Hitch-Mounted Cargo in the Draft

[@thomasdumville2382]

can you open the rear hatch? or would you need to go through the rear doors to access the "trunk"

[@StealthGTI]

YES! The hatch opens just fine. I forgot to illustrate that. I'll pin this and maybe show it in the follow-up. Thanks for visiting!

[@johnw65]

'Back Porch' storage is a great idea! Doing it on the back of my 4x6 trailer might help with tongue wt as well

[@StealthGTI]

It may help; just don't over-do it. Also, make sure you have sufficient structure back there. My 4x6's rear crossbeam is just flimsy thin steel. I'd want it reinforced if I was to put a hitch receiver back there. Good Luck!

[@kriskabin]

💭...If that box sat level it would make for a good food prep/kitchen table. This is what I'm looking for, something multipurpose. Light storage & meal prep surface.

[@StealthGTI]

That's a great idea! If your rack has a straight shank instead of a rise like mine, then your box would sit (more) level and perhaps meet your needs. Thanks for visiting!

[@DataFirstly]

Great solution! After watching your video I decided to get a cargo carrier. Thank you for the review.

[@StealthGTI]

Glad I could help! Thanks for the follow-up view!

[@AHMx1995]

Great content, as always!

[@StealthGTI]

Much appreciated! Thanks for visiting!

[@liquidflame1987]

I really love this idea and you completely knocked this out of the park man. Good job

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks a ton! Ironically, I haven't used it on a real trip yet. I've been doing more with my ham radio antenna, which uses the hitch. HAHA! But I have the option to carry more. ;-) Thanks for visiting!

[@JoseSanchez-xd1oz]

Thank s for showing us that good idea and beautiful video, thanks so much.

[@StealthGTI]

My pleasure 😊 Thanks for visiting!

[@stephenhendricks103]

Scott, your imagination in testing the versatility of the GTI astounds me. Have you considered trying to find a backpack for it? As for the rear box in the video, the 175 lb limit for your hitch is a potential issue. But I imagine you could stow the body of a small adult in the box if you dismember it. 😜

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for the comment about my imagination! Speaking of that, there are ways to get TWO bodies into that box. But I can neither confirm or deny whether I've tried it. 😜 By "backpack," are you referring to the softbag?

[@juan3916]

Looks like a solid setup, well done.

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks 👍

[@bthemedia]

“I’m a planner… and I guess I buy too much stuff”. 🖐 guilty here too!

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! I'm an over-thinker, too!

[@NoZenith]

Thanks! Great content as always! This looks like a better option than a rooftop box for me. You mentioned the cargo capacity at 1000 but I think that it would be pertinent/ helpful to clarify max tongue weight (for the car not hitch spec)that I understand is just over 170 lbs from the UK dealership and German factory specs (less than the 200lb capacity of most hitches once you get above the lightweight ones)

[@StealthGTI]

That is correct. I did not mention the hitch capacity from the hitch manufacturer, which is 300 lbs. I mentioned the capacity of the rack (300 lbs) to illustrate the strength of the rack, but also said that I'd limit my loads to VW UK's specs for the hitch, which is 80 kgs or 176 lbs (I rounded-down to 175). Thanks for visiting!

[@kawabus]

Very nice install, well done!

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! 👍

[@DonzLockz]

Ive been thinking about doing this. Great video, super helpful buddy.👍🍻🤠

[@StealthGTI]

Glad I could help. Thanks for visiting!

[@Max_Thunder]

Looks pretty awesome!

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks, Jason!

[@JeLifeCoach]

Wonderful and insightful. Thank you.

[@StealthGTI]

Glad you enjoyed it! Between the hitch carry methods I've shared (bag vs. box), which do you think you prefer and will use? Take Care!

[@JeLifeCoach]

@@StealthGTI I have decided to use the curt rack and box just as you have it. I considered a roof rack, but cost alone and a decrease in MPG has steered me away (although it looks so cool!!!) I am mobile detailer and the curt rack and box will have many benefits for me. Load the heavy stuff in the station wagon rear and the volume stuff in the box!!! A great solution without a significant decrease in MPG. I only wish my hitch and rating wasn’t a stage 1 so I could go with something more robust and a folding option!! Oh well!

[@JeLifeCoach]

@@StealthGTI In the featured section of this video you list all of the products. I ordered all of the things in the section minus the back up camera. I even ordered the Tekonesha adapter, trailer wiring, and 4 pole barrier strip. Are those necessary for the job and do I need them? Is this everything I need for the same setup as yours? Thank you.

