I need some cargo help..

As my family grows, I'm rapidly running out of cargo room and I'm looking for ideas to improve. My current setup (RSI SmartCap, RTT) works great for me and my family of 4, although we are fully stuffed. I now have a 60lb dog that will be accompanying us and I'm out of room.

Typically, day to day, she rides in the bed of the truck with the SmartCap window open. This works well, but with all my gear stuffed, there's no room for her there. I'm looking into roof rack and storage cases, but that gets expensive quick and the cases designed for the roof don't tend to hold as much equipment.

What are some of you guys doing? Just curious if I'm missing something obvious that might help.

 

I'd be looking at a small trailer for gear to empty up the bed.

 

2nd gen Tundra (or Sequoia)

or

Sienna

It sounds like you're at capacity in the Tacoma. What's your other vehicle? (Assuming you have two)

 

Maybe tell us what gear you have? Lots of DIY decked/drawer systems and behind the seat, and many other storage options on here

https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/18958808/?q=storage&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

Oh yeah, a trailer would also work.

There's also the most obvious solution: bring less stuff.

 

About your only options now are the roof rack, sell the smart cap and get a GFC or super pacific so you can put a rack on the roof of the tent, sell everything and move into a tundra and start all over.

 

This will work for a family of 4, all your luggage and a dog.

Just make sure you don't leave the dog leashed to the bumper. It won't end well.

 

Either get a bigger truck or small trailer. What all do you haul and purpose? Camping trips?
I’d be super cautious about putting my dog in the back of a camper shell during summer heat. Even with open windows it’s not cool back there when it’s hot out. Dogs don’t sweat and they can’t dissipate heat like we can. In an enclosed warm/hot environment dogs can become heperthermic and die quickly.

 

How about a Chevy Tahoe? The z71 specs are nice.

 

Yes^^^^^ You could get family, dog and gear in it and extra gear on top

 

What about one of those hitch carriers?

 

I think so too. My other vehicle is a Wrangler.

 

Overland/camping trips.

 

Base gear is in the first pic, listed below.

Sterelite case with Coleman stove, coffee pot, cookware, lantern, batteries, etc.

Husky box for dry foods.

45L Yeti cooler

Husky box for sleep gear (pillows, blankets, sleeping bags

2, 7 Gallon water jugs

Annex bag

Camp chairs

Hi lift, shovel.



2nd pic shows all the family stuff on top, duffle bags, kids air mattresses, etc.

Obviously, packing less would be ideal, but it's just difficult with a wife who isn't a camper and two young kiddos.

 

I usually put a fan back there as well and check on her frequently. Everytime I check on her, she's curled up asleep and not panting. I plan to insulate the SmartCap. I literally can't keep her out of it.

 

Unbolt the box and put it to the curb. It’s flatbed time.

 

Gotcha. Yeah, when people need a certain amount of amenities to even go on the trip, then we're obliged to provide that for them.

Are the kids still in car seats? I know those make the inside pretty cramped, too.

Since this is primarily for camping trips, I'd also think about saving up for a small teardrop or something (assuming camping is a major hobby, and not an occasional thing). Removes some gear from the packing list, allows you to move some other gear to the trailer, and then mom gets a more comfortable stay at camp (with proper bed, kitchen, and a shower, depending on the camper).

Now this is a $10k+ endeavor, so might be a little overkill. A small utility trailer would handle the problem much more cheaply.

 

Kids are out of car seats. 8 & 9.

The small tear drop is probably the best next step. Camping is one of many major hobbies, unfortunately. However, I live in Texas, so I only get 2-3 overland adventures per year. 1 with the family, 1 with my boy, and the 3rd with a buddy. At this point, it's more about maximizing my fun while on the trips. Money isn't as big of a concern as value.

 

I'm in the same situation as you on trips, sans dog. I have to lug the same amount of gear. I have done as much as I can to reduce the bulk and weight. My initial reaction to adding a dog to the mix was "you're screwed ". Seeing your pictures though, you could move the clothes, tent, sleeping bags, etc. to the roof with a Thule-type roof box and/or soft cargo bag (the Rhino Rack cargo bags are nice). Basically all the stuff that comes out/off once you get to camp. Then put a piece of plywood over the hard cases for the dog (might require rethinking your hard cases).

 

Looks like my truck when we go on family trips (not camping). I can't imagine trying to go camping with my family if we didn't take our travel trailer.