How do you outfit the LR3 for family vacations (gear hauling)

[nwoods]

Labs are big. Definitely going to complicate the issue. The kids and toys/gear/stuff take the middle seats, lab might take one half of the rear row of seats (if you have a 7 seater). I only had the wife and two kids, but I was able to pack a lot of gear into the rig, Tetris style, and made huge use of a roof rack. My load out included two large tool boxes and an eggcrate full of spare parts for one solo vehicle long distance off highway trek. If I had a spare tire carrier on the back, and didn't potentially need to self-recover in the middle of nowhere, I could have had a LOT more room left over.

Photos:

 

[nwoods]

Since we no longer have the LR3, and the Jeep is MUCH smaller for gear storage, I just got this:

 

[krizza91]

I purchased a few 23 Gallon black plastic storage lockers pretty inexpensively from walmart (I think $18 each) I fit a lot of my camping gear in those and they easily strap to the roof rack, I also have a "weather resistant" Thule bag that I can pack full with soft gear, backpacks tent, folding camp chairs, etc. That bag also goes on the roof. I put dry food and things like chips /snacks, stuff that I need access into a rubbermaid container, that stacks ontop of my cooler. Which goes in the far back and gets strapped in place. It leaves enough space for 1 of the 2 far rear seats to be used. that would probably be enough room for your Lab to still lie down or more likely spin in place.

 

[nwoods]

Here's another cool space saving idea. Holds 14 gallons of water, tucks in behind the seats

 

[krizza91]

Thats great! a little pricey but if you really need the room a great option. I just make my 2 blue 5 gallon jugs fit in the back or strap them on top.

 

[nwoods]

Thats great! a little pricey but if you really need the room a great option. I just make my 2 blue 5 gallon jugs fit in the back or strap them on top.

I personally think this is just too darn clever!

Photo of the real thing that I saw at Overland Expo

 

[roverman]

Clever? Yes. 1000% profit margin? Yep.

 

[toddjb122]

Nathan, those are some impressive packing pictures! Nice.

I currently have this large Yakima box that holds all my toys...I can squeeze in sand toys as well, but I don't currently have much more room up top with this box.

Maybe I could get one of those flat expedition rack/trays you guys have and put the box on top of it. Then I could lay a lot of stuff flat in the tray under the box and next to the box.

I think I may have to get one of those trailer hitch trays that I don't really like, but seem to do the trick for more stuff.

 

[ChesapeakeRover]

^^^ Is that Assateague?

 

[Kenjengrif]

That looks like Oregon Inlet on the Outer Banks. I use this hitch carrier mainly so I can bring the fishing cart with me. If you have a dog that like to swim, the dog carrier matched with the rubber cargo mat is perfect for transporting a wet, sandy dog around.