Every vehicle has its strengths. Some were born to haul. Others… need a little help. Whether you're off-roading in a Bronco or gliding silently down the highway in a Tesla, you still need room for the real MVPs: your gear, your cooler, your camping chair, and the giant duffel full of “just-in-case” stuff.
Mockins has a cargo carrier setup for every type of driver—and every kind of trip. Here's how to match your ride to the right rooftop carrier or hitch-mounted carrier without overloading your vehicle (or your patience).
🛻 Jeep (Wrangler, Gladiator, etc.)
Jeeps are built to climb rocks, blaze trails, and blast through puddles like overgrown Tonka trucks—but cargo space isn’t exactly their strong suit. Especially in two-door models or Wranglers with the backseat full. And while the Gladiator gives you a truck bed, it’s still on the short side.
Recommended Setup:
- Bed Extender: A game-changer for Gladiator owners or anyone hauling longer gear like kayaks, lumber, or fishing rods. It slides into your hitch and gives you a stable platform that effectively stretches your truck bed by a couple of feet. Great for jobs or joyrides.
- Roof Rack + Cargo Bag (for hardtops): If your Jeep has a hardtop and crossbars, you can mount a roof basket and waterproof roof bag for extra capacity. It’s ideal for soft-sided items like sleeping bags, clothes, or camp chairs. Just watch your total roof weight—Jeep roofs aren't rated for massive loads.
Why it works: The bed extender keeps the heavy lifting down low and stable—perfect for the kind of off-road scrambling Jeeps are known for. The rooftop carrier combo is a nice backup when your gear pile starts to grow.
🐎 Ford Bronco
The Bronco has made a triumphant return—and while it’s ready to tear up sand dunes and snow drifts, cargo space can disappear fast, especially when the back seats are occupied.
Recommended Setup:
- Roof Rack + Waterproof Bag: This is the go-to for bulky but light gear. Fill the roof bag with tents, pads, dry bags. Pack the rest of the cargo rack with any gear that’s waterproof or can handle the occasional surprise downpour. The hard top makes the rooftop basket easy to install crossbars, and the Bronco’s higher stance keeps the cargo away from road grime.
- XL High Rail Cargo Carrier + Cargo Bag: A high rail hitch basket gives you a stable platform for heavy gear that doesn't belong in the cabin. Think: coolers, toolboxes, gas cans, firewood, equipment. The Bronco’s hitch rating is plenty to handle a full load on the back.
Why it works: With both roof and hitch setups in play, you can haul a full weekend’s worth of gear without packing the backseat to the roofline. And you don’t have to pick between trail tires and a bag of chips—you can bring it all.
🚙 Toyota RAV4
Don’t let the compact size fool you. The RAV4 punches well above its weight when it comes to road trips, weekend camping, and daily errands—but it’s still not winning any awards for trunk space.
Recommended Setup:
- Roof Bag: Most newer RAV4s come with factory-installed roof rails, which makes installing a stylish rooftop cargo bag a breeze. Use it for clothing bags, sleeping bags, tents, or anything you’d rather not squish into your backseat. It’s an easy way to free up interior room for passengers (or more snacks).
- Hitch Cargo Carrier: If your RAV4 has the optional tow package or an aftermarket hitch, you’re in business. Even with a smaller hitch class, a lightweight hitch carrier lets you haul up to 350–400 lbs. safely. Keep in mind your tongue weight limit and subtract the cargo carrier’s own weight when planning your load.
Why it works: The RAV4 isn’t built to tow a camper, but a hitch carrier or roof bag lets it haul like a pro—just with a little more finesse and a little less brute strength.
⚡ Tesla (Model Y, 3, S, or X)
You bought a Tesla because it’s sleek, fast, efficient—and honestly kind of magical. But camping and cargo? That’s where you need to get creative. Thankfully, Tesla drivers are used to doing things a little differently.
Recommended Setup:
- Compact Roof Bag: Most Teslas can be fitted with crossbars, but even without them, a slim, waterproof bag gives you just enough cargo space for road trips without killing your range. Stick to lighter items and low-profile bags to keep your aerodynamics intact.
- Raised Hitch Carrier (Model Y and X with tow package): Yes, really. Tesla’s tow package allows for a modest hitch cargo carrier with good ground clearance. Ideal for luggage, coolers, or ski gear that won’t fit in the frunk. Be mindful of the tongue weight limits, as well as the low hitch, and avoid anything too bulky or heavy.
Why it works: Teslas are more efficient when they’re not weighed down—but with the right low-profile gear and careful packing, you can expand your carrying capacity without draining the battery. It’s about balance, not brute force.
TL;DR – Choose Based on Vehicle Strengths
| Vehicle | Roof Bag | Roof Rack Basket | Hitch Carrier | Bed Extender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep | ✅ (if hardtop) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bronco | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
| RAV4 | ✅ | ✅ (smaller models) | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Tesla | ✅ (compact) | 🚫 (not ideal) | ✅ (with tow pkg) | 🚫 |
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing mountain views or hauling gear to a campsite two states over, your vehicle’s cargo potential is bigger than it looks—especially when it’s backed by a Mockins cargo carrier, cargo bag, or hitch extender.
Every trip has a different setup. Some are hitch-heavy. Others ride high. The right gear makes your vehicle feel bigger, more capable, and way more organized.
Still not sure which combination works best for your ride? Reach out—we’re happy to help you size it up.
Now load up and get rolling.
