Any recommendation for hitch mounted metal mesh cargo carrier?

[VX KAT]

I need to get a hitch mounted metal cargo carrier with ramp to haul my scooter on the VX with the "tone" hitch from WelderGuy.

Scooter weighs 192 lbs.
Min size 48" x 28"
Prefer aluminum over steel due to weight
Prefer fold-up design


Anybody know anybody with one of these or experience? Recommendations?

Here's some I've found:

1) Aluminum- 42 lbs
Lightest & best looking, folds FLAT, BUT DOES NOT FOLD UP
Hate idea of taking it on/off.
http://www.topmobility.com/mighty-lite-scooter-carrier-p2617.htm#
http://www.topmobility.com/images/products/Manual/Hitch%20N%20Ride%20Rampup%20Carrier_e46b.pdf
http://www.topmobility.com/images/products/ImageMore/mighty-lite-scooter-carrier_7edb.jpg



2) Aluminum - 81 lbs
** THIS DOES FOLD UP **
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ALUMINUM-POWER-WHEELCHAIR-SCOOTER-MOBILITY-LIFT-CARRIER-RACK-RAMP-SC500-AF-/390625926184
http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Scooter-Power-Chair-Carrier/dp/B0054RO6AY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hpc_5
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41UhP8Bex4L.jpg
http://www.discountramps.com/wcImages/scooter-carrier-27.jpg




3) Steel - 86 lbs
FOLDS UP
http://www.amazon.com/SC500-V3-Power-Scooter-Wheelchair-Carrier/dp/B0054RM4P8/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_clickstream_5_dp
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vjTESqDkL.jpg
http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/S/C/SC500_1000.jpg




4) Aluminum - 54 lbs
DOES NOT FOLD UP
http://www.amazon.com/Cargo-Carrier-ramp-Wheelchairs-Dimensions/dp/B001ODSGD0/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1373913474&sr=1-1
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81-hinM2JuL._SL1500_.jpg




5)Aluminum - 50 lbs, + 20 lb ramp
Kind of big and unwieldy -DOES NOT FOLD UP
http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Highland/5801600.html
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/714zdKfFnIL._SL1200_.jpg



Seen some FOLD UP ADAPTERS- don't know how strong they are
http://www.amazon.com/Surco-1206-Universal-Fold-Adapter/dp/B000FP9WMW/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31NLls7NljL._SX385_.jpg




I've seen a few different types of ANTI-RATTLE DEVICES, #1 seems to have best reviews:

1) http://www.amazon.com/Stow-Away-StowAway-Hitch-Tightener/dp/B0001CMUV4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41b7px0DZcL._SX385_.jpg

2)http://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Clamp-Heavy-Duty-INCH/dp/B0068D9L6W/ref=pd_sim_auto_2
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4195S2RE1WL.jpg

[Scott Larson]

Sue, I would be seriously concerned about the weight and leverage you're looking at putting on the substructure. That hitch only bolts to sheetmetal, not the frame. (Correct me if I'm wrong, I am many times...) That said, if it is, then you will no doubt start to stress-crack the sheetmetal substructure in short order with that amount of weight and more importantly leverage you are applying to it. (Here is where someone tells me I'm an idiot...):slap:

[VX KAT]

Thanks Scott, that's exactly what I need to know before I do this! Our other option is a really small utility type trailer (open top) for quick trips, but I hate dealing with the hitch ball etc…, so thought this route would be more practical.

Here's what it's bolted to,
Dub installed it, and IIRC he drilled through the 3 separate pieces of metal, but I'll wait 'til he weighs in, then it will be correct :goof:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_4751.JPGhttp://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_4742.JPGhttp://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_4738.JPG

[Scott Larson]

That's what I thought Sue and I can see all sorts of problems putting that amount of weight and torque on that sheetmetal substructure. I'll just say this, I would not do it...

[VX KAT]

I guess I could switch over to a Curt frame mounted hitch…or get one of the "newer" beefier versions that mounts to the frame from Tom and have LittleBeast come out and install it! :p

[Scott Larson]

The Curt could probably handle the load as long as it's mounted with grade 8 hardware, they are a well built, heavy duty hitch; it'd take alot to bend one. I've got two of 'em and you could have one but I'm not sure how'd I'd get it to ya...You could probably source one locally for less then the shipping from here to there, those suckers are heavy!

