Get More Space & Utility with a Hitch, Cargo Carrier & Cargo Bag!

In this video, we're installing a Curt Trailer Hitch #13068 Curt Cargo Carrier #18153 a hitch tightener and the Reese Explore Rainproof Cargo Tray Bag #63604 in order to add much more space and utility to our 2016 Honda Odyssey Minivan!
LINK TO THE CARGO BAG PVC FRAME PLANS: www.amazon.com...
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Thank you to B'laster for providing me with a free sample of their Original PB Penetrating Grease! If you'd like to learn more about this product, please visit: blastercorp.com
Disclaimer: The content provided in this video is for informational use only. Video content is provided at the viewers own risk and the viewer will not hold the parties involved in creating, producing or delivering this information liable for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage of any kind resulting in any way from any errors in or omissions from the information. Thanks for understanding.

[@benoitmurray85]

You're the first one to talk about that hitch tightener. I was wondering how to avoid my future setup to rock and making noise when empty. Great review!!!

[@NWJF]

Adorable seeing your daughter helping. Yesterday my daughter was a toddler...now my best little buddy is 11 and I'm teaching her to weld. I miss my little baby 😭

[@NJGhost34]

The attention to detail on this channel is second to none. Can't wait to see your next project Tom.

[@tedmckenna8339]

I found the PVC instruction somewhere but since it is way buried somewhere in this thread here is is TTT: I created an internal skeleton frame to keep the bag semi-rigid, works very well. I assembled it in two halves outside, then put in bag with some help and joined the two halves. Since the joints add about 1/2" at each end, my cuts were 6x22" (vertical pieces), 6x16 (horizontal pieces), and 8x27.5" for length. raw materials: (around $12) 4x 10-ft 1/2 PVC 8x 3-way 90-degree elbow for corners 4x T-shaped adapters for middle 4x end caps w/ threaded end (these will be added to the 4 tee pieces to make a 4-way elbow thingy for the middle. cutting/assembly - First two 10-foot pieces, I cut 3 x 22" 3 x 16" for each 10-foot pole (gives you the 6 & 6). - Second two 10-foot pieces I cut 4x27.5" each, giving you 8 length pieces. (I started with 28" but had to shorten to make it in the bag) - for the 4 middle T-shaped pieces, I drilled hole in the middle of it just a bit smaller than the threaded end cap to make a 4-way elbow (home depot didn't have a piece of this shape).

[@Omorinsola87]

I followed this step by step, and now I have a carrier on the back of my Jeep. However, I cheated on the bag. I bought a patio storage box, one of the ones for supplies, and mounted it to my carrier. Before I put the storage box together though, since I drilled holes in it for mounting, I coated the inside with rhino lining and made ir water proof again. Then I vinyl wrapped the outside in that silver stuff that looks like a toolbox, and it looks like I’m lugging my tools everywhere with me, when it’s not, but it is my storage chest. It’s got a 150 gallon capacity, if that tells you the size. It’s so secure that it doesn’t even need to be ratcheted down at all, but I do it anywhere for my own peace of mind

[@lelynndavenport5963]

Please post pictures and thank you

[@tedmckenna8339]

My Reese Cargo Bag with the frame held up wonderfully over a three day drive of 2,000 miles while we relocated. One additional further. I added a ratchet tie down strap. It helped and also was a minor deterrent to curious folks that walk by when parked at a hotel, restaurant etc.

[@late_arvie]

One moment you say you would love a helper/boddy and next thing you know there is someone passing you bolts! Awesome video.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! Thank you sir! Her version of help is always entertaining! :-D

[@Wuingo]

Don't forget to relocate your license plate to the back of the cargo carrier. The box on mine blocked the plates and I got got by Highway patrol once. I added a lighted license plate carrier and it works great!

[@heatherm4276]

Thank you, your vid was the first of like 30 I watched that actually explain everthing perfectly! You have a new subscriber.

[@GaJeepr]

Awesome video! Those hitch baskets are super handy. Since it always seemed to rain when that thing was back there on vacation loaded with crap, I installed a small trailer light set just to make sure people would see it.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you Scott! The trailer light is an excellent idea, gonna have to do that before our trip for sure.

