Roof rack Vs trailer

[newbieranger8]

Hi Guys,

We just got back from our first family camping trip, everything went well and one of the important learning is that we need more space to carry our stuff around , it's not the weight but the sheer space that camping stuff occupies.

Considered roof rack, but dont want to be drilling holes in the roof, load ratings are confusing with off road and on road specifications.

The second less intrusive option is an under 750kg GVM 6X4 box trailer that wont need registration, but not sure it can be dust/water proof with a tarp or some sort of cover.

Both costs are almost , please share thoughts!

This is what it looked like half packed, most of the stuff ended up inside, making it a little

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[newbieranger8]

This is what i have in mind



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[Rbjet]

Why not strap all the chairs or swag on the roof bars you already have?

[catherder]

If you're only doing minor offroad distances and not difficult terrain, then a light duty trailer is an option. Trailers like you propose are not dustproof or waterproof (river crossings), though if your dirt road distances are short, that might not be a major problem.
If your offroad distances are more extensive then you're looking at a $2000+ trailer setup. I'm sure someone on YouTube has done their own thing, too.
Be aware though, the trailer will most likely be the most unreliable accessory you carry (just my 2c).

[PLWildtrak]

Or get a rack that fits into the channels on the roller shutter to put bulky lighter items on there where it won't hit you fuel economy too much as it'll still be under the roof line.
There are loads of different options, some have additional bracing for the roller shutter to allow it carry more weight, but some don't. I'd not personally touch the ones that don't, but you could mix & match and combine support from one with the rack form another if that suits you better.

[teevee]

at first glance, the two milk crates seem pretty empty but are taking up substantial space. having done many, non-camping family trips to a beachfront rental house with the wife and three kids that all feel the need to bring all of their worldly possession, plus a 113 liter eskie and 58 liter eskie, i've learned that proper packing technique of the bin is most important. toneau cover folded open and i play with all the different containers until they all fit, leaving soft, crushable stuff to be stuffed in last. nonetheless, on several occasions, i've had to break out the hitch-mounted basket, which while not at all water-resistant, is a good place to put the monster eskie with a couple-three chairs strapped to the top.

so, as long as you're not going to do any extreme off-roading where the basket will almost certainly scrape the ground, it is perhaps the cheapest option.

[LethalLeigh]

I faced the same issue a couple of years ago so did some measurements and scale drawings of everything I had to fit in using PowerPoint. I took the tape measure to Bunnings and recorded measurements of likely storage containers, plugged them into my scale drawings and shuffled and moved them around to find the most suitable combination. I was able to find some modular storage containers that would perfectly fill the space I needed in height, width and length. I ended up with large ones, medium ones and small ones that I could sort items into and fill completely to make the most of the space. Other things were packed around the containers to take up pretty much every cubic centimetre in the tub.

Large, relatively light gear (eg chairs, tent, self-inflating queen-sized mattress and stretcher) went into a weatherproof zip-up canvas bag into a roof cage which is only fitted when I go camping. The cage is a 15 minute job to fit and remove.

It was like playing Tetris but worked a treat

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[naddis01]

Canopy?

[newbieranger8]

Canopy?

Too expensive

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[newbieranger8]

If you're only doing minor offroad distances and not difficult terrain, then a light duty trailer is an option. Trailers like you propose are not dustproof or waterproof (river crossings), though if your dirt road distances are short, that might not be a major problem.
If your offroad distances are more extensive then you're looking at a $2000+ trailer setup. I'm sure someone on YouTube has done their own thing, too.
Be aware though, the trailer will most likely be the most unreliable accessory you carry (just my 2c).

Could you elaborate on trailer problems? You mean even a brand new one can breakdown ?

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[ss105]

If you're only doing minor offroad distances and not difficult terrain, then a light duty trailer is an option. Trailers like you propose are not dustproof or waterproof (river crossings), though if your dirt road distances are short, that might not be a major problem.
If your offroad distances are more extensive then you're looking at a $2000+ trailer setup. I'm sure someone on YouTube has done their own thing, too.
Be aware though, the trailer will most likely be the most unreliable accessory you carry (just my 2c).

Could you elaborate on trailer problems? You mean even a brand new one can breakdown ?

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Firstly perhaps it's different in Victoria but in QLD, even a 6x4 box trailer needs to be registered.

Secondly, when towing...something can always go wrong! I've got a brand new horse float. Been used 3 times. Left indicator stopped working. Was just a pin that needed to be wiggled further apart but there's one example! Towing adds all sorts of complexities too. Parking is an obvious one. You gotta learn to reverse (not hard, but small box trailers are very finnicky and have a mine of their own!). You also can't see a 6x4 behind a Ranger, the Ranger is too wide which adds to the fun.

A little trailer definitely is not dust or waterproof. And if you plan on going properly off road, you'll want to be buying one designed for that. If you do buy a trailer, would highly recommend getting one with a cage (the cages are usually removable if you need to). Might seem unnecessary but it really, really adds to the overall usefulness of the trailer.

[Trublu]

If you're only doing minor offroad distances and not difficult terrain, then a light duty trailer is an option. Trailers like you propose are not dustproof or waterproof (river crossings), though if your dirt road distances are short, that might not be a major problem.
If your offroad distances are more extensive then you're looking at a $2000+ trailer setup. I'm sure someone on YouTube has done their own thing, too.
Be aware though, the trailer will most likely be the most unreliable accessory you carry (just my 2c).

