Camping for four? Storage setups?

[Ghetto Fab.]

Anyone care to show their storage solutions for camping? Most specifically looking for people that camp with the whole family out of their JT, no trailer, no extra vehicles. It should be easy with the bed and all, but I feel like it doesn't organize well, and of course its all open to the elements.

I was able to borrow a JT to test pack it.

That's everything we normally carry on a 3 night, 4 day offroad camping trip(think rubicon trail type offroad camping). The only things missing that I can see are the bags of clothes. The downside is that once the bags of clothes are in there I won't be able to close the soft tonneau cover. In addition the only good spot to access the fridge is at the back, but of course that blocks access to the rear of the bed. On top of all that since I like to wheel hard trails I can only imagine that at some point I'd like to bob the bed for better departure angle, which means going up for storage space.

If your a family of four camping out of a JT, how are you organizing your stuff? How are you keeping it dry?

I like to wheel harder trails in the sierras, rock crawling trails. The point is to bring my family with me and allow them to experience some of the places that I grew up and love. Places like the rubicon, dusy ershim, and coyote lake, maybe even fordyce. Going places like moab or sand hollow is relatively easy since you can stay in a hotel or condo, even death valley isn't that hard since its mostly just dirt roads, but being able to wheel into a spot for 3 nights with no support and not so easy access is challenging. Pulling a trailer is not an option, at least for me, I've seen too many bent trailer axles out there.

Thanks!
Kevin

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[rharr]

Sorry can't help only hurt, since you like to play hard, i didn't see you mention anything about trail tools, recovery stuff or spares. I have 2 totes that i use to carry common camp/trails stuff which certainly cuts down on storage camp gear. It's just me and my girl that camp and we have a topper which helps add vertical space to store stuff if needed and we pack pretty light.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/are-camper-shell-questions.57010/post-935257

Sounds like you may want to consider a roof rack system and maybe a soft topper to maximize space.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Add more space, you're going to need it. I went with a RSI Smartcap.

 

[Ghetto Fab.]

I could see a soft topper being usefull. A camper shell would just get damaged. Its pretty common to see jeep hard tops damaged from hitting trees or SUVs with blown out rear side windows. I have a 4runner now and I have to be extra careful to not hit the rear windows on trees. A soft topper would at least bend out of the way somewhat.

I don't carry a lot of tools or spare parts. I tend to prep and build really well along with knowing my vehicles limits. I wheel my jeep buggy much harder than the 4runner with the family in it for obvious reasons. I would probably pack tools and spares under the rear seat storage area. I haven't used a highlift jack in 20yrs so I stopped bringing that with me.

Kevin

 

[alpineovernappa]

I’m not set up for a long trip right now but this is my setup inside of an alucab explorer canopy. 4 insta crates on top of a ~18”x5’ platform. The crates are accessed from the side of the outside of the cap via a door so they’re easily accessed. Platform has 2 legs and 3 L brackets that secure it to T nuts in the factory bed rails, so the setup is modular and fully removable in under 5 minutes by myself. All the materials cost me under $100 and can be done in an afternoon. I had this setup in my f150 for years and absolutely loved it. I usually keep a cooler, battery bank and solar panels, toilet (pictured), foot pump shower, RTT ladder and firewood under the platform. You could easily fit all the clothing and gear for 4 people in duffel bags on the open side of the bed. My cap is aluminum and the reason I didn’t go with the soft topper is security- all of your gear is only a knife or zipper away from a thief.

 

[ttn333]

Family of 4 here. And we cram everything into the bed/rack.
I have an alucab canopy on order. But I think I'm loosing space with that change. I have 4 gallon rotopax mounted on the passenger side and recover gear boxes mounted on the driver side.

 

[sarguy1941]

I have a family of 2...aka me and my wife. I have trouble on a 2 day weekend with what she packs ! :D

 

[gouacats]

If you're not worried about weather, I would just get a good cargo net and pile above the edge of the bed. If you're worried about weatherproofing, then the soft canopy is probably the best bet. I have something similar to this that was used to move my daughter in and out of her dorm (I have a trailer for camping):

Cargo Net

Also - Dry bags.

 

[OffroadAlliance.com]

I'd definitely suggest some kind of bed rack to add more storage capabilities. Then you can store the items in your bed that fit but use the rack for all your additional storage needs. If you're going to cut the bed, I'd get some load bars vs a full bed rack because most likely won't fit once the bed is shortened. If you get load bars, you can just adjust where they are when the bed is cut. I'd also suggest a roof rack above the cab if you don't have one already. Additional roof storage is key for keeping the bed less busy and stuffed. I can definitely go over some options with you if you'd like to see what we can offer! Shoot me a PM any time.

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