[@duckbob100]

You drove that minivan all the way to Antarctica? That's quite the odyssey

[@ravynx]

A good idea would be to add some support bars on top if you're still looking for some rigidity in that PVC frame. They make T-Connectors with a slot cut in them so you can slot them over a PVC pipe. Just get two of those connectors and a short length of pipe to place on top before zipping it up. You can temporarily pop them off whenever you need to grab stuff.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Sounds like a plan to me!

[@jpprind]

That's crazy, I live about 1 mile from curt manufacturing. Nice to see products that seem to fit well made in my town. I didn't know they were good for putting kids in on road trips. Something to keep in mind. Lol.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Cool! Very pleased with all of their products, priced very reasonably and the quality/fit were perfect. I probably would’ve bought their cargo bag too, but I didn’t realize they had one.

[@Inkling777]

Yes, I was delighted to find one Curt made for my 2000 Toyota Echo. It went on easily and it's quite sturdy. They're definitely on my list when I go hunting for a carrier.

[@glenboodram4363]

I purchased the same Reese bag setup for hurricane IRMA evacuation. Works great!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thanks for the feedback Glen, great to hear from you old friend!

[@Pilotchipatc]

Thanks for the suggestions about the hitch tightener. We'll have it tomorrow!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

You’re welcome man! I’ve used this whole setup for three long road trips now and would highly recommend it! 👍🏻

[@Pilotchipatc]

@@TomsTurboGarage What grease is similar to PB? I would get Blaster on Amazon, but need it sooner.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Jason Chipkin any thin automotive grease is good that you can get at a hardware store or walmart will work too.

[@s2meister]

For the internal frame, to support the middle, cut a length of PVC pipe with scalloped ends that will snap between the middle parts. You can then pop it out to load but it will give some strength when strapping it down.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Great idea! Thanks for that, I’ll do it this weekend.

[@kennethfollmann544]

Can you add a picture to see what you're talkin about scalloped ends please

[@frestkd]

Grade 8 hardware and green lok-tite works great!

[@Adam-hs4de]

Extremely helpful video, beautifully produced, great sound and video. Great place for simple boxy luggage to free up real space for legs and snacks! California here we come!

[@thundercamel]

Great video! I've installed three Curt hitches on my cars, and while they are nice, they do rust quickly. I even gave the most recent one a coat of black spray paint before I installed it, and it just rusted from the inside out in a couple years. They're probably rusty before Curt even coats them.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Very good to know, I did hear this in the comments. I'll keep an eye on it.

[@michaelgegoski3288]

I've had my Curt hitch on my 2014 Oddy for 5 years now.It looks like the day it was installed, with 90k on the van.

[@cmusic52]

bare metal rusts in mere hours, normally you dip it in stripper before coating it black

[@joehall1114]

Cargo baskets are also great for carrying a spare set of wheels & tires

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Definitely!

[@jorgeherrera1075]

Great job on the installation. I love the way you created the internal support for the bag. Wow you're awesome

[@jso726]

You did have a mighty helper...

[@vanoscrap6296]

Tom hey, when listening with headphones, during the parts where the cam is "first person", I often hear mainly from the left speaker. When the camera is on bipod, it's all fine.

[@vanoscrap6296]

@11:06 as an example, @11:22 too

[@Kp61dude_]

I think you changed my mind from a roof box to hitch mount cargo. Having a hitch would allow me to mount a bike rack on it.

[@Jaszczur-sp2tx]

Tom is an international treasure

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! Thank you for the kind words sir!

[@Jaszczur-sp2tx]

No worries. :D Thanks for years of entertainment and cool learning experience.

[@DrWatson2798]

Good vid! Getting one for my 4 Runner. I agree the frame should come with the bag but if you don’t have a full load securing is easier without the frame

[@joelbrimm3660]

I would love to know how your carrier has held up over the years. There are a lot of reviews online complaining about the frame bending and sagging under a load much less than the advertised 500 lbs. Who knows how many are real, fake or for totally different products.

[@ericsodt]

Can you link to the video on how to build the PVC structure for the bag?

[@kennethfollmann544]

Did you need the center supports you had left out on your frame. Was there enough support without it?

