We just bought a 2006 Subaru Forester to replace my ageing 1993 Ford Taurus (153,000 miles). I love the all-wheel drive, but I've lost my trunk.

The Taurus had a huge trunk and my huge trunk organizer won't due for the smaller space in back offered by the Forester.

If anyone has enjoyed success in "gearing up" their Forester, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or other carlike SUV, I would appreciate knowing how you did it.

-- Craig

This link below has some cargo organizers. Might give you a few ideas...

http://www.ultimateautoaccessories.com/Category%20Pages/Cargo_Organizer.htm

Craig,

I have the same problem with my LandCruiser wagon. I have more room than you so I am able to use a rubbermaid rough-tote box to hold my goodies. They do have some smaller boxes that may work for you.

Otherwise I'd do some web searching for storage boxes/bags for SUVs. You may find someone has already solved your problem and is just waiting to sell you the solution.

An important issue is how you will secure the load. In an accident you do not want a large box full of tools and food hitting you in the back of the head. Same goes for the the lid. If a lid pops loose it won't matter if you have secured the box.

For my Cruiser I drilled some holes in the side of the box (two in each corner) and use 4 heavy duty zip-ties to secure the box to the side of the cruiser cargo area (there are two metal bars behind the side panel). The zip-ties can be cut and replaced easily if the box needs to be removed. The lid has handles that can be locked. You can use pad locks or just use a dog leash type latch to secure the handles. I also have a heavy duty pet type guard in the cargo area to keep any other items in the rear (groceries, etc) from hitting me in the noggin' if I brake fast.

Whether you go with hard side or soft side cargo holder make sure you have secured the holder and any lids or flaps.

Another trick: Pull the side panels off in the cargo area and see where you can stash some items. My wife has a 2004 Taurus wagon. We use the foot well in the rear to keep a BOB, bottled water, and a blanket. Out of sight and secure under the locked hinged cover. I pulled off the side cover that holds the spare tire. I was able to stuff in a pair of gloves, ground tarp/space blanket, and can of fix-a-flat. If you dig around a bit you would be amazed where you can squirrel away many of those little used items that don't require instant access. Check under the hood. Sometimes you can fit a small water proof ammo box in a nook in the engine compartment. This is a great place to stash some tools. Forget about keeping the tools in nice organized boxes. I put the sockets in a ziplock to keep them together, the rest of the tools get put in till no more will fit. I was able to reduce the size of my too box just by removing any packaging or tool organizers. Just lay them in there till no more will fit. Check under seats for storage sites. For light items they can be put in rubbermaid/tupperware boxes with velcro on the bottom (hook side). The velcro grips the carpet and keeps the item from shifting while driving. The front seat kick panels might have a bit of room for some specialty item or tool that might me helpful in a pinch, but doesn't require instant access.

In summary:

Secure your load.

Don't feel like you have to put all items in one location. Get creative. Get a flashlight and screw driver and take a detailed tour of the inside to the Subaru and the engine compartment.

If you do distribute items around the vehicle, keep an inventory list in your glove box so you can find the items you need quickly without having to strip the car to get to that hidden crescent wrench or pocket VOM.

Good luck. TR

Thanks man. It's giving me plenty of ideas. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

Yikes! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Didn't think of that. Don't want or need anything hitting me in the head. I already have CDH. That's Chronic Daily Headache for the uninitiated.

Your idea of using heavy duty zip-ties to secure your box to the side of the cruiser cargo area is really cool. I'll have to see if I can modify that for my own needs.

Thank you.

-- Craig

On another forum a guy had a suv and wanted a something to sit behind the rear seat for storage. He took a sheet of pltwood and cut it to match the area, then cut 2x4's and made a frame for under it and then sat the whole thing in and covered it with matching carpet so he had a raise floor with 3.5" of storage under it then packed all his gear in it. Advantages were it was hidden and didn't really take much cargo space.

Yeah, but that would take skills. I have no real skills. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Eugene
Someone I know have done just the same, and then installed three looong drawers in the three sections. Without unloading the back of his Suburban, he could access his repair tools and many camping accessories.

I've got a 2002 Mazda Tribute that I use to carry my tools and such. I bought one of those big plastic black boxes kinda like what they use in the back of a pick-up, it's basically like a foot-locker. I keep all my stuff in there with a lock on it. It's bungie corded to the hooks that pop out of the floor. It fits right behind the rear seats and still leaves about as much room as my mustangs trunk. I like having everything in one box since I can take it out if I am taking it for service or something. I have the same thing in my suburban 2500, but that truck has enough room I don't have to worry about space most of the time. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've been using Rubbermaid Action Packers. I've been able to fit a lot of tools and car fluids in one as well as flares, emergency triangle and a couple of glow sticks. I plan to get another for food.

The small size is ideal for the back of our van, but I've been able to get most of my gear into the first one so far.

I like the zip tie idea too...I've heard the one in the back of my car sliding around a lot!