
- Can be custom-sized for specific gear
Cons:
- Susceptible to dust, water and grime unless sealed
- Adds weight behind the axle
- Limited by tray dimensions
Hot tip: Keep your complete toolkit in a slide-out tray under the canopy, perfect for roadside fixes without rummaging through your cargo area.
See more: Rear cargo storage solutions »
3. Stackable crates and tubs
Budget-friendly and flexible
Heavy-duty tubs or crates, like those from Expedition134, Front Runner or Ironman 4X4, are a simple and flexible way to store fluids, spares and recovery gear.
Pros:
- Affordable and modular
- Easy to carry where needed
- Roof-rack compatible for extra space
Cons:
- Bottom crates can be hard to access when stacked
- Need to be securely strapped down
- Not dustproof unless sealed
Storage hack: Label each crate with contents so you’re not opening them all looking for a 10mm socket.
4. Tool rolls and soft bags
Light and tactical
For hand tools, puncture kits and spanners, tool rolls and soft storage bags are gold. They fit neatly into drawers or tubs and keep things sorted.
Pros:
- Compact and flexible
- All tools visible at a glance
- Quiet, no rattling on corrugated tracks
Cons:
- Best for smaller tools
- Not lockable
- Can be awkward in tight spots
Pro setup: I carry a dedicated tool roll with everything I need for common 4WD fixes. It’s easier than carting a full toolbox.
More clever ideas: How to use dead space in your 4WD »
5. Molle panels and seat-back organisers
Tactical storage with easy access
Molle (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) panels have come from the tactical world but are ideal for 4WD recovery gear storage. Mount them to canopy doors, seat backs or windows and add pouches for everything from radios to tyre gauges.
Pros:
- Keeps frequently used gear close at hand
- Customisable and lightweight
- Great for organisation
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavier items
- Limited protection from the elements
- Can get cluttered if overloaded
My favourite use: I’ve got a tool pouch, wood saw and first-aid kit mounted on my canopy door. No digging, no delay.
6. Roof storage and side-mounted boxes
For bulky or dirty gear
Roof racks or side-mounted gullwing boxes are ideal for items that are bulky, messy or not used often, like muddy Maxtrax, oily spares or a chainsaw.
Pros:
- Keeps dirty gear out of the cabin
- Frees up internal space
- Easy to access if set up well
Cons:
- Exposed to sun, heat and weather
- Can be awkward to reach without a ladder
- Affects fuel economy and centre of gravity
Hot tip: Keep your roof load within legal limits and avoid storing heavy items up high.
Dig deeper: Complete guide to 4WD roof storage »
7. Under-seat storage and hidden compartments
Out of sight, out of mind
Some dual-cab utes offer storage under rear seats or behind panels, ideal for stashing fuses, belts or even emergency snacks. The narrow gap between the back of the rear seats often goes unused and can be utilised for emergency gear.
Pros:
- Uses awkward spaces effectively
- Keeps valuables out of sight
- Can be weatherproof
Cons:
- Limited capacity
- Easy to forget what’s stored
- Not always accessible if gear is on top
Handy stash: My spare fuses and small recovery bits live under the rear seat, out of the way until I really need them.
8. Tailgate storage panels
A smart use of dead space
Tailgate panels are underrated. These shallow compartments are perfect for flatter tools, jumper leads or a tyre repair kit.
Pros:
- Wastes zero space
- Everything’s easily accessible
- Perfect for quick roadside fixes
Cons:
- Shallow depth
- May need tailgate mods
- Not suitable for bulky gear
Hot tip: Stash your tyre plug kit, gloves, head torch and a basic spanner set here. It’s the first thing you’ll open when something goes wrong.
9. Rear wheel bags
Dirty gear? No worries
Originally made for rubbish, rear wheel bags have evolved into rugged, multi-use carriers for wet recovery gear, leashes, firewood or even Maxtrax.
Pros:
- Keeps wet or dirty gear out of the cabin
- Very easy to access
- Smart use of rear space
Cons:
- Can block rear camera or number plate
- Exposed to weather and road grime
- Risk of theft or falling off if not secured
Pro tip: After a muddy recovery, chuck all your wet straps and gloves in the wheel bag and sort them out later.
Start here: Beginner’s guide to 4WD storage »
Final thoughts
There’s no single perfect setup. It all depends on your 4WD, your kit and your travel style. But one thing’s certain: accessibility matters.
You don’t want to unload your fridge, swag and spare just to find your snatch strap. Take the time to plan your layout, keep essentials where you can reach them, and test everything at home before heading off-road.
A smart, sorted storage system won’t just keep you organised. It could save your trip.
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