Folks, me, my dog, my mother, and my '14 Wrangler Unlimited (hard top) are driving across most of the country for an upcoming move of mine to New Mexico for several months. I'm trying to increase my cargo capacity without spending a ton of money, and as such I was thinking of getting a waterproof cargo bag and strapping it down to the roof. I am trying to avoid racks due to cost and wind noise. Worst cast, I could tie to the front and back bumpers, but I was thinking of installing some hooks or d-rings on the sides of the vehicle, then hooking the straps to them. Does anyone have a good idea for a spot to anchor these tie downs at? I don't need it to hold 2,000 lbs of force, but I figure installing them on the wheel fenders would be a pretty obvious mistake. I'm not too worried about the roof getting scratched up, but I'd like to keep the body paint in one piece if able. Advice is welcome, and thanks in advance.

 

Leave mom at home :-P

 

What part of NM? Just curious... Anyway, I just moved from eastern Michigan to west Texas a few months back. I used a hitch mounted carrier and water resistant bag. I mostly put my daily use luggage back there. Just an option.

 

Yeah I will definitely be using a hitch mounted carrier at the least. I may try to mount a couple of bikes on the spare wheel, and then will try to have a big bag on the hitch rack if there's enough clearance. Hopefully I won't have to put anything on the roof, but in my experience I always end up with more stuff then I have room for. I'm headed to Alamogordo, NM. I'm actually pretty excited about exploring the national forests around there, though I'm concerned it's going to open me up to spending tons of cash on upgrades. My only hope is that there isn't anywhere out there that can install a front e-locker.

 

Was stationed at Canon many years ago. Have you considered renting a one way trailer?

 

Perish the thought. Basically my preferences for things to add on to the Jeep are (in order) 1. hitch-mount rack 2. roof tie-down 3. Trailer. So if I have to rent a trailer I certainly will, and obviously that will give me tons more space. Hopefully though I can just figure out the tie-down thing and move from there.

 

Have you laid out everything for the move to see how big of a load you will carry? That will give you an idea if roof bags and receiver basket is enough.

Clovis / Cannon taught that yes, you can drive with your eyes closed and not turn for a hundred miles.