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Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Deadpooly6, Dec 28, 2020.

  1. Dec 28, 2020 at 6:50 AM
    #1
    Deadpooly6

    Deadpooly6 [OP] New Member

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    So I’m heading out of town for New Years and figured a cargo carrier for my hitch would work great. Have 4 people and 2 dogs kind of leaves us with minimal room. Well I went cover to harbor freight and picked up a cargo carrier while there were on sale. Here’s my question. I mentioned this to a buddy of mine and he said to be care with the exhaust heat because it could melt our stuff on the carrier. I’ve never heard of anyone saying this so I figured I would ask. Anyone ever experienced any issues using a cargo carrier?
     
  2. Dec 28, 2020 at 6:56 AM
    #2
    Shadoww

    Shadoww New Member

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    I did some research on which cargo carrier to purchase for that reason. (Mostly I didn’t want a carrier with plastic parts). This one is a Curt carrier with a Husky storage container. No issues.
    B02EDB4E-E045-4C16-B08C-14327FF00105.jpg

    032EDF1D-B9BC-4662-BD41-B4A296C34467.jpg
     
    Jere39 likes this.
  3. Dec 28, 2020 at 7:08 AM
    #3
    Deadpooly6

    Deadpooly6 [OP] New Member

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    The one I got is steel so I’m not worried about the actual carrier. He made it seem like what I put on the carrier would melt. Like for instance your husky box.
     
  4. Dec 28, 2020 at 7:11 AM
    #4
    Shadoww

    Shadoww New Member

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    I have not had any issues. In addition to the Husky container I also place a cooler up there. This carrier also sits higher than the exhaust which may differ from other brands.
     
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  5. Dec 31, 2020 at 5:46 AM
    #5
    saltlife1966

    saltlife1966 New Member

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    I picked up a harbor freight carrier for vacations , its well made and cant beat the price, Ive driven over 300 miles with coolers on it and had zero issues with exhaust heat
     
  6. Dec 31, 2020 at 7:50 AM
    #6
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    I don't think that's a legitimate worry. It should be fine.
     
  7. Dec 31, 2020 at 8:05 AM
    #7
    dosomeplowin

    dosomeplowin New Member

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    You'll be fine. We've used ours on a handful of long trips and had no issues whatsoever. The extra space is nice. I bought a hitch tightener as well and that made it a lot more stable/quiet.
     
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  8. May 9, 2022 at 9:25 AM
    #8
    leomitz200

    leomitz200 New Member

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    Where did you find that LED brake light ? Looks awesome
     
  9. May 9, 2022 at 9:39 AM
    #9
    UncleShorty

    UncleShorty New Member

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    Remember: If the gear in your carrier blocks even a portion of your license plate you can get a ticket in many states. Even those dealer advertisement frames are illegal in TX. It's not often enforced but it is prima facia probable cause to pull you over.

    Also, if you put your plate on the carrier you'll have to light it. No license plate light is a violation in every state.

    When traveling, and in everyday life, I try to minimize my Law Enforcement interactions.
     
  10. May 9, 2022 at 9:43 AM
    #10
    universalfrost

    universalfrost New Member

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  11. May 9, 2022 at 9:52 AM
    #11
    uhmgawa

    uhmgawa New Member

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    Wish I had the same experience. With my 2006 the exhaust routinely melted nylon tie down straps and contents of the carrier. I got better at positioning tie downs and shielding carrier cargo. Doesn't take much once you're aware of the issue. I don't think the 2022 has the same carrier to exhaust proximity as the older 4runner and I haven't (yet) encountered the issue.

    My long running problems with hitch carriers have been primarily other drivers who apparently can't <thud>. And then the rusting of steel carriers. Seems unavoidable so I've been poking at the aluminum variety (which mostly still use a steel tube and brace structure) and an AL tray on top of that. And then they are substantially flimsier than the all steel counterparts. There are better AL carriers but they tend to be outrageously expensive. Where most modestly priced at $100+/- seem to have frightfully thin-walled AL extrusions joined by hollow plastic corners apparently using the principle of "engineering by prayer". I was just going to buy the AL stock and weld up a competent structure for a permanent solution. But there is no assurance someone wouldn't come along and nail it in stop & go traffic or by a sharp turn backing out next to me in a parking lot. Been treated to all of that..
     
