Need help packing

[dominiondad]

Help. I'm taking the AutoTrain to WDW next summer. I'll be taking my Jeep Wrangler soft top. There is no room in the interior for luggage and I'm at a loss for how to get my bags to WDW. The AutoTrain won't allow me to use a rear hitch rack or roof rack. Sending the bags ahead sounds very expensive and a bit risky. I looked into vacuum sealing the clothes to minimize the space the luggage will take up, but it looks like all of the systems require a vacuum cleaner. Taking a vacuum cleaner just adds more to pack. I plan to buy things like water, food, snacks, shampoo, once we get there. Thoughts??

 

[wdwrich]

Won't AMTRAK allow you to bring/check a bag as if you were a passenger on a "regular" train?

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Won't AMTRAK allow you to bring/check a bag as if you were a passenger on a "regular" train?

I think OP means there is lack of space in the Jeep Wrangler. as she cannot tow, and has a soft top alt options are limited. You can use a rear hitch, but you have to take it off and store in the vehicle. It will slip out of the hitch and store in the rear of your Jeep. How many people are traveling with you. It seems instead of a hardside or suitcase you can use a large duffle and fit just as much. I use packing cubes and roll most of the clothing. You can take luggage in the train with you when you board, but if in a roomette there is limited room.

I have a rolling 26" duffle and use the packing cubes. Then I have a rolling backpack for all my electronics and carryon items with clothing needs to have at hand. You are right an average to send a suitcase by UPS is $60 when I priced it yesterday.

 

[jec6613]

I think OP means there is lack of space in the Jeep Wrangler. as she cannot tow, and has a soft top alt options are limited. You can use a rear hitch, but you have to take it off and store in the vehicle. It will slip out of the hitch and store in the rear of your Jeep.

This is probably the best choice if you really need the additional space - or a roof rack device that does something similar. Just make sure it fits inside the vehicle (while the vehicle is still drivable) and you can get it off and on without too much issue, and you should be OK.

 

[dominiondad]

Yes, the issue is space in the wrangler. I have four travelers. I think the solution will be to pack light (fortunately we are going in July so it will be t-shirts and shorts) and buy a rear hitch rack that will fit inside the vehicle for the train ride. Thanks!

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Yes, the issue is space in the wrangler. I have four travelers. I think the solution will be to pack light (fortunately we are going in July so it will be t-shirts and shorts) and buy a rear hitch rack that will fit inside the vehicle for the train ride. Thanks!

Just a few things we learned on the hitch. Some states the carries need lights or reflectors. When you pack, put the luggage in sturdy plastic bags for weather. Tie down a cover tarp. Keep the tarp away from blowing near the exhaust pipe, it can melt. Don't forget it is back there when you back up....
Also if you are going a week did you think of perhaps renting a car or taking a regular train and renting at the Orlando station or other.