All:

Long-time lurker, 1st time poster. I'm looking for advice/insight into building some sort of rear mounted weather enclosure for a 1st gen. This would provide a place at the rear of the truck where I could get all my ski stuff on/together when it is dumping outside. After a few seasons of trying to put boots on and get all our stuff together in the drivers/passenger seat, my wife and I think we need a paradigm shift. Also, since the 1st gen rear gate open down instead of up on later models, we get all kings of snow in the cargo area when we are pulling our skis out of the back. I am thinking of something like those weather covers that people use at tailgating parties. However, those are rather cheesy, and I would like it to to integrate into the rear cargo area somehow. Hence, I am not just looking for a tarp taped to the roof. Anyone have any cool ideas or better yet photos of something you did yourself?

Cheers.
Ari

 

Id attach the fabric to the INSIDE of the 4Runner cab.
Think giant tent snow sleeve....
Add some pole pockets and some cups. Heck - size the poles to use yer ski poles. That way when yer done - shove the whole mess back into the back of the truck...

Biggest problem with that idea is rea visibility when driving - but if you have some "gather up" straps - you can strap the mess out of the way of the rear window when you are going on the "home" run.

OR

Think late 80s Toyota 4WD van
http://www.toyotavanpeople.com/

 

I would carry my boots into the lodge, and put them on in there.