(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best cargo management products

I think that you will prefer doing two cars. It will give you more freedom at your stops if people want to do different things. Also, in my mind an RV is going to be a huge hassle, unless you are only camping or staying in the country.

As far as a rooftop carrier, you do not have to have a rack or buy a hardtop. It is cheaper and in some ways more convenient to buy a roof bag. We purchased this one on amazon last year and it worked great. When I bought it the price was $68 - it looks like it went up, so you could shop around for a cheaper one. The benefits of a roof bag are: 1) cheaper, 2) don't need a rack, and 3) you can easily take it off and store it in your vehicle with your luggage if needed during stops (discourage thieves if you are worried). We put ours through hell and it held up great.

For our trip, we only had about 16 and a half days, so two weeks plus the weekend. We had to stay on this schedule due to work/time-off - you could do a lot more than us with an extra week. You can buy any park passes at the park and I would just pay for tolls as you go. Unless there is a specific tour that you want to do which could sell out, most things you don't need to buy before hand.

It sounds like you guys are taking a very similar route to what we did - I have listed it below so you can get a feel what what is possible:

• Day 1: left North Carolina Friday night after work, driving all night.
  
  
• Day 2: Stopped in the morning at the St. Louis, MO, Arch. We only stopped to see the arch for about an hour and then kept driving. Arrived in Denver, CO at the end of the day, driving 28 hours straight if you don't count St. Louis.
  
  
• Day 3: Left early and spent the day at Rocky Mountain National Park, CO. We left around 6PM to drive about 5 hours into Utah and spent the night at a motel.
  
  
• Day 4: Drove all day and arrived in the West side of Yosemite National Park, CA late in the day.
  
  
• Day 5: Spent the day in Yosemite National Park. We all loved Yosemite, probably my favorite national park.
  
  
• Day 6: Left early in the morning and drove three or so hours to Napa Valley and did a vineyard tour. After that we visited Muir Woods (huge trees) and then drove into San Fransisco where we would spend the night.
  
  
• Day 7: Spent the day in San Fransisco. We all love San Fransisco, it is one of my favorite cities - very unique.
  
  
• Day 8: Left San Fransisco early to take the PCH (highway 1) down the coast to Los Angeles. It is about a 6 and 1/2 hour drive, so we made a day of it and stopped at Carmel Mission, Pfeiffer Beach (beautiful with purple sand), and Hearst Castle, then finally arrived at our hotel north of LA.
  
  
• Day 9: Visited Hollywood and Santa Monica. Unfortunately, horrible traffic kept us from doing much more.
  
  
• Day 10: Left our LA hotel early and drove to Las Vegas, arriving in the afternoon. Explored the city, ate at Bacchanal Buffet, and partied.
  
  
• Day 11: Partied in Vegas.
  
  
• Day 12: Drove to Phoenix, AZ.
  
  
• Day 13: Made a day trip from Phoenix to northern AZ. Stopped in Sedona (Red Rock country like Road Runner in the Looney Toons and seriously awesome to see), then visited Walnut Canyon National Monument, and finally the Grand Canyon (which is an obvious must see). Then drove back to Phoenix.
  
  
• Day 14: Drove around 25 hours through the night to Nashville, TN.
  
  
• Day 15: Slept and relaxed, then explored Nashville a bit at night.
  
  
• Day 16: Explored Nashville.
  
  
• Day 17: Drove home.
  
  A few more things:
  
  
• States like Nevada and Utah are VERY empty as far as other people. Do not let your vehicle's gas tank get below half way - in fact, I would fill at 3/4 of a tank. We had a close call because of this.
  
  
• The Rockies and Yosemite have some very steep and narrow roads. This is particularly true if you go north of Yosemite (it is ridiculous) to get around the mountain range. Your vehicles are going to be under serious stress weighted down with 4-5 people and luggage. Bring a pre-deluded antifreeze bottle incase of over-heating. Be cautious about driving through these areas at night (it is pitch black).
  
  
• Weather is different out West. We experienced a flash flood that nearly swept our vehicle away. Another time we had to reroute because of a wild fire.
  
  
• Driving is not as boring as it seems. Despite all the driving, we loved watching the landscape change. Places in Nevada and Utah look unreal compared to NC.
  
