Hitch Mounted Cargo Carriers

[Davydd]

Now that I have my hitch receiver installed it is time to get more serious. Upon further research I think I like the GearSpace 34 better than the Stowaway2 Max. After looking at the Stowaway2 I don't think it will hold everything I desire to haul.

It appears etrailer.com handles it...

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-CC2~59105.htm

[Davydd]

On second thought I am also thinking about the GearDeck 17 carrier since it is so versatile. It can be used without the cover so you can haul other things with it such as bicycles with a tie down they sell. I went through all the things we would carry and the GearDeck 17 would hold it all at 46.5" x 27" x 25" high. Also, I think we can get by without having to add a light kit or move the license plate.

[kenking]

I'd think about adding the lights... a couple of feet might not seem like much but I find that with the lights on at night people maintain a better following distance.

[Davydd]

After all my research I ordered a Let'sGoAero GearSpace 20 cargo carrier with foldaway landing gear to roll it around. I called and placed the order Tuesday morning directly with Let'sGoAero and received it via UPS Friday afternoon. Shipping was $50 and it was delivered via an 18 wheeler semi. So I drove up to the road, backed my pickup up to the truck and loaded it directly. It was light enough that I could wrestle it off my pickup by myself. It was shipped fully assembled with the landing gear attached.

http://www.letsgoaero.com/ProductDetail.asp?Pid=31

GearSpace 20 ($859.00)
20 CF
39W x 30D x 36H inside dimensions
90 lbs
Light Duty Landing Gear -Standard Length ($249.95)
Two hitch pin locks ($8.99 each)

This is what we plan to carry

2 Advanced Frame inflatable Kayaks - 30w x 17h x 10d - 73 lbs
2 Canvas quad Lounge Chairs - 36 x 8 x 8 - 30 lbs
2 Life preservers - 8 lbs
2 Paddles - 8 lbs
Miscellaneous kayak accessories, stuff and tools - 20 lbs.

Total cargo weight = 139 lbs. plus or minus

One disappointment. I wanted to carry those Coleman like director chairs but they are not going to fit in the carrier.
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Here are some photos of the GearSpace 20 on our 2005 Pleasure-Way Plateau that I uploaded to my Facebook albums.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1 ... =830326551

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1 ... =830326551

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1 ... =830326551

[ennajean]

David that looks pretty neat. Glad you found one that meets your needs.

[Chester T]

Originally Posted by classbpaul

I want to know why cargo carriers are not as wide as your van, so you can see them in your outside mirrors; when backing up. Some brands have tail.stop,and turn lights; so that is not an issue. Not all vans have rear cameras. Has anyone ever wished that they could see their cargo carrier, when backing up?

I put a back uo camera on my cargo carrier. I built my own box and put camera on box. Works for me.

[thedoodaa2]

We have used some thing called a hitch hall ,and it does have some sloppiness in the center bar ,maybe 2 inches .I just load one side heaver that way it sags but does not flop side to side. They are great for caring grungy things like salty fishing gear on the outside. I wired in some lights ,but the salt water got to them and now just reflectors .One thing I do recommend is an upright flag on a short pole tilted to the right on the right side so it can be seen in the side mirror for backing up ,it will also remind you that it's there. Walt.

[arrveedogz]

I'd like to get one -- preferably as light weight as possible, so I am considering polypropylene weighing only 40 pounds empty (with folding hitch attachment). I also like the all aluminum tray models. I don't know if the folding-up design is too practical with the Sprinter's rear doors.

So I am tempted by the LetsGoAero Twin Tube Hitch Rack and then adding my own box or stand on top. I like the telescoping design -- which would But that's over 50+ pounds empty.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Dan F.

[Mike]

Get a toad that's got lots of interior room and a big trunk.
Then fill it with all the extra stuff you'd planned to put in your hitch mounted box.
Much safer and easier to pull a small car behind you, than balance a box full of junk
on a hitch assembly designed to pull heavy, not support/lift heavy,
and they come with lights and wiring already installed.

"if it doesn't fit, or it's too dirty to bring inside, then leave it here". - anonymous wife.

Just joking, of course (maybe? ).

[arrveedogz]

Originally Posted by Mike

Get a toad that's got lots of interior room and a big trunk.
Then fill it with all the extra stuff you'd planned to put in your hitch mounted box.

Yeah, that's a plan. If I get one of those Aero boxes with those cool drop down wheels, why not just drive with the wheels down? Or would that require a separate license plate?

"if it doesn't fit, or it's too dirty to bring inside, then leave it here". - anonymous wife.

With apologies to Garfield, I resemble that remark! And if said wife actually applies that scheme, won't she be doing a lot of solo driving?

[Chester T]

I bought a cargo carrier from Canadian Tire a few weeks back. It fits into receiver on my PW Excell. I paid 199.00CDN for it. I built a box and placed it inside carrier. I used two short chains and placed one on either side of carrier and attached them to vehical hitch. With the chains i also used two screw type fasteners too tighten up chains. They act as a back up secure device and also keep the carrier level. I have driven 800km/500miles with it on and no problems to date.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by arrveedogz

Yeah, that's a plan. If I get one of those Aero boxes with those cool drop down wheels, why not just drive with the wheels down? Or would that require a separate license plate?

With apologies to Garfield, I resemble that remark! And if said wife actually applies that scheme, won't she be doing a lot of solo driving?

Hahahaha, just had a look at this response. I hadn't thought of that interpretation.
Nice one Dan.

[jerrygaylor]

I have a rola system now for 3 years, very good unit.
http://hitches4less.com/dpscargosystem.html

[Showker]

I would rather remove the spare tire, and have the carrier closer to the van . . . and have a swing out feature to get the back doors open . . . . but is there one large enough to put the spare tire in????

Thanks

Roadtrek 190p

[markopolo]

These from Let's Go Aero look big enough:

Enclosed Cargo Carriers

Looks like slide out not swing away though.