Tow Hitch Cargo Carriers

I just got a 2001 Rav4 and was thinking about getting one and then strapping some rubbermade bins on them for extra space.

Anyone have a tow hitch cargo carrier on their car or suv? Like it? Lame?

etrailer.com/dept-pg-Hitch_…

I've used them before and they can be really handy, and they can be a pain in the arse too.... last time I used one it resulted in me being pulled over and my truck being put through a K9 search on the side of a highway because my plate was partially blocked by the cooler on the tray......

Tristan B wrote:I just got a 2001 Rav4 and was thinking about getting one and then strapping some rubbermade bins on them for extra space. Anyone have a tow hitch cargo carrier on their car or suv? Like it? Lame? etrailer.com/dept-pg-Hitch_…

Thats shitty scott, but I'm not worried about that. Are they a pain in other ways? Like trying to open the trunk and stuff?

Yeah throwing firewood on there for camping seams way better than putting it in the back.

I have ski racks on top for snowboarding, but I'm trying to decide if I should get a sky box on the roof or go way cheaper and just get one of these. I need a place for smelly boots and climbing shoes.

Roof pods let you dump gear in them while being secure. The receiver hitch trays are generally a pain in the butt. The last time I used mine was a trip to Tuolumne and only to carry firewood, I have plenty of room without it.

Also, depending on the type of receiver hitch you have you may have to deal with adapting a 1 1/8" receiver hitch since most trays have a 2" shank.

I use a hitch carrier for my motorcycle on my 4 runner (I know different from cargo carrier)I like it, but one think I didn't think about was when I'm driving sometimes the rack scrapes the ground if it's a big dip or rough ground. I don't know how much you'll have to deal with rough roads, but it's something to keep in mind.

If you take a long trip just be sure to place a piece of plywood under the right side. The exhaust pipe will put out more heat than you think. Have a Tacoma truck and melted part of a cooler on that side, warm beer sucks. Once I put a square of 1/4" plywood down the problem was fixed.

I've been thinking about getting cargo carrier for our Nissan Rouge. Even a one night trip with my wife and 2 year old son amounts to a full car with the cooler, firewood and all the cushy chairs and sleeping pads.

Anyone have any other words of experience using cargo carriers?