  
• The trip was not as draining as it sounds. For the most part we were full energy and ready to go, even in our final days -- when we got home, we all wished we could keep going. As I mentioned before, using minor sleep aids helps with this a lot. Make sure you rest in the car when it is not your turn to drive. Make sure that everyone is required to drive 3 hour shifts. If it is four people, that means you only have to drive 3 hours and then have a 9 hour break period. THAT SAID, I'm not familiar with your group and some people may not cope well in this sort of situation.
  
  
• Sometimes the trip was uncomfortable or even scary (a few close calls), but it made the best memories. I have been to nice resorts, vacations, etc., but this trip is the one we talk about the most.
  
  

I searched for hours trying to find other examples of people putting front racks on their trailers and didn’t come up with anything useful for me, so I’m just putting this out there to help other people who might be looking to add a rack one day.

When I bought my teardrop trailer it came with the connections to hook-up a ClimateRight A/C unit, but didn’t have a rack to store it on or transport it. I tried a few things:

1. The trailer manufacturer wanted $200 for a rack and they were in another state, so I had to pay high shipping costs.
   
   
2. Local fabricators wanted $200+ to custom make a rack
   
   
3. Most commercial “trailer tongue racks” were smaller, triangle shaped designs without the capacity I needed, specifically to carry my generator, ClimateRight AC unit, and ideally a gas can outside of the trailer.
   
   
4. I looked at a few “hitch racks” and actually bought one like this cheaper Highland model. The problem is they were very wide, cutting in to my turning radius, and they were structurally weak without the “hitch” beam running down the center, which I would have had to remove to mount it to my trailer frame.
   
   In addition, I really didn’t want to have to drill holes in the trailer frame as I don’t have the tools for drilling in heavy duty steel.
   
   My solution was this- Titan Universal ATV Rear Back Cargo Basket, $79 with free prime shipping at Amazon.
   
   It came with mounting bars that are designed to clamp an existing rack on the back of an ATV, and the 22” x 39” size were almost perfect for holding my Westinghouse Generator (last years design of this model), AC unit, and a 5 gallon gas can.
   
   The only thing I needed to do was go purchase longer bolts for the bracket from my local hardware store (I used ACE instead of a big box so I could buy single bolts instead of large packs, cost me $2.50 total) and in about 30 minutes I had a steel rack clamped down to my trailer tight. Unlike the “hitch” style racks, the ATV rack had a full tubular steel frame that is rigid and strong and required no additional supports or drilling- I simply used the existing mounting holes and brackets to clamp it to the frame.
   
   Of everything I tried this is by far the simplest and best option out there.

I transport mine on a cargo carrier on the back of my Subaru brz, so if I can do it you can too. I have driven tins of hours on the highway, done probably 90mph, and never had a single problem.

Make sure you secure the prop when you transport it, I use two bungees (the loop ones with the little ball on the end, like this looped around the horizontal bars of the cage on either side, and they keep the prop horizontal and still so it doesn't turn into a wind turbine on the highway. A piece of rope will do the same thing but the bungees are nice and gentle on the prop and easy to take off.

You'll need two ratchet straps, and to figure out how to hold it down to the carrier. In terms of carriers, I'm not sure what size hitch receive you have, but I'm going to guess it's the smaller 1 1/4 inch one. I got this one. It works well, but sits a little low to the ground and took a while to put together. I also had to make a wooden base for the bottom of it. This is the same brand and sits a little higher off the ground, so if your car is low like mine you might want this as another budget option (mine scrapes leaving my driveway, not a huge deal) I also think this is the one Tucker Gott uses, it's probably the same build quality as the one I got. Sides are a little lower so might be harder to secure a fuel can.

This one seems a little nicer, but it's double the cost. Keep in mind, whatever cargo carrier you get you will need to have a flat surface to place your paramotor on. The one I got required me to make a wooden base to sit the motor on, which isn't necessarily easy. For the two others I listed, they have metal grating that you could probably place the motor on, but I personally think a piece of thin plywood bolted to the metal would work better. That way you don't have metal on metal and it gives a little better grip on the bottom of your motor.

