Hitch mounted cargo carrier?

[carpsniperg2]

Looking into getting a hitch mounted carrier. So many options out there. Anyone use them and have a brand recommendation?

[buckfvr]

Im also looking so what is good and what to avoid please.

[teanawayslayer]

What rig are you putting it on?

[highside74]

I have one but don't know the brand. So I'm no help there but I've used it on a few hunts and found it very helpful. 

[buckfvr]

Tacoma

[full choke]

One consideration you may look at is an extender. Depending on what you plan on putting in the carrier and what kind of weight- a receiver extender can be quite handy. It may allow you to open a tailgate or back door or an suv while you have the carrier loaded. Just a thought.

[kselkhunter]

The swing away hitch extenders are a good idea.  Yakima, Thule, and others make them.   Insert the hitch mount cargo carrier into one of those, and it allows it to swing away to open the tailgate of pickup or back hatch of SUV.

The Rola Swinging Enclosed Cargo Carrier is a great complete solution, but quite expensive.  I have a friend that has that, but I couldn't justify the cost myself.  The StowAway2 Hitch Cargo boxes are also worth a look and have swing away models as well.

Are you looking for just the utility rack or an enclosed box?

Another option if you're a bicyclist is to just get one of the swing away bike racks, and bolt a cargo carrier onto that swing arm.  That way you can use it for either bicycles or cargo depending on your trip.   

For just basic utility cargo carrier without swing away, I've used the Reese Pro Series Rambler and it functions fine.  Just annoying when trying to open tailgate or hatchback if it's loaded up with cooler or tote that interferes with opening.

[ghosthunter]

I got one used many years now. Paid 150.00 for it.

One thing I would do is come up with a hitch extender that goes up. They ride kinda low loaded. 12 inches higher would be better.

And if loaded blocks your tail lights , I would pick up a set of magnetic tow lights to use with it.

I use it some , but I prefer my utility trailer.

The grandson and I went elk hunting this year and used the cargo carrier. Put the cooler and couple other things on it. Was ok.

[Dan-o]

Bought the cheap harbor freight one. 

Have hauled as much as 2 cow elk at the same time.

No complaints.

I crashed it and bought another.

[Magnum_Willys]

Just Watchout when hauling coolers or gas cans if you have rear exhaust tailpipes 
Been there!

[teanawayslayer]

I have a Jeep Wrangler. I bought a 1’ extension and have a fold up carrier from harbor freight. It has a 2” lip on it. The other ones with the higher sides does not allow me to open my back door. It is rated at 700 lbs. I want to say it was just under a hundred bucks. I wanted it to fold up when not carrying anything. They drag pretty good on water bars and tank traps.

[buckfvr]

I got one used many years now. Paid 150.00 for it.

One thing I would do is come up with a hitch extender that goes up. They ride kinda low loaded. 12 inches higher would be better.

And if loaded blocks your tail lights , I would pick up a set of magnetic tow lights to use with it.

I use it some , but I prefer my utility trailer.

The grandson and I went elk hunting this year and used the cargo carrier. Put the cooler and couple other things on it. Was ok.

Im kind of thinking the part about the utility trailer will apply for me too.

[grundy53]

I have one but don't know the brand. So I'm no help there but I've used it on a few hunts and found it very helpful.

Same here. I'll check go look at the brand in a bit. It's been very handy when needed.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[fowl smacker]

I have a Harbor Freight one too.  It's done everything I've asked of it, hauling loaded coolers, totes, fire wood, etc.

[elkaholic123]

I have one and added an extension to the rail around basket to hold bulky items!

[carpsniperg2]

Probably just my rv for some added space for like a cooler etc as it’s just a class Babd space inside is kinda limited. I might use it on my keep from time to time but that’s not a focus on my search. I see folding and fixed options. I am open to both the weight limits seem to mostly be around 500 which is enough for what I am planning on using it for. I do like the higher sides but will will indeed to look and see if the rear doors will open with one that has a taller basket on it.

[bornhunter]

Got mine at Cabelas. Aluminum rack but steel frame. Folds up when not in use. Rated at 500 lbs and I paid about 130 for it. Works great.

[follow maggie]

I use the cabelas one & it’s been great. No complaints & I've used it for several thousand miles all over Idaho, Montana, Wyoming & the Dakotas.

[lee]

A cargo carrier .... you mean like this???     

[Alchase]

I have a 20" w x 60" L x 2" T, Hitch Haul Carrier. I have had it for 20 + years. It works well, especially for wet or Bloody stuff,  .

If I was going to buy another, it would be a new Aluminum Carrier. Mine is pretty heavy, and you do not gain much in hauling capacity by going with Steel. And the steel ones are heavy to move around.

When packing for deer camp, it is the last thing I pack, and the when I arrive at deer camp, it is the first thing I unpack and remove. I cable lock it to a tree in camp. It just gets in the way in camp, and makes for some very sore shins if left attached  .

Depending on how low your truck receiver is, it might be beneficial to run a Receiver Extender that goes up a couple inches, as others have said.

[Bowhunter3]

Here is an aluminum one I whipped up in a hurry. Platform sits almost 3” higher than the top of your receiver tube for improved clearance and extends enough to reach past my gate. I have loaded this thing down as much as I can and it holds up. Also, another I began to sketch for my brothers travel trailer that has yet to be finished and built. This one is designed to have the cargo almost hugging the back of the trailer. If you’re interested in having one fabricated that will hold up to anything you load it down with, let me know. I can design and fabricate to any specifications and requirements. Aluminum always preferred 

[carpsniperg2]

Sweet thanks for all the info and feedback. The wife is always on me for Xmas presents as I always say idk lol. So I think I might have to tip her off on this one!

[kball4]

I have a Reese hitch carrier that I put trailer lights on, when loaded up it covered my Jeep taillights.

[gasman]

I have 2, one for motorcycle,  and one for misc stuff.. i make my own,, but Harbor Freight ones are fine.

[millerwheeler]

I myself have one I use it’s 54 x36  been very handle for whatever I need to haul my Toyota bed is so short and tiny the hitch basket stays on I’d say over half the time