Plano Cases - TRD Pro Roof Rack

Anyone else tried something like this solution? I travel for work and need a lot of miscellaneous stuff on rare occasions, so I've been looking for a good way to have it, without it taking up too much inside-the-car space. I'm coming to my 4Runner from a truck with a bedcover, and had TONS of space before, and now, need to figure out how to safely, easily store things that I might only need in emergencies, but don't want to be caught without them - while still being able to haul all the other stuff I need more frequently inside.

These are Plano 36" rifle cases. They fit perfectly in the roof rack, about 1.5" to spare front to back (I moved the bar back to "clamp" a bit on them) and, if placed back to back, more than enough room on the sides for the latches to be opened easily.

They don't stick up too high (I might be leaving these things on for weeks or months, even between trips), and have enough room for most of my "stuff". Blanket, rain coat, tire-repair kit, air compressor, tow-strap and shackles, jump starter, bolt cutters, small tool kit, etc... I just removed the foam inserts and there's about 6" of vertical space inside, with 36"x17" length to depth.

They are sturdy enough without being too heavy, and some with keys and a locking latch (plus a metal shrouded hole for a pad lock if needed. A couple of ratchet straps and I'm good, I think.

Anyone else have a similar solution for rooftop storage - smaller, streamlined, and potentially for long term using this stock roof rack? I know these don't get much love, but I don't camp and don't need to haul TONS of stuff up there, so my plan is to keep the stock roof rack, limited as it is.

 

Popular with the Overlanding crowd. I'd worry about 2 things - them walking away &/or acting like a sail up there robbing MPGs.

I recently put Maxtrax pins on my roof rack. Soon as I had them all screwed down and mounted, I realize that they basically prevent me from every using an automatic car wash again.



I could see adding a plano box to the other side.

 

Looks good and seems practical. Good find.

 

I have some Yahkima mighty mounts that I use. 4 with 5 inch bolts that stick up so I can put my traction boards on. And 4 with 2.5 inch bolts that I stick through holes in a larger Plano case (not something designed for outdoors probably). It sticks up higher that what you have, but it works. I take them off when not in use. The yahkima mighty mounts (23h) are really flexible with top what you can do with them. Saw someone use them to mount a shovel and axe, tie downs for water, and so on.

I am pretty sure you could probably fit the pelican case roof mount system on there if you felt like spending money.