DIY 'Drawers' for an SUV – SUV Camping/Vandwelling Gear Storage

I decided I wanted to make better use of the shelf space in the back of my Toyota RAV4. I was originally going to build slide-out drawers to put on top of the shelf, but I instead ended up simplifying the concept by just attaching bins to the top of the shelf to create "drawers."

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Other keywords: SUV RVing, SUV camping, SUV dwelling, vandwelling, vanlife, car camping

[jgkgintx]

Hey Tristan,
Thoroughly enjoyed this video, your build is simple enough for us non-carpenters out here to adapt your idea to our particular situation(s), along with being affordable and cost effective. My steed is a 2017 Ford Escape and I've been wanting to build something in the back of it to hold some of my gear, while allowing me to lay full-out in the back for sleeping. I've contacted a carpenter to get with me on some design ideas, but after seeing what you've done, I think I can do it myself. The money I would have spent for labor I'll use for the supplies I'll need to build it, along with the plastic bins. One of my goals is to make it flexible so I can remove it and store at home when I'm not out camping. Thank you very much, keep up the good work.

[kejobo]

Great mod, Tristan.
Your solution is simple, inexpensive, and lightweight -- the vehicle dwellers' trifecta!

[elliem]

I liked your shelf on a cargo net/pole kit, and this lightweight mod with straps and bins makes it even better. Inexpensive, simple so anybody can make it, and useful for more than camping. Great post!

[barbara-holley]

Such a great idea! I can't wait to buy a Honda Element and try this system! My husband and I camp out of our 99' Civic and every time we need to cook we have to remove all of our plastic containers and set out a table. It's very cumbersome to make a simple meal and put everything away to avoid bears! Thank you!!

[BrendaHaltom-csck]

Very good shelf system! Good job Tristan! Thank you for showing how it’s built!❤️😀🇺🇸🌏🚙

[deetrvllife]

ah hah! Another idea for me; keep loose black/dark sheet to quickly throw over and cover! My list of "Give credit to" is growing and growing! Thank you ;)

[starbubbli]

Tristan, you are a great macgyver ! Excellent job. Ty for sharing!

[KCSmith]

Tristan, thanks for the idea to get my SUV travel ready. Really appreciate!

[charenedehne]

Did you ever make a video on how to make the shelf?

[cheriemiller]

Wow, great idea! I have been looking at the premade slide out kitchen boxes. $2000 and up! This is a much better and more affordable solution. Thank you so much! I love your videos!

[lindak]

This was a great idea. Simple yet effective.  I'm also a RAV4 traveler, but mine's only a 2 door. The space saving solutions you come up with, lol!  Whoever said necessity was the mother of invention was obviously a compact suv driver ;)

[corkyoakes]

I would still really love to see instructions on how you built your shelf! Please please please! Many thanks.

[shawnbailey.parkie]

Nice simple, quick and lightweight storage solution.

[TheYFlyer]

Great idea. I am outfitting my Tahoe for camping. I may just use this idea. Thanks for sharing.

[anjaylah]

This is the most helpful video I have ever seen on YT, thank you!

[Moondancer]

Looks like I may end up living in my rodeo, interior space 5 ft long, 4 ft wide, 3 ft high. Have been racking my brain on how to have some storage, since the bed will take up half of my space, thank you for this video, I think that I am going to see if this will work for me. Now, I just have to figure out how to build a shelf. Thanks again. Travel safe.

[jimpeterson]

awesome idea i have been looking for solution for my 2006 honda pilot without building a platform because i dont want to lose head space to sit up. plus love that you can access from outside or inside. next solution i need is for cooking platform as i love to cook. want to have it slide out the back so my hatch protects from rain am also going to use a 10x10 canopy over back for shade and protection from rain

[jheitzeb]

Thanks for posting this. Clever ideas and simple construction!

[deneenadams]

yea show how to make it. Thank you! Love this idea!!!

[foochiwawawroses]

I may need this set up for all my kids baseball gear… ( I call it my baseball Armageddon stuff as I need to be ready for 3 season all in 1 day lol)