External Storage Options

[Trek777]

I was wondering what kind of storage options I have on the outside of a SMB that are relatively safe. I'm thinking of containers that attach directly to the vehicle that hold odds & ends. I want to avoid using a trailer if I can. I've seen alot of Thule products used on the roof. How about on the back of the vehicle?

Thanks,

[surfgeek33]

We have a Thule gear box that we use very often. We love throwing things up there and not worrying about the weather and our gear. Thule also makes something like this. Good luck!

[Blackeye]

We have found that there is a tremendous amount of storage in our Aluminess bumpers. The rear bumper has a ton of room in it and even with the big Warn winch in the front bumper, we can still store quite a bit of recovery gear in there. Beyond that, the Aluminess Deluxe Box which is 24â€

[daveb]

I added a custom box to the rear that Aluminess did. Several people have done this but requires the rear Aluminess bumper. Kind of costly but well worth it for my needs. I'll send you the details...Check your Messages.

[Greggd]

Blackeye is spot on about the usable storage space available in the front and rear Aluminesss Bumpers , but remember to wipe all metal items down with Boeshield T-9 and put into some kind of Zip Lock type water proof bag when you are in moisture laden conditions . I tried sealing up these compartments and found that they were prone to condensation .
Greggde

[yvrr]

We don't have Aluminess bumpers but have heard of water issues with stuff stored in them. Rather than Zip-lock bags, you might consider dry bags which are for rafting and paddling:

http://www.rei.com/category/4500274

[Greggd]

I originally used the dry bags and found that they consumed to much space and if sealed tightly I would still have to deal with the condensation issue's , I am now using the large and extra large Zip Locks and I don't seal them completely , I then roll them around the items being stored and have reduced the bulk by 15 to 20 per cent . I would love to have a custom sized assortment of Dry Bags as they are more durable . I have half a dozen different sized bags that I use for storage in more accommodating areas such as the Roof Rack and on top of the Galley Box or in the Boats .
Greggde

[Greg In Austin]

We have a custom Aluminess box on our rear bumper (to carry a Honda 2000 and three 5 gallon jerry cans) we also have a yakima box (used on other of our vehicles) that we will eventually use on top of the PH, and we have a yakima storage tray thay we may use with dry bags as well.

[Jeffrey]

How do you get storage in the front bumper if there is a winch there?

[PeasBugs]

I had someone make me several waterproof courda bags that I use in the bumpers. (Just like backpacker sleeping bag stuff sacks.) The bags have a draw string top so they are not 100% water proof but they really don't let water or dust in.