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Hilux Surf 3rd gen (185): budget drawer and boot layout guide
Building drawers or a sleeping platform in a Toyota Hilux Surf / 4Runner 3rd gen (1996-2002) on a budget? Here are the real wagon load area measurements we've got on record, a rough ply cost in NZD and AUD, and some simple layout ideas that work in this vehicle. Measure your own before you cut. Liners, trims and model years all change the numbers.
Wagon load area dimensions
| Floor length, rear seats folded | 1702 mm |
|---|---|
| Width between wheel arches | 1029 mm |
| Max floor width | not yet measured |
| Cargo height | not yet measured |
| Rear door opening width | not yet measured |
| Payload | not yet measured |
| Kerb weight | not yet measured |
"Not yet measured" means we haven't found a trustworthy source. We don't guess.
Cheapest ply cost estimate
A basic twin drawer unit sized to this wagon load area would be about 1009 mm wide (arch width minus 20 mm clearance) and 1200 mm long, 300 mm tall. That works out to roughly 3 sheets of 12 mm ply for the carcass and drawer boxes, plus 1 sheet of 18 mm (17 mm in AU) for the top.
| Market | Cheapest ply we found | Ply cost |
|---|---|---|
| NZ | Bunnings NZ Tigerply 12mm NZ$57.50/sheet, Bunnings NZ Tigerply 18mm NZ$89.90/sheet | about NZ$262 |
| AU | Bunnings AU CUSTOMply 12mm A$46.00/sheet, Bunnings AU 17mm non-structural (in-store only) A$71.40/sheet | about A$209 |
This is ply only: drawer runners, screws, glue, carpet and hinges are extra. Prices are 2400×1200 non-structural sheets, checked 15 Oct 2026, and shelf prices vary by store. The sheet count includes about 15% for offcuts and mistakes.
Budget layout ideas
- A twin drawer unit that sits between the wheel arches, with a flat ply top you can sleep or stack gear on.
- Use the space beside the drawers, on top of the arches, for jerry cans, a recovery bag or a small battery box.
- Keep heavy gear (water, fridge) low and forward, close to the rear axle, not hanging off the back.
- If you sleep inside, a hinged ply platform over the drawers with a fold-out section over the folded rear seats is the cheapest bed.
Help fill the gaps: measure your rig
Common questions
What size is the Hilux Surf 3rd gen (185) wagon load area?
From our sourced data: floor length, rear seats folded 1702 mm, 1029 mm between the wheel arches. Always measure your own vehicle before cutting, as tubs, trims and liners vary.
How much does it cost to build DIY drawers for a Hilux Surf 3rd gen (185)?
Roughly NZ$262 or A$209 in ply for a basic twin drawer unit (3× 12 mm sheets plus 1× 18/17 mm), using the cheapest non-structural sheets at Bunnings in Oct 2026. Runners and hardware are extra.
Will a standard drawer unit fit in a Hilux Surf 3rd gen (185)?
A unit up to about 1009 mm wide fits between the arches with some clearance. Wider units need to sit above arch height.