I ran a search and got the pros and cons of hitch mounted cargo carriers and decided to buy one. Im seeking opinions and comments on the durability and real world use of Fiberglass
vs. Steel

Both are close enough in price, weight, and have same load capacity. The fiberglass I would guess is lighter but the steel is only 28 lbs which to me is a wash.

Its use will be mainly for items like firewood etc.. on camping trips.

Thanks - Ashby

I had a transmission and 3 transfer cases on one. I'd say they are really worth the money. But, you could build one for pretty cheap. And you could build it a lot stronger.

Joe

If there's no significant weight savings, I would go with steel.

-Rob

I don't own one but have thought about building one. they seem like they could be a great way to free up inside space on a road trip.

I guess all I have to add is be careful where you put the straps. I was caravaning down to Uwharrie a few years back with Paisan's trooper full of DougH, Patrick "the redneck Asian", and Paisan's friend. About 10 mintutes into the trip something big went flying past my windshield. Paisan pulled over and found that one of the 2 inch ratchet straps had been burned through by the exhaust and let go of the mechanical piece of the ratched strap. I'm just glad it went by my windshield and not through it. They repositioned the other strap, added a bungee cord and we were back on our way.

But without the rear Cargo holder there would have been no way to carry 4 guys and all of their gear for a weekend of camping and wheeling. Oh yeah, and be careful of your departure angle pulling out of the gas station. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Just yesterday, a full-width Dana 44 departed Villa de Smiley on the back of Bansil's Rodeo - very carefully secured to a steel cargo carrier...

Said carrier sits a bit crooked (thanks to it once being rear-ended by a tipsy driver, near the Bristol Motor Speedway <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> ) --- The fame-mounted hitch reciever was bent that day, but the solid/welded carrier itself sustained almost no damage whatsoever.


My vote? --- STEEL <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />


<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

There is also aluminum. I think Cabela's has one that is reasonably priced. Lighter, and won't rust, but not as strong (although the capacity rating is the same).

It's a nice way to save on interior space but I would 100% go with steel. Your departure will drastically change with the addition of the cargo rack, it will only take once smacking that on something departing to learn why you should of went with the steel. You could build it on your own but some of the prices that I've seen lately on them you wouldn't save enough money by doing so to make it worth your time.

If you have access to a welder...build your own..I built mine for about 100-120 bucks or so if I remember right and its built 10X as strong as those flimsy pre-made ones you see floppin around behind most rigs. I clearanced mine to lift it up to bumper height incase I decide I need firewood so it dont sit so stinkin low like the hitch level ones...and then gusseted it and also made a sealed up waterproof box that bolts down to it to haul more valuable/perishable stuff. Works great...had it up to 500+lbs and no probs whatsoever across country. Love it.....def think you should build your own if you can. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> and STEEL all the way

Thanks for all the input. Steel it is then! I was planning on buying a ready-made one and then having a muffler shop tack on some extra reinforcments.

But icycyrup has a great point:



This would be nice for the extra clearance if I ever needed it (ex. had to take a trail to get to my camp site..) It would also put the cargo up higher so less road debri and water would hit it.

Without having access to a welder Im not sure how to go about this. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the help,
Ashby

Don't forget that with cargo on it you won't be able to open tailgate,and spare tire if mounted on the back may get in the way of hauling stuff.

Also be aware of your exhaust exit,you don't want to melt anything in the basket.

Mine is made out of 1/4 steel angle and tubing,also intergrated a pc of 2 1/2 square 1/4wall tube that I slid over the 2" rec. part and have it so a bike carrier will fit into the back of the hitch basket.




Buy a welder,this will be a good starter project <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />