How to organise the back of your wagon like a pro

Even if you’re towing a van or a camper around this great country of ours, you invariably need to carry some gear in the back of your wagon too. The kids’ swags, the recovery gear, a 12V fridge or the tools. The general rule is, if you have the space, you’re probably going to fill it. Same goes for power, but that’s a whole different article altogether.

Nevertheless, it goes without saying that keeping everything orderly in your tow vehicle is just as important as it is in your trailer. Not just for peace of mind either. In an emergency situation, having quick and easy access to say, the first aid kit, can make all the difference. Or in an accident scenario, having everything stored and secured can keep common items from being turned into ballistic missiles.

The best way to keep the rear of your wagon neat and tidy is to fit a couple of accessories. The type of accessories that you’ll appreciate every time they’re used.

Given that we’re talking a specialist interior fit-out here, we’re checking in with the experts at 4WD Interiors and getting you the good oil on how best to keep the back of your rig organised like a boss.

Step one: Fit drawers

There’s more to it than you think.

Drawers make the biggest difference in keeping the cargo bay of your wagon well-ordered. Hands down. However, with the proliferation of cheap drawers on the market, it’s easy to think you’re getting more value from the cheaper units when it’s almost always actually the opposite.

You see, when drawers are built on the budget end of the scale, the makers tend to scrimp on things like bearings, sheeting and framework. You can’t really blame them; they’re just trying to maximise their profits – and they almost certainly won’t last.

Cheap drawers are also heavy. Like, really heavy. Considering we’re all trying to watch our GVM waistlines, a few extra bucks spent on a quality product makes sense.

So, what makes a good drawer? It really comes down to a few key things. First, make sure the company has been in business for a while and has built a solid reputation for reliability. Second, take a look at the material list and construction methods used. If you’re paying top-shelf prices for a middle-shelf product, keep looking. Lastly, talk to other owners and see how the drawers handle things like corrugated roads, water crossings, dust, hard use and if they can hold up to the rigours of off-grid living.

Take the 4WD Interiors twin-drawer system, for example. It has sturdy 6mm-thick UV-stabilised carpet for maximum resistance to fading, mildew and mould. They feature a sturdy galvanised steel frame that has massive amounts of durability built in, and they won’t rust nor require a suspension upgrade for the weight. The roller runners are all stainless steel, which ensures years of trouble-free operation, and the design is well-proven and full of nifty features like the 30mm gap at the top of the drawer that prevents fingers from being inadvertently caught in them and slam latches that provide super easy operation time after time (and are even lockable).

Step two: Cargo barriers

More than just some metal mesh.

Once your drawers are in place, you still have plenty of room to stack bulkier gear on top. As we said earlier though, those bulky items can become airborne in an accident. The last thing you want at any time really is a flying fridge to the back of the dome.

Cargo barriers are the answer. However, there are a few traps and you want one that’s going to be up to the task. There have been several examples of kids (and a few adults) over the years, accidentally locking themselves in the back of their wagons. The cargo barrier does its job and prevents access to the rear seat area, effectively trapping them inside. It doesn’t take much thought to see the danger with the windows up on a summer day. 4WD Interiors use red-dot hand bolts that are quickly and easily undone. This allows the barrier to be removed without sacrificing strength.

Speaking of strength, the mounting brackets are designed to take primary and secondary impacts. Nylon is used as an initial shock absorber in the event of an accident, ensuring maximum defence against unauthorised flying objects in the back of the fourby.

Easily installed, removed, and pet friendly, these cargo barriers offer excellent protection while allowing the entirety of the cargo area to be utilised for safe travelling.

Step three: Tailoring to you

One size doesn’t fit all.

When driving, especially off-road, things will move around; it’s basically inevitable. If you have gear in the back that can’t get squashed or you’d rather not have a family set of camp chairs smushed up against your 12V fridge, then consider refining your storage area with a rear rack and divider set-up to keep things where they should be.

These create enclosed mesh “boxes” that allow you to separate your gear, so your fridge remains where it should be – and importantly, maintains an air gap for ventilation around it – while the bulkier gear can be packed in on the other side. A shelf for things like bedding or flatter items like a firepit or portable solar panels runs along the top for further versatility.

Step four: The final pieces

A place for everything…

…and everything in its place. 4WD interiors sell a bunch of smaller storage items like door pockets and roof consoles too. So if you’re looking for a place to keep your easily grabbable items, then hit them up. Having things like tyre deflaters, multi-tools, torches and phone chargers within accessible reach can not only save time and effort but also make a trip a lot less stressful.

For more information on 4WD Interiors’ range of gear, jump on over to www.4wdinteriors.com. You’ll be supporting an Aussie businesses that build their products in Australia and provide Australian jobs. They’ve been building storage solutions since 1978, so they know what works and what won’t handle a dirt track, let alone a run down the Gibb River Road. Their drawers will probably outlive your vehicle too.