Rear seat delete with platform & storage drawers DIY project (non-hybrid ORP 2025 6th Gen)

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I removed the rear seats and started building a platform with extra storage and drawers. This is a non-hybrid ORP. My wife and I are mountain bikers always on the go somewhere to camp and ride. We wanted some more storage and less wasted space, so the rear seats had to go. If only Toyota had them fold flat…

I’ve never used a router or made pocket holes before this project— it’s been an enjoyable learning process in my spare time.

The entire drawer system is designed around the power lift gate access panel inside the truck. In the event that the power latch were to fail, you’d need to access the little panel on the back hatch from the inside. A drawer system complicates this, so I designed a 5.5” channel between the two slide out drawers. Additionally, the entire top surface above the drawer system can be removed with 1/4-20 bolts from the inside of the vehicle. I used threaded inserts in the wood to achieve this so it can be removed and reinstalled multiple times without any issues. This is also a requirement of my design to access the bolts mounting the box to the frame.

Luckily, that little storage channel can fit 2 small bags filled with tools plus a sixer. It works out well.

There’s a wide storage area with a hinged lid that is held close with a strong magnet. I went a bit overkill on the hinge as I have some future design plans that require extra strength. I had some issues finding a quality piano hinge that spanned the full width, so I just went with what I had available.

For now, the factory cargo cover is installed to prevent bags from sliding forward. I’ll eventually build a stronger wall/divider so a dog could safely ride where the rear seats were located.

The rear seat area is now a large, flat surface for our storage needs. Our Yeti cooler fits on one side. It was designed with a custom memory foam dog bed in mind. We recently said good bye to our 17 year old Siberian Husky who had a custom dog bed in our 5th gen after I deleted the seats from that truck. She loved all the space. Another dog will be in our future, but not yet.

Up next— a foldable platform that can be positioned on the rear seat platform for a flat sleeping surface.

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[brumey]

Very nice job. Home made in the USA ?

I may take a few pointers from you assuming wife approval.

 

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Very nice job. Home made in the USA ?

I may take a few pointers from you assuming wife approval.

Toyota made things tricky with the 6G. Nothing is flat even after the seats are removed. Connection points on the frame are super limited and/or at weird variable depths. For example, I removed the metal clamps on the floor that the seats latch to. You'd assume they're all bolted onto a flat surface, but no. There's also less than ideal cargo attachments in the rear for the turnbuckle to bolt into. The 6G cargo holds are flip out, so they don't keep position well and not on ground level near the very back of the truck.

Also, the rear lip is 1.75" tall, so for a drawer system you have to waste space by raising them above this.


Building something like this in the 5th gen is far easier.

 

[CMill4Runner]

Thats some nice work! really considering doing this with my 2 Door Bronco if I do will be stealing some of your ideas!!

 

[Cityzen10]

Looking great! Nice finishes and attention to detail. You mentioned you had a hard time finding piano hinges. McMaster-Carr is a great site for all kinds of random hardware (or anything) etc. And their delivery times are impressive. Usually next day on most items.

 

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Looking great! Nice finishes and attention to detail. You mentioned you had a hard time finding piano hinges. McMaster-Carr is a great site for all kinds of random hardware (or anything) etc. And their delivery times are impressive. Usually next day on most items.

McMaster-Carr is great. I use them for all sorts of hardware and 8020 extrusion. I had ordered some more affordable piano hinges from Amazon, but the black finish was less than ideal on all of them. Oh well.

 

[Cityzen10]

McMaster-Carr is great. I use them for all sorts of hardware and 8020 extrusion. I had ordered some more affordable piano hinges from Amazon, but the black finish was less than ideal on all of them. Oh well.

Ya, you sometimes have to be careful with MMC. some items on there are outrageously priced and you can source it locally for much cheaper. But for the most part, the little extra cost is worth the one stop shop and delivery time experience.

 

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Ya, you sometimes have to be careful with MMC. some items on there are outrageously priced and you can source it locally for much cheaper. But for the most part, the little extra cost is worth the one stop shop and delivery time experience.

For sure. I have a MMC close by so I enjoy picking up in person to see all the cool warehouse automation.

 

[Mman611]

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Any issue with seatbelt/SRS warning lights on the dash with the seatbelts disconnect?

 

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Any issue with seatbelt/SRS warning lights on the dash with the seatbelts disconnect?

Surprisingly no warnings. I did disable seat belt warnings for the rear seats with Carista prior to removing them.

Meanwhile, the bike rack prompts nothing but warnings and pop ups taking over the display. Toyota can do better.

 

[Dphotos]

I removed the rear seats and started building a platform with extra storage and drawers. This is a non-hybrid ORP. My wife and I are mountain bikers always on the go somewhere to camp and ride. We wanted some more storage and less wasted space, so the rear seats had to go. If only Toyota had them fold flat…

I’ve never used a router or made pocket holes before this project— it’s been an enjoyable learning process in my spare time.

