People have made do with plastic bins and some ammo cans to haul their stuff without complaints for decades. They’re cheap, lightweight, easily stackable, pretty easy to move around, and don’t require much thought. But as you get into longer and more varied journeys or even living out of your vehicle for periods of time rather than just driving it, the more those bins can become the bane of your existence.

The regular shuffle of moving those boxes in and out to set up camp -- or even grab a snack on the trail can become a serious chore when doing it day-in and day-out. It’s easy to get disorganized this way as well. Inevitably, the kitchen knives and spatula find their way into the food box, and various tools get tossed in with camping supplies until nothing is ever where it should be.

That daily game of Tetris, moving them in and out of the back of the rig means rarely used bins tend to make their way to the back. That means when you finally need that recovery gear, you have to unload every other box onto the ground just to reach it. It can be maddening. No matter how you arrange them, those bins never seem to fit exactly right. Then, for safety’s sake, they need to be tied down tightly every time you’re back on the move. And of course, those bins get dusty, wet, or covered in dirt from repeatedly dumping them on the ground, which in turn makes a mess inside your rig.

Sometimes it’s not until you go on a trip with someone with a proper cargo drawer setup that it hits you just how powerful a tool a good drawer system can be. You might not think much of it at first, but as the trip goes on, you realize what a positive impact a good storage system can have on the overall efficiency and enjoyment of the journey. It allows you to stop fussing with stuff and just hit the trails.

The drawers’ convenience, security, organization, and clever design meant I spent less time shuffling gear around and digging for the lost headlamps, and more time exploring unknown landscapes and having adventures. Cooking became a joy, rather than an endless merry-go-round of open and closing boxes. Personal items and clothing were always ready at hand, the food stayed organized, and fragile or valuable items were locked away safe and sound.

How Do Drawer Systems Work?

In recent years, drawer-based storage systems for overlanders have become increasingly sophisticated, robust, and lightweight in their design. With aluminum or composite construction, beefy slide rails, and strong locking mechanisms, some systems can even be configured to become slide-out kitchen set-ups with dedicated work surfaces, stoves, and sinks. Many manufacturers, like Decked and Front Runner build drawer systems that are engineered specifically for your vehicle, so fitment is exact. This can go for both bed-sized sliding storage for truck beds, and smaller drawer systems for SUVs. Another nice feature, ARB Outback Solutions’ sliding cargo systems work seamlessly with their line-up of mobile fridges.

With careful planning, you can put together a drawer system for any vehicle that provides an organized home for all your gear - from recovery straps to tent pegs to kitchen supplies. This is the advantage of these drawer systems. They provide a level of stable organization that all the bins and ammo cans in the world can’t match

You’ll have the assurance of always knowing where to find each piece of gear every time. No more stacking and unstacking boxes, and no more burying less-used items like tools under a mountain of other things - just slide open a drawer, grab what you need, and push it back into place. For the remaining items that might not make sense to take up residence in the drawers, most drawer systems also provide strong lashing points for ratchet straps and bungee cords. Also, by eliminating having to lift heavy bins in and out over and over your back will thank you for the convenience, and your gear gets to stay clean and dry.

Not only does organizing your gear in drawers up the convenience factor on the road, but also helps inspire you to get out on an adventure in the first place. By keeping expedition equipment secure and ready to go, getting away for a spontaneous weekend or a week is simply a matter of loading up the fridge and pantry (and maybe calling out of work). You no longer need to set aside half a day loading up all your gear and possibly forgetting something important. There’s something to be said for the peace of mind in knowing that you’ll be ready to hit the road at the drop of a hat when the opportunity arises 

Multiple Angles of Protection for Your Stuff

These drawer systems also add a layer of security and protection for your gear that a stack of bins just can’t match. Many of these storage solutions are designed to blend seamlessly with the interior of your vehicle, lining the outside with automotive-grade carpet in OEM-sh colors. That way your gear stays out of sight from prying eyes, and drawer locks provide one more deterrent to would-be thieves.

Whether in a truck bed or your SUV’s cargo area, drawers keep your gear from bouncing around on bumpy trails as well as keeping dust and moisture out. Padded compartments can cushion and protect sensitive electronics and camera equipment, while also keeping them at the ready for that perfect sunrise or fleeting wildlife need to be captured quickly.

One final benefit is the safety of the vehicle’s occupants. In the event of a roll-over or collision, your gear won’t be flying around the cabin. Firmly mounted in place and locked down, drawer systems keep all your things firmly where they belong. This is especially important for potentially dangerous items like tools, air compressors, and recovery equipment, which can seriously injure or worse if something were to happen.

Once you’re getting everything set up to take advantage of what these drawer storage systems have to offer, the combinations are basically endless. Maybe all you need is a drawer with a handful of tow straps and tie-downs. Maybe you’re the camp’s Guy Fieri and you want a 5-star sliding kitchen set-up. Or maybe a full expedition build-out with a tower of drawers packing every available inch of your rig is the answer. However you go about it, the modular nature and strength of dedicated drawer platforms make it easy to turn just about any vision into reality.  

Basically, it’s time to bin those bins. Morris 4x4 Center carries a solid selection of sliding storage for all kinds of vehicles. From drawer and bed slider solutions for popular platforms like the Gladiator, Tacoma, and Ram by Decked and ARB, to modular fridge sliders and more.

We also have the expertise to help you plan and install your drawer system the right way, so if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, give us a call or hop into a chat!