Beginner’s guide to 4WD storage solutions: organise your off-road gear like a pro

Packing your 4WD the right way makes your trips way more enjoyable and a whole lot less stressful. With numerous storage options available, selecting solutions that fit your needs, budget, and vehicle space is crucial. This guide outlines the most popular 4WD storage solutions, detailing their pros and cons to assist you in making the best decision for your setup.

Drawer systems

Drawer systems are built-in storage units designed to fit in the rear of your 4WD. They provide organised storage for tools, cooking gear, recovery equipment, and other essentials.

Pros:

• Excellent organisation – Everything has a designated place, reducing clutter.
• Lockable – Added security for valuable gear.
• Durable – Most are made from steel, aluminium, or heavy-duty plywood.
• Customisable – Available in different sizes and configurations.

Cons:

• Expensive – Can be costly, especially custom-made options.
• Heavy – Adds weight, impacting fuel consumption and vehicle performance.
• Permanently takes up space – Reduces cargo area flexibility when not needed.

Best for:

• Long-distance touring and frequent off-road trips.
• 4WD owners who want a clean and organised setup.

Fridge slides & drop-down fridge mounts

Fridge slides make accessing your portable fridge easier by allowing it to slide out from the back of your vehicle. Drop-down mounts lower the fridge for better reach.

Pros:

• Improves accessibility – No need to climb into the car to reach the fridge.
• It secures the fridge and prevents it from shifting during travel.
• Drop-down models make life easier for short people.

Cons:

• Takes up space – Can reduce available cargo room.
• Adds weight – It can be heavy depending on the design.
• Expensive – High-quality slides can be costly.

Best for:

• Anyone using a portable fridge regularly.
• Touring setups with drawer systems.

Rear wheel or tailgate bags

They fit on rear-mounted spare wheels or ute tailgates and are ideal for storing rubbish, recovery equipment, and wet or dirty gear. 

Pros:

• Large capacity with ample space to carry large items
• Easy to attach with adjustable straps and buckles, providing secure mounting.
• Multiple pockets for better internal and external organisation

Cons:

• Exposure to the elements with sun, rain and dust causing wear and tear over time.
• Limited weight capacity with heavy loads putting strain on the mounting straps.
• Zips can fail in dusty or muddy conditions.

Best for:

• Any offroad adventure
• Keep rubbish or dirty and wet recovery gear out of your 4WD.

Roof consoles

Overview:

Roof consoles are designed to maximise cabin space in 4WDs, particularly in utes and wagons where dashboard and centre console space may be limited.

Pros:

• Extra Storage – Utilises unused overhead space for small items.
• UHF Radio Integration – Keeps the radio and mic within easy reach.
• Better Cabin Organization – Reduces clutter in the glovebox and centre console.
• Enhanced Lighting – LED dome lights improve interior visibility.
• Ergonomic Design – Easy access to essential controls while driving.

Cons:

• Headroom Reduction – Can be an issue for taller drivers.
• Installation Complexity – May require drilling or wiring modifications.
• Cost – Quality roof consoles can be expensive.
• Weight Considerations – Adds minor weight to the vehicle interior.

Best for:

• Long-distance travellers and overlanders
• 4WD vehicles with limited cabin space

Roof racks

Roof racks provide extra storage space on top of your 4WD, which is ideal for bulky items like swags, jerry cans, spare tyres, and recovery boards.

Pros:

• Frees up interior space – Allows for more comfort inside the vehicle.
• Great for large or awkwardly shaped gear – Tents, kayaks, and extra fuel fit well.
• Easy to access – Ideal for items that don’t need frequent retrieval.

Cons:

• Increases fuel consumption – More wind resistance leads to higher fuel use.
• Can affect vehicle stability – Raises the centre of gravity, making off-road driving trickier.
• Weight limitations – 4WD roofs have a load limit. Check yours before fitting a roof rack.

Best for:

• Extended trips where extra storage is essential.
• Storing bulky but lightweight items.

Storage boxes & tubs

Stackable plastic or metal storage boxes help keep gear organised and dustproof.

Pros:

• Affordable – Budget-friendly compared to drawer systems.
• Modular – Can be rearranged or removed as needed.
• Water and dust resistant – Protects gear from the elements.

Cons:

• Can slide around. Needs securing with straps.
• Less durable than drawers – Plastic can crack under heavy use.
• Harder to access – Need to unpack boxes to reach lower ones.

Best for:

• Budget-conscious 4WDers.
• Weekend trips where a permanent setup isn’t needed.

Rear seat storage

Utilising the space behind the front seats for storage pockets.

Pros:

• Maximises unused space – Perfect for small items used regularly or needing quick access.
• It doesn’t impact the rear seating. It keeps essential gear hidden but accessible.
• Low cost – Often just a matter of using the space efficiently.

Cons:

• Limited storage capacity – Only fits small or flat items.
• Can be bulky and impact the legroom of rear passengers.
• Poorly designed organisers can droop or sag if overloaded or attached with weak straps.

Best for:

• Storing small items or valuables securely.
• Anyone who wants to maximise available space.

Tailgate storage solutions

Tailgate storage units provide extra compartments on the inside of your tailgate.

