# 1
20x47 Reese Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs
Desperately needed a cargo carrier for camping in my F-150 Super Crew, and did a ton of internet research before buying. I have to say first off that this is one of the biggest carriers available, both in width @ 60" (foremost) and depth, and total weight capacity is excellent at 500 LB's. When you begin looking, what you'll notice right away is that carriers with brand names, and in smaller form factors are between $300 to $700! While I don't claim to be an expert on cargo carriers, I'm sorry but I don't want to spend that much money on something that you stack ice chests and cargo boxes on. I want to spend $$ on camping equipment that I have to have for my trips..... Further to this, I would say that the quality of construction on this carrier is excellent. The welds are very good, and the gauge of steel used (frame) and quality of the powder coat finish are perfect. They also can supply (option)a regular (bulbs) or led tail light kit (more expensive) for the carrier which in my opinion is a must. The tail light kit is superb and fits the oval openings perfectly with the supplied rubber inserts. The wiring harness supplied fits the lights well, however, as noted in other internet reviews is not of adequate length to reach some harnesses. My truck is already outfitted with a tow package, so all I had to do was hit the auto parts store and purchase an 48" extension. No big deal, and only costs around $5. Assembly was very easy. The Carrier comes in two halves, and the unit is joined at the center (floor level) by a very robust 2" receiver bar that has a height offset to keep the carrier higher off the ground. Three large bolts go through the carrier halves and through the bar using locking nuts, and then four smaller bolts, both leading edge and trailing edge (center) connect the top half of the carrier. While the smaller bolts come with washers, the big bolts on the bottom do not. I would strongly recommend that you purchase some large washers for the bottom bolts as well. Again, not a big expense, and they will help with wear and tear on the bar and frame. Weight of the assembled unit is significant, so plan on having someone there to help you put it in the hitch. Why pull your back out trying to do it solo. :) I'd guesstimate that the carrier weighs about 60+ LB's. One other item to note is that the height of your cargo in the carrier may cover your license plate on the rear of the vehicle, so it would be a good idea to mount a license plate frame on the carrier so that you can move your plate to the carrier instead, that way it will be visible. They also make a cargo bag for this carrier, which looked good, ballistic nylon I believe. I didn't need it because I won't be putting anything on the carrier that can't get wet in a storm, etc. In summary, for the money, I don't feel you can beat this carrier. BTW - Your unit will likely arrive with the outer cardboard totally destroyed, as they don't use very robust exterior packaging, however, your internals should be fine as they are zip tied to the carrier frame, and the corners of the carrier are protected by very thick foam. Mine arrived with the outer cardboard trashed, but the carrier and parts inside were just fine. First trip with the carrier will be in a couple weeks, so once I have road tested it I will update the review.
Guy next door called and said there was a box outside my Garage. Didn't want it to get snowed on. I went and got it. The box was broken open at one side/end, and the spacers fell out. No damage to the product. I got it assembled in and hour. (minus lights). While the instructions do not call for glue around the lights; I'm thinking I might want to put some glue around the edge to better secure them. Happy so far. A little heavy to manuver for only one person, but fits my hitch. Thanks for your followup. Lyle
# 2
24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs
Desperately needed a cargo carrier for camping in my F-150 Super Crew, and did a ton of internet research before buying. I have to say first off that this is one of the biggest carriers available, both in width @ 60" (foremost) and depth, and total weight capacity is excellent at 500 LB's. When you begin looking, what you'll notice right away is that carriers with brand names, and in smaller form factors are between $300 to $700! While I don't claim to be an expert on cargo carriers, I'm sorry but I don't want to spend that much money on something that you stack ice chests and cargo boxes on. I want to spend $$ on camping equipment that I have to have for my trips..... Further to this, I would say that the quality of construction on this carrier is excellent. The welds are very good, and the gauge of steel used (frame) and quality of the powder coat finish are perfect. They also can supply (option)a regular (bulbs) or led tail light kit (more expensive) for the carrier which in my opinion is a must. The tail light kit is superb and fits the oval openings perfectly with the supplied rubber inserts. The wiring harness supplied fits the lights well, however, as noted in other internet reviews is not of adequate length to reach some harnesses. My truck is already outfitted with a tow package, so all I had to do was hit the auto parts store and purchase an 48" extension. No big deal, and only costs around $5. Assembly was very easy. The Carrier comes in two halves, and the unit is joined at the center (floor level) by a very robust 2" receiver bar that has a height offset to keep the carrier higher off the ground. Three large bolts go through the carrier halves and through the bar using locking nuts, and then four smaller bolts, both leading edge and trailing edge (center) connect the top half of the carrier. While the smaller bolts come with washers, the big bolts on the bottom do not. I would strongly recommend that you purchase some large washers for the bottom bolts as well. Again, not a big expense, and they will help with wear and tear on the bar and frame. Weight of the assembled unit is significant, so plan on having someone there to help you put it in the hitch. Why pull your back out trying to do it solo. :) I'd guesstimate that the carrier weighs about 60+ LB's. One other item to note is that the height of your cargo in the carrier may cover your license plate on the rear of the vehicle, so it would be a good idea to mount a license plate frame on the carrier so that you can move your plate to the carrier instead, that way it will be visible. They also make a cargo bag for this carrier, which looked good, ballistic nylon I believe. I didn't need it because I won't be putting anything on the carrier that can't get wet in a storm, etc. In summary, for the money, I don't feel you can beat this carrier. BTW - Your unit will likely arrive with the outer cardboard totally destroyed, as they don't use very robust exterior packaging, however, your internals should be fine as they are zip tied to the carrier frame, and the corners of the carrier are protected by very thick foam. Mine arrived with the outer cardboard trashed, but the carrier and parts inside were just fine. First trip with the carrier will be in a couple weeks, so once I have road tested it I will update the review.
Guy next door called and said there was a box outside my Garage. Didn't want it to get snowed on. I went and got it. The box was broken open at one side/end, and the spacers fell out. No damage to the product. I got it assembled in and hour. (minus lights). While the instructions do not call for glue around the lights; I'm thinking I might want to put some glue around the edge to better secure them. Happy so far. A little heavy to manuver for only one person, but fits my hitch. Thanks for your followup. Lyle
What our customers are saying:
"The trailer hitch mounted cargo carrier is an outstanding accessory. It allowed us to bring so much more on vacation. The side rails made securing things really easy and the auxiliary taillight kit plugged right into my plug. The service was so great that I just ordered a trailer hitch cover for the winter. Thanks!"