Increase Your Rear Cargo Space

No need to leave that behind my fellow explorers, because I want to share the secret I keep in my rear... of my auto! -- an inner cargo rack. As an avid adventurer, I'm always on the lookout for accessories that enhance both functionality and style, and a rack meets both criteria.

Let's talk about installation – I've faced directions for programming my car's garage that were more daunting than putting this rack together. The instructions were so clear, even my map app was jealous. Seriously It took a little over an hour to put it together, and that's only because I'm probably the worst person to assemble things.

Now, the design – The cargo rack is high enough that I can easily fit my small portable auto refrigerator under it. I can also put Charles Darwin (my dog) in the back and he can sit without hitting his head on it. The shelf area of the rack is 22 inches above the floor and provides an additional 4 1/2 square feet of flat storage space. The height allows me to lower the rear seats and have space to sleep under it on long road trips. I can put things on the cargo rack if I am sleeping somewhere that I don't feel comfortable leaving outside for the night. I can also place backpacks and camera equipment on the rack and bulkier items below the rack for better organization and easier access.

But the true test came when I went off the paved road in the Jeep with its new cargo rack in the Mojave Desert. The desert trails can be harsh with rocks, ruts and washboards, but the rack was tougher than a tumbleweed in a windstorm. Not once did it rattle and not once over a two year period have any nuts come loose. (That line is begging for a joke, but I'll refrain.)

For the Jeep JK I chose the Fabtech rear cargo rack and was very happy with the solid quality and functionality of it. Fabtech makes one for the Gladiator, Wrangler JK or JL or Toyota Tacoma (2015-2023)

2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK https://amzn.to/3wxVMbJ Fabtech FTS24194 Interior Cargo

2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL https://amzn.to/4bOpwl8 Fabtech FTS24211 Interior Cargo Rack - note that on Amazon it says it will not fit my vehicle even though it is for the JL.

2015-2019 Toyota Tacoma https://amzn.to/3wz1YQI Fabtech FTS26095

Below are some my other recommendations with a short description of why I like them.

Jeep Wrangler 2007-2024 JK JL Unlimited 4-Door Hardtops

Hooke Road Interior Rear Cargo Rack. Hooke Road is one of my favorite companies for auto products. They're of solid construction and you can usually find videos online on how to install them. However this rack again is an easy installation. https://amzn.to/433RRQt

2007-2024 Jeep Wrangler JK & JL Unlimited 4 Door Hardtops

Yzona Rear Interior Cargo Storage Basket. I have not seen this one in person, however the ratings are the highest I've seen for racks and it looks like an easy installation. The price is also good. So... looks like a great option. https://amzn.to/3SQSOqv

2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL 2 Door

Hooke Road Rear Cargo Rack Basket Tray. Again, I trust the quality of Hooke Road products. https://amzn.to/3I6rRdm

Ford Bronco 6G 2021-2024

Hooke Road Rear Cargo Basket Rack for 2021-2024 Bronco 4 Door Hardtops (Exclude Bronco Sport). This is a solid well made rack that holds up to 300lbs and is an easy installation. There are a few bolts to remove if you needed to transport a bulky item. This one is my top choice for the Bronco and the one I currently use. https://amzn.to/48jYKhm

Rynoskin Foldable Rear Cargo Interior Basket Rack Compatible with 2021-2024 Ford Bronco 4 Door Hardtops & Soft-tops.  I absolutely love the idea of a rear cargo rack that folds up and out of the way when you have dogs in the cargo area or need a large area to carry something bulky. This is the only rack I know of that folds in this manner with a large shelf area. Unfortunately I only found it for Ford Broncos 6G. One thing I do dislike is that you have to make a cut on the side removable panels if you own a hard top Bronco. You do not have to cut anything if you own a soft top. https://amzn.to/3SKycjv

Archaic Rear Cargo Basket Rack for 2021 2022 2023 Ford Bronco Carbon Steel Detachable Shelf (Excludes Soft Top Bronco & Bronco Sport). I really like how the rack itself easily comes off and you can use it as a table when you are outdoors. This was one of my favorite interior cargo racks I researched. A video shows you how easily it removes. Easy installation too. https://amzn.to/42O5z9R

So, rack 'n' roll – the great outdoors await us.

Let me know if you'd like me to review one you're interested in. Or if you have a different rack you love, please share it with us on Instagram (shift.your.latitude) or Facebook (shift your latitude). Would love to see some pics of your rig with a rack. :)

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