If you’re looking for a way to haul your gear on your next road trip but don’t want to sacrifice access to your vehicle’s trunk, then a swing away cargo hitch carrier may be the solution. This type of carrier features a secondary 2″ receiver hitch mated to an arm that swings the entire load away from your vehicle – giving you clear access to your trunk, tailgate or door. The Swing Away Hitch Carrier (HS32220) from Wilco Offroad is a great option that pairs with their popular bike racks and lets you switch between bikes and gear without removing them from the hitch. It can even handle up to 250 lbs of rack plus bike weight.
The Hitchswing is easy to install and has a built-in tightener for a secure fit, and it works with both round and square trailer hitches. It can also be used in conjunction with a trailer light converter to use your vehicle’s taillights on the rear of the rack. It’s made in the USA and has a lifetime warranty, so you can feel confident that it will be durable and last a long time.
Each of the two enclosed cargo carriers on this system has 10 cu ft of space to carry sports equipment, clothes, and other gear. They detach easily from the base unit so you can get to your trunk quickly, and they have locks that secure them and the system to your vehicle and each other.
A rectangular support arm is welded to the secondary hitch and extends 2.5” above the factory hitch and 30” out horizontally. It can be lowered and raised with a crank handle to set the center of gravity, and it is designed to follow the lines of your vehicle’s bumper. It’s rated up to 250 lbs, so you can carry lots of gear on your road trip.
When you’re ready to head home, the hinged arm on the base unit swings the entire unit back 180 degrees – with both tiers of gear still attached. You can then lift up the latches and rotate the SpeedKnobs to unlock each arm, undo the track pins, and remove the gear and cargo carrier. Once everything is out of the way, you can close each latch and put it back on to lock in place.
Each of the tiers of this system are locked with SKS locks, so they are very difficult to steal. The locking pin on the base unit is also keyed to match the locks on the two cargo carriers – so it will take an experienced thief to get to your stuff. This system is also proudly built in Southern California and has a limited lifetime warranty.