Road Trip Luggage Questions

[tankismyname]

I've read probably 100+ threads on roof racks, cargo boxes, hitch carriers etc but I need some guidance from the experts here.

To keep it simple, 5th gen 4R, LFD 7/8ths roof rack, interior cargo space very limited due to 2 large dog crates.

Everything else is stock.

What is the best route for road tripping in this vehicle?

I am leaning towards a Thule or Yakima cargo box on the roof, plus the Rola Swing-away hitch carrier which would allow easy access to the rear hatch and dogs. I assume these options should be sufficient for a couple suitcases, food and other random gear to take on a trip unless you guys suggest a better route.

In terms of accessing the rooftop cargo box, I am leaning towards some sort of steps. I have seen sliders that have steps but doubt I will ever truly need sliders. I have also seen cheaper options that don't protect the rocker panels which seem more in line with what I'll be using the vehicle for. I guess I could always just throw a fiberglass ladder on the roof and travel with that, but thats seems pretty dumb IMO.

Anyways I am probably overthinking all this but I want to do it right and be set up for future success so any input is appreciated.

Thanks everyone,

 

[4RExplorer]

For accessing the rooftop cargo box, you might want to try one of those steps that hooks into the door latch, e.g.

STRATOMAX Vehicle Hooked on U Shaped Slam Latch Doorstep

 

[crossfire190]

i have a Thule rooftop box. I find that i am able to comfortably reach most items out of the box by standing on the rear wheel. For items in the front, i open the driver's door and stand on the sill. Works well enough without having to bring a ladder. I am 6' tall, so factor that in...

 

[Cadesun]

i have a Thule rooftop box. I find that i am able to comfortably reach most items out of the box by standing on the rear wheel. For items in the front, i open the driver's door and stand on the sill. Works well enough without having to bring a ladder. I am 6' tall, so factor that in...

Same here, 6' and easily reach most items in my Thule Force (L) from the door or wheel. We took a 3 week road trip with it a couple years back and had zero issues.

I did put these nerf bars this winter on for the kiddos:

Running Boards - Star Armor Running Boards From TYGER Auto

I'm sure they will help but not completely necessary. Keep in mind many cargo boxes can be opened from either side.

 

[tankismyname]

For accessing the rooftop cargo box, you might want to try one of those steps that hooks into the door latch, e.g.

STRATOMAX Vehicle Hooked on U Shaped Slam Latch Doorstep

While those do seem like the least expensive route to take, I would rather have something a bit more permanent if steps are actually needed. Reading the other two posts so far it sounds like I should have much issue accessing the box while standing in on the tires, though I would like a bit safer approach if possible.

 

[flyrv9]

Small folding ladder or one of those hang over the tire steps.

 

[mteolus]

Thule makes great products. I have their cargo box, can't remember which one it is but it will open from either side of the vehicle which is nice. I used it on a Ford Escape once on a road trip and MPG's didn't go down at all so the aerodynamics are good.

I haven't really needed this yet but I have it because the stuff I have in the box I can reach by standing either in the front or back door sides. It seems pretty expensive for what you get. I have tested it and it works. Maybe it will be a little more usful in a 4Runner since it is longer than an Escape.

Thule Step Up Wheel Step - Best Price on Thule 232 Step Up Tire Step

This might also help with stuff in the rear of the vehicle. I just bought one and it works great.

Body Armor Backbone Hitch Skidplate Accessory

 

[tankismyname]

Thule makes great products. I have their cargo box, can't remember which one it is but it will open from either side of the vehicle which is nice. I used it on a Ford Escape once on a road trip and MPG's didn't go down at all so the aerodynamics are good.

I haven't really needed this yet but I have it because the stuff I have in the box I can reach by standing either in the front or back door sides. It seems pretty expensive for what you get. I have tested it and it works. Maybe it will be a little more usful in a 4Runner since it is longer than an Escape.

Thule Step Up Wheel Step - Best Price on Thule 232 Step Up Tire Step

This might also help with stuff in the rear of the vehicle. I just bought one and it works great.

Body Armor Backbone Hitch Skidplate Accessory

I like the idea of the hitch step, especially the beaver tail ones that might keep people from doing much damage in a rear end collision. If I go the route of the Rola hitch carrier then that means no step back there. I wish there was an alternative option to the Rola but I cannot find anything with a swing-away arm. The reviews on the Rola aren't great and it costs between $800-900 for a hitch carrier, which seems absurd.

 

[Bumbo]

Having traveled with both of these items (roof top cargo box and hitch mounted carrier) at the same time… ill throw in my 2 cents.

Roof mounted cargo box.

Pros - Plenty of space, great for long items like fishing poles, shoves, traction pads. Its also nice for bulky soft goods like sleeping bags and clothing duffle bags. Items that conform to share are better than trying to take a packed suit case and throw it in there. It kept stuff clean and dry, and aero was good, I don’t notice it’s up there from a noise standpoint.

Cons - Doesn’t fit in my garage with it on. Can’t put it on until after I get out of the garage which makes occasional use more annoying and you will end up using it less. Limits travel parking options… for example many parking structures will not have clearance to accommodate it. Takes up a lot of space when in storage.

Hitch mounted carrier

Pros – Good for large or heavy items like water cans, gas cans, tires, coolers. Worked well for difficult to load/unload from height items. Easy to access items in place like a cooler without unloading. Its like adding a really small truck bed to the thing.

Cons – Items get pretty dirty trailing behind the truck. Exposed to the elements. Easy for people to steal stuff if you have to leave it unattended. Terrible for off-road clearance as it really jacks up your approach / departure angles. Depending on what is on there, may obstruct opening of the hatch if you have tall items.

Both of them turned out to be pretty useful, but if you plan on doing any off-road driving, leave the hitch carrier at home. I use it for camping all the time, but usually to transport things like tires, coolers, or other items which I typically unload and then drive around. The aluminum one from harbor freight turned out to be a pretty good unit for the price. I would recommend.

 

[unsub1]

The combo of an LFD rack with rooftop box is awesome. SO much room. My sliders are great for loading it but yeah, standing in the driver's door or on the wheel does okay in a pinch.

Throwing back on my Skybox to drive to Taos this weekend, in fact.