Cargo Carrier for Camper Trailer: Maximizing RV Space and Storage

A cargo carrier for your camper trailer is a game-changer for maximizing RV space and storage. By attaching a sturdy carrier to the roof of your camper, you can transport bulky gear, bikes, or even a kayak with ease.

Most cargo carriers are designed to hold between 200-400 pounds, so be sure to check the weight capacity before making a purchase. This will ensure you can safely transport your gear without compromising the structural integrity of your camper.

Having a cargo carrier can also help you keep your camper's interior organized and clutter-free. By stowing bulky items outside, you'll have more room for essentials like food, clothes, and toiletries.

A well-designed cargo carrier can also help to reduce wind resistance and improve your camper's aerodynamics, making for a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride.

For more insights, see: Cargo Trailer Camper Ideas

When choosing a cargo carrier for your camper trailer, consider the weight capacity it can handle.

A cargo carrier with a weight capacity of 500 pounds is a good option for small to medium-sized trailers.

For larger trailers, you may need a cargo carrier with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds or more.

This will ensure you can carry all your gear without overloading the trailer.

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A swinging rack for two bikes is a great option for those who need to carry gear and bikes off-road. The DIY project described in the article took about 30 hours to complete.

The cost of the project was around $300, including a $100 aluminum Northern Tool rear receiver carrier, a $175 rear section of a dual bike carrier, and $85 in materials. This is a significant investment, but it's a one-time cost.

The swing out system allows for easy access to the camper while on the road, which is essential for off-road camping. This feature is particularly useful when the camper is installed.

The project requires a high level of skill, particularly in aluminum and MIG welding. It's not a job for a beginner, but rather for someone with experience in fabrication and welding.

The aluminum back porch is a game-changer for camper owners.

It measures eighty inches long and thirty inches wide, making it a spacious platform for accessing the camper.

I had a carrier made out of aluminum at a local welding shop at a reasonable cost, and it only weighs about fifty-five pounds.

The platform is rock-solid and stable, attached to both the camper and the truck via a heavy-duty hitch extension to the truck hitch receiver.

Each corner is attached via chain and a turnbuckle to the eye-bolts on the camper and the carrier.

A Torklift step and handrail system can be easily attached and removed in just a couple of minutes, making it easy to get in and out of the camper.

The aluminum grid flooring of the platform is perfect for an outdoor shower area, allowing sand to be rinsed off and through the grid instead of being tracked into the camper.

An extra long hose can be easily attached to the showerhead to reach the rear platform.

The platform also serves as a large carrier for additional camping and fishing equipment, with plenty of room for a large cooler, gas grill, fishing gear, portable generator, beach chairs, and more.

A second spare tire can be carried on the platform, which is easier to access than the one under the truck.

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If you're looking to add some extra storage space to your camper trailer, a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is a great option. This type of carrier can be bolted onto a Torklift SuperTruss hitch extension, as one DIY enthusiast did, modifying it to fit their needs.

The process of modifying a hitch-mounted cargo carrier can take around three hours, as one person found, and may require some basic DIY skills. The cost of this modification can range from $90, depending on the materials and tools needed.

A hitch-mounted cargo carrier can provide a convenient and organized way to haul items such as folding chairs, which can otherwise take up valuable floor space in the camper. The limited cargo space in some campers is a common issue, but a hitch-mounted carrier can help alleviate this problem.

To secure the cargo carrier to the SuperTruss extension, U-bolts can be used, as one person discovered, providing a sturdy and reliable connection.

Curious to learn more? Check out: One Way Trailer Transport

Storage and Organization is a crucial aspect of camper trailer life. A dock box installed on the rear bumper of a side entry camper is a great way to keep essentials like grills, folding chairs, and propane.

You can also use the space above the camper's side entry to store items like bikes or other gear. The rear storage box on a side entry camper is a game-changer for keeping your gear organized.

Consider installing a dock box or using the space above the side entry to keep your gear within easy reach.

A rear storage box can be a great solution for side entry campers. Installing a dock box on the rear bumper can keep essentials like grills, folding chairs, and propane within easy reach.

The size of the cargo box will depend on the space between the rear bumper of the truck and the step on the camper. A large open space can be utilized to store long items like patio mats and canopies.

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Using 1/2-inch treated plywood can make a sturdy cargo box with a drop-bottom design for easy access. This design allows for sliding items in and closing the door without having to hold it up.

Stainless steel straps can be used to secure the box to the bottom of the camper. A small tarp can be stored in the rear storage compartment to lay on while loading the box.

It's essential to remember to make a hole in the side of the box for the crank handle to lower the spare tire. This modification can be a great way to keep items dry and organized during trips.

