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dustyrhodes
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2010
Posts: 38
Location: Venice, CA
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 Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 1:37 pm Post subject: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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Hey sambas,
Anyone have a recommended hitch mount cargo box? My #1 westy complaint is that I always gotta move my stuff around when I setup and break down camp. I'd like to be able to stash my climbing and backpacking gear in a lockable box.
I have the Burley heavy duty in-bumper hitch.
Ideally it wouldn't be so wide that it blocks the tail lights....
Thanks!
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1989 Vanagon Westfalia |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Wolfram
Samba Member
Joined: June 23, 2005
Posts: 184
Location: Waiheke Island/On The Road USA
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Wellington
Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2004
Posts: 1889
Location: Montreal
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12115
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:33 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitchmount cargobox? |
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I made my own platform out of an inexpensive folding swing-down bike carrier.
It clears the hatch on both our vans.
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Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?
Last edited by Zeitgeist 13 on Mon Mar 19, 2018 11:14 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15144
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:56 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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Thule makes a nice roadbox. it's lockable and has lights.
models tilt down or swing to the side.
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dustyrhodes
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2010
Posts: 38
Location: Venice, CA
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| Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 9:08 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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The Westy one looks cool, but it's big bucks! If I didn't already have a hitch mounted bicycle carrier, I might consider it.
The other ones are so big. Was hoping for something maybe half the size. Maybe I should just get an alubox and build a tray...
Thanks everyone
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1989 Vanagon Westfalia |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15144
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 8:28 am Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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see here you go posting a question asking for opinions withouth divulging all of your details or requirements. 
*didn't mention you had a bike rack you wanted to use also.
*didn't mention your definition of reasonable $$
*didn't actually mention how much space your gear takes up.
search Craigslist for hitch carriers and truck boxes.
just make sure you come back and tell us what you actually go with..
| dustyrhodes wrote: |
The Westy one looks cool, but it's big bucks! If I didn't already have a hitch mounted bicycle carrier, I might consider it.
The other ones are so big. Was hoping for something maybe half the size. Maybe I should just get an alubox and build a tray...
Thanks everyone |
| dustyrhodes wrote: |
Hey sambas,
Anyone have a recommended hitch mount cargo box? My #1 westy complaint is that I always gotta move my stuff around when I setup and break down camp. I'd like to be able to stash my climbing and backpacking gear in a lockable box.
I have the Burley heavy duty in-bumper hitch.
Ideally it wouldn't be so wide that it blocks the tail lights....
Thanks! |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15144
Location: Syracuse, NY
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7922
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 10:02 am Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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| danfromsyr wrote: |
*didn't mention you had a bike rack you wanted to use also.
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That's not how I interpret it. The Westfalia box linked to mounts to Westfalia's bike rack. Since the OP already has a bike rack, no sense in spending the money on another.
As for the original question, cargo boxes weigh around 50 pounds; get one with a swing-away frame and you're up to around 100 before stashing your stuff inside. I'd get (or make) an aluminum tray and, if you need the security of a box, bolt a locking box to it.
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~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
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"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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hdenter
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2008
Posts: 2754
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 4:59 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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I would suggest getting just a tray and then a separate box to fit it. Much more versatile. If you need to carry something that's an odd size you won't be limited by the dimentions of the box.
Hans
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'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
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sphet
Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2016
Posts: 345
Location: Vancouver, BC
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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I'm curious about other people's experience here too. Every hitch kit I have seen with a square hitch all say the downward weight rating on a vanagon is only 100 pounds. I was thinking of getting a tray for my trip this summer but decided the weight limits made it useless. Anyone seen a hitch that has a higher-than-100 pound downward rating?
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1982 Diesel Westfalia 1.6 NA - The Shellakabuukiee |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 6:52 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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| sphet wrote: |
| I'm curious about other people's experience here too. Every hitch kit I have seen with a square hitch all say the downward weight rating on a vanagon is only 100 pounds. I was thinking of getting a tray for my trip this summer but decided the weight limits made it useless. Anyone seen a hitch that has a higher-than-100 pound downward rating? |
Yes. Burley Motorsports has two hitches. One rated for a tongue weight of 200 lbs the other rated for 350 lbs. RMW also sells similar (maybe the same?) hitches.
GoWesty also offers both a 100 lbs and a 400 lbs tongue weight hitch.
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dustyrhodes
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2010
Posts: 38
Location: Venice, CA
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 8:05 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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I've had good luck with my burley heavy duty hitch. I've carried a 100lbs motorcycle carrier with a 240lbs bike on it no problem.
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jimf909 
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7468
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 8:51 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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I’ll go ahead and suggest options I’m sure you’ve considered but may want to revisit:
- Put your climbing and backpacking gear in a box in the luggage rack. This keeps weight forward and allows you to use the moto or bike racks in the rear receiver.
- Rooftop box. Similar to the luggage rack box but more space and more $$$
The hitch mounted box has a number of advantages and is the easiest to access but it does block the hatch which would bother me (YMMV).
As for swingaways, this is intriguing:
http://www.kuatracks.com/products/hitch/pivot/
Kuat works with a UT company to make this. That company offers the swingaway in three sizes.
Enjoy.
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- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 10:03 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
Kuat works with a UT company to make this. That company offers the swingaway in three sizes. |
Which company offers the swingaway in three sizes?
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1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7468
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 10:28 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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| ThankYouJerry wrote: |
| jimf909 wrote: |
Kuat works with a UT company to make this. That company offers the swingaway in three sizes. |
Which company offers the swingaway in three sizes? |
Rakattach...
http://rakattach.com/
I believe Kuat offers the Med. size but I’d recommend confirming with Kuat if you want to buy from them.
I’m trying to figure how to use this product but a Gary Lee style swingaway keeps coming up as a winner.
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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IdahoDoug
Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 10250
Location: N. Idaho
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 10:39 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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Yeah, I'd strongly consider a hitch platform and a box for your gear with suitable locking arrangement. Somehow when I look at that Thule from the perspective of keeping something safe in it, the Thule screams "I have so much money I sprung for the expensive type box - can you imagine all the expensive gear inside this pricey box??!"
Whereas a solid steel box of welded aluminum diamond plate says "This is a rugged box I made myself and there are a few tools and spares in here, but nothing you'd be able to pawn for much after all the trouble of getting into it. Plus I made this box with my hands, and I can and will kick the living shit out of you for messing with it."
Additionally as noted this is more flexible and if you had a sudden need to leave the van unattended for a couple days you can remove the box and stow it in the van, leaving the empty and bulky platform outside.
Just my two cents.
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16503
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2018 4:42 am Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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| IdahoDoug wrote: |
"This is a rugged box I made myself and there are a few tools and spares in here, but nothing you'd be able to pawn for much after all the trouble of getting into it. Plus I made this box with my hands, and I can and will kick the living shit out of you for messing with it."
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This would be a great bumper sticker for that box.... 
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'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
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IdahoDoug
Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 10250
Location: N. Idaho
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| Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2018 5:25 pm Post subject: Re: Good hitch-mount cargo box? |
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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