Hey everyone. I was curious if anyone out there has a hitch cargo carrier that they recommend. I did a quick search and noticed that the last post pertaining to these carriers was a couple of years ago. I found a couple on amazon but have no experience with them and would love to get some personal feedback about which ones you think are dependable. Thanks in advance!1``

I would avoid them if at all possible. They put weight in a bad place. Screws with the handling and balance. I'd rather have the weight on a roof rack if you can.

I occasionally use this one that I got from Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001G4Z5J...541860_TE_dp_1

It's sturdy, easy to load, and fits a lot of stuff. I've used it to carry a couple of 18 foot rafts for whitewater trips (deflated and rolled up). Although Jetboy may be right about weight distribution, I like the hitch rack because it is easy to load and doesn't create extra drag.

I bought this one from Amazon in 2011, it is on sale now. you probably will need to get a pin for it, i dont think it came with one. I have used it for several long distance trips to/from florida and it has worked great. I particularly like the way it is off set so you dont have to worry about dragging it when you go up a small incline. I typically use it in conjunction with a large Pelican case and some ratchet straps. I never noticed any handling difference with 100 or so lbs. loaded.
Photo of it installed here:




notice with this setup the license plate was fully visible and opening the hatch was no trouble.

Amazon.com: TMS T-CCR1948KB Heavy Duty Hitch Mounted Cargo Basket Luggage Carrier Hauler, 2-Inch: Automotive

I have one that I got from a local trailer dealer here who built it themselves. Very sturdy and has worked great for the last 15 years I have owned it. Originally got it when I had a single cab truck and 4 wheeler so it provided extra space for cargo. I have not used it with the 4 runner but plan to this hunting season to load up harvested animals.
I have never noticed any handling issues with any truck its been on.
Another thing to consider is if your load will block your license plate. I got pulled over once since my plate was not visible. Cop was cool about it and I made a license plate mount right away.
Put some reflective tape on it or maybe some lights if your cargo covers your tail lights. Also get a locking hitch pin since taking the entire thing off with 2 people and tossing in a truck is quicker and easier than you think.

Rola Rack, I highly recommend them. Hi clearance, awesome capacity. I'd use the hitch rack over the roof rack if given the choice on any given day

Rola - Cargo Carrier - Hitch Mounted

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Thanks for all the advice and recommendations. I would love to be able to put all of my cargo on the roof rack but currently I am running the stock rails. Hopefully in the future I can get a more substantial rack mounted so the roof will actually be useful.

Here is what we use.

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I have a Draw-Tite hitch rack rated for 500lbs. It has never affected my handling. I'd rather have it there where it keeps the center of gravity low and doesn't cause a s-load of wind drag. It's a steel version so it is a bit heavy. There are aluminum versions also.

I use the carrier shown in my picture. Its here: 52 x 18 in. Steel Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier | Princess Auto
Right now on sale for $50.

I moved the hole rack one hole closer to the hitch to shorten the unit. Plywood & cable tie create a solid bottom.

I usually haul camping chairs, table, empty water container, archery target. And I always haul firewood back into the camp site.

4 bungee cords, 1 tie down strap and one long rope create a solid package. I don't feel the carrier when I drive. I am more concerned about the guy driving behind me.

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When camping/traveling, we usually use a Rola Swing Away cargo system. We love it because we can swing the cargo box out of the way to let the dogs in and out of the instead of trying to get them in and out of the side doors. Also, the watertight cargo box can be removed and leave just the tray behind (in case we want to haul something that won't fit in the cargo box).

They're on the spendier side of cargo systems, but we bought ours in 2004 ($400 then, $559 now) and we still use it today. We need to replace the weather stripping as we've been having a bit of water come in, but it should be an easy and cheap fix.

The only thing I don't like about it (and this is very minor) is that, when looking out the back window, it sits low enough that you can't actually see it. When backing up, you've got to remind yourself that it's there. I usually put a post it note on the rear view mirror to remind me.

Rola Swing Away Cargo System
Main Link: Rola - Adventure System
Amazon Link: Amazon.com: ROLA 59109 Adventure System with Swing Away: Automotive





-Joel

I carry bikes on the hitch all the time, up to 150lbs including the rack, and I don't notice them back there at all. I'd say as long as you stay well under the trailer tongue weight limit and keep the load close to the rear bumper it's fine. I say well under the limit because this kind of load levers off the back of the hitch, rather than a trailer that's essentially a load straight down on the hitch with no torque.

I used to drive a Civic, and the same load of bikes would sag the rear suspension, cause it to bottom out frequently, scrape the rack on the ground, and point the headlights in the air. The 4runner suspension handles it a lot better, obviously.

I prefer to keep the center of gravity low rather than have stuff on the roof. But then again behind the rear axle is about the worst place for weight, so I don't know which is worse. Ford 15 passenger vans are a high rollover risk partly because they stick out so far past the rear axle, and the 4 across bench seat puts a lot of weight back there if you squeeze 15 people in. But bike shuttle vans with 15 bikes on the roof must be a major rollover risk, too.

The one I have has a swing arm with a pin so I could fold it up when not in use.

similar to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Series-650.../dp/B000E28EOS

I like it since I don't have to remove it when I don't need it.
I did put a lock pin on it, for theft prevention.



Ruff

I have a Harbor frieght cargo carrier I got on sale for $40. It's pretty solid.

Hitch Cargo Carrier - 500 lb. Capacity

lol by that same token somewhat, you could say pulling a boat, trailer, camper, etc would be in the same situation.