im considering a hitch basket rather than roof racks . roof racks are gonna cost over $400 as I don't have any roof rails . a trailer hitch and cargo basket would be a bit less but can hold 500 lbs rather than 125 the racks could carry . anyone tried this ? any pictures? the pros and cons ? its just Im a little short on space when I load up to go camping
hitch basket
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Interesting idea.
How secure are they? I suppose stuff on the roof-racks isn't safe from pilfering either.
500 lb. hanging off the back might not be good for the handling; that's more than the recommended down-force when towing.
Australian catalogue; see p. 19
http://www.thule.com.au/thule-australia-2013-catalogue.php
How secure are they? I suppose stuff on the roof-racks isn't safe from pilfering either.
500 lb. hanging off the back might not be good for the handling; that's more than the recommended down-force when towing.
Australian catalogue; see p. 19
http://www.thule.com.au/thule-australia-2013-catalogue.php
Max rated tongue weight, per the owners manual page 5-67, is only 200lbs(91kg). You are going to be way over that.
Nice choice on the bike by the way. I had two of them and would get another if I was allowed.
Nice choice on the bike by the way. I had two of them and would get another if I was allowed.
the basket will be about 30 lbs . I don't intend to put to much weight on there . no more than 200 for sure . just one one or two plastic containers with some camping gear. and only a few times per year .
I'm considering a basket too for camping. One decision I've already made is to put lights on the rear of the basket because it will definitely cover the turn signals. I think that would be a smart move for everyone from a safety standpoint.
Here's a box from Thule ($$$, but it's pre-wired for lights and it lets you open the tail gate without unhitching it):
Thule 665C Transporter Combi - Thule Cargo Boxes
Here's a basket from Canadian Tire:
SportRack Folding Hitch Basket | Canadian Tire
found a 60 inch one on sale at princess auto $74 . but took out the measureing tape and it will cover most of the turn signals . decided to get a Curtis #18145 its 48 " x 20" and looks like it wont hide the signal lights . cost is $90 . will try to find it on sale some where or something similar . but 48 x 20 seems to be the best size for the sportage
for anyone who wants a hitch in Canada . hitch usa delivered in 2 days . shipped from Canada . no duty or shipping . with the exchange rate total price was 142 . it was a Curtis hitch made in America . 10 min to install
on car now
hitch basket is on the car . it fits perfect . i made an anti rattle device at work for it . I still fit in a parking spot with room to spare . total cost with the hitch was under $190 Canadian .
hitch basket is on the car . it fits perfect . i made an anti rattle device at work for it . I still fit in a parking spot with room to spare . total cost with the hitch was under $190 Canadian .
weight
i stood on it .220 lbs . sagged about one inch . im fully loaded on a camping trip and there is no noticeable sag at all thats with about 120 lbs on the basket and the kia loaded up inside . i cant notice any differance when driveing . no problems parking in a regular parking spot . over all the set up has exceded all my expectations . i have two rubbermade storage containers on it and its has givein me that extra room needed for stuff
i stood on it .220 lbs . sagged about one inch . im fully loaded on a camping trip and there is no noticeable sag at all thats with about 120 lbs on the basket and the kia loaded up inside . i cant notice any differance when driveing . no problems parking in a regular parking spot . over all the set up has exceded all my expectations . i have two rubbermade storage containers on it and its has givein me that extra room needed for stuff
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