Hitch Cargo Carrier Recommendation?

[toddjb122]

Anyone have a preference on a particular hitch carrier for the LR3? Be nice to get one that allows the tailgate to fold down when installed. I think they all would, but figured I check for the one you'd trust on your vehicle.

Found a good list of them here;
http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Hitch_Cargo_Carrier-sf-Flat_Carrier.aspx

I'm guessing ours is a 2" hitch receiver?

This one looks pretty good for $240, but there are also plenty of adequate ones for $150ish...

Thanks!

 

[toddjb122]

They also have this sliding version of the one I posted above;
http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Highland/5800400.html

Getting more expensive, but IF it would allow you to swing the load out far enough to open the tailgate when the carrier is loaded up, that'd be worth the money. We use the tailgate a lot at rest areas to change diapers and get meals ready for the dog and such. Be a shame to lose that flexibility with a loaded cargo tray. ?

 

[CMGRover]

I got one from Pep boys for like $100....it rusted a bit in the first use, nothing a can of bedliner can't fix though. Worked well on a 1200 mile trip. Definitely use ratchet straps though. Helped on the way home. Tail gate worked fine with it.

Could snap a few more pics if wanted...

 

[voltaire1102]

I have one from Walmart. It's a Hitch Haul and it was $59. Pretty good so far. No complaints.

 

[crewcabrob]

It depends on what you want. If you want one that is just basic, follow the advice of the guys above. I have a cheap one that I picked up for $59 as well from a lumber yard. It works well now, but in stock form it lacks tie down locations. I picked up some stainless steel eyelets and nuts as well as a few hoops (Stainless u-brackets) and also mounted them to the sides through the steel.. Now it works even better for keeping loads in place.

If you want a nicer one, and admittedly I would love to have an enclosed cargo carrier. There are a lot of nice choices. The one I am personally considering is called the Pack-n-Rack from this company: http://www.laguarddog.com/content.asp?CatId=250

When I have the family on vacation we need extra room for luggage and we always take one of those giant coolers with drinks/beer/food. This seems to be one of the nicest I have found.

There are other ones I have looked at over the years, some have sliding decks and removable boxes. It kind of up to you as to what flavor you want to go with.

Good luck,

Rob

 

[toddjb122]

Thanks, those T&W ones look nice. They don't give any prices online, unfortunately. Will have to google or call...

 

[GMTIIFAN]

I have a UWS carrier (united welding services ) and Thule has partnered with them. Anyway, I have one of their cargo carriers and have been extremely happy with it. It is aluminum so very light weight, but carries 500 lbs. I also have a blue ox extension with a 6 inch to raise it so that the carrier will not drag due to the LR3 low hitch design and It still allows me to lower the rear hatch. I can add pictures should you be interested. Well worth looking into and I am very satisfied. http://www.uwsta.com/index.html

 

[toddjb122]

I have a UWS carrier (united welding services ) and Thule has partnered with them. Anyway, I have one of their cargo carriers and have been extremely happy with it. It is aluminum so very light weight, but carries 500 lbs. I also have a blue ox extension with a 6 inch to raise it so that the carrier will not drag due to the LR3 low hitch design and It still allows me to lower the rear hatch. I can add pictures should you be interested. Well worth looking into and I am very satisfied. http://www.uwsta.com/index.html

Crap, I hadn't even thought of that. Sometimes I can barely get out of a driveway without smacking my hitch. With the tray, I suspect that'd be particularly troublesome.

Anyway, good feedback. Thanks. If I get the extension, it sounds like I don't lose access to the rear hatch. Perfect.

 

[toddjb122]

I have a UWS carrier (united welding services ) and Thule has partnered with them. Anyway, I have one of their cargo carriers and have been extremely happy with it. It is aluminum so very light weight, but carries 500 lbs. I also have a blue ox extension with a 6 inch to raise it so that the carrier will not drag due to the LR3 low hitch design and It still allows me to lower the rear hatch. I can add pictures should you be interested. Well worth looking into and I am very satisfied. http://www.uwsta.com/index.html

I ended up getting this same carrier. Seemed to fit the bill and I could find it online for a fair price.

I am going to get one of the dual hitch extenders to raise it and hopefully bring it out far enough from the vehicle to open the tailgate. Did you need to buy the anti-rattle pins for this setup?

I was wondering if I'd have to buy two of those pins - one for the extender and one for where the rack fits into the extender.

 

[GMTIIFAN]

The type of extension/rise that I have is http://www.blueox.us/accessories/droprcvrs.htm I have actually seen some extensions that are hinged so to flex should it drag, but depending on what you are hauling may damage the back of the LR3 should it bend/flex too much. You'll be surprised how much you'll use it especially if you have the 3rd row seats. I also have this http://www.rolaproducts.com/shop/details.asp?ProdID=59102&cat=2027 which maybe something of interest should you want to carry things you want to keep dry. Good luck and enjoy!