Aluminum Cargo Carrier Upgrade for Coastal Areas  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey Timothy!

I’m sorry to hear your etrailer 60x24 Folding Cargo Carrier # e98874 is already starting to show some rust. Living near the ocean is definitely tough on exposed steel, even with a protective powder coat.

The Benton MoveHitch 60x24 Cargo Carrier # B86VR would be a really nice upgrade for your situation. Its aluminum construction won’t rust like steel, so it’s much better suited for the salty, humid air you’re dealing with in Florida. I’d still recommend rinsing it periodically if it gets exposed to salt spray, but you shouldn’t have nearly the same corrosion concerns.

The # B86VR also has a few convenience upgrades over your # e98874. One of my favorites is the alignment collar that’s integrated into the shank. On the # e98874, that collar is a separate piece you have to position each time, while the Benton’s built-in design makes lining up the hitch pin hole quicker and easier. It also folds up against the vehicle when you aren’t using it, so you’re getting the same basic functionality with a lighter, more corrosion-resistant construction.

As far as a sale goes, unfortunately I don’t have any advance information on when or whether the # B86VR will be discounted. Our pricing and promotions can change, so I’d recommend keeping an eye on the product page for any future sales.

Since you’re near the ocean, do you normally leave your current carrier installed on the vehicle full-time, or do you remove it when you aren’t hauling anything?

expert reply by: Jerry B

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Timothy K.

8/28/2026

Hi, thank you for getting back to me and outlining the improvements on the aluminum carrier. In answer to your question, I keep it installed from August to January while hunting deer. The rest of the year I store it in an enclosed garage. I have a question about the different positions. In the steel carrier there are locking pins. The aluminum carrier uses a push button. Have there been any failures with the method of locking in the aluminum carrier in the upright and horizontal positions. Finally, with the end of summer vacation demand for carriers might come down, prompting a sale. I’ll keep watching.

Jerry B.

8/28/2026

@TimothyK That's really interesting that it still ended up corroding. I'm mostly just trying to gather a little more information so I can pass it along to our engineering team and keep it in mind for future customers. Before storing the carrier, did you clean or rinse it off at all, or did you store it right after removing it from the vehicle? I've actually used this carrier myself since we regularly use them for trainings here on our campus. It's a really solid carrier, and the push-button mechanism has proven to be surprisingly sturdy. I wouldn't be concerned about the button being a weak point or getting in the way during normal use. I haven't personally heard of any failures with it so far. Of course, no product is going to be perfect for every situation, but overall I think this would still be a great choice for how you're planning to use it.

Timothy K.

8/31/2026

@JerryB Hi, it was rinsed off before storing it in the garage. The rust had formed when it was exposed to rainwater in Florida and South Carolina. Also, freezing temperatures in South Carolina. At no time did it have contact with salt water. Rain and salt AIR, yes. Tim

Jerry B.

8/31/2026

@TimothyK Thanks for clarifying. I think for all intents and purposes, the contact with salt of any kind can corrode the steel construction of the hitch, because that can also happen during icy winters as well. I am going to pass this info to our developing team so that they're aware of the issues here.

Timothy K.

8/31/2026

Hi, do you have any discount codes for the aluminum carrier that we have discussed? Tim

Jerry B.

8/31/2026

@TimothyK We don't currently have any codes, but when there is a discount active, it will apply directly to the price of the product. If you're shopping on a computer, I've seen extensions for your web browser that allow you to track the price of a product to find when prices drop. We do also have free shipping on orders over $100, so the # B86VR would qualify for that. Hopefully that's helpful for you!