Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier

[eric_c]

I was wondering if anybody has any experience with trailer hitch mounted cargo carriers? Something along the lines of:

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-CC2~V90590.htm

Specifically, I'm wondering how in-the-way it is when it comes to loading the back of the Rogue. I'm looking for a solution to a minor inconvenience. At the cottage, we have a common garbage bin used by several other cottages, and its a good distance from where we dock our boat. With our old Pathfinder, we'd just throw the garbage bags on the roof and stop off on the way home. With the Rogue we're kinda relunctant to do the same thing, it being new and all. So for now we've resorted to carrying the garbage bags by hand which is a good 5 minute roundd trip.

These trailer hitch cargo carriers look like an idea solution. A roof mounted cargo carrier won't work because we need to carry sleds in the winter, and I'd rather not have garbage "juice" leaking onto the roof of the car. My concern is, is this going to be a PITA when it comes to packing the back of the Rogue.

Apologies if this is already covered in another thread. I searched to no avail.

[philipa_240sx]

Apologies if this is already covered in another thread. I searched to no avail.

You are the first.

I've seen them used before, but have no experience. I would be concerned about wieght: The carrier would place a large amount of downward torque on the hitch. You certainly couldn't exceed the tongue load rating for the Rogue of 150lbs. Factor in the weight of the carrier and you are limited to less than 100lbs.

[Pescakl1]

If it is just to use it for the garbage, they are quite expensive garbage!!A good walk from time to time won't kill you (you go countryside for the fresh air and to exercise, right?).

If you find a good use for this kind of carrier, yes you can also use it for your garbage.

From what I understand, it will be about knee high (best height to annoy and hurt nicely), and put you about two-three feet away from the cargo door, so it will be in your way, for sure.How heavy is that thing?You will probably have to remove it, reinstall it each time you need to access the cargo area... or jump on it.

Good thing against brownnoser drivers!!

[eric_c]

They tend to weight about 30 lbs (+/- a few lbs), and cost-wise you can get them as cheap as $55, so its not a major expense.

My bigger concern is what you describe, banging my knees and not being able to access the back area very well. The come as shallow as 20", so call it 2 ft from the back of the Rogue. Still, every weekend I have to load a cooler full of food, electric motor, battery, etc; things that tend to be heavy and not easily held at arms length. It may or may not be a problem, but its hard to judge without having one actually mounted on the truck.

There is a swing away model, but they are more expensive.

If it is just to use it for the garbage, they are quite expensive garbage!!A good walk from time to time won't kill you (you go countryside for the fresh air and to exercise, right?).

If you find a good use for this kind of carrier, yes you can also use it for your garbage.

From what I understand, it will be about knee high (best height to annoy and hurt nicely), and put you about two-three feet away from the cargo door, so it will be in your way, for sure.How heavy is that thing?You will probably have to remove it, reinstall it each time you need to access the cargo area... or jump on it.

Good thing against brownnoser drivers!!

[kg5ie]

I use one. It is an all aluminum model purchased from Harbor Freight. I like it to carry things that tend to leak, or cause a mess inside...like a large ice chest, or bags of compost coming home from the garden center.

[Goblin]

I have one that has got to be one of the heaviest (48lbs) on the market with rails. I have had no problem and see no issue with it. I also carry 4 bikes on the back with the 2 inch hitch. Again, No problems.