Cargo Carriers for Hunting with a 2017 Toyota Sequoia
Question:
Hi, I have a 2017 Sequoia SR5 and I’m looking for a carrier which can carry games « deer or bear ». From some searches, it seems that the hitch class of the Sequoia is II, not III? So base on that, I can’t use any carrier with a 500 lbs load capacity, what do think or know about that hitch class and or capacity?
asked by: Francois
Expert Reply:
If you have a factory tow package, then you'll need to refer to your Owner's Manual for the exact specifications of your hitch in terms of its tongue weight. The hitch receiver is a 2 inch by 2 inch receiver though, so you'll likely have a Class II or Class III like you said.
If you don't have a factory tow package, I recommend picking up the Curt Class III, part # 13442 (no longer available). This will give you a higher than average tow capability and let you use a wider range of carriers.
Tongue weight is the total weight that is pushing down on the hitch. In this case, the weight of the carrier, plus anything that is inside the carrier. The Class III hitch I recommended is rated for up to 600 pounds of tongue weight, giving it a lot of capacity. You will, however, be limited by the tow weight of the 2017 Toyota Sequoia that should be listed in your owner's manual.
One of the best options we have is the Viking Solutions Tilt-N-Go Cargo Carrier, part # 310-VTG002. This is an interesting carrier that has all-terrain wheels attached and installs as a cargo carrier in any 2 inch hitch. Since you can remove this and drag, its a perfect fit for a hunting carrier. This carrier does have a capacity of 300 pounds though, so you'll want to be aware of that when using it.
One of the Class III carriers that could also be a good fit the CarPod 24 x 48 carrier, part # M2205-01-02. This is an enclosed, locking carrier that folds flat when not in use. I can see this being a good fit for your purposes as it can be locked with a lid, protecting your game from outside forces. The mesh bottom also gives you an easy cleanup and keeps any mess from being brought into or onto the vehicle. This is likely not the best solution for a bear, but for deer can work well as long as the bulk of the weight of the deer rests on the floor. It has a 450 pound weight capacity and a maximum pressure weight on the sides of the carrier of 150 pounds.
Another carrier that's more appropriate to the Class II hitch with compatibility to the Class III hitches is the Curt 17 x 46, part # C18145. This will be a significantly thinner rack than you can have with a Class III, but with an open format, is probably more suitable for your purposes. This is a bar rack, so you'll have a sufficient opening below the cargo for any rain or dirt to fall through. The low, raised sides also let you contain your cargo and have easily accessible tie-down points.
I've included videos of each of these racks in action so you can get a better idea of their features and performance.
Products Referenced in This Question
Viking Solutions Tilt-N-Go II Hunting Cart and Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitch Mount - Steel - 300 lbs
- Hunting and Fishing
- Field Dressing Tools
- Game Cart
- 300 lbs
- Viking Solutions
more information >
17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 20 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 48 Inch Long
- Class I
- Class II
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Viking Solutions Tilt-N-Go II Hunting Cart and Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitch Mount - Steel - 300 lbs
- Hunting and Fishing
- Field Dressing Tools
- Game Cart
- 300 lbs
- Viking Solutions
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Overall Dimensions of Viking Solutions Tilt-N-Go Hauler/Cargo Carrier
- Q&A: Does the Viking Solutions Tilt-N-Go II # 310-VTG002 Come with the Shank for Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Viking Solutions Tilt-N-Go II Cart for Cargo Carrier
- Q&A: Can Cargo Carrier Legally Obstruct View of License Plate?
- Q&A: Can Hitches for 2020 Dodge Durango Fit With Spare Larger than 18 inch Wheel Size
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Is a Support Plate Needed When Installing Bulldog A-Frame Trailer Jack # BD1550101344
- Article: How to Charge a Dump Trailer Battery
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Q&A: Mounting Hole Spacing for the Superwinch S7500 Trailer Winch
- Article: What is an RV-Approved Bike Rack? (And Do You REALLY Need One?)
- Article: Don't Break Your Pipes or Your Wallet: Winterize and De-Winterize Your RV