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…
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.
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:
Cons:
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 »
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:
Cons:
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 »
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:
Cons:
Storage hack: Label each crate with contents so you’re not opening them all looking for a 10mm socket.
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:
Cons:
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 »
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:
Cons:
My favourite use: I’ve got a tool pouch, wood saw and first-aid kit mounted on my canopy door. No digging, no delay.
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:
Cons:
Hot tip: Keep your roof load within legal limits and avoid storing heavy items up high.
Dig deeper: Complete guide to 4WD roof storage »
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:
Cons:
Handy stash: My spare fuses and small recovery bits live under the rear seat, out of the way until I really need them.
Tailgate panels are underrated. These shallow compartments are perfect for flatter tools, jumper leads or a tyre repair kit.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Originally made for rubbish, rear wheel bags have evolved into rugged, multi-use carriers for wet recovery gear, leashes, firewood or even Maxtrax.
Pros:
Cons:
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 »
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.
This article contains affiliate links to some of the featured products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links
