A Roof Rack for your Hitch (X-Rack)

I wanted to share an exciting option for carrying cargo and all sorts of off-road/overlanding accessories, and it doesn't involve installing a roof rack. If you're like me and prefer not to load up your roof and want to keep the top open, this might be just what you need.



**Hitch Mounted Carriers for Customized Cargo Solutions**



These hitch-mounted carriers are designed to fit into standard 2" receiver hitches, making them incredibly versatile and easy to install. What's neat is that they come with adjustable wings that can be positioned to suit your gear, and you can even add extra wings to expand your cargo-carrying possibilities. These wings have tracks that accept most gear equipped with T-Bolts, just like the ones you'd use on roof carriers.



**Endless Customization and Cargo Capacity**



One standout feature of these carriers is their ability to increase your cargo capacity in a snap. By inserting them into the rear port of X-Rack cargo carriers, you can create more space for coolers, overlanding boxes, cargo bags, and more. Additionally, there are exclusive mounts available for carrying ski/snowboards, off-road gear like traction boards, shovels, lift jacks, Rotopax containers, and a host of fishing accessories, such as rod holders and sand spike mounts.



**Front Hitches and Over Spare Tire Compatibility**



The beauty of these hitch-mounted carriers is that they aren't limited to just the rear of your vehicle. They can also be used on front hitches, providing even more options for carrying your gear. Plus, they are compatible with the X-Rack over spare tire carrier, making it even more convenient to bring everything you need for your outdoor adventures.



**Quick and Easy Loading for Hassle-Free Trips**



One of the best things about these hitch-mounted carriers is the speed and ease with which you can load your gear. No more fumbling with ladders or struggling to reach the roof. You can load everything you need in seconds and be on your way to your next adventure without any worries about overhead clearance issues. What's more, this setup is often better for fuel consumption since you're not adding any wind drag up top.



In a world of ever-evolving solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, these hitch-mounted carriers offer a smart and convenient way to transport your gear. If you're in the market for a cargo solution that's easy to install, versatile, and fuel-efficient, you should definitely consider one of these.



Feel free to ask any questions or share your experiences if you've already tried one of these carriers. Let's keep the discussion going, and happy off-roading, everyone!

https://www.xrack.us/product-category/multi-use-accessory-racks/

That looks cool and super versatile, however how’s the stability?

One issue with many hitch mounted things, like bike racks, is they are very wobbly. I’m picturing your setup off road and am unsure how stable it’d be. Do you have any insights or video of this?

Kuat, for example, has a mechanism you turn to make it very tight in the hitch and it doesn’t budge. With the height on your setup, I’m still wondering if even that would work, but curious on your insights.

Thanks!

Looks promising. If the racks can incorporate a tightening hitch pin such as my Rolo basket has combined with my Kuat swing away then stability would be a non issue.

Traveled 1500 miles one way last year with an electric Bronco on the Bronco

Please no.

604Bronco said:

That looks cool and super versatile, however how’s the stability?

One issue with many hitch mounted things, like bike racks, is they are very wobbly. I’m picturing your setup off road and am unsure how stable it’d be. Do you have any insights or video of this?

Kuat, for example, has a mechanism you turn to make it very tight in the hitch and it doesn’t budge. With the height on your setup, I’m still wondering if even that would work, but curious on your insights.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

All the connections are with threaded hitch pins so there is very little to movement. We have an additional hitch stabilizer item for when you do the double set up as some hitches have more play than others. I use this all the time on the beach, it is certainly not for extreme off roading, but will handle very well off-road with proper speed. (not doing jumps) We also offer various height hitch tubes.

JohnnyBronco said:

Looks promising. If the racks can incorporate a tightening hitch pin such as my Rolo basket has combined with my Kuat swing away then stability would be a non issue.

Traveled 1500 miles one way last year with an electric Bronco on the Bronco

Click to expand...

All the connections are with treaded hitch pins and are very tight. I use mine with a Kuat swing away and that gives it more movement then if it was direct to the hitch, but still very stable.

X-Rack said:

All the connections are with treaded hitch pins and are very tight. I use mine with a Kuat swing away and that gives it more movement then if it was direct to the hitch, but still very stable.

Click to expand...

That looks like an amazing rack system. Does it come with a swing-out rack system? To me, if you can't use a pivot arm for a hitch mounted rack on a car/SUV, it blocks access to the rear cargo area and negates its purpose. (With a pickup, you can reach from the side). I, too have found the Kuat Pivot a great mounting tool for rear cargo racks, bike racks and flag poles! But without it, a rear hitch rack seems somewhat useless, to me. Also, Pivot2 has a 250# weight capacity.

How mush will this rack effect the rear parking sensors, I have 23 Wildtrak, high package?

lakesinai said:

That looks like an amazing rack system. Does it come with a swing-out rack system? To me, if you can't use a pivot arm for a hitch mounted rack on a car/SUV, it blocks access to the rear cargo area and negates its purpose. (With a pickup, you can reach from the side). I, too have found the Kuat Pivot a great mounting tool for rear cargo racks, bike racks and flag poles! But without it, a rear hitch rack seems somewhat useless, to me. Also, Pivot2 has a 250# weight capacity.

Click to expand...

I think my reply got lost, but here it is again. First, thank you. It does not come with a swing out. If you use just the wing carrier without the cargo deck, it will swing down and away. But i am like you and prefer it to swing out. The Kuat Pivot is a great addition to our rack system. It does only have a 250lb rating and even though our cargo carriers decks are rated for 500lb, when you add our extension hitch tube or rise hitch tube, we down rate to 250lbs. 250lbs is a lot of weight on the back of your car. I have maxed out the Kuat swing arm at 250lb and would not go any more. Most cooler and gear combos come in under 150lb in most of our testing. Our racks are all aluminum and are extremely lightweight to leave more room for cargo.

JohnnyBronco said:

Looks promising. If the racks can incorporate a tightening hitch pin such as my Rolo basket has combined with my Kuat swing away then stability would be a non issue.

Traveled 1500 miles one way last year with an electric Bronco on the Bronco

Click to expand...

All of our racks come with threaded hitch pins and are very stable. When using a flex wing loaded in conjunction with a loaded cargo carrier, we recommend using our stabilizer bracket for extra tight fit as some hitches have more play than others.

Perfect, if your entire trip is on perfectly flat road!

(bye bye, breakover and approach angles)

X-Rack said:

I think my reply got lost, but here it is again. First, thank you. It does not come with a swing out. If you use just the wing carrier without the cargo deck, it will swing down and away. But i am like you and prefer it to swing out. The Kuat Pivot is a great addition to our rack system. It does only have a 250lb rating and even though our cargo carriers decks are rated for 500lb, when you add our extension hitch tube or rise hitch tube, we down rate to 250lbs. 250lbs is a lot of weight on the back of your car. I have maxed out the Kuat swing arm at 250lb and would not go any more. Most cooler and gear combos come in under 150lb in most of our testing. Our racks are all aluminum and are extremely lightweight to leave more room for cargo.

Click to expand...

Thanks much for summing it all up, I missed the fold-down part! I'll keep this link so if I need more capacity, You provide it! I use a Skyrider with a Trailrax half rack, so I like the open top and covered rear cap, with luggage aft, so this is a great option!

On a smaller scale use for me I dig it. Depending on price point.

I love this notion that approach and departure angles don’t matter…

Looks great. Need a Kayak Rack option for transporting topless