[@StealthGTI]

​ @Jon Eric Fountain - The barrier strip is not necessary; I did it for troubleshooting and flexibility.

[@JeLifeCoach]

@@StealthGTI ok thank you. I got all my parts in and will try to install Sunday! I will keep you posted!

[@tonypowers123]

This is awesome! And another great video review of cargo equipment. What is the affect (if any) on fuel efficiency ?

[@StealthGTI]

No effect on fuel economy. The load is completely in the car's draft. Thanks for visiting!

[@tonypowers123]

@@StealthGTI Thank you!!

[@donalale]

Scott, when using a cargo carrier and carrying gear or passengers inside your GTI, do you encounter any sagging with the rear suspension? I have a Golf Alltrack and I am interested in a similar setup for long camping road trips, but I am concerned the longer body length of the vehicle and then additional weight behind the rear wheels might cause the car to look like it is taking off from a runway. Have you ever considered using inflatable suspension aids such as a Firestone coil-rite?

[@StealthGTI]

I don't guess I've looked. The most-loaded I've ever been was when I took my daughter and another Marine to Marine Combat Training in NC. My wife and I were up front, the Marines were in the back seat, my wife's and my overnight bags were in the trunk, and the Marines' seabags and other stuff was in the trailer, which probably had about a 150-lb tongue weight on the hitch. If the car has sagged for any load, that was it. I didn't think to capture a photo with them in the car, though. I guess if you look at the photos that I shared during our Coast-to-Coast road trip (see playlist), those photos had a good load in the car, too. I have considered the helper airbags, but I haven't felt the need since the car seems to handle well without them. Thanks for visiting!

[@Chumtoad_Deluxe]

The linked box on amazon has measurements that say 50" length in the specifications section despite 46" being in the tittle. Was this the case when you purchased? I only ask as I have the same curt cargo hitch carrier and would like a good fit if possible.

[@StealthGTI]

That's weird! I think the 50" dimension includes the shipping box with its packing materials. The box is certainly 46 inches wide, leaving about an inch on either side of my Curt carrier. Thanks for visiting!

[@chadh6478]

Hey Scott, what does the Tekonsha do? Is there a cheaper alternative? Looking to do this on a budget. Keep up the great videos!

[@StealthGTI]

The Tekonsha is an inductive wire tap that creates lighting signals for the trailer. Rather than tap into the wire, a sensor clips around it and senses current. It's fairly universal and can go from car to car, if desired... not "portable," but transferable from a sold car to its replacement. Thanks for your comments!

[@johnmitchell8925]

Only thing is this looks more like a permanant instillation cause a single person wont be mounting or dismounting it But it is kind cool

[@StealthGTI]

John - I'm a one-man show on this channel and I don't consider myself to be terribly strong. I installed it by myself. Though, I must say that my technique involves installing the tray first, then adding the box, and then fastening it with screws from beneath. Of course, if you have a helper, then two people can install/remove very quickly. No need at all for this to be permanent. Thanks for visiting!

[@johnq6123]

Does exhaust heat cause totes to warp or melt with a hitch carrier??? Looking into the same solution for camping w. Subaru.. TIA for your answers... Great info :)

[@StealthGTI]

I haven't had any problems with that. In my other video, which you've already seen, the carrier is higher up and away from the exhaust pipes. With this carrier, the load is still above the pipes and sits farther back. I don't think you'll have any troubles. Thanks for visiting!

[@brockkramer8516]

How did you go about mounting this? I see you used bolts but I don't see any mounting holes on that box?

[@StealthGTI]

I drilled holes after placing the box to ensure that none of my bolts conflicted with the diamond mesh of the cargo tray. I made mention of the drilling at 3:37. Thanks for visiting!

[@uly6102]

Great Content! how many miles are we at now?

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! The car has ~137,600 miles now. Thanks for visiting!

[@roba1057]

Do you have a recommendation for where to purchase a trailer light harness? I have a 2015 VW TDI

[@roba1057]

Also thank you for the great content, much appreciated

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for the notes, Rob! Details about my trailer lighting harness is in the video description. Essentially, it's an extension that I cut the end off one side.

[@turtlegrams6582]

$ ?

[@StealthGTI]

I don't post pricing info because it can change, seemingly in a dramatic fashion these days. I have links to all of the products used in this video. Check them out and make a modern price list. Thanks for visiting.