Best Storage Drawer Systems for Hiace Camper Beds | DIY Guide

Best Storage Drawer Systems for Hiace Camper Beds

(Smart Under-Bed Storage Explained)

A well-designed storage drawer system transforms a Toyota Hiace camper from basic to highly functional. With limited space inside a van, under-bed storage becomes the most valuable real estate in any DIY camper kit for Hiace.

This guide covers the best drawer system designs, ideal dimensions, materials, and layouts commonly used in Australian Hiace camper builds across NSW & QLD.

Why Drawer Systems Matter in Hiace Campers

Under-bed drawers help you:

• Keep gear organized

• Access equipment without unloading the van

• Separate clean and dirty items

• Maximize space over wheel arches

For Hiace 4WD campervan or Hiace 4x4 off-road builds, drawers also improve weight distribution and stability.

Hiace Drawer Clearance & Key Dimensions

Before designing drawers, confirm these measurements:

• Wheel arch height: ~300 – 320 mm

• Recommended bed height: 420 – 470 mm

• Usable drawer height: 250 – 300 mm

• Drawer depth (lengthways bed): 1,600 – 1,900 mm

⚠️ Always allow 10–20 mm clearance for slide mechanisms.

Popular Drawer System Designs

1. Full-Length Single Drawer

Overview
One long drawer running the full length of the bed.

Pros

• Maximum storage volume

• Simple construction

• Ideal for large gear

Cons

• Heavy when fully loaded

• Requires strong slides

Best for
Long trips, off-grid travel, Hiace 4WD builds

2. Dual Drawer System (Left + Right)

Overview
Two medium-width drawers split down the center.

Pros

• Better weight balance

• Easier access

• Modular storage

Cons

• Slightly less total volume

Best for
Couples, organized touring setups

3. Mixed Drawer + Open Bay

Overview
One drawer on one side, open storage on the other.

Pros

• Flexible for odd-shaped gear

• Easier DIY build

• Lightweight

Cons

• Less dust protection

Best for
Surfboards, chairs, water tanks

Drawer Slides – What Works Best?

Heavy-Duty Ball Bearing Slides

• Load rating: 100–227 kg

• Smooth operation

• Higher cost

Timber Runners (Budget Option)

• Cheap and easy

• Noisy over time

• Less durable

✅ Recommendation:
Use heavy-duty locking slides for off-road and 4x4 Hiace builds.

Materials for Hiace Drawer Systems

Marine Plywood (Most Popular)

• Strong and moisture resistant

• Easy to work with

• Affordable

Aluminium Framing (Premium)

• Lightweight

• Strong

• Higher cost and complexity

Most DIY camper kits for Hiace use 12–15 mm marine ply for drawers and 18 mm for load-bearing panels.

Rear Access vs Internal Access Drawers

Rear Door Access

• Most common

• Easy access to gear

• Ideal for camping setups

Internal Access

• Access from inside bed area

• Useful in bad weather

• Requires careful planning

Many builders combine rear access drawers + internal hatch lids.

Real Drawer System Examples (Video)

🎥 Practical under-bed drawer layouts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsCpPG2m4VU

🎥 Modular storage & bed integration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eab2iWhGMI

These examples show real proportions and load handling in Hiace builds.

Choosing the Right Hiace for Storage Builds

Not all vans are equal when it comes to storage-friendly layouts.

Explore suitable Hiace models:

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/toyota-hiace.html

Related reading:

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/toyota-hiace-van-for-sale.html

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/campervan-for-sale.html

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/commercial-van-for-sale.html

Commercial Motor Group specializes in Toyota Hiace vans ideal for DIY camper conversions across NSW & QLD.

Drawer System Cost Estimate (Australia)

• Marine plywood: AUD $150 – $400

• Heavy-duty slides: AUD $120 – $300

• Hardware & fasteners: AUD $50 – $100

Estimated total:AUD $320 – $800