  12. May 9, 2022 at 10:05 AM
    #12
    universalfrost

    universalfrost New Member

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    used my harbor freight cargo carrier yesterday to haul some cases of water and a cooler with tie down straps. worked well and no issues with heat... also my 4runner has the optional exhaust tip (mine is chrome).. so that adds a bit of additional length to the end and its already down swept to begin with on the actual exhaust.. this further funnels the exhaust heat town and away from the cargo carrier
     
  13. May 9, 2022 at 4:48 PM
    #13
    Tooly

    Tooly New Member

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    I've got an aluminum carrier that I use with a 4" drop/rise extension that raises it up and more out of the way of the exhaust.

    [​IMG]
     
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  14. May 9, 2022 at 6:12 PM
    #14
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    Like this? :D

    Pretty sure I was asking for a ticket, 4Runner rode great though.

    20190219_153953.jpg
     
  15. May 9, 2022 at 6:33 PM
    #15
    K-Paul

    K-Paul Looking for a water crossing

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  16. May 10, 2022 at 5:22 AM
    #16
    whododat

    whododat New Member

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    To solve the exhaust issue I had a local muffler shop reroute mine to the side behind the rear right wheel. Mainly to minimize the exhaust coming in the back window. It was very inexpensive to do and got rid of the exhaust issue altogether.
     
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  17. May 10, 2022 at 5:34 AM
    #17
    Burnt Taco

    Burnt Taco "Like that's just your opinion, man".

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    Did you have them bend it or did they cut and weld? Pic please. I'm going to have this done as well. Don't like the exhaust smell.
     
  18. May 10, 2022 at 6:43 AM
    #18
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    There was a thread recently where a member used the end of a Pro exhaust that exits this way. I believe he had it cut and welded.
     
  19. May 10, 2022 at 12:44 PM
    #19
    Altitude4x4

    Altitude4x4 New Member

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    Use mine religiously for hauling trash out of the forest. Occasionally carry firewood or gear if we're on a long trip. I've had several hundred pounds on it at times and it's rock solid with no rattles. Bought it from etrailer.com, forgot the brand.

    20210528_174245.jpg
     
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  20. May 10, 2022 at 1:09 PM
    #20
    afret

    afret 2022 ORP, KDSS, Toyo AT3

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    How much weight can these carriers handle safely on a 4R? That's a lot of leverage with it hanging way back there.
     
  21. May 10, 2022 at 1:15 PM
    #21
    Altitude4x4

    Altitude4x4 New Member

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    Most carriers are rated to 500lbs, the rear of your truck will sag a little unless you have a heavier spring in the rear.
     
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  22. May 10, 2022 at 1:45 PM
    #22
    Bikeric

    Bikeric New Member

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    Pretty sure I've lost a phone there before....
     
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  23. May 10, 2022 at 3:55 PM
    #23
    afret

    afret 2022 ORP, KDSS, Toyo AT3

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    That's more than I thought it could handle. Thanks for the info.
     
  24. May 11, 2022 at 4:37 AM
    #24
    whododat

    whododat New Member

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    He cut and welded. Came out more than sufficient for our needs and our dog's too.

    thumbnail.jpg
     
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  25. May 11, 2022 at 5:59 AM
    #25
    Burnt Taco

    Burnt Taco "Like that's just your opinion, man".

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    Improvement on the smell? Your setup might be a bit of a "trail dragger" off road. I was thinking I'd have it tucked tighter to the mudflap like the Pro exhaust.
     
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  26. May 11, 2022 at 7:00 AM
    #26
    whododat

    whododat New Member

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    Smell is non existent now. Yeah, I will prob figure out another way to do it for off road but wanted smell gone asap.
     
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  27. May 11, 2022 at 7:27 AM
    #27
    Burnt Taco

    Burnt Taco "Like that's just your opinion, man".

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    Great. Thanks
     
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  28. May 11, 2022 at 7:33 AM
    #28
    DRobs

    DRobs New Member

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    Pinstripes, lots of em. Plus a couple dents.
    I've read horrible reviews on those Harbor Freight hitch carriers. Like they fall break mid trip and fall off on the side of the highway. I looked just now and the really bad reviews have been removed from HF's site.
     
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  29. May 11, 2022 at 8:12 AM
    #29
    Henry J

    Henry J Crap…crap crap crap crap…crap

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    3F420B44-CAC9-46FF-8745-D3CC9258EF73.jpg My exhaust comes out the passenger side, in the pic you can see it. This is a curt, said the weight is 500lbs. Havent had issues with it so far.
     
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  30. May 11, 2022 at 10:12 AM
    #30
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

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    I had one and never used it because it was too hard to get to the back gate/door. I did have a friend who ruined a Utah mule deer due to heat exhaust in his Taco=heat came up not through the tail pipe but through the floor. I have not had any such problem carrying numerous wild pigs, mule deer and even a couple of dissected elk in my pre-taco, FJ40, etc.
     
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