Cargo Carrier for Hitch?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'm in need of a hitch mounted cargo carrier. I've looked around, and I've found a couple that fold up when not in use. I'm really liking these because I can leave it in all the time and not deal with it sticking out. However, I realize I won't have access to the rear hatch with it in the up position. I think I can manage. Anyway, do any of you guys have any experience with these? Any suggestions on which one? Here's what I'm looking at right now, but I'd like something a little cheaper if possible (just gonna be using it 10-15 times a year with up to probably 200 pounds).
http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-3066-standard-folding-cargo-carrier.aspx
Any input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[mmjmeade]

that looks like a pretty good deal to me. i also have been looking for one. its easier then lugging my big tex trailer around for small items. 99.00 shipped seems fair. maybe find a used one on ebay or at a local yard sale if you are looking for something cheaper

 

[RocNYRunner]

I have one that I use this time of year for hunting. (Deer carcass in the 4Runner would cause problems with the wife) Got it at Harbor Freight 4 years ago for under $50, and it's rated for 200#. If you do get one, mount some reflectors on it, mine was like a target before I did, got rear ended a few times. Just more evidence that people are dumb!

I'm in need of a hitch mounted cargo carrier. I've looked around, and I've found a couple that fold up when not in use. I'm really liking these because I can leave it in all the time and not deal with it sticking out. However, I realize I won't have access to the rear hatch with it in the up position. I think I can manage. Anyway, do any of you guys have any experience with these? Any suggestions on which one? Here's what I'm looking at right now, but I'd like something a little cheaper if possible (just gonna be using it 10-15 times a year with up to probably 200 pounds).
http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-3066-standard-folding-cargo-carrier.aspx
Any input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the tip, I'll check out Harbor Freight. I don't have to have a foldable one, but it would be nice. I'm actually looking for the exact same thing, I'm not quite ready to throw a dead deer up in the back of the 4runner.

 

[TechWrench]

I see from your sig, you have an '03. Just a word of caution when buying any aftermarket item that is supposed to fit into the receiver tube. Toyota was very tight with their specs on the 2" receiver tube. Many people, myself included, have had problem with aftermarket ball mounts, and other receiver mounted devices fitting too snugly, and sometimes being very difficult to remove. My friend had an '03 V8, and used this hitch mounted carrier from his prior vehicle, and he had to persuade the tube to fit into the receiver so the pin would fit, and then had to persuade it off again when he wanted to remove it (Persuade = BFH). If possible, you may want to test fit the item before purchasing it.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the info, I'll definitely keep that in mind. After speaking with several law enfocement officials, the fold up hitches are not legal. Anything that blocks the view of the license plate gives them enough reason for a ticket. Since I will have it mostly in the up position, this will cause issues. I'm not too sure if I'm gonna get one of these or not now. I'll keep them in mind, and any input is appreciated.

 

[chaz]

years ago they said the same thing about some aftermarket spare tire racks, so guys would just mount the license plate on the carrier rack instead of the body. u could fab up removable brackets so it can be moved back & forth from stock position to bottom of folded up rack.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thought about that, but it's more trouble than it's worth to me. I also mentioned that, but your plate has to have a light so it can be seen at night. That'd have to be wired up to the hitch as well, otherwise you'd still be able to be stopped and ticketed. It's not something I'd be too terribly concerned over, but still a factor that comes into play.

 

[RocNYRunner]

Here's where mine is stored from opening day of archery season... until I kill something!!!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Simple yet brillant, now why didn't I think of that??? I've found several of those type for $50ish, and if strapped down I don't see any harm in it being stored there. Do you guys think there would be any issues with the factory roof rack?

 

[TechWrench]

Simple yet brillant, now why didn't I think of that??? I've found several of those type for $50ish, and if strapped down I don't see any harm in it being stored there. Do you guys think there would be any issues with the factory roof rack?

An elegant solution, just be careful when putting it up there, and removing it, so as not to ding the roof.