Solve your Car Storage Issues Without a Hitch!
If you like traveling, camping, and other outdoorsy adventures then, you need an additional cargo carrier for your equipment and accessories. Investing in a good hitch cargo carrier, allows you to travel hassle-free, without compromising the space inside your vehicle.
Depending on the kind of trips you take occasionally, your cargo size can vary and sometimes exceed the capacity. It could be a family vacation or a long-awaited trip with friends or an adventure sports event, that will demand a more feasible solution to your storage space in the car. When you need to find additional space for your cargo getting a hitch carrier is the best time and money-saving option. This Enhanced vehicle functionality of cargo carriers makes it an ideal buy.
A lot of Cargo Management equipment can be easily mounted on today’s crossovers, SUVs, and many passenger vehicles. So, here’s an overview of all the do’s and don’ts that you should bear in mind when deciding on a cargo carrier for your needs.
How Do Hitch Carriers Work?
First of all, you need to assess the kind of vehicle you have as well as the hitch receiver. Normally, the carriers are attached to two places – on the roof or the rear of the car. Either of these places can be feasible but also have some drawbacks. While on the one hand, roof-mounted carriers allow for more surface area, they can also affect the vehicle’s aerodynamics. Height clearance under certain bridges, or overhead construction might also prove to be a challenge. Rear-mounted cargo carriers can solve your aerodynamics issue but then you can be more prone to fender benders and damage your cargo.
Whichever you choose, remember to check the specifications. Most manufacturers often provide a roof rack with wagons, minivans, or SUVs. If you do not have one then you will have to just clamp it to the car’s rain gutters. They are strong and durable, and often come in various designs so make sure to check the specifications of your carrier. Typically, the cargo carrier is hitched to the side rails and crossbars. Some people tend to go for luggage baskets, others opt for cargo boxes, or even cargo bags. This is wide enough to be held by the brackets and screws clamped to the crossbars.
The alternative rear-mounted cargo carrier uses a trailer hitch. Again, quite a few manufacturers provide a pre-installed hitch. In the absence of one, you can use an interchangeable hitch. Generally, people go for a cargo tray that slides into the trailer hitch. In case you have bought a carrier that does not fit then you can use an adapter to get the right adjustment. If you still have issues with the attachment or you need more temporary and budget-friendly solutions then you can check out Garvee.com’s product with high price-quality ratio, explore luggage nets, to hold your bags and such. You can add a bar or rack to hold your bike, kayak, or surfboard.
Apart from this investing in a good lock system will save you the trouble of theft, if your vehicle is left unattended. Cargo boxes often have locking mechanisms, pre-installed, but can also buy additional locks. Also, get a good lock for your hitch. To prevent any untoward incidents, purchase a brake light kit if you’re using a rear-mounted carrier. Rear-mounted carriers can block brake lights, so this kit is designed to be fixed onto the mount and synced with the brake pedal. Despite, seeming like a lot this can save you plenty of trouble and make your rides comfortable.
What Materials Are Used to Manufacture Hitch Cargo Carriers?
• Steel:
The most commonly used material is powder-coated steel. Strong, durable, and often designed as a steel mesh or wire to keep the weight down, they last longer. Additionally, it provides great storage space for your luggage. It is more cost-effective compared to aluminum which is why it is priced lower. Perhaps the only drawback is that it is more exposed to the elements, dirt, salt, UV rays, and corrosion. This is why they have a high-quality powder coat finish, to delay any wear and tear.
• Aluminum:
A more expensive option, aluminum carriers are famously lightweight and resistant to corrosive factors often caused by road salt, rains, etc. These carriers are strong, if not more than steel and weigh around 60% less. This ensures easy lifting, carrying, and installation. Aluminum carriers are also coated in a durable powder coat finish for better durability.
• Plastic or polyurethane
For a more temporary and cheaper solution you can opt for hard-sided boxes made of hard plastic polymer. They are lightweight, tough, and completely enclosed. This also makes them more versatile – shaped so they have a more Aerodynamic design compared to aluminum and steel.
• Waterproof material
For shorter trips and getaways you can go for water – resistant nylon or polyester. They are more like bags that can be hitched onto your rack and are used for soft-sided bags. Waterproof materials prevent any damage from rain and other precipitation.
Did this article help you? If so, please tell me in a comment what do you think about it.
Don’t miss any of our future video tutorials, follow us on Youtube. Like us on Facebook. Join our Best Deals Telegram Channel. Join our Android TV Box Firmware Updates Telegram Channel. Subscribe now to our newsletter. If you need Tech Reviewer or Youtube Influencer read this. Donate now here to support CGR Team!