[@J-ThomasRST]

Just a tip tom, those torque converters can judder if trans is not serviced every 30k.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Good to know sir, thanks!

[@BADD400]

Great video Tom and I would agree it should have come with a frame for the bag. Awesome job on your frame.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you sir, I appreciate the kind words. Sometimes little projects like that can be just as satisfying as wrenching on the engine and stuff.

[@Richardscs2]

Make sure to put some of the Blaster grease inside the key side of the lock as well.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Already did! Thank you for the heads up.

[@JeremyLevi]

Better to use graphite grease for lock keyways. Other greases will eventually attract dust/dirt and gum up the lock tumblers.

[@timemachine930]

You have a helper xD. Mike usualy perfektly done.

[@nightnope]

nice video. but that does not need an additional brakelights?

[@TomsTurboGarage]

I'm considering it based on what I'm hauling.

[@G0SuBunnY]

what are the measurements for the bag? I'm thinking of building one of those :D

[@sondrag2]

thank you. i just got the hitch lock and its too small!! i was wondering how it worked?

[@samuelwalker5546]

Could a bike rack be added onto the basket? So you could have the basket and haul bikes at the same time? The basket appears to have a 2 inch pipe straight through that could receive a bike rack

[@legodude19999]

Van mods! Man I love this stuff. Just did a hardwood and led strip lights floor in my 02 grand caravan!

[@legodude19999]

Can't afford a real performance car as a broke 18 year old so I've been making my van into the ultimate party van! I have a 12 inch sub I'm waiting to put in till I get new door speakers as well.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Congratulations man, that sounds like 10x more fun than 18 year old me spending every tiny paycheck trying to make my goofball junk car fast. Enjoy your van, don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t awesome!

[@legodude19999]

Thanks for the encouraging words man. Whenever I tell people I got a van they usually laugh it off so it's cool to see some positivity! Best wishes man can't wait for more content (maybe a track day in thunderbolt?)

[@rabbon-ithegenesis7169]

What about if you secure the bag onto the carrier tray just in case you're on a bumpy road with pot holes and the whole bag jumps right out of the tray? The only little flaw if you will that I can see. Great job looks awesome.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

He talked about the straps that hold the bag to the carrier, just didn't show using them.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thanks fellas, yes there are straps included.

[@jasonm2171]

Cool video gonna do this to my 2021 Chevrolet traverse

[@benhingst3834]

I have the same tray. I like it but I had to shorten the small bolts so they wouldn't extend into the cargo area and damage my gear.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Ahh, good to know!

[@MSJ12333]

Can I open the back door if the bag is 60”*24*24? I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks

[@edgraham145]

If you added a bike rack to the carrier, can you send us a pic and details of that...

[@Steve-vp8ng]

Looks like the bag covers your license plate and and part of the rear lights, is that legal? Here in gerrmany these kind of racks usually have a second set of lights and a license plate.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

That's a good question, I would call it legal-ish.

[@jordonmartin7704]

Great video! Where are the frame directions posted?

[@scotchbudmeister9018]

Thanks for the product review and install. You could haul some 16 foot boards with the back door open.

[@christopherroncone6939]

Did the hitch pin lock and hitch tightener come with either product?

[@abuubaydullah1]

If i was keeping it on the vehicle, i would use nut and bolt than the locking pin,i've seen these carrier over in the UK they've all ways been on 4X4s suv were there is little room in the back for luggage they seem a great tool. :-)

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you for the tip sir!

[@kathieevans9550]

Hi@Tom's Turbo Garage, great channel,! I have 2020 Kia Rio HATCHBACK, do you think I can get this done somewhere?

[@ZackeryMcPherson-r2x]

first time here, cool car collection!

[@hoofbeatsfarms]

did you share the directions somewhere for the frame? I guess it is just the length dimensions needed, and the rest would be self explainitory

[@mikkelr1]

Do you guys have any laws regarding the coverege of ligths and licensplate? Here in denmark, its illegal.

[@seeingisbelieving3304]

Put your rear license plate in the back window so it can be seen when its covered like that.

[@tharinduweerasekara5360]

very nicely done as always

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you sir!

[@AndreySinyagin]

@Tomsturbogarage Great video. Just curious when you stay overnight did you bring the bag with you or leave it on the cargo carrier? Thank you.

