Vannin' Home Forums General Discussion Generic How To ..... Securing a trialer hitch mounted cargo carrier

A few years ago I bought one of these Harbor Freight trailer hitch mounted cargo carriers:

http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-aluminum-cargo-carrier-60771.html

I also bought the nyon bag that goes with it to protect the luggage.

I have never used it and only mounted it once because it was so wobbly in the hitch. It must have about three inches of rotational travel (twist free play). There is no way I would be happy driving down the road with that thing rattling around or feel safe. I would be worried about one good bump destroying the carrier and the luggage.

Has anyone ever used one of these things and figured out a way to make it fit more securely into the receiver? Metal shims maybe? Some way to keep it from twisting around? Clamps to the bumper?

500 pounds is a lot for balance of the vehicle especially behind the wheels as it will lift your front end up...

I have a homemade one and a turnbuckle from the outer edge to the outer edge of a reese hitch stopped the slop

Thanks!

I would never try and load 500 pounds waaaay out back like that. Talk about fishtailing. I would mainly use this to get the suitcases of clothes and crap out of the van while on the road. Maybe 200 pounds, total.

i wonder if there is some kind of metal sleeve that might fit around it as it might be made to fit a couple of different types of hitches.

The one I got is designed to fit a 2 inch receiver hitch which is what I have on my van.

I am thinkning I might rig up a second smaller receiver hitch out towards one end o the bumper and make a second tongue for the cargo carrier that slides into the second reveiver. That would hold it firm.

TSC stores and most Reese Dealers sell adapters to go to a class 2 hitch

Really I just need some kind of brace between the frame or bumper ad the basket to keep it from twisting about.

Hmmmm……

http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/products/,63201