Hitch carrier vs spare tire basket

[RUZ]

Nice! Let me know how it handles once you load it down and try it out. Thinking my best solution might be combining a decent carrier with the Kuat pivot.

I looked at the Kuat pivot and may add it later. Not sure if I will use it enough to justify cost.

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[Ripcurl]

I have a Pakmule swayback hitch carrier. If it's empty, the tailgate clears it to swing open.

Pricy, especially if you get add ons like the brake light, decking or straps, but they are solid, made in the USA aluminum goodness that seem like will last for life

https://pakmule.com

 

[Mjolnir]

I have a Pakmule swayback hitch carrier. If it's empty, the tailgate clears it to swing open.

Pricy, especially if you get add ones like the brake light, decking or straps, but they are solid, made in the USA aluminum goodness that seem like will last for life

https://pakmule.com

I definitely like those. Probably really good quality carriers. Only issue I still have is if I need to open the tailgate and have the carrier loaded down I wouldn’t be able to access it with just the carrier since everything would be in the way of the gate.

 

[Ripcurl]

I definitely like those. Probably really good quality carriers. Only issue I still have is if I need to open the tailgate and have the carrier loaded down I wouldn’t be able to access it with just the carrier since everything would be in the way of the gate.

Right, that's the consideration with this style carrier vs. the roof or spare tire mount, something else, which have their own peculiarities. On the plus side its easy to load.

Like they say though, the thing does not wiggle at all and I'm not worried about snapping it off on some mild, uneven off road terrain. We've seen stories of some of the cheaper ones over-stressing like that.

 

[Mjolnir]

Right, that's the consideration with this style carrier vs. the roof or spare tire mount, something else, which have their own peculiarities. On the plus side its easy to load.

Like they say though, the thing does not wiggle at all and I'm not worried about snapping it off on some mild, uneven off road terrain. We've seen stories of some of the cheaper ones over-stressing like that.

Good to know. I’ll definitely consider them when it comes to the carrier. Might just end up doubling down and paying the extra dollar to get both. I’ve got a bike rack too anyways that I can use the pivot for.

 

[TahoeTexan]

That is slick! Thanks for that link!

2nd the Kuat. It's great! Opens to 120+ degrees, is available in driver and passenger swing, and works great with my 1up bike rack.
That said, I'll be adding a MASS spare tire cargo carrier so I can also carry 2 bikes.

 

[Ironiguana]

Did you get the passenger side or the driver side swing? I could see either working or not working depending on dimensions.

Just got back from a trip to Big Bend National Park and a few other Texas state parks. Here is a pick with the driver side swing open.

 

[Cornbred]

I have a hitch basket. When it is on, I cannot open the tailgate or the window. Maybe something to drop the hitch would help. Anyway, something to consider.

I made this mistake as well for wifes bronco, the basket she purchased had 6” sides. Installed it and spare tire hit the sides. I have a 6” drop hitch she has to use for it, so it clears the sides but still have to take cooler etc off the rack before opening rear door.

 

[CDUBHTOWN]

I use this with my hitch basket:
https://www.kuat.com/product/pivot-2/ (cheaper if you find a sale on Amazon)
It also pushes the basket out a bit more so the tire doesn't get in the way.

What hitch basket did you use? Did Kuat say what the load rating is when extended? Thanks! Great idea

 

[CDUBHTOWN]

Just got back from a trip to Big Bend National Park and a few other Texas state parks. Here is a pick with the driver side swing open.

Looks great! What basket is that and do you know the load rating?

 

[LaterGator]

I also have the Kuat Pivot 2.0 and use a Curt aluminum hitch tray. Max weight on the Pivot is 250lbs. I use mine for a garden wagon and steel targets that I don't want inside.

 

[Mjolnir]

Fun fact, in case any of you decide to get a hitch carrier and happen to have the RTR rear bumper and factory tow package, you’re going to need an 8 inch hitch extension or more. I ordered the kuat pivot in combo with the Pakmule Scout. Got both ready to go and went to attach to my Bronco and I was just barely too short to put the hitch pin in. The pivot contacts the 2 recovery points welded on the bumper. So I decided to return the pivot and just keep the rack with a hitch extension. Both items are super well made though and worth the price.

 

[Ironiguana]

Looks great! What basket is that and do you know the load rating?

I'm not sure what the basket is. I got it a long time ago and there is not a name on it. Load for the Kuat is 250 pounds. I mainly put bulky stuff back there (tent, propane tank, grill, traction boards, folding chairs, etc). I don't think I reached 150 pounds. This waterproof bag is nice though:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JKW2J4/
It keeps everything dry and allows you to stack stuff easily.

 

[Squatch]

Sounds like you picked your solution, but if anyone comes here wondering about the JCR spare tire basket, I have one.

• I don't keep it on all the time
• I don't put a lot of weight on it and use it for light but bulky items
• Use blue Loctite! The hardware will rattle loose
• It's a bit awkward to size to your tire, but mostly awkward due to the places that the nuts and bolts have to go and you have to bust your knuckles to tighten up

Overall, it's the perfectsolutionfor my use case. I would never do any trails rougher than a dirt road with it on and I didn't expect that capability. Remember that every ounce is extra strain on the tailgate.

 

[Dusmw]

If you have an Academy Sports nearby the same rack Quadratec is selling is half the price. I use mine on my 2 door Rubicon to help with storage shortfall. Cooler and Pelican gear box for transit to destination then it comes off.

https://www.academy.com/p/magellan-outdoors-aluminum-hitch-carrier

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