Storage Solutions and Interior

Lots of gear means creative storage…

Coming from a short wheelbase 4x4, storage is always an issue that requires creative attention. Since using the WK2 for off road adventures is its primary mission, there is a lot of necessary gear needed for backcountry travel to store on the Jeep.

INTERIOR PROTECTION: This Grand Cherokee, like most, was equipped with leather seats. Since Fenrir the wolfdog will be accompanying nearly every overland adventure, some seat protection was a priority. The floormats also needed attention. I had excellent experience with Coverking ballistic nylon seat covers in previous vehicles and work trucks. The fit and quality of Coverking is unrivaled. They are also quite capable of being removed, washed, and reinstalled on a regular basis. In the Trail Wolf, the “tactical” ballistic nylon seat covers with MOLLE backs were chosen. The MOLLE webbing will allow for attachment of convenience and safety items in easily accessible locations with the ability to change the configuration as needed. Only the front bucket seats have MOLLE webbing attached to them. The covers for the rear seats are smooth on the back. This can be an issue for some, but I still fold the seats down for different cargo and trip setups. MOLLE capability on the rear seats was not a requirement. Coverking has an entire range of fabrics and leather if the nylon is not your thing. I also purchased a pet seat cover from Amazon for the back seat. This will take the brunt of the wolfdog wear and tear and dirt. Rugged Ridge floormats were added as I had good experience with them in my Wrangler, and they provide great protection at a modest price point.

THE ROOF RACK: Anyone who travels with large dogs knows how much space they can take up. Often, more space than a human passenger. In order to carry more than just basic backcountry gear, some cargo solutions were necessary. Primarily, lightweight cargo overflow on overland adventures would be handled by the Frontrunner Outfitters Slimline II roof rack. My camping philosophy continues to be based on utilizing a small off road capable trailer to haul camping gear. You can read more about that HERE. There are many high quality roof rack manufacturers out there, and many have a solution for the WK2. A warning up front- a roof rack system that is actually usable for off-pavement, long term use is going to be expensive. Also be careful about overloading a roof rack. It can cause damage to the roof of your vehicle as well as make it unsafe. It is worth noting that the rated total roof load for the WK2 Grand Cherokee (and most contemporary SUVs) is 150 lbs. EVENLY DISTRIBUTED. So, if you install a roof rack that mounts to only the threaded roof bosses on the WK2, then commonly load it to capacity or over (like with a Rooftop Tent), you are asking for trouble. The Frontrunner (and most quality roof racks) can handle significantly more weight, but the Grand’s roof mounts cannot.

The Slimline II rack was intended to be a primary mount for bulky trail accessories and lighting with the ability to handle some lightweight gear overflow such as clothing, tent, and camping supplies. The fantastic modularity of the Slimline allows for easy addition of nearly any expedition gear. Frontrunner has a long and distinguished catalog of accessories and brackets for their racks, and if they don’t have something, the slotted rails allow for easy fabrication of custom mounts. I fabricated some mounting brackets for the Baja Designs 40” light bar and the rear antenna/camp light bracket. Frontrunner now has brackets available that fulfill these needs. I really like their breakaway antenna mount, and will probably upgrade. Otherwise, Frontrunner accessories are used to mount an axe, a shovel, and a camp table. I also fitted my rack with side expedition rails- mostly for aesthetics, I must admit.

INTERIOR STORAGE: I prefer to have my gear organized and accessible as much as is possible in fully kitted out overland vehicle. Not always an easy task. The first order of business is to determine what you need to have quick access to when the vehicle is loaded, and what the driver needs to have in arm’s reach for regular use. Most of the access items were placed in MOLLE pouches and bags to be easily accessible, even if the vehicle was loaded with gear. Recovery equipment was placed in a backpack and clipped to rear seatback for easy access. Some rigid MOLLE panels from Greyman Tactical were installed in the rear hatch for some extra convenience storage along with a couple large MOLLE pouches. Other items like the tire repair kit and air compressor accessories are stored in some MOLLE pouches under the back seat next to the compressor. Navigation and communication equipment was a challenge.

An older cellular iPad running GaiaGPS is used for navigation duties and is mounted on a removable RAM mounts post bracket. When not operating off road, the mount can be pulled out to open up some leg space for passengers, but does not badly interfere when in use. Personal electronics were mounted on some very attractive Kuda mounting bases in reach of the driver. The Kuda bases allow for future mounting of different holders and brackets as electronics change.