6 Best Exterior Gear Mounts For Overlanding Rigs For Storage

Overlanding is the art of balancing total self-sufficiency with the physical limitations of a vehicle navigating rugged terrain. When internal cabin space reaches its limit, the exterior of the rig becomes the primary canvas for essential gear storage. Choosing the right mounts determines not only the longevity of the equipment but the overall handling and safety of the vehicle on the trail.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

Pelican Cargo Saddle Mount: Top Pick For Cases

The Pelican Cargo Saddle Mount stands as the gold standard for those who prioritize bombproof protection for sensitive electronics or dry goods. By utilizing a side-mounting configuration, this system keeps heavy cases low and accessible without requiring a ladder or specialized rooftop access. It effectively turns the unused vertical space on a rack side-rail into a high-capacity storage zone.

This mount is ideal for the overlander who carries a full suite of photography gear, medical kits, or delicate drone equipment that requires airtight seals. Because the case sits flush against the rack, it minimizes wind drag compared to bulky roof-top boxes. It is the definitive choice for anyone who values rapid deployment of critical items without disrupting the center of gravity.

Expect to invest heavily in the premium build quality here, but recognize that this is a “buy it once” component. If your setup involves frequent transitions between dusty trails and wet conditions, the security of this mounting system is unmatched. It is a mandatory inclusion for serious expeditions where case integrity cannot be compromised.

RotopaX Standard Pack Mount: Best For Fuel Cans

Fuel management is the cornerstone of remote exploration, and the RotopaX Standard Pack Mount remains the industry benchmark for securing fluid containers. Its intuitive twist-and-lock mechanism ensures that heavy fuel or water cells remain vibration-resistant, even when navigating washboard roads or deep ruts. The design is compact, ensuring that it doesn’t take up more rack footprint than the container itself.

This system is best suited for the solo traveler or the expedition lead who requires redundant fuel supplies for extended desert crossings. Because the hardware is modular, users can easily stack multiple packs or mix-and-match water and fuel configurations. It eliminates the rattling and shifting often associated with generic strap-based storage systems.

If reliable fuel security is a priority, do not compromise with cheaper, plastic alternatives that are prone to UV degradation and brittleness. The steel components of the RotopaX mount provide the structural confidence needed for high-stakes journeys. This is an essential piece of gear for anyone venturing beyond the range of standard service stations.

Rhino-Rack Stow It Holder: Best Pick For Tools

For shovels, axes, and recovery jacks, the Rhino-Rack Stow It Holder offers a versatile, quick-release mechanism that simplifies trailside tool retrieval. Its standout feature is the ratcheting tensioner, which accommodates various handle thicknesses and shapes with ease. This adaptability makes it the most flexible option for securing irregular objects to a roof rack or side awning rail.

This mount is designed for the enthusiast who values efficiency during camp setup and trail recovery. Rather than digging through a jammed cargo box, having a shovel or hi-lift jack mounted externally saves precious time when stuck in mud or sand. It keeps greasy or mud-caked tools outside the vehicle cabin, preserving interior cleanliness.

The Stow It system excels for users who constantly swap gear based on the season, such as switching from a snow shovel in winter to a sand-handling tool in summer. If quick, tool-free access is your primary goal, this is the most logical investment. It turns a disorganized rack into a highly functional workstation.

Maxtrax Mounting Pins: Best For Traction Boards

Traction boards are a bulky, awkward necessity, and Maxtrax Mounting Pins are engineered specifically to lock them down securely. These pins are threaded to engage directly with the integrated holes in the boards, preventing any lateral movement during high-speed off-road driving. They offer a simple, clean, and extremely low-profile aesthetic that complements any rig configuration.

These mounts are the standard for those who travel in soft terrain like sand or snow where getting bogged down is a statistical probability. Because the pins are designed to be used with padlocks, they offer a basic level of theft deterrence that is often overlooked in other mounting systems. They are the most efficient way to store traction boards flat or upright.

Do not settle for universal bungee cords or improvised straps, as these often fail under the extreme vibration of corrugated roads. Dedicated mounting pins ensure your recovery equipment is exactly where you left it when the situation turns dire. If recovery reliability is your focus, these pins are the most critical component of the entire kit.

Front Runner Jerry Can Holder: Most Secure Pick

When carrying traditional metal jerry cans, the Front Runner Jerry Can Holder provides a level of structural security that is hard to replicate. The cradle-and-strap design ensures the can is locked in place, preventing the deformation and fuel leaks that can occur with cheaper, flimsy alternatives. It features a locking mechanism that provides peace of mind when leaving the vehicle unattended in remote areas.

This holder is recommended for the traditional overlander who prefers the durability and history of steel jerry cans over modern plastic cells. It is particularly effective for long-haul expeditions where the weight of a full 20-liter can requires a robust, vibration-dampening mount. The construction is heavy-duty, reflecting its commitment to long-term performance under harsh conditions.

While this system adds significant weight to the roof, it offers unparalleled peace of mind regarding the containment of flammable liquids. It is an investment in safety and equipment longevity that pays off on multi-week traverses. If you rely on metal fuel cans for your range, there is no more secure way to carry them.

