Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier

This is a nice addition to the cargo carrier threads. Thanks for the work.

I do not have a hitch (yet!), so I cannot offer any meaningful input for you except to say that I'd probably prefer the platform that folds for tighter storage of the carrier itself.

 

My favorite cargo-extending solution is a cargo box on the roof... thusly. Advantage is that it doesn't tax just the rear end of the car, and it is always out of the way. Disadvantage is that it causes more air drag and is tough to reach for the height-challenged.

 

^^^ That's sweet lookin. Goes perfect with the car. What brand is it?

 

We went a totally different route in that we pull a small aluminum motorcycle cargo trailer behind the Prius. Ours in a Aluma which has over 17 cf of storage. We pulled it to TX and back in March and still got 50 mpg at 60 mph. 2 adults and a cat and all our stuff for a months stay. It is weather tight and very versitil.

 

I like the ATV one better. I think the higher rise is important, plus it is lighter than the other carrier. 20x36 is plenty big. You are going to be limited on weight more than volume.

Other than that, I don't think many people have used this type of carrier on a Prius. You are just going to have to jump in by yourself.

 

Goldwingerx2,
What brand of hitch do you tow that with? That is a nice trailer and only weighs 225#
I assume you have the MCTXL by the cu ft you specified. Any chance (if you have easy access) you can measure the inside floor (flat, lower section) distance front to back. Their website only gives the outside long dimension to the point on the nose section. Are you towing it with a Class I or II hitch?

Thanks

 

Reviving an old thread since I have the exact same question as the OP, and would love to hear any recent thoughts on hitch-mounted cargo options. With a new baby and a giant stroller, the Prius's cargo capacity has really hit a limit for us!

 

bac and all:

I have the Everthere Everthere Carriers carrier that we got at Costco. Its more expensive than the ones you are looking at but I can tell you the matching all weather bag they have is just the greatest thing and will allow you to use much lower weight bags / sacks to pack things in to cut weight there. They do have an optional 1.25 converter package that allows it to work with your hitch but no bend in the bar, so that may rule it out for you. It folds up nicely and as I said, the all weather bag is its real value.

Let us know what you end up using and how you like it

 

Hey, did you use this with the Prius? Like bac, I'm interested in the riser bar but am curious if it's necessary.

I've been googling about and another option might be the Hitch Haul Lite, which claims to be lighter due to its aluminum construction. Unfortunately, not a lot of info available on the thing, and I see no evidence of a riser bar. So far, bac's ATV option still seems the most plausible, but as he mentioned, it sure would be great if we heard from actual users.

p.s. An interesting thing -- if you click on bac's original link to the 20x48 cargo carrier, the "Vehicle" picture links show the carrier on a Prius!

 

I have looked for a rear cargo rack as well and have come to the conclusion the only one is on etrailer.com. This is for Class I hitch which is what the Prius requires.

I have switch my thoughs to a pull trailer, www.pigglybacker.com, this is really a neat trailer and most reasonably priced. 695 and 895. It weights 300 lbs. I am not an expert but I would think this would be easier on gas than the cargo rack, as long as you don't overload.

If any one has any info please respond.

 

Brad, see my response RESOH02, I think this is the best option the only down size you need to wire for the lights and its has to be licensed

 

Who is the rack manufacturer in your photo? I'm looking for a roof rack that can be easily taken on and off and that will not require any permanent mounting or mar the finish. Will this one meet those criteria?