I've got a 2003 4Runner V8 Limited that I will be lifting with the Slee OME kit, adding a winch bumper, rock sliders, the whole nine yards. I'm going to upgrade to 285/70R17's, so the stock spare tire carrier will no longer be an option as I understand it. I'm not really interested in hanging the spare off the back, or putting it on a roof rack. However, I'd be fine with a carrier in the trunk area. Is there a retail product that will secure a spare inside the trunk?

On a similar note, I'm also interested in some sort of storage system for the trunk (whether in conjuntion with a tire carrier, or instead of one). I'd like something with drawers/cabinets to store tools and other trail gear in an organized manner. Is there an off-the-shelf unit like this for the 4Runner (or something that has been confirmed to work well)?

 

I was thinkin about this same idea just the other day. I was thinking about one of those truck bed carriers that angle the tire. Never looked into it any further though.

 

That is sort of what I had in mind too. There is a lot of tight parking where I live (like a parking deck at work) and I can't store accessories outside the vehicle. However, I do want to have certain equipment with me at all times (spare, recovery gear, tools, etc).

 

Why not just ratchet strap it down with the factory hooks back there?

 

For 1), in my mind with the angled truck bed mount you can have more room since the tire is angled off the floor and 2) it looks cooler than just strapping it down. And for only $135 i might do it.... http://www.supertruckusa.com/products/72202_910.htm

 

you know that carrier might work well if you mount it to the divider. may need to add some support from under like a slide out drawer system. good idea I may go this way so look for me to post some pics.

 

Ignoring the spare tire carrier, does someone have some links to some robust storage systems that people have put in their 4th gens? Any that are retail products? I've seen just a couple pictures of people with carpeted boxes with drawers, and the boxes attach to the cargo hooks. I like the setup with drawers that open rearward, but I don't have any way to build one myself. Has anyone found a truck/van toolbox (the usual diamond plate kind) that fits snug in the 4th gen?

 

I am not sure if this would work with the 2 tier storage system (if you have it) but it fits in the FJ, which is on the same chassis. It may be worth looking into if you have the time to measure the rear bay.
http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-191-1...go-drawer.aspx

Good luck, and keep us posted

 

That product looks perfect! I'll have to see if I can somehow verify the dimensions of the trunk space. I have the 2-tier system, but I'd snatch it out in a second if I could fit that drawer in there.