One thing I'm not sure I like with the more expensive pro series model, is the clamp it uses on the receiver. The curt carriers use a bolt instead of a pin, and tightening that bolt locks the bar in the receiver and gets rid of most of the slop. With a normal pin, the carrier can rotate a lot so it needs some way to get rid of that. On the pro series carrier, they use a U bolt type thing that clamps down on the receiver, so Instead of just putting the carrier in and tightening one bolt like on the Curt carriers, you have to put it in, put a pin in, and tighten two nuts.

Each have their plusses and minuses, but they will all work.

This is my setup:


http://imgur.com/a/GMkqy8J

Thule and a couple other companies make custom and/or semi-custom-fit clip-on roof racks for most cars. They're kind of expensive but are popular with the kayak/biking crowd who use them enough to justify it.

etrailer has a few options.

There are also more generic strap-on racks like this one. I have one like that, it works fine, but the straps coming in through the tops of the doors let in a fair amount of road noise and I'd be hesitant to go on the highway because as much as I yank/pull/ratchet the straps down, I can still pretty easily yank the bars side to side. But it's fine for trips to the hardware store and around town.

No idea about the legality of what's in your video, but it made me veeeeery nervous.

I have these and I love them. They look super sleek and work great. Super easy installation. I don't have a basket, just j arms for kayaks that I use with them.

I have a 2017 with the stock AeroBars and I decided upon purchasing this one here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002M4AVGU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1MYXA6TLEW6O1&psc=1

The reviews on it are really good. I used it throughout the summer, including taking it on a few camping/road trips and it's holding up great so far. I have not noticed any rust spots and it looks almost exactly like the rhino rack version just without the brand-name. I am happy with my purchase.

You’ll have better luck posting this on r/grandcherokee.

Here’s a previous post about roof racks and baskets, that I posted a while back.

I have been doing some research on roof racks and baskets lately. This jeepgarage wk2 forum is very informative. The post is about roof rack systems. http://www.jeepgarage.org/f176/wk2-rack-systems-manufacturers-list-74013.html

I really like Rhino Rack's basket - https://www.amazon.com/Rhino-Rack-Mount-Basket-Regular/dp/B00A5VG6Q6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1503189941&sr=8-4&keywords=rhino-rack

Although, i'll likely go with the Rola because it's less expensive and i plan on taking it off when it's not in use. https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Basket/Rola/59504.html

Here are the vendors that are mentioned on the jeepgarage post, in case you dont want to sign up to log in.

— Baja Rack: Mule: Baja Rack MegaMule: Baja Rack

— DiamondRax: Roof Racks - DiamondRax - Con-ferr Style

— Garvin: Garvin Wilderness Racks

— Gobi: Gobi Jeep

— Inno: inno (RV-Inno) /ADVANCED CAR RACKS,

— Mopar: Jeep Grand Cherokee Sport Utility Bars (Part No: 82212072AC)

— Rhino: Rhino RackÂUSA | Car Roof Racks, Cargo Trays, Ski & Bike Racks

— Rocky Road: Jeep Grand Cherokee Roof Rack:Â*2011+ Jeep Grand Cherokee Roof Rack

— ROLA: ROLA Roof Racks

— Saris: Saris (currently no rack for WK2)

— Thule: Bring your life: Racks and Carriers for Bikes Skis Kayaks Canoes Surfboards - Roof racks - Roof boxes – Bags and Cases for Travel Laptops Cameras Tablets Smartphones – Bike Bags and Racks – Snow Chains – Camping - Thule

— TracRac: Homepage | TracRac

— Yakima: Yakima | Car Racks

It will also come with a hitch if you want a tongue-mounted luggage carrier like the linked one. A bit tacky but frees up your trunk for stuff you use on the road easily accessible while the destination luggage is tied down. The good thing with the 3 is you won't need to install one aftermarket.

Again not choice #1 but it's available and really expands cargo area.

I haven't needed to get on the freeway with it, but I have gone 40-45 mph on some roads and it felt pretty solid to me. This was for a dry wall trip (5 sheets), not plywood.

Edit: I should point out, I made this roof rack for a Honda HRV, which came with factory roof rails and bought something like these on Amazon as cross bars. I looked into getting roof rails directly on my Elantra sedan, but some of the reviews said the ones designed for car roofs were a little less stable. In the YouTube video I linked, the guy uses a typical sedan style vehicle.

