PSA for owners considering a MOLLE panel(s) in the cargo area with a cargo box.

[advcyclist]

One of the first modifications I installed to my 1958 was a cargo box from Solid Woodworx, along with the extension piece over the rear seats to use it as a sleeping platform. That extension platform is what makes any other additions to the cargo area require some serious forethought and/or dimensional tolerance measurements.

A few weeks back, I saw some MOLLE panels that fit into the rear side windows without having to drill into the plastic and thought that was a stellar idea to organize quick retrieval items that were small enough to attach to the panels, and some pouches for loose items that never seem to have a good home in a vehicle. Bonus, I thought, that the MOLLE panels would make good hook areas for keys, multitool, etc while sleeping.

I decided on the DV8 panels but, in hindsight, I should have paid closer attention to how much they protrude into the cargo area. When folding the extension panel through the cargo area, there is only a couple inches of clearance between it and the panels, so anything attached to them immediately interferes and/or catches on the panel.

I had really hoped to keep a small bike pump secured to the panels for quick access when I'm at the trailhead, but even it is too wide at the base for the panel to fold properly.

I'll keep them for now, but will keep my eyes out for a set of panels that sit more flush/recessed into the window openings.

 

[cruisemtb]

Good point, thanks! I have the same platform and have also thought about the shelf that goes across the top for small items, but it's possible that could interfere as well

 

[Insanoflexathf]

I installed the Victory 4x4 molle panel system. I’ve been very happy with their setup. It might sit a little closer to the window opening than what you currently have.

 

[pic72]

I installed the Victory 4x4 molle panel system. I’ve been very happy with their setup. It might sit a little closer to the window opening than what you currently have. View attachment 30951View attachment 30952

For the upper panel, are you able to access items up there through just the rear window opening? I’ve been thinking of getting the CATuned Off-road version.

 

[Insanoflexathf]

For the upper panel, are you able to access items up there through just the rear window opening? I’ve been thinking of getting the CATuned Off-road version.

You can only access the top rack of the Victory 4x4 from the back of the vehicle.

 

[surf fishing offroader]

One of the first modifications I installed to my 1958 was a cargo box from Solid Woodworx, along with the extension piece over the rear seats to use it as a sleeping platform. That extension platform is what makes any other additions to the cargo area require some serious forethought and/or dimensional tolerance measurements.

A few weeks back, I saw some MOLLE panels that fit into the rear side windows without having to drill into the plastic and thought that was a stellar idea to organize quick retrieval items that were small enough to attach to the panels, and some pouches for loose items that never seem to have a good home in a vehicle. Bonus, I thought, that the MOLLE panels would make good hook areas for keys, multitool, etc while sleeping.

I decided on the DV8 panels but, in hindsight, I should have paid closer attention to how much they protrude into the cargo area. When folding the extension panel through the cargo area, there is only a couple inches of clearance between it and the panels, so anything attached to them immediately interferes and/or catches on the panel.

I had really hoped to keep a small bike pump secured to the panels for quick access when I'm at the trailhead, but even it is too wide at the base for the panel to fold properly.

I'll keep them for now, but will keep my eyes out for a set of panels that sit more flush/recessed into the window openings.

Let me know if you're looking to sell those... I'd be interested

Also, check these out from the Australian market - I would grab a set of these if they didn't block those roof vents... my dogs LOVE those vents lol

Drop Down Rear Roof Parcel Shelf | Toyota Prado 250

Secure and organize your small items with our rear roof parcel shelf. Featuring a tray, Velcro-ready molle panel, 10kg load capacity, and durable black powder-coated steel, it’s Aussie-made and easy to install—no mods needed!

piratecampco.com.au

 

[advcyclist]

I installed the Victory 4x4 molle panel system. I’ve been very happy with their setup. It might sit a little closer to the window opening than what you currently have. View attachment 30951View attachment 30952

I looked at that system first, but they only sell it as a complete system. The roof MOLLE would interfere with the extension panel even more than my current window panels. I wish Victory would make a version of the window panels as a standalone set.

 

[MtnLC]

That

Let me know if you're looking to sell those... I'd be interested

Also, check these out from the Australian market - I would grab a set of these if they didn't block those roof vents... my dogs LOVE those vents lol

Drop Down Rear Roof Parcel Shelf | Toyota Prado 250

Secure and organize your small items with our rear roof parcel shelf. Featuring a tray, Velcro-ready molle panel, 10kg load capacity, and durable black powder-coated steel, it’s Aussie-made and easy to install—no mods needed!

piratecampco.com.au

That drop down shelf is very cool

 

[Insanoflexathf]

I looked at that system first, but they only sell it as a complete system. The roof MOLLE would interfere with the extension panel even more than my current window panels. I wish Victory would make a version of the window panels as a standalone set.

I didn't realize that. I purchased with the intent of getting the shelf as well. That is good information for others that might be in the same situation that just wanting the window Molle panels.

 

[skipowpow]

I think the hinge option on the Solid Woodworx storage is overrated. I knew when I got my molle shelf it wouldn’t work. I just installed an aluminum rail and two pins to set the bed. I’ll try to get some better pics.

 

[skipowpow]

View attachment 31453I think the hinge option on the Solid Woodworx storage is overrated. I knew when I got my molle shelf it wouldn’t work. I just installed an aluminum rail and two pins to set the bed. I’ll try to get some better pics.
View attachment 31452

More Pics.

 

[JoeDirt]

Good setup. Just to confirm, you’re only setting a bed platform on one half of the cargo area? The pins slide in to fix the extension?

 

[skipowpow]

I had Solid Woodworx split the bed section for the 60/40 seats. I have extensions for both sides but have mostly used the 40 side to carry my skis inside.

Yes, the pins hold the extension in place on the aluminum rail. One of the reasons I didn’t go with the hinge was I usually have something in the cargo area and would have to unload it all to flip the bed extension.

 

[advcyclist]

I almost never need to carry people in the back, so I usually leave the bed extension down across the seats. It only becomes an issue when I need to use those rear seats.

I haul tools for trail building and maintenance more than people.