[@johnnybravo508]

Did you ever add the pvc center piece?

[@NicholasL2288]

Have you ever scraped the metal cargo basket when you get out of gas stations? I have scraped so many time getting out of the gas stations. I have a 2016 Honda Odyssey elite. Another problem I have is when the parking sensors are on it will keep beeping.

[@habanero8192]

Just one thing: with the rain box the tail lights etc. might be obscured; would it not be a good idea to have an extra pair of lights on the Curt metal cage?

[@jorgeherrera1075]

You're so creative wow. Thanks

[@lolzlarkin3059]

How much can you put out the back there before you're doing wheelies everywhere? Think I'd probably just get a regular trailer.

[@ruinman8722]

when you said " time to go on to the next project" I thought this honda will get some sick turbos..

[@RoadandRacetv]

Great video as always. Are you planning to do any more videos on the AZ1? Would LOVE to see more on that!

[@lornehampel1330]

if you strap down the bag without filling it, will the frame become a problem?

[@Koolicyde]

Nice license plates on your mini-van - JDM + 20 Horsepower.

[@jacob.s3619]

Jamie Schneider yea but he lost 20 horsepower with the wind drag of the rack and bag, so it's even again lol

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! True!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Oh, sadly also true. :-D

[@antoniohernandez6590]

69-420 plate

[@flagmedownmedia]

I'm not sure if this has been noted at all but most tow bars have a vertical capacity limit. The two cars I've owned have both been 90kg's. The towing capacity has been 1500kg's. It might be an idea to just double check :)

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you for the heads up!

[@flagmedownmedia]

@@TomsTurboGarage no problem.

[@mannyrodriguez1931]

Could we get stop by police,for covering the rear plate?.

[@olivervigilia6351]

Would probably be funny-looking if you mount this hitch, frame, and storage bag combo onto the back of your Autozam AZ-1! 😂

[@charleshopping5614]

Wish there was a link for frame.

[@Sloppyjalopy123]

U should do like the boosted boiz, and boost that Odyssey. Get the family to the vacation point in a hurry, lol...

[@therealboofighter]

That was quite the trip.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! No doubt! 👍🏻

[@acousticpsychosis]

A road trip in to the south pole would take a really long time, and would be very cold, and wet! lol

[@PirataSports]

Well, that will be ideal if you take the van to drag week.

[@ricardocavazos7114]

Where is this place ... defentley not in.Texas ??

[@marcelomarianoyou]

very nice man. I need one.

[@LukeTheJoker]

That PVC frame is brilliant! Any thoughts on light and licence plate visibility from the back?

[@Sulaiman-ac]

Thank you really helpful then others video

[@pneuamtics1]

Thanks for helping

[@RomanKundys]

thank you! An excellent DIY video. For sure it convinced i should do it myself as well! I have one question though...did you consider any bigger size of bags? I understand that to open a trunk can be challenging with a bigger one...but you would gain so much space? Thank you!

[@Elniniss]

How does that cargo carrier affect your mpg? Looking to install either a hitch carrier or roof box but not sure which will be the better option for a road trip.

[@habanero8192]

Each would probably have their own advantage(s). A rooftop carrier means that the length of the vehicle is not changed, you can still maneuver as usual and park in the usual parking spots (unless there's a height restriction). But you can also be sure to get bad handling characteristics because your center of gravity is now up higher (esp. if you load it heavy) and you have more wind drag. On the other hand the hitch carrier is going to make the vehicle (obviously longer), and this may cause parking problems. I'd worry about people behind me not being able to see my brake lights and turning signal lights with the rain box. On the other hand since it's not on top of the vehicle your center of gravity does not change, but, with a heavy load in the back it may begin to see-saw your front end or make the rear sag in a way where you may want to get helper springs (or airbags, etc.). Going up and down steep hills may cause your hitch carrier to drag or even bend ... this is not a problem with a rooftop carrier. Just my $0.02.

[@christopherroncone6939]

The only problem with a rooftop carrier is you can't open the sunroof! 😞

[@timothymckenna4717]

Can you provide the size of those # of and length in inches of PVC pipes , number of those corner connectors? Thanks

[@mikestix88]

Once the cargo carrier is in the receiver, how high off the ground is the bottom of the basket?