I'll check my rating, but I have a 2016 silverado so I'm confident it will do it.


Do you by chance have pics on how you strapped it down? I have strapped mine in the bed and maybe I go overboard, but the pics on the Amazon review looks like they used one strap haha.

Also what kind of bike?


Edit : is this the one? Looks more heavy duty

Black Widow MCC-600 600 lb HeavyDutySteelMotorcycleCarrier–600lb.Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WFIJ362/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7rT6CbNDE9731

good to know, thanks for the tip.

i was even considering something like this - https://www.amazon.com/Tow-Tuff-TTF-2762KR-Steel-Carrier/dp/B004RFKBEO/ref=sr_1_22 the extra cargo space would be nice for weekend camping trips.

Ratcheting cargo bars can be used to create a temporary support between the walls:

https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Explore-1390600-Ratcheting-Cargo/dp/B01414B9HI

You can then hang whatever you want off them to help muffle the sound. The thicker the material, the better the sound reduction.

Got these for my 2019. Have had zero problems. I keep a Yakima Loadwarrior attached all the time. They look like the OEM ones. I don’t notice any additional noise with them on compared to when they were off. I do notice noise with the sunroof open, but that’s largely attributed to the cargo basket, not the rails themself. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for the OEM look, but want to save some money.

BRIGHTLINES 2018 Subaru Crosstrek & 2017-2018 Impreza Aero Crossbars Roof Racks

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079K69B5L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OCsVBbM4V8N6Q

ROLA 59726 Removable Mount GTX... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008HBM0XO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Fits really well and is super sturdy, does create a lot of wind noise. Fairing recommended

Agreed, for raw capacity, I think the basket is a better option. I pair it with waterproof bag for rain, can hold my large tent, tarp, 3 camp chairs, camp table and some sleeping bags. Im only worried to go over the 70kg weight limit stated by VW...

Bag - https://www.amazon.com/Lund-601016-Soft-Pack-Rooftop/dp/B0002Z9QO4

Bag looks awesome as well.

https://imgur.com/gallery/rNk2s

I have these and am very happy with the purchase. Super sturdy and can hold 150 lbs and they are lockable. I wanted the wide bars because we carry a large kayak and can also load other gear.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052WHJY6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

> Eh...I think the question was in regards to a setup for carrying a bike without a trailer. I'd be interested in it as well since a trailer is way more limiting, exposed, upkeep, another point of failure, and the associated costs that go with a trailer.

I use https://www.amazon.com/Black-Widow-MCC-600-Heavy-Duty-Motorcycle/dp/B00WFIJ362/ but need to do some work to get my hitch extended. It's pretty sketchy getting my bike up that ramp by myself - given that it's about 500 pounds. I can't open the door with the bike there too. It looks like this van-bulance has a pass through.

I bought this combo for our Crosstrek...

BRIGHTLINES 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek & 2017-2019 Impreza Aero Crossbars Roof Racks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079K69B5L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3hjKDb66H3WE3

AA Products 2 Pair J-Bar Rack for Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Paddle Board Surfboard Roof Top Mount on Car SUV Truck Crossbar with 16 Ft Ratchet Lashing Straps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VWCPJ7T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3ijKDbGC73AEJ

The bars are Rock solid perfect fit with zero noise. Not sure if they make them for your Rav.

Receiver hitch from minimania.com . Rack is very basic, this one:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QEKGA0

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I added most of the red retroreflective tape and replaced some of the bolts with stainless eyebolts from the hardware store.

​

The straps go to the two attachment rings at the front of the trunk, up and over the trunk lid where I've protected the paint with some helicopter tape.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O6BQMG

​

The instructions for the receiver hitch said not to attach a cantilevered load like this without reinforcing with straps.

​

I don't have this thing on very often, but we're going camping tonight and it will be a lot easier to pack this way. I'll probably just have the cooler on it.

Buy some oem subaru bars. Subaru makes really nice roof racks. Spend your extra money on more bike.

My dad bought one of those rei bikes last spring. The frame is pretty reasonable but the components are budget and if you spend a bit more you can get much nicer stuff. They will probably put them on sale for memorial day again this year too.

