With the lift and tires sorted, the next step for the MooseWagen was making it livable and practical on the road. That meant storage solutions, camping gear, and overland essentials that would keep me comfortable while still being efficient with space and power.
Fridge & Power
One of the best additions so far has been the 20L Alpicool fridge. It’s literally half the size of a 50L unit but uses less power, which makes it perfect for my needs. I’m usually camping solo and only need food storage for a couple of days at a time, so this compact fridge was a no-brainer.
Compared to my old Ford Explorer, which had room for larger gear like a 50L fridge, the XC70 forced me to get creative with space. I built a fridge cabinet with a drawer and hidden pantry, making the most of the cargo area with the seats still up. Pantry items stay tucked away, out of sight, and—most importantly—don’t roll around.
Powering the fridge and other gear is an auxiliary battery setup, with plans to upgrade from a standard deep cycle to lithium (LiFePO4) in the near future. I also use two Bluetti units, which can be charged while driving and used at camp, keeping the fridge running and my camera gear topped up without draining the car battery. A larger-capacity Bluetti is on the wishlist, but for now the system works well.
Roof Storage & Recovery Gear
On the roof, I scored a second-hand ski box for $60 and mounted it on the driver’s side. It now holds my hammock gear, hammock stand, recovery straps, and soft shackles. I also used part of an Amazon recovery board mount to secure my traction boards neatly to the aluminum cross rails.
For the bike, I mounted a Swagman rack on the roof. Between the ski box, recovery boards, and bike rack, everything has its place—organized, neat, and ready to roll.
Liftgate Tent & Camp Space
Camping comfort got a huge upgrade with the switch to a KampKeeper rear liftgate tent. My old single-cover setup worked, but the new one is like a palace by comparison—providing around 100 square feet of extra sheltered space right at the back of the car.
With two large doors (one screened, one open) it has great ventilation and keeps the mosquitoes out. The best part? My hammock stand actually fits inside, which makes for a versatile camp setup no matter the weather.
What’s Next
The MooseWagen is getting closer to being a complete overland rig, but there are still improvements on the horizon:
- A larger cargo drawer with a folding sleep platform to keep gear secure and hidden.
- Lithium power upgrade to replace the current deep cycle battery.
- A higher-capacity Bluetti to extend off-grid stays.
As always, weight and drivability are at the top of my mind. An overloaded car might look ready for anything, but it won’t drive safely when packed. The MooseWagen is about balance—keeping things light, functional, and adventure-ready.
Up next: putting it all to the test in real-world travel.