Trail hitch Cargo carrier - Page 4

FJ Mike · 12-16-2007, 04:50 PM

These are rated for 500lbs for the most part - does anyone see any issues with carrying a snowblower (8HP Toro - 24" clearing width) on one of these? Not sure if it is wide enough, but I could add a little extension, and use a ramp to drive it up. My concern is the spare tire and clearance. I haul the snowblower often in a trailer now, but with a good amount of snow pack, the trailer is not always accessable. This would be a perfect solution. Any advice or thoughts?

I've carried concrete blocks with the cheapie I got from Harbor Tool and I'd bet it was way over 500 pounds - no problem, but I drove like a little old lady. I think the thing to watch for is sudden drops or big bumps which can suddenly multiply the total load weight on the carrier. If you avoid the bumps, there shouldn't be a problem. Worst case scenario is a bent carrier. I'd take a couple of cargo straps and hook the plow to the roof rack to be sure not too much bouncing happens and help relieve the load on the carrier.
My rack looks flimsy, but seems to hold up pretty well as long as you pretty much balance the load left and right.

fortfun · 12-16-2007, 07:49 PM

great thread!

i have been working on a cargo carrier idea for almost the last 2years and in the patent process for the last 9 months.

like most of you, i have too many toys. this meant having a different rack or adapter for each one, so i have been on a mission to build a smarter cargo carrier. A Solution with utility, versatility and security in mind.

A solution that frees the vehicle owner from the expense of multiple roof rack and tow-hitch systems.

A solution that does not detract from the exterior aesthetics, fuel efficiency or performance of your automobile.

A solution that combines the convenience and stability of a hitch mounted cargo carrier with the security and storage capabilities of a roof rack system.

A solution that allows access to the rear cargo door.

A solution that can handle all 4 seasons.

A working prototype has been on my BD FJ for the last year (non-stop), and proto #2 is currently in production (with minor mods. to make it more universal). sorry, no pics to post just yet...patience is a virtue.

Toledo FJ · 12-17-2007, 07:30 PM

Have you looked at the Everthere Carrier? It looks very nice and it folds up so it takes up less space when not in use. It comes in lots of colors...but they discontinued red! How stupid is that?

MaineFJ · 12-17-2007, 07:44 PM

Quote:

FJ Mike previously said:

These are rated for 500lbs for the most part - does anyone see any issues with carrying a snowblower (8HP Toro - 24" clearing width) on one of these? Not sure if it is wide enough, but I could add a little extension, and use a ramp to drive it up. My concern is the spare tire and clearance. I haul the snowblower often in a trailer now, but with a good amount of snow pack, the trailer is not always accessable. This would be a perfect solution. Any advice or thoughts?

I've carried concrete blocks with the cheapie I got from Harbor Tool and I'd bet it was way over 500 pounds - no problem, but I drove like a little old lady. I think the thing to watch for is sudden drops or big bumps which can suddenly multiply the total load weight on the carrier. If you avoid the bumps, there shouldn't be a problem. Worst case scenario is a bent carrier. I'd take a couple of cargo straps and hook the plow to the roof rack to be sure not too much bouncing happens and help relieve the load on the carrier.
My rack looks flimsy, but seems to hold up pretty well as long as you pretty much balance the load left and right.

Good advice - I looked up my snowblower online and it comes in at 225lbs. I thought of maybe a couple of straps from my roof rack to the carrier edges - thanks for confirming that idea has some merrit. I still need to measure and see if the spare tire will take up too much of the space - an extension (not one that would raise it up) would be great, but I've got some research to do -

Quote:

fortfun previously said:

great thread!

i have been working on a cargo carrier idea for almost the last 2years and in the patent process for the last 9 months.

like most of you, i have too many toys. this meant having a different rack or adapter for each one, so i have been on a mission to build a smarter cargo carrier. A Solution with utility, versatility and security in mind.

A solution that frees the vehicle owner from the expense of multiple roof rack and tow-hitch systems.

A solution that does not detract from the exterior aesthetics, fuel efficiency or performance of your automobile.

A solution that combines the convenience and stability of a hitch mounted cargo carrier with the security and storage capabilities of a roof rack system.

A solution that allows access to the rear cargo door.

A solution that can handle all 4 seasons.

A working prototype has been on my BD FJ for the last year (non-stop), and proto #2 is currently in production (with minor mods. to make it more universal). sorry, no pics to post just yet...patience is a virtue.

Please keep us posted - sounds like your new idea will be worthy of it's own thread to let the rest of the forum know of your hard work. Let me know when it is ready - I'm in the market for one of these, and it sounds like yours is going to be very well thought out for our rigs!

Quote:

Toledo FJ previously said:

Have you looked at the Everthere Carrier? It looks very nice and it folds up so it takes up less space when not in use. It comes in lots of colors...but they discontinued red! How stupid is that?

Just checked those out - nice idea to have them fold up. I agree - a red one would have been perfect!

fortfun · 12-19-2007, 10:03 AM

thanks, ideas tend to evolve over time (2 years in my case). this new design should be both technically and geometrically sound as well as idiot proof (a must if a product is going to make out there in the big world).

i will post when proto#2 is finished...probably january. it will compliment the fj (or any other suv, truck or car) nicely.