Fold DOWN hitch-mount cargo carrier

[jwkilgore]

I just got back from a trip to visit family. The 6-mo old GSD pup managed the trip sitting between my kids in the back seat, but she's still growing and won't fit there next year. We already have a roof-top cargo carrier, and every inch of the carrier and interior was packed with presents, gear, and clothes.

Next step, assuming a minivan or full-size SUV is out of the budget, is a hitch-mount cargo carrier.

Does anyone know of one that folds DOWN for access to the rear hatch without having to unload the rack? Obviously I won't be lowering and raising a 500-lb max-loaded rack, but we can manage a few hundred pounds. My hitch-mount 4-bike carrier does this.

Or does the hatch rise quickly enough to miss a standard cargo box?

I also realize that I can lower the hatch window, and that's option 2, but I'd prefer to find a folding hitch rack if possible.

 

[GhostRing]

Any reason a Hitch-Gate style swing out won't work?

 

[blkwtr]

Is that for the dog or for other stuff?

 

[blkwtr]

Is that for the dog or other stuff?

 

[KidVermicious]

Is that for the dog or for other stuff?

You cannot put a dog on a hitch carrier, you numbskull.





It's for the kids, obviously.

 

[jwkilgore]

Is that for the dog or for other stuff?

Depends on who's whining the loudest. Based on the last trip it won't be the dog.

Any reason a Hitch-Gate style swing out won't work?

I hadn't considered that, but there is no reason it won't work. Anyone here use a StowAway Cargo Carrier? https://www.stowaway2.com/hitch-cargo-racks

Also found one by Rola (price premium).

 

[indawire]

Dog rides where?

What, you never saw Chevy Chase in "Vacation"?

 

[jwkilgore]

Update:
Went with this carrier:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JF5LRN0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Along with this cargo bag:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OJ9MWUE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Worked beautifully. Carrier & bag stuck out far enough the hatch easily cleared and the dog was able to get in and out easily. This bag, our roof-top carrier, and stuffing smaller things around the wire kennel (which took up 90% of the rear cargo area) and we were able to get there and back. We may need more space for a winter trip (bulkier clothes, coats, etc.), but for summer this worked great.

Next step is a set of trailer lights for a little added visibility. Not a necessity, just a want.

Also the added weight caused a bit of a squat with my "leveled" suspension. Need to work on that.

 

[world vs venkman]

I use a cheap steel cargo carrier with a Reese accessory hitch adapter (basically adds an extension and an additional hitch receiver so that a trailer can still be hooked up) and it achieves a similar out/lift when using just the carrier. An added bonus is that I'm not worried about smoking/melting my cargo bag. I ended with a ROLA bag that looks to be basically the same as yours.

I can easily fit two of those heavy duty black/yellow lid containers in the cargo bag. What roof carrier do you use?

 

[johnbt]

"trailer lights"

Some folks headed to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with cooler racks or bicycle racks have been ticketed for blocking the license plate too. It's been on the books for many years, but seldom enforced. fwiw

 

[Cymon]

Definitely more on the premium price end of the spectrum, but 1-up came out with this recently. If it matches the quality of their bike racks it might be worth the price and it folds up when not in use just like their bike racks.

https://www.1up-usa.com/product-category/cargo-carriers/