Show off you rooftop storage containers!

[Lostmanifesto]

After doing some searching it seems many of us are constantly searching for quality rooftop storage solutions. I am currently looking for two storage boxes to run atop my FJ Cruiser on my BajaRack. I'd like to get some camping gear out of my FJ to make more room inside. If the boxes were stackable that would be great just in case I decide to travel with them in the FJ at times.

Pelican makes great cases but are very expensive.

Bundu Boxes seems to be popular overseas but not readily available in the US?

Rubbermaid containers work great but in my experience leak and don't hold up very well to the elements over time.

Looking for any suggestions and also this may be a great thread to keep around for others!

Thank you,

Jordan

 

[Intuit]

Lostmanifesto,

I too have an FJ and am always looking at ways to rid the interior of camping gear.

On a trip down to Baja, I placed a "Bass Pro Shop" box up top...

It did do the job, but it certainly would not hold up long-term and I did not really like it up there.

So I built a rear storage drawer, hoping to at least organize the clutter inside...

But still not everything I was hoping!

I have found that, for the money, I could not go wrong with ActionPackers. I put them on the roof rack and have had no issues. Perhaps after I allocate my funds to more important things for expedition traveling, I will look into higher quality boxes.

 

[bunduguy]

Hi Jordan,
Thanks for the nod.
The Bundu Box availability issues should be taken care of by early next year. Look out for a more steady and abundant supply, as well as different sizes.
Cheers
Rou

 

[Lostmanifesto]

Lostmanifesto,

I too have an FJ and am always looking at ways to rid the interior of camping gear.

On a trip down to Baja, I placed a "Bass Pro Shop" box up top...
View attachment 76766
It did do the job, but it certainly would not hold up long-term and I did not really like it up there.

So I built a rear storage drawer, hoping to at least organize the clutter inside...
View attachment 76767
But still not everything I was hoping!

I have found that, for the money, I could not go wrong with ActionPackers. I put them on the roof rack and have had no issues. Perhaps after I allocate my funds to more important things for expedition traveling, I will look into higher quality boxes.

Thanks for the info on the Bass Pro boxes. I saw those last week and was curious how well they would hold up. The Action Packers (rubbermaid) are solid and for the cost a good deal. I have used them in the rear of many prerunners. They hold up fairly well but over time seems to fall apart on me. I am looking into a drawer setup myself. Good looking FJ!

 

[Lostmanifesto]

Hi Jordan,
Thanks for the nod.
The Bundu Box availability issues should be taken care of by early next year. Look out for a more steady and abundant supply, as well as different sizes.
Cheers
Rou

Rou,

That sounds great! I got a look at your boxes on Sergio's rig (BajaRack) a while back. He seemed to really love them. Looking forward to seeing them around here more.

Jordan

 

[targa88]

Jordan,
You could check with Paul @ Equipt1 = reference ALU-Box.

Alternately Corey might chime in on his experience with different box configurations....

 

[AxeAngel]

If you need pelican cases let me know. Our local surplus store sells 1650s for $50 and will take more off if you buy a few at a time. Just bought a 1750 for $75 last night.

-Sam

 

[DesertBoater]

It may not scream "classic overland gear" like a pelican or bundu box might, but I've had really good luck with an older model Thule box. It was a hand-me-down from my dad who bought it before I can remember, and when I called Thule about a replacement lift assist strut, no-one in their customer service department had heard of the model... Thule does have a lifetime warranty on their products too which (when they still have the parts) is a plus.

I would guess that the biggest deciding factor is the contents of the box. Are they items that you will need access to on a daily basis? Clothing/soft goods that could be packed into a drybag; losing the box entirely? Kitchen kit? Recovery gear, etc? I've found that I use the box mostly for things like dirty laundry, wet clothes/tarp/rain gear until we find a place and appropriate weather to string up a drying line, also for skis, paddles, fishing rods, etc. Items that don't need everyday access, but are good to keep easily accessible and take up an awkward amount of space. I've toyed with the idea of putting my Hi-Lift, axe, and shovel up there so that they're accessible and out of the elements/prying eyes, but that's another 50-some pounds that could potentially be put elsewhere...just my 2 cents.

Cheers,
West

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

I'm not sure if security is a big issue for you, but we use seabags. The older sealine brand. They come in all sizes. We use them for jackets and clothes. We have one we designate for dirty clothes. If your not using them they fold up pretty small. I haven't tried it yet but somewhere I saw someone using them to wash clothes in. Throw the clothes in with a little soap and water, trap air in the bag close it up and strap it down. Let the rocking on the trail agitate.

 

[Ray Hyland]

I have used drybags up top in the past as well. It worked good for clothes and bedding, and since we were going through lots of trees and branches on that trip I strapped a canvas tarp over top to keep the drybags from snagging or getting torn.
Nowadays I usually use a bunch of South African ammo boxes, (the brown ones, similar to the Bundu boxes) that I got at an army surplus store. They work very well, as they are sturdy, stackable, and the shape makes them easy to strap down.

 

[Sebori]

I have an 07 FJ with a Baja Rack. I use 2 Plano storage boxes one on top and place it in front of the RTT. It fits perfectly. There are a couple of holes where the handles are and I just plugged them with silicone to keep the water out. It has 4 latches and you able to lock it as well.

http://www.cabelas.com/gear-duffel-bags-plano-sportsman-trunk-1.shtml

It also fits well in the back of the FJ. I do have a drawer storage system that holds most of my recovery gear but putting the box on top of it keeps everything secure and organized.

 

[Schattenjager]

If you need pelican cases let me know. Our local surplus store sells 1650s for $50 and will take more off if you buy a few at a time. Just bought a 1750 for $75 last night.

-Sam

That is amazing! Where is this? I'm about to move outta here, but can only image how much shipping to Alaska would be.

 

[Lostmanifesto]

I have an 07 FJ with a Baja Rack. I use 2 Plano storage boxes one on top and place it in front of the RTT. It fits perfectly. There are a couple of holes where the handles are and I just plugged them with silicone to keep the water out. It has 4 latches and you able to lock it as well.

http://www.cabelas.com/gear-duffel-bags-plano-sportsman-trunk-1.shtml

It also fits well in the back of the FJ. I do have a drawer storage system that holds most of my recovery gear but putting the box on top of it keeps everything secure and organized.

It doesn't say online if those are water tight? They look great at that price!

 

[DarioCarrera]

When I load my roof rack, I put everything in AluBox Containers I bought a few years back. I have driven under heavy thunderstorms, and they keep everything dry. I would have to find something pretty amazing to buy something else. They're not sold here in Venezuela anymore but I believe Equipt1 carries them in the US. They're are simply fantastic.

 

[Sebori]

After plugging the vent holes under the handles they are pretty water tight. I driven through some heavy rains and snow with nothing getting in. If that didn't work I was going to use something like "Rescue 911" spray sealant.