Hitch Mounted Cargo Carriers

[markopolo]

Does anyone on the forum use Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier? (on any vehicle)

I have a cargo rack on order but have never used one before.

A friend of mine wants to know more about them. He's concerned about putting a lot of weight around a centre post as opposed to two supports at the extremes.

When loaded, do the cargo carriers tilt over to one side?

He's considering a Stowaway.

[paulm]

I'm thinking of about a 4' box, similar to what you find in the back of a pickup truck.

I want to carry a spare LP tank, portable BQ, spare battery, maybe a small genset, flamable fuel, lantern, splitting axe, even some firewood for the first night.

I can just imagine following me down the road, watching this thing tilting over everytime I take a turn. LOL

Also is they're any regulations about blocking signal lights. Not that a 4' box would, but from a drivers prospective, would you be able to see the right blinker, or should I mount a set on the box?

[bobojay]

Originally Posted by paulm

I'm thinking of about a 4' box, similar to what you find in the back of a pickup truck.

I want to carry a spare LP tank, portable BQ, spare battery, maybe a small genset, flamable fuel, lantern, splitting axe, even some firewood for the first night.

I can just imagine following me down the road, watching this thing tilting over everytime I take a turn. LOL

Also is they're any regulations about blocking signal lights. Not that a 4' box would, but from a drivers prospective, would you be able to see the right blinker, or should I mount a set on the box?

That's an awful lot of weight to put on the FAR back end of a van. I would think you'd have a sagging suspension.
Also, if done and it was me I'd do lights on the back to mimic the lights on the truck......

[markopolo]

Paul - is this for your tent trailer?

Is it a bumper mounted hitch?

What do you think about a roof rack?

http://www.prorac.com/permmounttent.php

[julievojo]

We have a Stowaway 2 hitch mounted cargo box on the back of our Pleasureway. We like it alot! It's easy to get on and off (with 2 people), it locks, has a drain plug inside so it can be cleaned out, and it swings aside so we can open the back doors. It also has tail lights and turn signals on the back.

We use it for the outdoor stuff like the grill, shovel, lawn chairs etc. Even when it's full it's easy for me to move myself. The maximum recommended load is 300 lbs. I don't think we have anywhere near that much weight in in however.

http://www.stowaway2.com/

[bobojay]

Now that is really neat. Never seen one before. I have seen imitations that I didn't think were very quality I know.
Which model do you have? I'm curious which model fits PW's & RT's with that rear mounted spare........we'll definitely have to look into one of these when we get our B.

[julievojo]

We have the Max Swingaway. The website does have a vehicle fit guide. When you decide on which model of B to purchase, you can take a look and figure out which one will work for you.

They are great for all of that stuff that gets dirty outside. You don't have to bring those items into your RV for travel or storage.

Julie

[bobojay]

Originally Posted by julievojo

We have the Max Swingaway. The website does have a vehicle fit guide. When you decide on which model of B to purchase, you can take a look and figure out which one will work for you.

They are great for all of that stuff that gets dirty outside. You don't have to bring those items into your RV for travel or storage.

Julie

What we'll most likely get is a Roadtrek 190P, with a Pleasure Way Lexor a distant second candidate. Both are Chevys. I know they've got one for them.....

[markopolo]

From Stowaway's web site re: spare tire carriers

Our Swingaway models can generally accommodate vehicles with spare tires or ladders whose X distance is 14 inches or less.

Our fixed frame Spare Tire Model can generally accommodate vehicles with spare tires or ladders whose X distance is 11.5 inches or less. Note: The Spare Tire Model only works with vehicles that have Class III or Class IV hitches.

[markopolo]

Stowaway has a blog.

http://stowaway2.blogspot.com/

I saw this photo:



"Your StowAway2 saved us several thousand dollars during our latest trip. Regretably, our RV's brakes failed! All of a sudden, our RV crashed into a tree and stopped. We were extremely fortunate no one was hurt. When we got out to check the damage, we noticed that our brand-new StowAway2 was smashed. But, AMAZINGLY, there was not a scratch on our RV!"

[jerrygaylor]

We are looking at the Max Stoway2 and the ROLA Adventure System Carrier

[travelcpl]

We have a very simple carrier. A MasterBuilt model HP2, with the bike rack attachment. I am very pleased with it. Very handy when needed. We do have a tire kit on the back of our B so I did have to use an extension to get the bikes past it.

[markopolo]

Let's Go Aero is another manufacturer.

http://www.letsgoaero.com/



I like the "Landing Gear":

[paulm]

Saw a cargo carrier with a plastic box on display at CTA this weekend. Price was outrageous.

Plastic box couldn't have weighed move than 10lbs. I was able tilt 2 or 3" either way just on the slop in the receiver.

Might have to go with 2 x 1 1/4 receivers and build my own. Really looking at about 200lbs. Close to the tongue weight.

[markopolo]

Originally Posted by jerrygaylor

We are looking at the Max Stoway2 and the ROLA Adventure System Carrier

Jerry - did you end up getting a cargo carrier?

I'm thinking of going with the ROLA Adventure Carrier.

[jerrygaylor]

Originally Posted by markopolo

Jerry - did you end up getting a cargo carrier?

I'm thinking of going with the ROLA Adventure Carrier.

Not yet, all the other mods I wanted are done, cargo carrier is last purchase. Stiill looking at them

[markopolo]

Now I'm looking at the "Let's Go Aero" Gear Deck

http://www.letsgoaero.com/ProductDetail.asp?Pid=39

It can extend 35 inches so I could fully open my doors. Only problem for me is the spare tire which drops down. It would hit the Gear Deck

I could put the tire in the back of the van.................

[jerrygaylor]

Originally Posted by markopolo

Now I'm looking at the "Let's Go Aero" Gear Deck

http://www.letsgoaero.com/ProductDetail.asp?Pid=39

It can extend 35 inches so I could fully open my doors. Only problem for me is the spare tire which drops down. It would hit the Gear Deck

I could put the tire in the back of the van.................

Which model 34 20 or 17, and will you be able to open your back doors?

[markopolo]

The 17 extends the farthest.

GearSpace™ 34 & 20
Installed Clearance: Up to 11 1/2” (for spare tire etc.)
Telescoped Clearance: Up to 32” (for opening doors)

GearDeck™ 17
Installed Clearance: Up to 15 1/4” (for spare tire etc.)
Telescoped Clearance: Up to 35 3/4” (for opening doors)

I'm thinking about modifying the GearDeck™ 17 to swivel out of the way of my drop down spare tire after it is extended.

[markopolo]

The only on that will work for me is the 17 and, yes, I would be able to fully open the doors if I didn't have the drop down spare tire carrier to contend with ..................