I ended up going with this roof bag. It's rated really good and people had a lot of good things to say about it. One guy recommended upgrading the straps and for a couple bucks more I will be doing that.

Thank you! It's a rola basket with the extension to make it a lil bigger and a yitamotor 34 inch curved Led bar. The curve of the bar matches the curve of the basket almost perfectly. I wrapped the basket where it attaches together with FiberFix just for some extra strength and also the back half of the basket is suspended over the roof without support from a cross bar so it needed the reinforcement.

I got this for our Outback:

https://www.amazon.com/Rola-59504-Vortex-Mounted-Basket/dp/B004R34HDC

Plus this:

https://www.amazon.com/Rola-59505-Vortex-Mounted-Extension/dp/B001G4Z5NQ/ref=pd_lpo_263_tr_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=G17AAJSCYHB7EMTKT31N

It's a HUGE rack and half the price of Thule or Yakima. Highly recommend. I believe you'll need to purchase the crossbars for it though.

A luggage rack + totes worked well for us with a minivan. We got some weather-proof totes and some straps and put all our clothes into those. It will create a lot more room for gear in the back of the van.


You have to remove the totes when you open the back hatch, but for the most part that's okay because you're only going back there to load in and out for the gig. When we stopped for meals left the vehicle for some reason, we just put the totes in the van and went about on our way.


Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/ARKSEN-Folding-Carrier-Luggage-Receiver/dp/B011VP2DR0/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1502193916&sr=1-2&refinements=p_n_format_browse-bin%3A491459011

and some heavy-duty weatherproof totes.

This is the one I got.

It's $42 more but Brightlines isn't a Subaru brand I've ever heard of and could be a cheap knock off, there also aren't any pictures. It'd be worth sending them a message to ask them what their warranty and return policy is just in case, but from a warranty and durability perspective I'd recommend the Subaru brand ones, and they're cheaper than what you'll find with Thule IMO.

I have used a hitch mounted back rack for many trips. It works great and can hold 300-500 pounds depending on the rack. Link for Hitch and rack. Video of install.

I hate to be "that guy" haha but is this the one? And then you bought this in tandem? Thanks again!

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/59726-Removable-Mount-Hyundai-Veloster/dp/B008HBM0XO/ref=sr_1_1

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I made this guide some time ago that goes over several options, including using clamps or drop ceiling mounts, depending on your specific setup. Mounting solutions start at just a few dollars per Lighthouse but can add up if you use nicer parts, such as the clamps.

Another option I've started using in a specific room is a ratcheting cargo bar. This is normally used in a truck bed but you can mount it vertically on a windowsill and then use a clamp and a mini ball head to aim the Lighthouses wherever you want.

Note that there are cheaper versions of almost everything I've linked. However, I linked what I actually use because they will last.

That's an interesting trade but unfortunately it's a no go (maybe a yard sale in the past?), this is the one we had though, looks like the rack option is in stock and they now make a smaller one (11 cu ft vs the 15 we had)

https://www.amazon.com/RoofBag-Explorer-Waterproof-Soft-Carrier/dp/B0042H6BA0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467288683&sr=8-2&keywords=roof+top+bag

Looks like there's some cheaper options, I just know that's the one we had and it was heavy and durable, I'd definitely get or fashion an anti skid mat.

EDIT: On second thought, maybe this was outrs, they all look the sameish:

https://www.rei.com/product/677675/sherpak-go-15-roof-bag

See here: http://imgur.com/tyswKGE. I don't think I've uploaded a picture from the side since I've moved the cargo basket back. I'll dig through my phone and see what I find, but basically picture the rails and basket in the back, there's probably about 4 inches of clearance between the end of the basket and the antenna.

Rack: Yakima Whispbar (Size: S46) http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BFN5EO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Basket: Yakima LoadWarrior http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009XAMTM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

If I were to look at cargo baskets again, I might consider the Rhino Rack basket: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A5VG6Q6?refRID=0J5JVYZFQA2Z4KQWCYRK&ref_=pd_ybh_a_26 .It fits aero blades as well and looks a little more aerodynamic.

