In an ideal world, we’d all have a tourer parked in the shed ready for the big lap. It’d be custom-built to suit our needs, with perfect cooking, recovery, and storage solutions. Of course, next to it, we’d need something lighter and more nimble for those quick weekend getaways. A near-stock 4X4 would also be fantastic for the daily commute and Bunnings runs. Unfortunately, unless you’re on the Forbes richest billionaires list, that’s probably not feasible.
But that doesn’t mean your rig needs to be a compromise. With a little planning and the right equipment, you can have a rig that adapts to your needs and is far more versatile than an “all or nothing” big lap tourer.
This adaptability was something we’ve been thinking about recently. Gearing up to film the latest season, we found ourselves modifying last season’s rigs to do a far different job: proper remote touring. Rather than start from scratch, we added a few accessories to take the rigs from weekend warriors to proper remote tourers. Without a doubt, the Pelican Cargo Cases were one of the best upgrades. Bolted to the roof in under 10 minutes, the Pelican cases allowed us to add up to 400L of storage to the Everest, and more importantly, remove it when not needed.
Now, at the tail end of that trip, we’re taking a closer look at what made this seemingly out-of-the-box solution such a winner.
Durability and Protection
One of the standout features of the Cargo Case range is their rugged design. These cases are built with heavy-duty, roto-molded construction that ensures they can withstand stray branches and corrugations. They are both water-resistant and dustproof, making them ideal for keeping your gear in decent nick even on remote trips.
Secure Mounting Options
These cases come with a variety of tie-down points and a specialised roof rack mounting system. This makes it easy to secure them to your roof rack or ute tub, ensuring your load is stable even on outback corrugations. When the cases are bolted up, they’re essentially an extension of your storage drawers, not an afterthought so they’re rock solid.
Lockable Latches
Security is always a concern when you’re on the road. The Pelican Cargo Case range features lockable latches, allowing you to add an extra layer of security to your stored items. Whether you’re carrying valuable tools, camping equipment, or personal belongings, a quick padlock is all it takes to know it’s secure.
Convenient Access
The design includes heavy-duty lay-flat handles that make it easy to transport and access your gear. The cases are designed for quick and easy access, even when mounted on your rig. It’s not a cumbersome affair to pop the cases open real quick to restock the fridge or grab out a spare change of clothes.
Ample Storage Space
With a 140L capacity, the BX140R we fitted to the Everest gave us plenty of usable space on the road to stash bags of clothes, extra spares, and a bit of food storage for more remote legs. It provided a good balance of space without being overly bulky.
Models and Alternatives
There’s a few different options in the Pelican Cargo Case range, each with similar specs and built quality, but offering different storage volumes to suit the available space.
BX55S: Smaller in size, this model is suitable for compact storage solutions and can be mounted on roof racks or ute tubs.
BX85S: Mid-sized, offering a balance between capacity and ease of handling.
BX90R: Designed specifically for roof racks with dimensions optimised for secure roof mounting.
BX140R: The go-to option on our Canning adventure fits the Everest’s roof rack perfectly without adding too much height.
BX255: The largest model with a 255L capacity, ideal for extended trips requiring significant storage space.
Conclusion
The Pelican Cargo Cases have proven to be an invaluable addition to our remote touring setup. Their durability, secure mounting options, lockable latches, and convenient access make them perfect for a variety of adventures. With ample storage space and models to suit different needs, these cases offer a versatile and reliable storage solution. Whether you’re gearing up for the big lap or a weekend getaway, the Cargo Case range ensure your gear is safe, secure, and easily accessible. Ponying up a little extra cash for quality storage boxes like this can mean your rig remains adaptable, ready to tackle the big lap, or the school pickup.
