Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier

So I’m heading out of town for New Years and figured a cargo carrier for my hitch would work great. Have 4 people and 2 dogs kind of leaves us with minimal room. Well I went cover to harbor freight and picked up a cargo carrier while there were on sale. Here’s my question. I mentioned this to a buddy of mine and he said to be care with the exhaust heat because it could melt our stuff on the carrier. I’ve never heard of anyone saying this so I figured I would ask. Anyone ever experienced any issues using a cargo carrier?

 

I did some research on which cargo carrier to purchase for that reason. (Mostly I didn’t want a carrier with plastic parts). This one is a Curt carrier with a Husky storage container. No issues.

 

The one I got is steel so I’m not worried about the actual carrier. He made it seem like what I put on the carrier would melt. Like for instance your husky box.

 

I have not had any issues. In addition to the Husky container I also place a cooler up there. This carrier also sits higher than the exhaust which may differ from other brands.

 

I picked up a harbor freight carrier for vacations , its well made and cant beat the price, Ive driven over 300 miles with coolers on it and had zero issues with exhaust heat

 

I don't think that's a legitimate worry. It should be fine.

 

You'll be fine. We've used ours on a handful of long trips and had no issues whatsoever. The extra space is nice. I bought a hitch tightener as well and that made it a lot more stable/quiet.

 

Where did you find that LED brake light ? Looks awesome

 

Remember: If the gear in your carrier blocks even a portion of your license plate you can get a ticket in many states. Even those dealer advertisement frames are illegal in TX. It's not often enforced but it is prima facia probable cause to pull you over.

Also, if you put your plate on the carrier you'll have to light it. No license plate light is a violation in every state.

When traveling, and in everyday life, I try to minimize my Law Enforcement interactions.

 

heres one that is similiar...

$20 Nilight 48”/49” LED Tailgate Light Strip 90 LED Red/White for Running Light Brake / Turn Signal / Reverse Light，2 Years Warranty

Amazon.com: Nilight - TR-11 48”/49” LED Tailgate Light Strip 90 LED Red/White for Running Light Brake Light Turn Signal Lights Reverse Light，2 Years Warranty, 48"/49" Truck Tailgate Light Bar : Automotive
https://www.amazon.com/Nilight-Tail...ghtbar+for+trailer+hitch+cargo,aps,111&sr=8-8

 

Wish I had the same experience. With my 2006 the exhaust routinely melted nylon tie down straps and contents of the carrier. I got better at positioning tie downs and shielding carrier cargo. Doesn't take much once you're aware of the issue. I don't think the 2022 has the same carrier to exhaust proximity as the older 4runner and I haven't (yet) encountered the issue.

My long running problems with hitch carriers have been primarily other drivers who apparently can't <thud>. And then the rusting of steel carriers. Seems unavoidable so I've been poking at the aluminum variety (which mostly still use a steel tube and brace structure) and an AL tray on top of that. And then they are substantially flimsier than the all steel counterparts. There are better AL carriers but they tend to be outrageously expensive. Where most modestly priced at $100+/- seem to have frightfully thin-walled AL extrusions joined by hollow plastic corners apparently using the principle of "engineering by prayer". I was just going to buy the AL stock and weld up a competent structure for a permanent solution. But there is no assurance someone wouldn't come along and nail it in stop & go traffic or by a sharp turn backing out next to me in a parking lot. Been treated to all of that..

 

used my harbor freight cargo carrier yesterday to haul some cases of water and a cooler with tie down straps. worked well and no issues with heat... also my 4runner has the optional exhaust tip (mine is chrome).. so that adds a bit of additional length to the end and its already down swept to begin with on the actual exhaust.. this further funnels the exhaust heat town and away from the cargo carrier

 

I've got an aluminum carrier that I use with a 4" drop/rise extension that raises it up and more out of the way of the exhaust.

 

Like this?

Pretty sure I was asking for a ticket, 4Runner rode great though.

 

To solve the exhaust issue I had a local muffler shop reroute mine to the side behind the rear right wheel. Mainly to minimize the exhaust coming in the back window. It was very inexpensive to do and got rid of the exhaust issue altogether.

 

Did you have them bend it or did they cut and weld? Pic please. I'm going to have this done as well. Don't like the exhaust smell.

 

There was a thread recently where a member used the end of a Pro exhaust that exits this way. I believe he had it cut and welded.

 

Use mine religiously for hauling trash out of the forest. Occasionally carry firewood or gear if we're on a long trip. I've had several hundred pounds on it at times and it's rock solid with no rattles. Bought it from etrailer.com, forgot the brand.

 

How much weight can these carriers handle safely on a 4R? That's a lot of leverage with it hanging way back there.

 

Most carriers are rated to 500lbs, the rear of your truck will sag a little unless you have a heavier spring in the rear.

 

Pretty sure I've lost a phone there before....

 

That's more than I thought it could handle. Thanks for the info.

 

He cut and welded. Came out more than sufficient for our needs and our dog's too.

 

Improvement on the smell? Your setup might be a bit of a "trail dragger" off road. I was thinking I'd have it tucked tighter to the mudflap like the Pro exhaust.

 

Smell is non existent now. Yeah, I will prob figure out another way to do it for off road but wanted smell gone asap.

 

Great. Thanks

 

I've read horrible reviews on those Harbor Freight hitch carriers. Like they fall break mid trip and fall off on the side of the highway. I looked just now and the really bad reviews have been removed from HF's site.

 

My exhaust comes out the passenger side, in the pic you can see it. This is a curt, said the weight is 500lbs. Havent had issues with it so far.

 

I had one and never used it because it was too hard to get to the back gate/door. I did have a friend who ruined a Utah mule deer due to heat exhaust in his Taco=heat came up not through the tail pipe but through the floor. I have not had any such problem carrying numerous wild pigs, mule deer and even a couple of dissected elk in my pre-taco, FJ40, etc.