Back to finding a pair of cartop cargo carriers which work with these
new-fangled aircraft-style flush doors . .

That will work, and you will get lots of use out of them, and when you
get your pick-up sell them on eBay.
You don't have a sunroof, huh?
We carry two by fours, PVC pipe, etc. all the time in a Honda Civic
with a sunroof. We wrap the things with rags, and we take the back
roads home.
For your 35 miles, it would be a bit expensive but consider Home Depot
rents trucks for $18 per hour. Probably more now with gas prices.
While there get some other stuff you are sure to need for the
inevitable renovation work going on there at the new QTH. But don't
cut the ground rods. Come on now!

Rick K2XT