Has anyone installed a hitch cargo carrier in their Defender? Looking to carry some bulky items on it while the rack is supporting the RTT. There are many options out there, but I guess the spare tire and how the tailgate opens up to the side may present some challenges.

 

Just clears the spare

 

I'm looking to get a hitch mounted cargo carrier.

Just thought I'd revive this thread and ask if anyone has thoughts or ideas on carriers they've used with their Defender.

I want one that will allow the rear door to open when the carrier is unloaded. I'll use it to fit my big cooler and firewood on camping trips. Some rough fireroads are the norm so stability and strength are also important.

I'd love a Pakmule but dont think I can justify spending that much on a cargo carrier.

 

This is not any direct experience with Defender hitch carriers - but a general word of caution. YEARS ago I had a VW Westfalia Weekender. Think van camper before the current craze. Went camping with my young family. Decided to put a hitch carrier on back to be able to carry even more crap. 1/2 way thru the trip my wife asks "what's that smell"? After a quick BO check, I realized it was coming from outside. The muffler heat had melted half the supplies on the carrier. So, learn from the tuition payment of life that I made: if you have a hitch carrier - make sure it's far enough away from the muffler, yada yada yada. I think trying to get beyond the tire should do the trick, but if you have a shorter one and try to wedge stuff under there - you were warned. As always - post pics if there's any carnages or successes!

 

Installed this Hitch carrier today. Really happy with it. My pre measurements were accurate. It fits under the spare wheel and with an anti-rattle locking hitch pin, it's rock solid. This will be very useful and completely solves our storage issues for camping trips. Cooler, firewood and water among other stuff will all store here with ease.








License plate bolts on with ease. I just drilled some new holes in it. A light kit is also on the way.

Not sure how I ever managed without one of these up till now.

 

Gavin:
Thanks for sharing! Nice price on the Reece, too!. If it was "factory" it would cost 3X as much.

I see it has a receiver also. Could you attach a bike carrier to that?

 

No worries @Drednot Thats the male part that slots into the receiver. It's not a receiver itself. 1UP has a cargo carrier that integrates with its bike carriers.

https://www.1up-usa.com/product/cargo-add-on/

 

I applaud your excellent law abiding nature, with that plate moved to the cargo carrier!

 

It's a spare as I don't use one on the front. Local laws say I should but it seems that round here at least, anyone with a new car doesn't bother.

I'm quite the scoff-law.

Also I'm adding a light kit to it.

 

Pretty pleased with this setup.

As an added bonus, hooking up the lights allowed me to get the tow assist feature to become active. Played about a bit with the advanced tow assist. Obviously without an actual trailer it's all out of whack but at least I can see it in action.