Hitch cargo carriers

[muddybuddy]

Hey, have a trip coming up and need a little more storage to carry couple things like cooler, tent, etc. looking for good cargo carrier that bolts into the hitch, something like this:

Amazon.com

Anybody have experience with these and have a recommendation for one? The one above looks decent so may just go with it, like that it includes waterproof cover, saves from having to source one separately.

 

[Chevy305]

I bought an aluminum one from tractor supply a few years ago. I believe it was around $100. Quality as was decent for it's purpose and price point.

 

[dyeager535]

Haven't looked for awhile, but Harbor Freight used to sell a couple as well, at a decent price, with decent reviews.

I've not seen one with the integrated "bag" like that amazon one before, but knowing me I'd tear it up if it wasn't solid plastic. Looks fabric-y to me?

Not sure if this link will work or not: https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/cargo-tie-downs.html

 

[centexk5]

I got a generic one from Amazon along with a bag and it’s been great. Frees the cargo area up for the dog. I’ve hauled enough stuff on mine for a family of 4 for a week at the beach with no issues.

 

[Blue85]

What's it going on? The key is being able to open the back of the truck without unloading the whole cargo carrier. They are certainly more convenient than roof-top carriers and do not hurt the MPG nearly as much.

 

[centexk5]

That’s a good point. Occasionally I have to pull my bag away from the door so it can open on my Durango. Also depends how you pack it. A hitch extender would solve that problem though.

 

[flatland]

I have always used the Harbor freight versions with good results. I typically pick up a plastic toolbox (ex. contico, rubbermaid) or storage bin to put things in to protect from weather and road spray. Some of the boxes lock and a piece of chain around the bar and clipped in the lock deter things walking off too easily. The carrier and box combo is usually cheaper than what is linked above. A pelican case is pricier but some sizes fit in the carrier great and chain to the bar while allowing the barn doors to open over them.
An army duffel is a good soft bag.
I can offset a taller box a bit and still use one barn door.
Use a turnbolt, J hook or ratchet strap from corners to bumper to stop flopping side to side and make it quieter.

 

[centexk5]

A beam clamp clamped to the receiver works as well to keep it from swaying and making noise and makes it harder to steal as you'd have to loosen it first before removing the carrier.

 

[flatland]

All of my trucks have a locking pin or two in them.
Any thing in a receiver hitch without a locking pin is short-lived around here.

 

[Chickntrk]

I have a tractor supply one, use it once a year to go to the beach, always worked well for me. Beware, it’s like a trailer, once your friends find out you have it they will want to borrow it…..

 

[ZooMad75]

I’ve used a harbor freight unit before. Gave it away when I moved.

Depending on what it’s going to be on really dictates how much you can load it down. Bought mine for a longer camping trip with the family and two nephews. I was using my 2004 trailblazer and with three kids inside I put the coolers on the rack in the hitch. Loaded for a week with the heaviest stuff on the rack led to some spooky handling as the weight out back unloaded the front. Felt like a 3/4 ton truck with two yards of rock in the bed. Steering was really vague.

The ride over rabbit ears pass was interesting to say the least.

I reorganized for the ride home with the lighter stuff on the rack and the coolers inside. Much more normal feeling.

It probably won’t be as much of an issue on a actual truck with more payload capacity but it sure surprised me.