Headed out for a trip soon, and I'm revisiting our cargo solutions. Space is at a premium for us with 5 people on board. (Me, Mrs., 3 teenagers) and while the rear seat is very spacious for them, we definitely are glad for the compact, miniaturized camping gear that's available these days.We're loving our ICECO slide, ACJ gear plate, and Rago shelf. These items were a fair bit of coin, but seem very high value so far. We also added a Thule cargo box on top that takes a couple duffels and some of our camp furniture.

I'm still on the lookout for for cargo box solutions that fit a bit better than the plano and rubbermaid boxes we have. What are you using for box storage in the back?

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Not sure if you're asking for ideas or just showing us your setup?

If it would fit, a cheap (20% off coupon) harbor freight aluminum hitch carrier has been great for me.
For beach trips I put a few beach chairs, collapsible beach cart, a couple boogie-boards, 2 beach umbrellas, basically stuff that can get wet.
Pile it up. But go too high and you can't open the rear hatch.
Your swing-away deal might get in the way though.
You can also get watertight tubs that fit the hitch carrier just right...

"Cheap Harbor Freight" doesn't seem to go with your build though-
Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier - 500 lb. Capacity

Thanks for the recommendation! I definitely rock HF stuff in certain areas (all my heavy shop equipment is HF)


Sorry, for being less than clear here:

"I'm still on the lookout for for cargo box solutions that fit a bit better than the plano and rubbermaid boxes we have."

...by Cargo box solutions, I was looking to see what folks use to store their gear in their cargo area's, if they're not running drawers like us. We need to have the ability to "Slick" our cargo area to hold bigger stuff. So, we started out with some budget boxes from Plano, rubbermaid, , etc but so far haven't found our setup 100% yet, I think.

Might be that we end up with some gucci storage boxes from places like Frontrunner (wolfpack boxes) or maybe Zarges cases, etc, but those are pretty $$$$$, so we wanted to try cheaper stuff first.

i went to a 2 weeks camping with 2 teenagers. my lockable cargo box was on my hitch which made access easier and i can swing the cargo box to the side when in the camp, really good on long drives since it's not an air drag. the rear is packed and the cargo box and the middle rear seat. i wonder how you guys would fit with 3 teens. i probably overpacked. the fridge kept our food fresh even during our night stops to rest.

That must weight 6500lbs loaded up.

I just use plastic boxes with lids.
I keep kicking around the idea of a roof top carrier but can't commit because we live in a world with sub human thieves

My roof rack set-up is different now, but the rear storage is about the same. I was able to stack (4) of those Plano 68QT totes and strap them down with my cooler off to the side. Has worked well. It's not an "overland" set-up because things aren't super easy to access, but it is modular and easy to use. Just an example to hopefully inspire you! You can see more misc videos of the set-up if you look me up on the YouTubes @grizzlypath there.

My roof top basket has my Hi-lift, shovel and traction mats, all locked with a bicycle cable and lock. Won't stop a determined thief but keeps honest people honest. Rear windows have graphics, so nobody can see in. I have a First Aid kit, recovery "stuff" and tools inside. On trips, I have meds, c-pap, clothes, etc. And a refrigerator and my walker. Being disabled, I can usually park right outside my room and both my wife and I carry. Have a pistol locker under the seat for states where we can't carry, and the ax, etc. stow out of sight.

Except for one night at The Pony Soldier in Flagstaff, when some cowboy drove off and left his naked, screaming "girlfriend" in the parking lot, no issues!

The hitch carrier is a good option for some. It has been great for me. Doesn't impede rearward vision and seems to not impact MPG's besides the weight that the whole thing with cargo adds.
Once you get where you're going, unpack it and remove/ store it and you are good to go.

Another vote for the hitch carrier. Have had that same Haul Master one for years and it always comes in handy for vacations or just carrying something around that is dirty that I don't want to put inside. I've certainly got my $100 worth.