Rear Cargo Carrier Questions

[OpenSpaceman]

Gonna be a heading to Quartzsite for the first time this year. Thinking of putting a rear cargo carrier on my E250 van. Harbor Freight has one for $30>$40, not gonna fall for that. How much and which one would you guys/gals choose? 

Secondly what about the rear license plate being obstructed...I'd like a drama free trip as far as giving the PoPo a reason to stop me traveling cross country.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SoulRaven]

For the cargo carrier, just pay attention to the weight rating, and make sure it's high enough. HF has 500# capacity ones for $99.

Whenever I'm doing something that obstruct my license plate, I will remove it, and attach it with suction cup hooks in my rear window. To date I have never been pulled over for doing that.

 

[akrvbob]

I've put probably 15,000 miles on this rear cargo carrier and plan to put LOTS more on it. I'm very happy with it but the bolts are all rusting. I'd throw them away and get stainless when you build it.

You might think about aluminum instead for the weight savings and no rust.

http://amzn.to/1GQgNIY
Bob

 

[OpenSpaceman]

Bob_

Northern Tool has an aluminum carrier for $130...I'll gonna check it out.

 

[BobBski]

Ive had a 500# Hitch-Haul carrier for several years, very happy with it. Depending on what you plan on carrying back there, they offer a real nice weather proof cargo bag that straps into it to.

Something else you may consider getting is a clearance bar for your hitch. Ensures muffler doesn't hut your gear, lessens getting your stuff all oily from tire spray, and ensures your carrier doesn't bottom out when turning onto sharp uphill drives and elevated railroad crossings. http://www.cabelas.com/product/hitc...eByFilter=TopRated&x=10&y=6&Ntt=Cargo+carrier

Enjoy your trip.

 

[GotSmart]

The cheap HF carrier I bought was designed for a quad, and worked quite well. It has an upward swoop to it so it has better clearance and seldom scrapes.

 

[LeeRevell]

That clearance bar would be a necessity for my minivan, not so much for the E150.  Been wanting a Hitch Haul carrier, and there are types with the raised bar built in.  Adding a license tag bracket and light would not be hard.  I'd go with 250LB capacity, no need to overload the backend.

 

[LoupGarou]

What ever you get, just remember it's mounted back there. When it's not being used it would be nice to be able to flip it up.

 

[Almost There]

What ever you get, just remember it's mounted back there. When it's not being used it would be nice to be able to flip it up.

Some are designed to do just that. It's not a style I'd choose because I want mine for multiple items that would never all be off the vehicle at the same time for lone enough to make it feasible but for someone carrying only one item like small motorcycle it might be worthwhile.