HOW TO CREATE MORE SPACE

I’ve written about how to use the space you were given effectively, but we haven’t discussed how we can make even more space for a more luxurious camp trip. A roof rack will allow for all things that wouldn’t necessarily be practical fitting in the car like bikes, skis, snowboards, baskets etc. I’m running a Thule rack on my red car. I believe I got it from a BMW owner. Thule did make racks specifically for the Miata hardtop because of its odd shape, but those are long discontinued. This one works perfectly fine and is even compatible with the rain rails on my hardtop!

Thule, along with Garage Morris & Road Kids made roof racks for the 1st gen Miata

Most roof racks you will see in 2025 are DIY because originals are tougher to find. But they are out there

Inside there are many options for more storage. This one here is a Nakamae “behind the seat” storage pocket. I use it for smaller loose things like a sun shade, CD’s, towels etc. These are still available to buy via Rev9 or Zoom Engineering.

These also come in black or tan for alternate NA interiors

Other brands like Atlantic Design or Saratoga offer many storage additions similar to this. Saratoga has it’s notorious inside trunk lid bags that I would use, but I need the space under the trunk lid for the taller gear that goes in the trunk. Unfortunately these are no longer available. If you manage to find them second hand they may be upwards of $300 USD.

An old scan of products they offered. Both for NA and NB

If you have towing capability, Hard Dog makes an excellent hidden tow hitch and I believe Curt makes towing equipment for the Miata as well. I’ve paired my Hard Dog with a Maxxhaul 2” rise/drop adapter. The Hard Dog tow hitch bolts up to OEM holes using OEM hardware that holds in your rear tow hooks. When you’re not using it, all you do is detach the L shape adapter and no one even knows it’s there! I personally don’t tow but I have friends who do! I prefer to use a floating cargo basket.

Using a 2” rise helps me avoid burning luggage from exhaust pipe

Black car (@nyoomianta) White car (@r33d27) via Instagram

One of the last things we can add is a luggage rack. Mazda offered an optional luggage rack from factory back in the 90’s, but it’s kind of useless for what we need to use it for. On the market today there are still a handful of options. Depending on what you put on your rack, I would avoid getting the type that sits only on the trunk. I believe Moss Miata sells them. That’ll make a huge dent on your trunk lid from the pressure and weight. I’d suggest getting one that sits on the quarter panels and avoids your trunk lid completely like this one from Zoom Engineering. They offer attachments for it as well for your bike! These types of luggage racks can withstand a lot more gear/weight. Zooms rack is still available today and is even offered for the ND!

Via (@zoomengineering) on Instagram

From Roadsterbros Vol. 22

While I don’t personally have a luggage rack, I still consider getting one from time to time. In place of one however, I still utilize my trunk lid. I picked these up second hand from a friend. Long discontinued Atlantic Design touring bags. All my clothes go in one bag while I use the other one for soft goods for the campsite like my pillow, sleeping pad etc. They are incredibly roomy and also waterproof in case you get caught in the elements. I use these all the time.

Some more options from Atlantic Design back in the day

I’ve used it on my NB as well. It was only ever advertised on an NA but it seemed to work just fine on the NB. I have a YouTube video on a trip I did to Mt. Rainier that featured this bag.

Solo camp trip with the NB Roadster July of 2024

Building a Roadster for uncommon use has been something extremely enjoyable for me. I’ve spent 5+ years exploring a style that places the car in a circuit setting. As I got older I discovered more things to enjoy the car with other than taking it to car shows, the track, and other gatherings. I’ve begun taking it on road trips, camping trips, and day trips to the coast or mountain. I found very beautiful scenery for the car with the world around me and wanted to explore a style where I could compliment the scenery around me similar to my camp setups. I understand that adding things like roof racks, cargo boxes, trailers etc. may be distasteful to some, but for me it shows how versatile my favorite little convertible can be. I thought I’d reached a plateau with the potential of my Roadster’s appearance, but jumping into this world had moved the goal post yet again and I’m so excited to see where this journey takes me. One car that has inspired me deeply comes out of Japan. Proof that you can still have style and be with the elements without looking like you don’t belong there.

(@rin.lin_97) via Instagram