[@acoffeewithsatan]

That's a very interesting storage solution, although I'm pretty sure it's super illegal here in the EU. At least here in Portugal, AFAIK you either install a roof rack that can't extend past the length of the car, or an actual trailer (that requires a special driving license). Fortunately you don't have any of those problems, but do you think not being able to see the end of the rack on the rear view mirrors and having the lights partially blocked by the cargo bag to be an issue for you? Best of luck for your road trip, cheers!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you Andre! Yes, it's kind of a free-for-all, anything goes kind of situation over here! :-O

[@edman79]

But then again, in the EU breathing over your daily alloted amount of oxygen is illegal.

[@yulungjasonlee]

how far away is ur bag from the exhaust and did you have problem with the bag melting? I was reading online reviews for a lot of bags and everyone mentions that exhaust heat melts the bag.

[@tedmckenna8339]

Link for the PVC set up for the Reese bag ? Thanks

[@MrLangleylad]

You've gone from a bad ass LS Miata build to silly little micro cars to soccer mom van accessories , you're losing me Tom ! lol

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Be strong Mike! :-D

[@tiffyriley]

Loved the video! I just got a hitch cargo carrier & was scared to put it together till I watched this video! But I am looking around to find this 'PB Grease' you talk about. Where do you find it? Or what does it look like? Thanks for the video Tons of help!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you and glad I could help! You don’t have to use that specific kind of grease, any light grease will do to keep things from rusting and seizing up. You can find some at Walmart or similar stores. Good luck and our family loves this setup, it has helped us so much on our road trips! 😀👍🏻

[@Ivo--]

So is that a metric or imperial adjustable wrench?

[@tcpnetworks]

I'd be putting lights on the back of it, and a registration plate. The police love to get all high-and-mighty with this sort of thing.

[@prdoohan]

Lots of guys here carry motorbikes in a similar way. They just Bungy-cord attach a "boat board" with lights and plate on the back

[@jerryzedler1440]

LOL, love the Japanese plate. thanks for the great video Tom!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! Thanks Jerry!

[@LiamG903]

where is the pvc frame instructions?

[@jasonm2171]

Do you hear it rattle when you drive?

[@Me_bale]

Great video! Thank you!

[@tanialopez7358]

Hello, How are you planning to add a bike rack? I have a VW Tiguan. My 5 year old and I go camping. would like to start taking our bikes to the campground. I do have a hitch on my car however had to return the cargo carrier due to exhaust heat melting the stuff on the cargo. (now I learn I need a two inch raise extender) any ideas?

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Hi there, the bike rack plugs into the hitch, here is one on Amazon, they have a variety of different styles on there. Hope this helps and good luck! www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-Deluxe-4-Bike-Receiver/dp/B00TRTSW46

[@bushmastersoutdoors4279]

I know this is an old video. I just discovered it. So how would you recommend to strap the bag down when all said and done. Great video.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you sir! The bag comes with straps that connect to the steel carrier rails. I love this setup, we use it on all of our family road trips.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Any issues with heat from the exhaust?

[@johnq6123]

Any concerns about exhaust heat melting/warping the bag?

[@TheLiquidKnight]

In accordance with tradition your hitch bar needs to have red reflective tape along it with a soccer Mom "The front of your car ends here!" tailgater warning sticker on the bumper. ;-)

[@TomsTurboGarage]

I'll get right on it sir! :-D

[@tylerhmccart]

Did you do the bike rack project?

[@olik136]

you need to put an additional licence plate on the back of that thing- or maybe not- US-laws don't even try to make sens when it comes to cars

[@tiffanyabdulrasheed7618]

You can see the plate from the side.

[@richardwilliams9815]

Will also come in handy if you do another motor swap😉.

[@zuilok]

So how long does it take before you forget you have that back there and you back into something?

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Probably about 12 minutes. 😀

[@thp1001]

Tom I ran into the same problem last year on our 3500 mile vacation in 2013 odyssey. I was considering putting a rear cargo rack also but was concerned that the van would need over load shocks since mine was heavily squatted in the rear. Let me know your thoughts or what you discover on yours. Thanks