Family trip need suggestions

[tmugz]

:exp::roll:

As the title states , my family and I will be taking at trip later this month and I need some ideas for storage on our 03 Mountaineer, as well things to do prior to the trip. Just got it back today after spending $750 on the rear bushings, as well axle seals, a tune up, which included new plugs and the "wires" that needed to be replaced . I really love the truck so I intend on keeping it for some time, and want to make sure things are taken care of . I would like some tips as to what I should do prior to the trip, as well some ideas for storage it's a 500 mile trip from Upper Michigan to St Charles IL and around the state a total of 6days . Post of info and pictures if you have them , all of which will be greatly appreciated .

Tmugz

 

[wbrudi28]

i'm not sure how many people you'll be hauling, but my suggestions for external storage would be a roof basket and/or a utility rack to mount on your receiver in the rear. i use both for when i go off road fishing because i usually have 5-7 people in my truck and there isn't much room for the cooler, chairs and bbq

the rack is from harbor freight and normally sells for $99, but i got mine on sale for $60. it's great, 95% of it is aluminum besides the part that goes into the receiver so theres no rust.

the roof basket i got from walmart as I nada gift card for there, was about $75. any roof basket should do, but some are bigger than others.

 

[tmugz]

i'm not sure how many people you'll be hauling, but my suggestions for external storage would be a roof basket and/or a utility rack to mount on your receiver in the rear. i use both for when i go off road fishing because i usually have 5-7 people in my truck and there isn't much room for the cooler, chairs and bbq

the rack is from harbor freight and normally sells for $99, but i got mine on sale for $60. it's great, 95% of it is aluminum besides the part that goes into the receiver so theres no rust.

the roof basket i got from walmart as I nada gift card for there, was about $75. any roof basket should do, but some are bigger than others.

picture didn't show up could you try to pm me a photo of it ?

Tmugz

 

[1996EB]

Cartop carrier on the luggage rack cross bars also works.

 

[wbrudi28]

picture didn't show up could you try to pm me a photo of it ?

Tmugz

sure, sending it over now

 

[tmugz]

It's going to be my wife and I , our 6month old daughter and our 2 dogs ( a GSD and a GSD Lab Mix ). I was thinking it would give the dogs the most room inside the truck if we had all the luggage stored either on the roof rack , or on an external storage device such as the roof basket , or a reese hitch storage system. I'm trying to figure out which would be best .

We will have 2 dog kennels both are large , are luggage and so forth, and a few of the smaller things will be inside of the Mountaineer .

Tmugz

 

[tmugz]

Both kennels are 28" wide by 42" long , the luggage would be a large roller style bag so i'm not sure on the dimensions of that .

tmugz

 

[tmugz]

Just went to walmart locally they don't have one large enough for the cages, so I will be doing something for the roof rack, any ideas as to how I would secure our belongings on the roof? I was thinking using the existing cross bars, and roof rack with maybe some straps and a large enough tarp to wrap it all up so it can stay dry on the trip?

Tmugz

 

[vdavis25]

I bought a canvas bag that attaches to the roof rack. It holds a lot and was only like $35 on amazon. I sprayed it with water resistant spray, though its already fairly water resistant. Works great!

 

[tmugz]

Pictures please

 

[Sock Puppet]

If you're leaning toward the roof, watch Craigslist for a used Yakima or Thule roof box. You can usually pick one up used for around $150. Pricey compared to some other options, but they are water tight and bullet proof. Should mount on your factory cross bars with no problem.

 

[wbrudi28]

If you're going to be putting anything substantially heavy on the roof, like 50-75lb large roller luggages, i'd say to get a hitch receiver rack like I mentioned. The hassle of lugging them up there, securing them and the wind drag/noise would drive me crazy haha

http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-aluminum-cargo-carrier-92655.html

it's aluminum, decently sized, doesn't rust and can be had for 60-99 depending on what coupons you use.