Welcome back to another community poll. This is a column interview Q&A with independent owner-submitted feedback from the overland community – centered around one topic. Each owner has thoroughly tested their products through off-roading or overlanding and gives us their honest opinion review of their set-up.
MOLLE panels have become a popular addition to off-roading vehicles due to their versatility and convenience. These panels provide a modular system for attaching various accessories and gear and improving your truck’s overall storage and organization. Whether it’s mounting extra fuel canisters, recovery gear, or tools, MOLLE panels offer a secure and efficient solution for maximizing the storage capacity of your Tacoma.
Let’s look at 4 different setups to maximize space.
Note: The builds listed below are in no particular order
Table Of Contents
What Are MOLLE Panels?
Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) panels were originally developed for military use. Specifically to enhance the modularity and versatility of gear and equipment carried by soldiers. They comprised a grid of webbing or straps sewn onto a panel, typically made of durable nylon. The webbing allows for the attachment of various accessories using the MOLLE system’s unique interlocking mechanism.
MOLLE panels have since found applications beyond the military and are now used with off-roading vehicles. They provide a practical and customizable solution for securely mounting equipment and optimizing storage space. They are compatible with a wide range of compatible accessories, making it easy for anyone to customize their setup.
1. Jonathan Rivera: Cali Raised
MOLLE PanelÂ
- Cali Raised LED Front + Side Bed System
- Cali Raised LED Center Console Panels
Tell Us About Your Setup
Cali Raised LED made it extremely easy for me to add panels to the interior and bed of my rig. I use the interior center console MOLLE panels to mount my first aid kit, some tools, and my walkie. The interior panels keep all of that gear in a quick-to-access position.
The bed panels made it easy to mount my Rotopax as well as my WaterPort in positions that make them easily accessible. Additionally, the bed panels are strong enough to be used as tie-down points for all of my gear when we’re out exploring!
2. Konrad: Backwoods
MOLLE PanelÂ
- Backwoods Adventure Mods GFC V2 Panel (limited release, not in production)
Tell Us About Your Setup
We had the opportunity to bring a neat product to the market in a limited release with Backwoods Adventure Mods. They manufacture various Toyota armor and accessories. The original idea was put on Grant’s truck (ARK Offroad) and we thought it would be a great product to launch together. While it was only available for a limited run on a group buy, it’s a rad setup I love to share.
Still working on the exact setup and how all my gear and accessories are mounted, but I’m pretty happy with the current setup as seen above. A smaller mod that really helps to bring the utility of the GFC to the next level.
3. Trevor Gwynn: OG Fabrications
MOLLE PanelÂ
- OG Fabrications Tacoma Rear Passenger Seat Panel
Tell Us About Your Setup
My panels are mounted to the back of the rear seats in my 3rd Gen Tacoma.
They are accessible when the seat backs are laid down flat. I use them to strap down bags or gear that I’m hauling around while out off-roading. As part of the system, there is also a panel to lock a Milwaukee Pack Out system in place. This holds small tools and items I might need during recovery.
4. Monica Nunez: Cali Raised LED
MOLLE PanelÂ
- Cali Raised LED Center Console Panels
Tell Us About Your Setup
My panel is mounted on my center console, and I use it to store my safety gear. On it, I have my concealed carry along with a pocket knife and an emergency window breaker/seatbelt cutter.
I love how tactical this panel looks paired with my concealed weapon; it also gives me quick access to it, just in case.
I decided to go with Cali Raised LED because it was a more affordable option than many others that I looked at. They are also a very reputable brand with quality products.
5. Collin Riley: Rago Fab
MOLLE PanelÂ
- SmartCap EVOa Adventure Truck Cap Panels
- RagoFab Center Console Panel
Tell Us About Your Setup
In the bed, I have all of my recovery gear attached to my SmartCap MOLLE panel and bin. It allows for easy access and organization when I find myself in a recovery situation. I chose the SmartCap because it was my dream cap and fits the theme of my truck very well.
I also have the RagoFab center console MOLLE panel with a bridge inside the truck. This is easily one of my favorite mods as it provides easy access to my firearm (which I legally store there) while I’m taking long drives or hitting the trail. It is one of my most asked-about mods, and the design and quality are unmatched.
6. Alex & Jae: AOD Fabrication
MOLLE PanelÂ
- AOD Fabrication Bed Mounted Panels
Tell Us About Your Setup
The AOD Fabrication MOLLE panels are mounted on both sides of the truck bed. Attached to our panels are an axe and shovel on the left side and we use the right side as a tie-down point for gas/water jerry cans.
We picked AOD Fabrication because they are Canadian, and Jae and I believe in supporting Canadian companies. We like that the panels feature an easy no-drill installation and fit the Tacoma exactly. Overall, they are a great product created by an even better company!
Final Thoughts
That wraps up another Taco Tuesday!
MOLLE panel setups can be a great addition to your build. Whether you want to organize your gear in one place or add extra storage, these are a great solution.
Next week, we’ll be reviewing aftermarket spare tire carriers for the Toyota Tacoma.
