“2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara” by AlBargan is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
Anyone who chooses a Jeep Wrangler or a Gladiator usually knows where the car has its roots. The first Jeep – the legendary Willys MB – went to World War II with the US military and thus established the genre of light off-road vehicles. Jeep has always been proud of this history.
Today, even without the special military green paint, the Wrangler has an appearance that might be a bit too utilitarian for some people. However, the many details show how hard the manufacturer tries to preserve the spirit of adventure as much as possible.
Many things have hardly changed in the Wrangler over the years, which is now available as a two-door and as a four-door variant “Unlimited”: the almost straight, towering “7-slot” radiator grille, the round main headlights, the front windscreen that can be folded down – everything still there.
If you feel like it, you can also completely undress the Wrangler. The doors, which are only held in place by two external hinges and a strap, can be removed, as can parts of the modular paneling of the passenger cell.
All those qualities make the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator among the best vehicles of all time for off-roading and adventure. However, like all great things, the Jeep Gladiator, and especially the Wrangler, also have a minor problem…
These vehicles are not made to carry anything other than the essentials and fun-loving people, so they don’t really have much storage space. That’s where a Jeep storage system comes into play! If you own one of these terrain monsters, don’t worry and keep reading, we have the perfect storage solution for you.
Table of Contents
- Cargo Dog: A Jeep Storage System for Your Jeep’s Interior
- Expand Your Jeep Storage System With a Roof Rack
- Add a Hitch Rack to Your Jeep Storage System, Too
- Final Thoughts
- Other Recommended Overlanding Gear
Cargo Dog: A Jeep Storage System for Your Jeep’s Interior
Cargo Dog is our top Jeep storage system, and for good reason. It’s made in the USA for Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, has robust locking mechanisms, and comes with lighting in every compartment.
In other words, it’s well-made, beautifully designed, and incredibly functional. What’s not to like?!
Cargo Dog is essentially a flat-top storage box that can be installed in place of the backseat of your Wrangler or Gladiator. If you remove part of your backseat, you can replace it with two Cargo Dog boxes. If you need more storage space, you can remove the entire backseat and enjoy three Cargo Dog Jeep storage systems.
The Cargo Dog is actually a simple concept that will protect everything you need. The incognito design is specially made not to draw any unwanted attention towards your expensive gear. You can also easily remove the Cargo Dog yourself, anytime you need. That flexibility is nice for switching between “overlanding mode” with maximum storage and “fun with the family mode” when you need the extra seats in the back.
You can use Cargo Dog for any manner of storage, too. Securely store expensive items like firearms that need to stay out of sight. Conversely, you can use Cargo Dog as the ideal storage location for your recovery gear.
No matter what you put inside Cargo Dog, one thing remains the same – the flat top is ideal for adding more gear on top, or you can throw in a mattress and sleep in the back of your rig. Nice!
The video above from the Cargo Dog Jeep Storage YouTube channel introduces you to Mike, the owner & founder of Cargo Dog. He explains how to install Cargo Dog quickly and efficiently so you can hit the road with a functional Jeep storage system in place.
Expand Your Jeep Storage System With a Roof Rack
Image Credit: Rhino-Rack
When there is a lack of storage space in the car when traveling, a roof rack will be an immense help. It is quickly and easily attached to the railing of the car roof and can be used universally. For example, a classic roof box, a rooftop tent, or a bicycle rack can be attached to it.
Furthermore, you can use a roof rack to carry large, bulky items like a Hi-Lift Jack, Maxtrax, and Rotopax on your overlanding and off-roading adventures. Or, if you’re simply headed to the lake for the day, use the rack to transport your kayaks. It’s a flexible platform to meet your needs!
Image Credit: Rhino-Rack
If you are interested in roof racks, there are various manufacturers and their models available on the market, however, we highly recommend Rhino-Rack’s Pioneer Platform.
The Pioneer Platform is a superb Jeep storage system made especially for Wranglers and Gladiators. It has been specifically designed to carry most existing Rhino-Rack accessories – making it the most versatile and modular platform on the market.
Add a Hitch Rack to Your Jeep Storage System, Too
Image Credit: Etrailer
Many Jeep owners still need additional storage space even if they already have a roof rack and a system like Cargo Dog. Sometimes, loading onto the roof can be extremely cumbersome. An interesting alternative is a rear rack made for the trailer hitch.
Of course, the basic requirement is the presence of a corresponding trailer hitch carrier. Incidentally, such a transport box is not only available for cars, but also for mobile homes and campers.
Rear boxes for the towbar are the ideal solution for trips with many people when you have little space in the back of your Jeep. Tents and other camping accessories can easily be transported on a hitch rack like this.
Image Credit: Etrailer
Our choice when it comes to hitch racks is Reese’s 24×60 Cargo Carrier for 2″ Hitches. This model offers a sizable platform for your gear without being so large that it impedes the operation of the vehicle.
The side rails keep your gear from shifting around, while the mesh bottom makes it easy to clean after a day of fun on the trails. The steel construction makes it a durable option, too.
Final Thoughts
“2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara” by AlBargan is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
As noted in the introduction, Jeeps have incredible capabilities for your adventuring needs, but storage can be a problem without adding a Jeep storage system. With the products outlined above, you’ll greatly expand the storage capabilities of your Wrangler or Gladiator while also making your rig more functional for your needs.
Better still, you can do so without sacrificing the awesome off-road prowess of your Jeep!
Don’t spend another season with your gear rolling around in the back of your Jeep. Invest in these Jeep storage system solutions, and enjoy your outdoor travels that much more.
Other Recommended Overlanding Gear