How to Use the Cargo Nets on Toyota 4Runners

Knowing how to secure your luggage using a cargo net will provide a cheap, easy and quick way to pack your bags on your 4Runner.

If you want to use a cargo net to secure luggage on top or in the back of your Toyota 4Runner, then there are a few simple tips to remember while packing and tying down your gear. Knowing how to secure your luggage with cargo nets will help to prevent rollovers or the loss of your luggage items as you are traveling down the road. Although cargo nets are one of the cheapest alternatives for securing cargo while traveling, remember that the quality of protection with a cargo net is dramatically reduced when compared to other permanent enclosure alternatives.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Cargo net
• Rope lengths

1. Inside your 4Runner

   • 1

     Secure the cargo net to the back side of the rear bench seat of the 4Runner. Some cargo nets are secured just by placing the accessory hooks on the seat stays of the 4Runner. It is important to note that different cargo nets will have different designs.

   • 2

     Load your luggage so that the heaviest items are directly over the rear axle. Try to achieve an even distribution of weight between the left and right sides of the vehicle. Depending on the size and load of your luggage, you may need to push heavier items towards the front of the vehicle so that the weight is distributed towards the front rather than weighing down the back end, which could lead to decreased stability.

   • 3

     Pack smaller items in crevices and holes between luggage items. One of the goals of packing for using a cargo net is to help prevent the shifting of your packed luggage and gear.

   • 4

     Stretch the cargo net over the top and sides of the luggage. Make sure that the edges of the cargo net extend to cover, and in some cases envelope, the luggage that is packed.

   • 5

     Tie rope lengths to the corners of the cargo net that are closest to the tail gate of the 4Runner. Loop the rope lengths through the lashing links near the gate on the floorboard of the vehicle. Run the rope length from each edge towards the center of the cargo net and insert the rope's free end through one of the lower links of the cargo net. Pull the net tightly, using the rope to crank down on the net. Tie a knot so that the rope tightens over itself.

   Tying Down Luggage On Top of the Vehicle

   • 1

     Load your luggage so that it is as flat as possible on top of the roof of the 4Runner. Use the same weight distribution pattern as in the previous section, with heavier items in the middle and towards the front. Pack in smaller items in nooks and crannies between larger items.

   • 2

     Attach the corners of the cargo net and pull tightly. If the cargo net has a ratchet or tightening system, use that to help take out excess slack. If you have smaller items, tie rope lengths to the cargo net and pass the free ends of the rope around the smaller items, using handles of the smaller items to fix them together if possible.

   • 3

     Use the same system from the previous section for tying rope lengths to each of the corners of the cargo net. Lace the ropes towards the middle of the edge of the cargo net on each side and ratchet down on the net, making it more secure. Tie the rope off against itself.