I got the AERO Cross Bars from Amazon for $150 and installed them myself. Came with a tool and instructions to tighten the bars to the rails. Really easy process

My concern was how you'd transport it because bike racks often have issues with fat tires and non standard wheelbases. It could be a problem if you take the bus or catch a ride with a friend. It bugs me because it means my hitch can only be used for my fat tire ebike, or for cargo, not both. If I had built my ebike around a conventional mtb, then I could use this thing. The two bikes you're looking at also look incompatible with most racks that attach to a hatch. If you're always riding, then it's not a problem.

From watching the lockinglawyer and bosnianbill, I'd go with a ulock like the Uguard Brute or Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit. Their advantage is a shackle thicker than bolt cutters can handle right now. Get insurance though. There's no 100% foolproof way to stop thieves, so prepare yourself so the impact of a theft can be dealt with when it happens. I keep seeing https://velosurance.com/ pop up when it comes to ebike insurance. You might have renters insurance or something like that, but chances are they are against insuring motorized vehicles, which includes ebikes.

Yeah I bought mine off amazon for $50. https://www.amazon.com/Seah-Hardware-Universal-Cross-Bars-Inches/dp/B076KDY47H/ref=mp_s_a_1_18?keywords=roof+rack&qid=1564421508&s=gateway&sr=8-18

Oh, in that case, you may want to consider a hitch rack just to carry a few more things without hurting the range much. You may still have to take it off for the supercharger cable to reach though... might be worth it to bring a few more things with you.

I have Brightlines and I love them. They're very reasonably priced. Never had a problem with them, so easy to get on and off. (Well, on, anyway. I put them on and never took them off.)

You didn't ask about carriers, and I know most people use J hooks, but I went with a more expensive carrier. I use Malone Seawings. I chose them because I'm a 5'5" woman and I needed to get the kayak up and down by myself (on a Jeep Renegade, which sits a little high). I don't think I could get the kayak up over a J hook by myself. With the Seawings, I can just slide it into place. (I use a Malone roller to get it up and down.)

I really like the way the Rage Powersports roof basket looks on my 2015.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M4AVGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rpEzybYYTW8PC

Back when I got it it was $153 so watch for sales.

Here's an album of how it looks paired with Subaru Aero Crossbars: https://imgur.com/a/tjgfW
(yes, the text on the front is supposed to be reversed.)

I only take mine off when we get snow forecast. THAT'S the real PITA, clearing snow out of these things. I pop out four bolts with my power driver and the brackets rotate out of the way and the whole thing lifts off.

Rustproofing was a concern. I used plenty of silicone sealant EVERYWHERE the assembly had openings. The tubes that slide together got sealant in and around them. The bolts holding the rack together got sealant around the top of the threads that compressed when they were tightened down. I did my best to make sure water couldn't get in there. Did I miss something? Probably, but I hope it'll last longer than if I did nothing.

Good luck with your choice.

Post some pics of what you come up with!
[Edited for formatting]

These or these work really well, pair with two camera clamps like these, and you're good to go. (I use the Harbor Freight ones, but both should be fine)

​

Pro-tip: Point the ratcheting portion down so you're pushing the main pole up, this maximizes base station height, and minimizes vibration.

You don’t need an entire trailer. Just buy a hitch cargo rack and strap your deer down on the back. Like this one...https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003NBFKDK/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1517492289&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=hitch+rack+cargo+carrier

Looks like it's going into a 1.25" receiver hitch, and it looks to be a fabricated "tray".

I used a larger commercially made one for years to haul my cooler when surf fishing.

You could just buy a Class 1 carrier that will natively fit a 1.25" receiver. Here is the one I bought.

Looks like this one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JF53ZEE/ref=emc_b_5_i

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I bought this one about a year ago:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002M4AVGU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

No issues so far. No rust. Seems to be made pretty well. At that time it was around $180 but seems to be a little more now.

I use this on the front receiver I installed on my Yukon XL

I have put a few thousand miles under my belt with it. You kinda get used to “seeing through the bikes” kinda like watching something through a chain link fence or kids with long bangs.

Here is it on my truck: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fp7MV5TMt9vflHxq2

Tow Tuff TTF-2762KR Steel Cargo Carrier with Bike Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RFKBEO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ffJKAbG3F6BTS

Amazon!