The entire drawer system is designed around the power lift gate access panel inside the truck. In the event that the power latch were to fail, you’d need to access the little panel on the back hatch from the inside. A drawer system complicates this, so I designed a 5.5” channel between the two slide out drawers. Additionally, the entire top surface above the drawer system can be removed with 1/4-20 bolts from the inside of the vehicle. I used threaded inserts in the wood to achieve this so it can be removed and reinstalled multiple times without any issues. This is also a requirement of my design to access the bolts mounting the box to the frame.

Luckily, that little storage channel can fit 2 small bags filled with tools plus a sixer. It works out well.

There’s a wide storage area with a hinged lid that is held close with a strong magnet. I went a bit overkill on the hinge as I have some future design plans that require extra strength. I had some issues finding a quality piano hinge that spanned the full width, so I just went with what I had available.

For now, the factory cargo cover is installed to prevent bags from sliding forward. I’ll eventually build a stronger wall/divider so a dog could safely ride where the rear seats were located.

The rear seat area is now a large, flat surface for our storage needs. Our Yeti cooler fits on one side. It was designed with a custom memory foam dog bed in mind. We recently said good bye to our 17 year old Siberian Husky who had a custom dog bed in our 5th gen after I deleted the seats from that truck. She loved all the space. Another dog will be in our future, but not yet.

Up next— a foldable platform that can be positioned on the rear seat platform for a flat sleeping surface.

View attachment 12159

I removed the rear seats and started building a platform with extra storage and drawers. This is a non-hybrid ORP. My wife and I are mountain bikers always on the go somewhere to camp and ride. We wanted some more storage and less wasted space, so the rear seats had to go. If only Toyota had them fold flat…

I’ve never used a router or made pocket holes before this project— it’s been an enjoyable learning process in my spare time.

The entire drawer system is designed around the power lift gate access panel inside the truck. In the event that the power latch were to fail, you’d need to access the little panel on the back hatch from the inside. A drawer system complicates this, so I designed a 5.5” channel between the two slide out drawers. Additionally, the entire top surface above the drawer system can be removed with 1/4-20 bolts from the inside of the vehicle. I used threaded inserts in the wood to achieve this so it can be removed and reinstalled multiple times without any issues. This is also a requirement of my design to access the bolts mounting the box to the frame.

Luckily, that little storage channel can fit 2 small bags filled with tools plus a sixer. It works out well.

There’s a wide storage area with a hinged lid that is held close with a strong magnet. I went a bit overkill on the hinge as I have some future design plans that require extra strength. I had some issues finding a quality piano hinge that spanned the full width, so I just went with what I had available.

For now, the factory cargo cover is installed to prevent bags from sliding forward. I’ll eventually build a stronger wall/divider so a dog could safely ride where the rear seats were located.

The rear seat area is now a large, flat surface for our storage needs. Our Yeti cooler fits on one side. It was designed with a custom memory foam dog bed in mind. We recently said good bye to our 17 year old Siberian Husky who had a custom dog bed in our 5th gen after I deleted the seats from that truck. She loved all the space. Another dog will be in our future, but not yet.

Up next— a foldable platform that can be positioned on the rear seat platform for a flat sleeping surface.

View attachment 12159

Wow fantastic job. You should be proud of your work. I bet the places that sell custom parts for 4Runners will sell a kit like your build. Toyota made a very big mistake to not consider car campers with the 6 Gen 4Runners for not designing the back seats to lay flat like previous generations. That was the first thing that I thought was odd when I saw the 6 Gen 4Runner at the LA Auto Show last year.

 

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Wow fantastic job. You should be proud of your work. I bet the places that sell custom parts for 4Runners will sell a kit like your build. Toyota made a very big mistake to not consider car campers with the 6 Gen 4Runners for not designing the back seats to lay flat like previous generations. That was the first thing that I thought was odd when I saw the 6 Gen 4Runner at the LA Auto Show last year.

Thanks! I’ll post some updated photos soon. I’ve modified it so the entire floor is now level with storage compartments below— accessible from the rear seat doors. Stores bike pump, two folding tables, etc.

 

[Dphotos]

Thanks! I’ll post some updated photos soon. I’ve modified it so the entire floor is now level with storage compartments below— accessible from the rear seat doors. Stores bike pump, two folding tables, etc.

I will be getting a Limited iForce Max in the middle of May. I have the Gen 3 4Runner where car camping is very easy and I use the Hollywood Rack system for my bike. I can car camp or rest very easy because the back sears in my Gen 3 lays down flat and I am 5'9" and it is very easy to camp or to rest. The Gen 6 battery takes up a lot of space on the floor in the back area. I will have to see how much room I have before making adjustments on my new 4Runner. Have fun with your new 4Runner.

 

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Here’s the latest. A bit dirty inside after cutting the mats, but ready for use. Bike pump fits in the first compartment with trekking poles in the narrow shelf above. Extra room to store other items next to that area. On the others side there’s storage for camping pads, two folding tables and a stove under the main platform.

 

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The latest addition is a custom 1up lock and key holder I designed and 3d printed.

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