Could you elaborate on trailer problems? You mean even a brand new one can breakdown ?

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It would be better if you elaborate bit more as to what terrain you intend to travel, light trailer will be ok for any dirt road that any 2wd vehicle can traverse, if you intend to use on rough dirt roads or tracks then using a light trailer is asking for trouble.
You may need a trailer designed and built for 4wd conditions.

[newbieranger8]

If you're only doing minor offroad distances and not difficult terrain, then a light duty trailer is an option. Trailers like you propose are not dustproof or waterproof (river crossings), though if your dirt road distances are short, that might not be a major problem.
If your offroad distances are more extensive then you're looking at a $2000+ trailer setup. I'm sure someone on YouTube has done their own thing, too.
Be aware though, the trailer will most likely be the most unreliable accessory you carry (just my 2c).

Could you elaborate on trailer problems? You mean even a brand new one can breakdown ?

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It would be better if you elaborate bit more as to what terrain you intend to travel, light trailer will be ok for any dirt road that any 2wd vehicle can traverse, if you intend to use on rough dirt roads or tracks then using a light trailer is asking for trouble.
You may need a trailer designed and built for 4wd conditions.

Thank you for your reply, i dont intend on extreme off-road tracks, some dirt roads , some low level water crossing, some steep climbs but still on dirt roads, considering i still have stock Highway terrain tyres, so long story short nothing of extreme nature but would like to see it clean and dry at the end of the drive

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[Trublu]

Could you elaborate on trailer problems? You mean even a brand new one can breakdown ?

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It would be better if you elaborate bit more as to what terrain you intend to travel, light trailer will be ok for any dirt road that any 2wd vehicle can traverse, if you intend to use on rough dirt roads or tracks then using a light trailer is asking for trouble.
You may need a trailer designed and built for 4wd conditions.

Thank you for your reply, i dont intend on extreme off-road tracks, some dirt roads , some low level water crossing, some steep climbs but still on dirt roads, considering i still have stock Highway terrain tyres, so long story short nothing of extreme nature but would like to see it clean and dry at the end of the drive

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Sounds like a light trailer will be ok for you: I tow my caravan regularly on many dirt roads some bit rough at times with my Hi Rider ranger.

[blueshine]

A trailer is more flexible, especially if you get a cage for it, can get lots on it then. Great if you want to take bikes etc (although a 7x4 is better for adult sized bikes).

I use a 7x4 and it's fantastic for taking stuff, I've taken it on lots of dirt roads, for light duty off road to get to campsites etc, but wouldn't take it for serious stuff. Despite towing trailers a lot, I really don't like taking them and try to avoid it if I can. They're just a nuisance, make parking harder (try that quick stop at the supermarket on the way), one more thing to go wrong. Hard to waterproof (I have a tarp larger than the trailer but still stuff gets wet).

They come in useful at other times as well, if you want to move stuff around.

But for camping and off-roading I'd rather the canopy. A good one can double the useable space in your ute and doesn't carry any of the downsides of a trailer. We can do a week of bush camping with a family with just the canopy.

Getting rid of stuff you actually don't need is also important, but it can take time to learn what that is, and the desire to have stuff when camping just in case can be very strong.

[LethalLeigh]

Getting rid of stuff you actually don't need is also important, but it can take time to learn what that is, and the desire to have stuff when camping just in case can be very strong.

This statement is so true. I carried around a LOT of stuff for "just in case" in my previous 4WD (very kitted out 105 series Landcruiser). I honestly did not use 95% of the "just in case" stuff but paid for the space it took, the weight it added and the fuel it used. That is why one of my aims with the Ranger was to only add stuff I really need and keep weight down. I have added stuff but only with a real considered rationale. So far, so good

[SRD0060]

Getting rid of stuff you actually don't need is also important, but it can take time to learn what that is, and the desire to have stuff when camping just in case can be very strong.

This statement is so true. I carried around a LOT of stuff for "just in case" in my previous 4WD (very kitted out 105 series Landcruiser). I honestly did not use 95% of the "just in case" stuff but paid for the space it took, the weight it added and the fuel it used. That is why one of my aims with the Ranger was to only add stuff I really need and keep weight down. I have added stuff but only with a real considered rationale. So far, so good

I agree as well a lot of “looks good or might need” takes up space and adds weight.

[rustfree]

Hi Guys,

We just got back from our first family camping trip, everything went well and one of the important learning is that we need more space to carry our stuff around , it's not the weight but the sheer space that camping stuff occupies.

Considered roof rack, but dont want to be drilling holes in the roof, load ratings are confusing with off road and on road specifications.

The second less intrusive option is an under 750kg GVM 6X4 box trailer that wont need registration, but not sure it can be dust/water proof with a tarp or some sort of cover.

Both costs are almost , please share thoughts!

This is what it looked like half packed, most of the stuff ended up inside, making it a little

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

Well one option, maybe not the most popular , is to carry less /more compact stuff?
Dont take the suggestion as offensive as I am known to dislike both trailers and roof racks but....I managed to get, with two adults and two kids everything needed for for a Simpson desert crossing (camping gear, water, fridge, food, additional fuel, recovery gear, etc) inside a Prado90 (smallish wagon) without roof racks or trailer
Might have been a bit extreme but I found everything you don't take with you can not cause problems.
On a serious note, anyway you can cut down on gear or gear size?
Cheers Mike