BRIGHTLINES 2018 Subaru Crosstrek & 2017-2018 Impreza Aero Crossbars Roof Racks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079K69B5L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_K4mZBbGT8EV6B

ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R34HDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_e5mZBbAPW3AVJ

I got my Rola for less than $200. It's the one you see in the banner pic.

I started with just the standard basket
Later I added the extension

This is just about the cheapest option for a decent roof rack. Other than some minor rust (Mind you I'm in AZ, so rust isn't much of an issue for me) the rack has been great. The weak link in the setup is actually the factory crossbars. They both collapsed on mine under the weight just my spare and HiLift. So that's something to keep in mind.

I got these off Amazon. They're the OEM factory aero bars, but way less expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006QC36K2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

carrier

This is what I own

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Curt Hitch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007D5480S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Curt Wire Harness

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFMVDT4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Curt Cargo Carrier

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JF53ZEE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Lowes Utility Trailer

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-Trailer-3-5-ft-x-5-ft-Wire-Mesh-Utility-Trailer/3680952

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Tractor Supply Poly Cargo Box

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-co-heavy-duty-poly-utility-storage-box-44-in?cm_vc=-10005

This guy on a Blob eye, wagon preferably.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002M4AVGU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492210038&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=roof+basket+rage

Ive tried for a while and all I get is outbacks or crosstreks. Gf has an 04 OBS.

It’s the normal size rhino rack. Rhino Rack Roof Mount Cargo Basket, Regular https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A5VG6Q6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Reese Explore 1390600 40" x 70" Ratcheting Cargo Bar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01414B9HI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_XmmbgXTVK3zNl

Bought it to keep stuff tight against the seats in my old suv. It ratchets tight. I’ve never had it pop out or even move while driving on or off road

Racks are ROLA 59726, JBars are TMS J-Bars

Front is tied down to a SoCal Tow Hook. Rear tied to the tow-hook area on the rear drivers-side. Slammed it in the trunk for the pic as it was blowing in the wind.

CURT 18110 Cargo Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JF53ZEE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_YyBcCi6Vxu6yl Is thr specific one i got. A little smaller than most

BRIGHTLINES 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek & 2017-2019 Impreza Aero Crossbars Roof Racks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079K69B5L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Kuh3Cb9G1BQD6

Bought these a month ago, never placed anything on them, just rested on the car.

Rola 59726 Roof Rack for Hyundai Veloster https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B008HBM0XO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-gA5yb8YN9873

I believe it's this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M4AVGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lFRlzbPKCN59A

Have you considered a roof rack?

https://www.amazon.com/59726-Removable-Mount-Hyundai-Veloster/dp/B008HBM0XO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502331319&sr=8-1&keywords=veloster+roof+rack

I went with a slightly more expensive option because I didn't like the look of the previously posted one.

Rails

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07BL264KL?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Cargo
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002M4AVGU?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Legality aside we bought one of those a few years back. It broke on our cross country road trip and almost fell off in heavy traffic. Was a bad day. We swapped to this Tow Tuff TTF-2762KR Steel Cargo Carrier with Bike Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RFKBEO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-Om3AbN8AD422 saved a ton of money and now we have a hitch and haul for camping and such. Without bikes on it the doors easily open.

this one, and its 1 1/4" https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G4X4LQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also needed this to make it work though

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZ25Y26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and even then it isnt perfect

I have a carrier that's rated to 700lbs - trailers are a pain in the ass. So I keep the BMW and rent an SUV for whenever I need to use my "bike rack".

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Widow-MCC-600-Heavy-Duty-Motorcycle/dp/B00WFIJ362

This thing is awesome.

I don't own an FJ anymore, but when I did I had this cargo tray: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NBFKDK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also bought a Rola vinyl carry bag with it:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E7WLJW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The only thing about it that was a drag is you can't open the rear door of the FJ when there is stuff mounted on the rack. You can still get to stuff in the back of your FJ through the window, but not sure if that will work for you. Something to consider, anyway.

Rage Powersports ER-08208S Heavy Duty Vehicle Roof Cargo Basket with Wind Fairing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M4AVGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6PoQBbZ00956S