Rear cargo box

[treesprite]

Has anyone used a cargo box that attaches to the rear of the van instead of on the roof or on a hitch? 

At some point I saw a video in which the guy did a DIY thing on the back of his van, but I didn't save it.

 

[highdesertranger]

the big question is, what do you plan to attach it to? sheet metal won't cut it. A swing out bumper mounted system is popular with the off road crowd if your bumper can handle it. highdesertranger

 

[Freelander]

Bob has a video on the one he uses.

 

[nature lover]

One of my plans for the future, if there is one. Is to build a storage unit on both of the back doors. I would bolt them to the metal on the door with a reinforcement on both sides of the door. I’m planning to make them out of a 1/4 inch fence type material I can buy at a farm store. Then inside these “ cages /baskets” Will be high-quality totes that contain the things that I need. I plan to make them so they have a wire door with lock. But of course a pair of bolt cutters will take care of that but what you gonna do about it. I won’t be putting anything real valuable in it. I’m planning on storing dirty. laundry, charcoal, Extra water, and other cheap things. If I ever get this project done I’ll take pictures and pass it on. To put a hitch on my van and a swing out box on it we’re talking about $600-$800 and I ain’t gonna do it. My budget for the cages is around one $150. Go ahead and discourage me tell me it won’t work. I’m gonna try it anyhow. Anyhow. I am stubborn.

 

[Camper]

I just put a hitch on my Express van..... $120 and 10 minutes to install. (eBay)

 

[WanderingRose]

I have something called a hitch hauler, which sets into a hitch at the rear, also an expandable bag for it.

We used it to haul grandkids things when we would take them on trips, and it worked very well.

Also firewood, minus the bag.

 

[MrNoodly]

...a storage unit on both of the back doors. I would bolt them to the metal on the door with a reinforcement on both sides of the door.

You need to consider the load that would be put on the hinges and the metal to which the hinges are attached, and how eventual distortion and misalignment can cause problems with the latches and door seals. And you'd need additional stops so your boxes don't smash into the sides of the van when the wind catches your open doors.

 

[B and C]

Many moons ago I installed a spare tire hitch on the left rear door of my old Dodge van ('77). It had three attachment points, both hinges and the door flange right where the two doors meet. It worked well and I only put it on the left door as I seldom opened it. I did manage to break a tail light lens with the tire when the wind caught the door

Thin sheet metal won't hold much. Maybe some big and thick metal plating behind it? Dunno.

I vote for a hitch haul.

 

[nature lover]

Thanks for all the suggestions. You are right I did not consider damage on the hinges. It might work if I keep the weight in the cages down just put bulky stuff that’s not heavy. I still think I’m gonna try it. I Used to have a hitch hall gave it away when I moved into the first nursing home. I have stuff in the back that I really need to access. Like my walker, some tools, extra groceries (canned goods). So if I did have a hitch haul I would have to have one that swings out of the way of the doors. So I would have to add a hitch $150-$200 without labor and a swing away Hitch hall, Cheapest I’ve seen is $350. And then some good waterproof boxes to put on it another hundred. What I probably should do is just go through the stuff again and find out what I can get rid of. Been about three or four times I thought I had minimalized enough seems we can always find something else you don’t have to haul around. If I got rid that fat thing in. the front driver seat we have a lot more room and weight capacity.

 

[highdesertranger]

"Has anyone used a cargo box that attaches to the rear of the van instead of on the roof or on a hitch?"

correct me if I am wrong but I read that as they don't want to use the hitch.

highdesertranger

 

[treesprite]

I saw a picture of some van that had a rear ladder, and the box was attached to that. I'm not sure if it's good or bad. The ladder was attached at the roof. I don't really want to put a ladder on the van.

 

[crofter]

These are recomended and do not get in the way of the rear doors.  Link to video.
-crofter

 

[bullfrog]

Time for a “sky hook” ! Lol!!

 

[user 37446]

I have something called a hitch hauler, which sets into a hitch at the rear, also an expandable bag for it.

We used it to haul grandkids things when we would take them on trips, and it worked very well.

Also firewood, minus the bag.

I first read that as you use it to haul grandkids...

 

[Camper]

I have a rear cargo box with a swing away hitch... I'm well pleased with it.