A ramp with storage function can be a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts.

You can buy a hitch-mounted cargo carrier with a folding ramp to add storage carrying capacity when not towing a boat or enclosed car trailer.

This type of setup works well, as shown by one user who modified a hitch-mounted cargo carrier to connect to a Torklift SuperHitch with a Super Truss for increased stability.

A fresh viewpoint: Cargo Trailer Storage Ideas

Adding LED lighting to the ramp increases visibility, making it easier to load and unload gear.

The user also replaced the ramp with a folding step, which is a convenient alternative for getting in and out of the vehicle.

By adding stabilizer jacks designed for a tent camper, the assembly no longer wobbles when parked, providing a more stable experience.

For RV and camper trailer owners, a cargo carrier is a must-have accessory. A cargo carrier can help you transport your gear, such as bikes, kayaks, or luggage, while keeping your vehicle's interior organized.

Most cargo carriers are designed to fit on a camper trailer's roof rack, allowing you to maximize your storage space. In fact, a standard roof rack can support up to 150 pounds of cargo.

By carrying your gear on the roof, you'll have more room inside your camper trailer for you and your passengers. This is especially useful for long trips or family vacations.

The Stowaway 2 RV Cargo Carrier is a game-changer for RV owners.

First, you'll need to assemble the swing away frame and insert it into the two-inch hitch at the back of your coach. This is a straightforward process, even for those with limited mechanical expertise.

The free hitch tightener provided will keep the frame from wiggling or moving around, giving you peace of mind on the road.

Once the hitch and frame are connected, you can fasten the cargo box to it with four bolts. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.

The cargo box measures 51″W x 23″D x 26″H, providing ample storage space for your gear. It's also large enough to cover up the rear license plate, which is a convenient feature.

To accommodate the license plate, you'll need to drill out three marked holes and install a new lighted license plate frame to the back of the box. This will also give you the opportunity to move the plate to a more accessible location.

The RV cargo carrier box comes equipped with side brake lights, which plug right into the receptacle next to the hitch on the coach. However, you may need to purchase a four to seven plug adapter to connect the lights.

The cargo box itself is huge, offering 16 cu.ft. of storage space. This is equivalent to holding four carry-on bags, two camp chairs, and two duffle bags, according to the manufacturer's specifications.

The maximum weight capacity of the cargo contained in the box is 200 pounds, which is more than enough to hold bigger, more comfortable chairs, some fishing gear, and other bulky items.

A locking latch keeps everything secure and safe, giving you peace of mind while you're on the road.

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CURT basket cargo carriers are a great option for RV owners, featuring a bolt-together design, powder-coated carbide steel, and a 500 lb. weight capacity.

These carriers can be hitch-mounted to the rear or front of your vehicle, making them perfect for towing a trailer or adding a second carrier or rack.

Their tubular construction and high sides provide added strength and stability, making them a reliable choice for transporting heavy cargo.

CURT's tray-style RV cargo racks are also a great option, available in lightweight aluminum or steel options to suit your hauling needs.

They can be easily folded up and out of the way when not in use, and have holes along the outer edges for convenient hook-ups to cargo nets, straps, or bungees.

The CURT aluminum trailer hitch cargo carrier is a great solution for transporting large cargo, such as scooters or snow blowers, due to its fold-out ramp that allows for easy loading and portability.

It's worth noting that some RV cargo carriers can be quite heavy and awkward to install, making it a two-person job to get them in place.

In that case, it's a good idea to have a friend or family member lend a hand to help with the installation process.

Additional reading: Small Aluminum Cargo Trailer

The 2006 Fleetwood Niagara Tent Trailer Model is a big tent trailer with a 14 foot box, making it much taller than the normal tent trailer.

It has a high wall design, which can make it difficult to access the roof.

Getting to the roof was a challenge, especially when compared to mounting bikes on the roof of a full-size SUV.

The trailer's tongue weight was a concern, especially with the added weight of 2 golf cart batteries and 2 40-lb propane tanks.

The tongue weight exceeded the SUV's maximum capacity when initially set up.

Rearranging the load and moving the spare tire from the front of the camper to the rear bumper helped get everything into specifications.

The rear bumper was not designed to handle the weight of a tire or anything else on it, so some steel and welding were required to reinforce it.

The spare tire is mounted on the body of the camper and is behind the bumper, which allowed enough room for a bike rack to be installed.

The bike rack was a great solution for carrying bikes, but it's essential to check the rear bumper's capacity before installing one.

The trailer's design and features make it an ideal choice for those who need a spacious and versatile camping setup.

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