Whether you’re a die-hard Jeep owner headed to Moab or you just upgraded your reliable kid-hauler for an SUV that can handle a little weekend mud on the tires, chances are you’ve come up against a cargo issue at some point. Too much gear and no place to put it can dampen your enthusiasm for any trip and (gasp!) even make you miss your minivan.
Luckily, the aftermarket is brimming with innovative storage solutions that will let you fit all your necessities and then some with ease. No need to do the pack-unpack-repack-unpack dance anymore. Packing your gear has never been so easy.
Which Storage Method is Best for You?
When it comes to Jeep and SUV storage, it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all market. In fact, there are a surprising number of aftermarket products out there designed to suit a variety of different needs, uses, and personal preferences.
Rooftop Storage
Rooftop storage is one of the most popular methods of adding cargo capacity to your Jeep or SUV. Think of all that flat, unused real estate up there just ripe for the taking. It’s a great solution that doesn’t add any additional length to your ride and keeps gear up high and out of the way of your tailgate so you can still access your trunk space. Options are both plentiful and varied, from platform racks and baskets to boxes and bags.
Roof Racks
Platform racks will provide the most customization, as they essentially offer a really sturdy and flat surface on the top of your SUV. Usually made of heavy-duty steel, they have a low profile and sit flush with the roof. You can connect various accessories to them, including some of the baskets, boxes and bags mentioned here, making them a popular choice in the overlanding crowd.
Often, you’ll see these racks serving as a base for a rooftop tent, kayak, and even bikes, since they have high weight capacities and versatile mounting capabilities. The bump in personalization does come at some cost in convenience, namely that these are largely vehicle-specific.
However, many manufacturers offer racks in multiple configurations to accommodate as many makes and models as possible – like the Yakima LockNLoad Platform, which is available in six different sizes ranging from 165–330 lbs of weight capacity. Rhino-Rack’s Pioneer Platform Series offers a similar wide application use, and even comes in a small universal option.
For the loyal Jeep owners in the group, TrailFX offers a robust roof rack option that wraps around JK and JL Wranglers to provide top-side storage without sacrificing that quintessentially Jeep open-air driving experience. Constructed of heavy-duty powder-coated steel, it bolts securely to factory mounting points on the vehicle and provides 300 pounds of carrying capacity.
Roof Baskets
A very popular aftermarket option, roof baskets come in an extremely wide range of styles and sizes. They often feature a mesh ‘basket-like’ construction (hence the name), with raised sides to help keep items corralled. Usually made of steel or aluminum, they attach to crossbars on a vehicle’s roof.
Roof baskets are a little less aerodynamic than a flat platform, thanks to the raised edges. However, many modern options like the Rhino Rack X-Tray, Thule Canyon XT, and CURT Rooftop Cargo Carrier feature wind deflectors to cut down on road noise and resistance, while also protecting your cargo from bug guts, dirt, and debris along the way.
Hard-Sided Cargo Boxes
Offering a little more security, cargo boxes feature a hard-sided construction that locks up tight to keep out bad weather, road debris, and prying eyes. These too come in a variety of sizes and styles, but continue to showcase more streamlined and aerodynamic shapes over the years.
Two exceptionally popular options in this group belong to Yakima and Thule, who really dominate this corner of the market.
Yakima’s cargo boxes range from 12-21 cubic feet of storage space, offer dual-side operation for easy access, and come in textured, high-gloss, or matte-black finishes. The three main series are RocketBox, SkyBox, and ShowCase but a new CBX Solar line shows real promise.
Designed for those seeking a top-of-the-line, ultra-sleek and modern cargo box, the CBX Solar features a smartly integrated solar panel with two USB ports capable of delivering 36W/5-volts of power output for you to charge your smartphones, tablets, cameras, and camping lanterns without draining your car battery. It also boasts a generous 16 cubic feet of lockable storage space.
Over at Thule, where seven different series of cargo boxes reside, sizes range from 8-22 cubic feet and also come in various finishes with dual-side operation. The Thule Force XT Sport is a great option if you want a super sleek and aerodynamic cargo carrier that still leaves room for a rooftop bike mount.
Soft-Sided Cargo Bags
Soft-sided cargo bags are great for the budget-conscious buyer who is looking for a rugged and dependable way to tote extra cargo without the commitment of a permanently mounted rack or needing to store a large cargo box. They are generally crafted of sturdy but lightweight weatherproof materials, and are easy to install, use, and remove when not in use.
The Rightline Gear Sport Series is a popular soft cargo bag option. Available in three different sizes, these bags are made of 0.5 mm waterproof, UV-protected, and premium polyester re-enforced PVC to keep cargo in and the elements out. Even the zippers are waterproof.
The best part? You don’t need a roof rack to use this product.
Hitch-Mounted Storage
Hitch-mounted storage solutions are great for people who don’t want to struggle to reach the top of their vehicle’s roof. This makes them a great option for Jeep and SUV owners, especially since their vehicles often come with a hitch already installed. And if not? There’s always hatch-mounted solutions.
Like the rooftop storage, the dominant configurations are baskets, boxes and bags. That doesn’t mean manufacturers haven’t innovated unique features though.
The Thule Transporter Combi hitch box, for example, tilts down and out of the way to allow partial access to the vehicle’s trunk without needing to be removed. Similarly, the Yakima EXO SwingBase not only offers a platform for all kinds of accessories but also swings away with gear loaded to provide easy access to rear of vehicle. It even has a built-in bottle opener!
Bike racks and cradles are also popular among hitch-mounted cargo, and often feature swinging, sliding or tilting functionality for easy rear cargo access. Let’s Go Aero even makes a 2-bike holder that is specially designed to sit atop a basket-style cargo carrier or a cargo box for a seriously clever storage configuration.
Speaking of hitch baskets, LUND and CURT both make heavy-duty options with 500-pound carrying capacities. Great for attaching coolers, generators, and other camping essentials, they eliminate the need for a bulky tow-behind trailer.
For the ultimate in multi-purpose versatility, check out the Leader Accessories Hitch-Mount Cargo Carrier. The two-piece powder-coated steel carrier features 26-inch folding and locking legs so you can use it as a utility table, making it ideal for camping and tailgating.
Interior Storage
Inside storage has come a long way from over-the-seat organizers and collapsible trunk containers. From floor to ceiling, aftermarket manufacturers have innovated clever ways to maximize space.
For those embarking on serious off-grid adventures, check out the modular Outback Solutions range of drawer systems from ARB. While not a small investment, it represents the absolute top of the food chain in terms of personalized storage solutions with over 200 possible configurations available.
If sliding drawers and trays are a little more accessibility than you require, but you like the idea of all that flat hatch space, consider adding a shelf. There are plenty of cheap, folding options available online but if you’re seeking something that can withstand an off-road beating, check out Tuffy. The brand’s heavy-duty, high-strength steel drawers are made for versatile, tough cargo storage and offer some of the best security you can find for your gear.
For Jeep owners, Tuffy also makes a Deluxe Security Deck Enclosure that really helps address the vehicle’s lack of secure storage space out back. For open shelving, check out Paramount Automotive and Bestop. Both offer rear cargo racks that allow you to take more gear on your next off-road adventure, camping excursion, or road trip.
Speaking of Jeep owners, both WARN and Rightline Gear make durable zip-up bags that attach to roll bars, grab handles, rear seats, and A-pillars to create storage space where none existed. And for those who aren’t overly blessed in the height department, ceiling-mounted cargo nets are ideal for holding lightweight, easy-to-grab items. Very affordable, these truly maximize often unused real estate in your Jeep or SUV.