[tom4bren]

The hitches I've sent out so far only cost about $30 by USPS freight - takes about a week.

Sue, I think Welder Guy may have a couple of hitches ready (haven't talked to him in a couple of weeks). I'm sure that based on your need that the others on the waiting list wouldn't mind if I got you set up first.

How much does the chair weigh? It looks like you'll probably be carrying about 200lbs. Your current hitch could probably handle that but not much more & that depends a lot on how rough the roads are in your area. I know that you have a long gravel driveway but I'm talking teeth chattering potholes here.

You still have my cell #. Gimme a call if you want to discuss.

BTW, that folding adapter should be as strong as any that are already built into the tray.

[tom4bren]

Sue,

One other option would be to fabricate one that doesn't use the hitch. I'm sure that Welder Guy & I could come up with one that bolts to the frame, folds up against your VX hiney, & is easily removed.

Tom

[VX KAT]

Thanks Tom and Scott for the technical/enginerd info.
Scooter weighs 192#.
Road is super rough - 1/2 mile of rocks, ruts and washboard mostly.
I can see I shouldn't even attempt it. Phew, glad I decided to post this.

Awful kind of you nut bro :thanx:, but I don't want to step in front of anybody on the waiting list, I can just use the other car.

But maybe keep those wheels in the old brain bucket rollin' to come up with sumpin' else, maybe some type of all-in- one super hitch with a built-in fold-up. We'll call it SuperHitch - - to go along with SuperBumper! :laugho:

[Gizmo42]

Wonder how strong the sheet metal is that hitches bolt to on chrysler mini vans. I know they dont have frames. My neighbors carry their scooter on one of those platforms on their mini van without any issues. Its only driven on road though but our roads arent exactly smooth.

[tom4bren]

But maybe keep those wheels in the old brain bucket rollin' to come up with sumpin' else, ...

Wheelz iz turnin

I'll visit our machine shop regularly for a while to dumpster dive their scrap bins. Mebbe I can come up with the mounting/folding part & when you get the tray you want, it'll just be a matter of having your fabricator bolting it on.

The concept in my mind will probably cause you to lose the mount for your purple shackle. I'll hafta come up with a way to build that back in.:)

[SilverBullet75]

Hi Sue
Here's some info from my experiences with this subject, including anti-rattle devices.
Hope it helps!
;)
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=16523&highlight=Jet+ski+hitch

[VX KAT]

Hi Sue
Here's some info from my experiences with this subject, including anti-rattle devices.
Hope it helps!
;)
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=16523&highlight=Jet+ski+hitch



THANK YOU Jim! :thumbup: I recalled that thread but for some reason could not find it when searching the other day. :_brickwal

[LittleBeast]

And I will just like to note that with my full 215 pounds of weight jumping up and down on my upgraded hidden hitch from Tom the hitch does not move or bend at all. The VX suspension gives way before any perceivable flex in the hitch. I am VERY IMPRESSED and extremely happy at how the upgraded hidden hitch has turned out. Really sturdy hitch straight to frame with 6 huge bolts!

[SilverBullet75]

I wish that new version of the hidden hitch was available back when I was doing the jet skis. I like the stealth look of it.

The Curt hitch kinda screams "I AM HITCH... SEEEE MEEEE UNDER HERE?"

[VX KAT]

And I will just like to note that with my full 215 pounds of weight jumping up and down on my upgraded hidden hitch from Tom the hitch does not move or bend at all. The VX suspension gives way before any perceivable flex in the hitch. I am VERY IMPRESSED and extremely happy at how the upgraded hidden hitch has turned out. Really sturdy hitch straight to frame with 6 huge bolts!

Looking for an Arizona vacation any time soon? :p

[Scott Larson]

I wish that new version of the hidden hitch was available back when I was doing the jet skis. I like the stealth look of it.

The Curt hitch kinda screams "I AM HITCH... SEEEE MEEEE UNDER HERE?"

I couldn't agree more, that's why I have two in the barn!! :rotate: