Scott, some of the old timer Skyliner owners have figured out "safe" places outside the luggage tub to store things, but the rule of thumb is to beware of using any space outside the tub. With the roof in the erect position I have used the space to the rear of the tub for a collapsible chair or other long roundish item. I have also used some of the space in front of the tub for flat items. However, I NEVER use the areas to the sides of the tub. On the passenger side there is a considerable risk that an item would roll onto the switch on the trunk floor. This would prevent the deck lid from raising and result in a lot of work to disconnect deck locks to manually raise it. On both sides of the tub items could fall against the screw jacks or the booster springs and jam when activated. Of course, the most important rule when storing items outside the tub is to check for clearance BEFORE retracting the roof. It's amazing how many times people forget this step and.....CRUNCH. Good luck.