Roam Rugged Case Mount: Best For Hard Gear Boxes

The Roam Rugged Case Mount is designed to bridge the gap between heavy-duty storage and ease of use, specifically for large, rectangular cargo boxes. It utilizes a mounting plate that secures to the bottom of the box, allowing for rapid attachment and removal from the roof rack. This prevents the need to bolt the case permanently to the rack, offering modularity for day trips versus long adventures.

This is the optimal solution for the weekend adventurer who needs a weather-sealed box for bedding, clothing, or camp kitchen supplies. By utilizing the Roam mounting system, the case becomes a quick-swap item that can be transitioned from the roof to the ground during camp setup. It provides a clean, professional look while ensuring the load is perfectly balanced.

Consider this mount if your gear needs are fluid and you prefer a “grab and go” approach to packing. It is far superior to strapping a box down, as it eliminates the risk of loosening straps during long highway stretches. For those who prioritize organization and speed, this is the gold standard for large-volume storage.

Matching Gear Mounts To Your Roof Rack Systems

Compatibility is the first hurdle in building an exterior storage system. Most modern modular racks, such as those with T-slot channels, allow for universal mounting, but cross-bar systems often require specific adapters. Always verify that the mount’s bolt pattern aligns with the T-slot width or cross-bar thickness before finalizing a purchase.

• T-Slot Racks: Allow for infinite adjustment and modular placement using sliding T-nuts.
• Fixed Cross-bars: Limit placement options and often require clamp-style mounts.
• Platform Racks: Provide the most flexibility for mounting multiple cases and tools simultaneously.

When in doubt, prioritize mounting systems that utilize standard hardware sizes, such as M8 bolts. This ensures that if a component is lost on the trail, a replacement can likely be found at a local hardware store. Simplifying your mounting hardware creates a more resilient system overall.

Weight Distribution Rules For Exterior Storage

Physics plays a major role in vehicle safety, especially regarding high-mounted cargo. Placing heavy items like fuel cans or full hard-cases on the roof raises the center of gravity, which significantly increases the risk of a rollover on steep side-slopes. Always aim to place the heaviest equipment as low and as close to the center of the vehicle as possible.

Distribute weight evenly from left to right to prevent uneven suspension wear and pull during braking. If your rack setup is heavy, account for the added weight when choosing tire pressures and driving speeds on technical terrain. Over-loading the roof rack beyond the manufacturer’s dynamic weight limit is a common error that can lead to structural rack failure or compromised handling.

• Front/Back Balance: Keep the heaviest items over the rear axles rather than behind the rear bumper or over the windshield.
• Dynamic Limits: Adhere strictly to the rack manufacturer’s weight ratings for off-road travel, which are often lower than highway ratings.
• Low Profile: Whenever possible, choose side-rail mounts over high-profile roof storage.

Security Strategies To Prevent Trail Gear Theft

Exterior storage is inherently vulnerable to theft, making security a primary concern for long-term travelers. Incorporate keyed locks into your mounting hardware wherever possible, especially for high-value items like traction boards and fuel cells. Many specialized mounts offer integrated padlock loops that discourage casual theft.

For items that cannot be locked, consider using security hardware such as security-head bolts that require a specific tool to loosen. A secondary, less visible security measure is to use stainless steel security cables to tether loose items to the main rack frame. These cables provide a deterrent that complicates the removal process enough to discourage most opportunists.

Finally, remember that the best security is visibility and planning. Avoid leaving high-value equipment mounted while the vehicle is parked in urban environments or highly populated trailheads for extended periods. When leaving the rig unattended for overnight hiking, store your most expensive or essential tools inside the cabin.

Rust Prevention And Upkeep For Metal Rig Mounts

Exterior gear mounts endure constant exposure to sun, rain, road salt, and mud, which creates a perfect environment for corrosion. Before installation, ensure all metal-on-metal contact points are protected with a thin layer of marine-grade grease or anti-seize compound. This prevents galvanic corrosion between different types of metal, such as aluminum racks and steel bolts.

Check the tightness of every bolt after the first 50 miles of off-road driving, as vibrations will inevitably loosen factory-torqued hardware. Periodically inspect the powder-coating on your mounts for chips or scratches; if found, touch them up immediately with an enamel paint. Ignoring these small blemishes will inevitably lead to rust that can compromise the structural integrity of the mount over time.

• Post-Trip Wash: Thoroughly rinse salt and mud from mounting hardware to prevent trapped moisture.
• Annual Inspection: Once a year, remove the mounts to inspect the rack surface underneath for signs of wear.
• Lubrication: Keep moving parts, such as quick-release levers and pins, lightly oiled to ensure they don’t seize due to grit.

Equipping your vehicle with the right gear mounts is a long-term investment in the reliability of your adventures. By choosing hardware that matches your specific terrain and storage needs, you transform your rig into a more capable exploration tool. Take the time to install these mounts correctly, and the freedom of having your gear organized and accessible will make every trail mile more rewarding.