Cost-Effective Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier That Provides Access to Vehicle Cargo Area

Question:

I am in need of a swing away cargo carrier. I am a softball coach that has a Dodge Durango 2004. I have to be able to get into the back of the truck with not having to unload the carrier if needed. However, I cannot spend a lot of money and the Yakima is over my limit. So, do you know of a swing away hitch and maybe I can build one myself? Is there something not over my budget of $250. Thank you

asked by: Rose F

Expert Reply:

Any hitch-mount cargo carrier that includes a swing-away mechanism is going to be out of your price range. The Yakima Exo enclosed carrier # Y62VR includes the convenience feature of being able to swing away from the vehicle when loaded but since this feature requires very strong construction it also comes with a higher price and a substantial weight of about 100-lbs.

I do not recommend trying to build a swing away carrier; any mishaps would expose you to both potentially lost or damaged sporting equipment and even liability in the event someone was injured.

The best compromise I can suggest, one that stays within your budget, is to use a lightweight carrier that does not swing away but which is easy enough to handle that removing it is not a major project that will cause you to pull out your back. An item such as # C18110 from Curt weighs only 30-lbs yet holds up to 300-lbs of cargo (provided your hitch has the required capacity).

expert reply by: Adam R