Pros:

• Convenient access – Great for quick-access items.
• Saves space – Uses a normally wasted area.
• Can be DIY or store-bought – Lots of customisation options.

Cons:

• Limited capacity – Only suits small tools or kitchen gear.
• Not available for all vehicles – Some tailgates don’t support modifications.

Best for:

• Storing recovery gear or cooking tools.
• Vehicles with a large, flat tailgate.

Rear bar with swing-away storage

A rear bar with swing-away storage can hold spare tyres, jerry cans, or toolboxes.

Pros:

• Saves space inside the vehicle – Moves heavy items outside.
• Great for long trips – Allows extra fuel and water storage.
• Improves weight distribution – Moves weight lower and toward the rear.

Cons:

• Expensive – High upfront cost.
• Adds weight to the rear – Can impact suspension if not upgraded.
• Affects departure angle – Can reduce clearance on steep trails.

Best for:

• Long-distance touring with lots of gear.
• Anyone carrying extra fuel or a second spare tyre.

Soft storage bags

Soft storage bags are incredibly versatile. They can hold pantry items, spare parts, tools, cooking equipment, and much more.

Pros:

• Durable as they are made from tough weather-resistant materials like PVC and canvas
• Flexible as they can fit into tight spaces
• Lightweight, reducing overall weight and making handling easier

Cons:

• Less protection for fragile or breakable items
• Susceptible to wear and tear
• They don’t always hold their shape

Best for:

• Quick access gear for items that are frequently used
• Storage drawers or boxes as they fit the space well

Rear storage shelves

4WD rear storage shelves are designed to maximise storage efficiency in the cargo area. They create a second level in the rear, allowing you to separate and organise gear, tools, and camping equipment.

Pros:

• Maximises Storage Space – Utilises vertical space efficiently.
• Better Organisation – Separates heavy gear (bottom) from lighter items (top).
• Easier Access – Reduces the need to stack and unstack gear.
• Customisable – Can be tailored to suit fridges, recovery gear, or work tools.
• Durable & Strong – Typically made from steel or aluminium.

Cons:

• Reduces Rear Cargo Height – Limits space for tall items.
• Added Weight – Steel shelves can add significant weight.
• Fixed Designs Can Be Limiting – Non-adjustable units may not suit all needs.
• Installation Complexity – Drilling or mounting brackets may be required.

Best for:

• Touring setups with drawer systems.
• Any setup where more storage space is needed.

Final tips for an effective storage setup

• Prioritise accessibility – Frequently used items should be easy to reach.
• Secure your load – Use tie-downs, cargo nets, and barriers for safety.
• Consider weight distribution – Keep heavier items low and centred.
• Avoid overloading – Exceeding weight limits can affect handling and fuel consumption.
• Review and refine – Adjust your setup after each trip to improve efficiency.

Whatever storage solution you choose, it’s essential to consider its compatibility with your 4WD, the nature of your adventures, and your budget. Talking to local suppliers or 4WD specialists can provide advice tailored to your needs.

Who sells what 4WD storage solutions?

Brand 👇 Solution 👉	Drawers	Wheel/Tailgate Bag	Roof Racks	Fridge Slide	Storage Tubs	Rear Seat Storage	Tailgate Storage	Rear Swing Away	Soft Bags	Roof Consoles	Rear Shelves
4WD Interiors	🟢		🟢							🟢	🟢
4WD Supacentre	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢			🟢
Anaconda	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢			🟢
Aussie Offroad 4×4	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢			🟢	🟢		🟢
Aussie Outback Supplies						🟢
ARB 4×4 Accessories	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢		🟢			🟢	🟢
BCF	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢			🟢
Blacksmith Camping Supplies		🟢							🟢
CaravanRVCamping	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢			🟢
CAOS Gear					🟢				🟢
Clearview Accessories				🟢
Crashpad		🟢				🟢			🟢
Department of the Interior										🟢
DMW Industries		🟢					🟢
Drifta Camping & 4WD	🟢								🟢
Dunn & Watson	🟢			🟢
Echidna Offroad		🟢							🟢
Expedition 134					🟢
Front Runner	🟢		🟢		🟢	🟢			🟢		🟢
Get Good Gear										🟢	🟢
Huracan Fabrication							🟢
Ironman 4×4	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢			🟢
Kaon											🟢
Kaymar								🟢
Legendex										🟢	🟢
MCC 4×4	🟢							🟢
MSA 4×4	🟢	🟢		🟢		🟢			🟢
Navigator Gear		🟢				🟢			🟢
Ocam 4×4 Accessories	🟢			🟢						🟢
Offroad Systems	🟢			🟢
Outback Equipment	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢	🟢			🟢	🟢
Pirate Camp Co.										🟢	🟢
Raslarr Engineering								🟢
Rhino-Rack			🟢
RV Storage Solutions	🟢			🟢							🟢
SCFabworks					🟢				🟢
TC Boxes				🟢					🟢
Thule			🟢						🟢
Tracklander			🟢
TRED Outdoors					🟢
Outback Touring Solutions	🟢
Underkover Australia									🟢

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