Trailer hitch cargo rack

[Scout Av8er]

I've performed a search on this topic before creating this thread, with no joy...

Has anyone purchase one of these (see picture below)?
what is the performance characteristics?
how does it affect gas mileage?

We are planning a trip from lower Alabama to the "promise land" Idaho, this summer. I haven't been home for summer in about 5 years. Anyway, we are planning on making the trip with our new baby that will be due in April, and I want to maximize cargo space, or should I say, add more cargo space to our 4Runner.

Any and all thoughts are helpfull.

Dave

 

[KMX3060]

You might try etrailer.com they have a lot of 'stuff'.

Being on the back end things will get wet and dirty so wrap them up tight. I think I saw a swing out model on etrailer.com that would allow access to the back without unloading the carrier.

Ciao, Brian

Found it:
They even have a picture of one on a 4R.

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/m...e_Code=E&Product_Code=10191&Category_Code=ECC

 

[jharris2]

I've performed a search on this topic before creating this thread, with no joy...

Has anyone purchase one of these (see picture below)?
what is the performance characteristics?
how does it affect gas mileage?

We are planning a trip from lower Alabama to the "promise land" Idaho, this summer. I haven't been home for summer in about 5 years. Anyway, we are planning on making the trip with our new baby that will be due in April, and I want to maximize cargo space, or should I say, add more cargo space to our 4Runner.

Any and all thoughts are helpfull.

Dave

Congrats on the impending arrival!

I've seen these around town -- look like they would be good for getting stuff at the bix box retailers (saw one guy carrying 6 bags of Quikrete). But for a long trip, I'd worry that the stuff would get really dirty with road grime, etc. Worse if you get rained on. The one that Brian found is lots more expensive, but it would protect the stuff better.

Might check out the local truck accessory shops to see what they have. Also, the dealer where I bought the 4Runner has similar stuff, too.

Finally, once you decide on what you want, maybe you'll find something in the newspaper to save some money. You'll probably need to save as much as you can with a baby in the house.

 

[Brewster]

I bought one from Valley Industries through Cabelas. It has two problems.

1. It slants (see pic)

2. The straight exhaust pipe of a stock 4Runner heats up the right side some, but not too badly.

If it didn't slant, I would be happy with it. It's great for carrying a big ice chest. Valley Industries acted like they were going to help, and asked for pictures, but then did nothing.

 

[HuntRunner]

Not sure how much $$ you are wanting to spend, but these seem like a realy good idea......Just a little pricey!!

http://www.stowaway2.com/index.htm

They swing out so that you can get to the back too. Plus, they are weather tight.

 

[CardsFan]

I bought one from Etrailer last Summer as they are located in STL for around $130. I've gotten a lot of use out it. However, I melted a hole in a brand new cooler on my way to a camping trip. The stock exhaust is not conducive to the use of the trailer hitch cargo carrier. I've added the Borla exhaust, so no more melting s#it.

 

[Scout Av8er]

thanx for the info

I was thinking for the long haul, covering my gear in a blue tarp. I have a few from when I wrapped things up for the upstate NY winter while I was deployed.
I totally forgot about the exhaust, thanx, and have been thinking of adjusting it like momo's, so the exhaust is on the passengers side, right behind the right rear tire.

Dave

 

[GalacticRunner]

Prior to picking up my 4-runner, I used one of these racks all the time when traveling in my Xterra and in my wifes Sienna. It works fine and carries alot. One trick we used when using is is to pack our stuff in those plastic totes you can pick up at K-Mart. They fit perfectly between the rails, kept everything clean and were easy to clean themselves.
O those two vehicle the exaust pipe did not come into play though. I too am considering the tail pipe bend. Would like to drive with rear window open.

 

[Scout Av8er]

plastic totes

thanx, I forgot about those things as well, I have a couple of them as well from my redeploy. Handy things to have around.

Also, what is the best way to put the bend on the tail pipe?
Dave

 

[mjweber96]

You are going to need a pipe bender or you will crease it more then you want to and it will be ugly and restrictive. Drop buy a local muffler shop to see what they would charge or even buy a tip that is slightly rolled to angle it to the ground or to the side.