Hitch Carrier

[Grandpa1]

I saw a hitch carrier like this and liked it.
I ordered the box online and took it to Maaco and had it painted. I built the frame needed in my garage using small regular power tools. It took me three to four hours.
I have around $360 invested in it including the paint, box and metal.
The top light is an LED brake light and the big bottom light is an LED combo running and brake light. Looks good!
If anyone is interested I can post the pics and notes I used to make it with.
I like it!

[werewolf]

Only issue I see, it that it obstructs the view of the license plate.
Troopers around here are big on enforcing that violation.
You may have to mount the tag higher or on the back when using
your carrier.

[Bruce]

Only issue I see, it that it obstructs the view of the license plate.
Troopers around here are big on enforcing that violation.
You may have to mount the tag higher or on the back when using
your carrier.

I built one for my trike, put brake, turn singles and running lights on it but you can't see the plate , haven't got a ticket yet but been warned twice

[Konrad]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>werewolf</strong>
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<div class="message">Only issue I see, it that it obstructs the view of the license plate.<br />
Troopers around here are big on enforcing that violation.<br />
You may have to mount the tag higher or on the back when using<br />
your carrier.</div>

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</div>I have a hitch carrier to which I strap a plastic cargo box for long trips. It does obscure the license plate. To solve that problem I took a color photo of the plate, enlarged it to the same size as the metal plate and laminated it between self-adhesive sheets of clear plastic. Then used double-sided tape to fasten to the cargo box. 5,299 miles, 13 states and never a traffic stop. <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />

[scribe5]

I would like to see details of your build. It looks great! Thanks.

[jaxbobg]

+1 on the details. I'd also like to see more info on the build.
I have a spare luggage box sitting in my den - haven't decided what to do with it but this looks interesting.

[RKB 53]

Sure I would like to see more pictures and where you got the parts to build this. I have been looking for something like this for a long time. It would make a good winter project. Thanks RKB

[Oldmsocko]

Nice looking carrier.

[Grandpa1]

I'm taking the advice given by some of the members and adding a place for a color pic of the license plate. It will mount on a self closing hinge. As soon as I get that completed I will post all the pics and show it off.
The box is a Bestem T-929 with lights and a molded padded insert for the inside.
bestemusa.com
The wiring in the box is weird. Weird color codes with no instructions. I traced it all out and will post it soon.
The top light is a brake light and the big bottom light is a running/brake light and it's an LED.
It cost me $145 for the box and freight delivered to Houston.
You don't need the extra frame because the box comes with a mounting plate.
I had it painted at Maaco and it cost me $160 for that.
The box comes in black only and it looks pretty good as is.

As soon as I get everything done I will post pics. Bear with me.

[1800 06 Champion Trike]

I don't use one as I have cargo trailer.
My question is- doesn't it bounce around hanging over the hitch?

[Grandpa1]

My wife followed me and said it doesn't bounce. It is real light and I only put stuff like rain gear, bike cover and stuff like that and it will hold quite a bit of stuff.
There is a locking clasp on it and when you unlock it to open it up there is a handle you can pull and the box unsnaps from the mount and you can carry it in your room or wherever.
The mount and the bracket stays attached to the hitch.
It's neat.

[msocko3]

I don't use one as I have cargo trailer.
My question is- doesn't it bounce around hanging over the hitch?

This brings up a good point. A couple years ago I followed a couple riding a GL1800 trike with one of those carriers made from the take off saddle bags. That sucker had quite a bounce to it, about 2 - 3 inches up and down. I have to believe metal fatigue will set in and snap goes the weakest link. I'd almost bet if they would have ask their trike kit manufacturer about using something like that the manufacturer would have counseled them not to.

[Grandpa1]

All good questions and reasons to wonder about the carrier.
I started building one out of the take off saddlebags but soon realized it would be way too heavy.
I got as far as actually mounting the saddlebag carrier on the hitch and it bounced while sitting in my garage. I didn't like it!
I scrapped that idea.
I didn't want a trailer. I've had a Bushtec and an Escalade before and they are both wonderful trailers but I'm old now and not planning on long trips. Just overnight stays. I wanted more room to take stuff and I saw the carrier that I am making.
My CSC will allow over 50 pounds of tongue weight and the carrier including the bracket and the stuff I loaded in it just weighs 25 pounds. I'm at 50% of what is rated so I feel I'm good.
When I had a trailer I've had trailer tongue weight of over 100 pounds and it wasn't any problem.
I'm not an engineer but I'm making the carrier for my use and plan to post pics on how I made it. I don't recommend you make one for yourself if you don't feel safe with it. Use your own judgement. I do.

[msocko3]

When I had a trailer I've had trailer tongue weight of over 100 pounds and it wasn't any problem.

100 pound tongue weight, using the 10% rule would give you a 1,000 lb trailer. I've seen some folks pull big stuff with their Wings, stuff I wouldn't want to try.

[Grandpa1]

I have the build info and pics ready if anyone wants to know how I built this hitch carrier.

I first built it without provisions for a license plate. After some concerns from some members I added that and a license plate light. I don't really like it and may remove it. I have started paying attention and I see quite a few SUV's and pickups with hitch carriers and their license plate is not visible. Do what you want. I will.

Please PM me and I will send you the info.

I built this for me. I will show you what I did for me but use your own skills and judgement and good luck!

[scribe5]

Here's a big shoutout to Grandpa1...I just received his instructions and pictures. Some of the best I've ever seen on any mod. Thanks for all the work and great suggestion.

[Grandpa1]

I appreciate all the interest in the hitch carrier.
I will need your email address to send a Word Document to you with all the pics and build info.
Please include the email address when you PM me.
thanks

[Pegasus1300]

I have a cargo carrier mounted in the factory installed receiver hitch of my trike. The manufacturer also supplied the carrier. Besides the regular removable pin it also has a nut/bolt arrangement going thru it to make sure it doesn't bounce. 35k so far and no problems.