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Thanks for these insightful posts @GavinC . I've been in the market for something like this to haul whitetail deer if my hunting proves successful. It definitely beats a large basin slid into the cargo area
I'd be interested to play a bit with the tow assist feature too since I haven't hooked up my fishing boat just yet.
Do you feel that it would indeed haul near it's 500 lb capacity limit? I have some motorcycles and other gear that would be great to haul in this fashion too.
Thanks for these insightful posts @GavinC . I've been in the market for something like this to haul whitetail deer if my hunting proves successful. It definitely beats a large basin slid into the cargo area
I'd be interested to play a bit with the tow assist feature too since I haven't hooked up my fishing boat just yet.
Do you feel that it would indeed haul near it's 500 lb capacity limit? I have some motorcycles and other gear that would be great to haul in this fashion too.
No worries Doc. Glad the info was of some use.
I've loaded it up with a full cooler of food and drinks, lots of firewood, 6 gallons water and it held up well. I've used it to haul rounds from one end of a mate's property to another. Easily 300lbs of wood at a time. I've climbed on it and jumped on it. Solid. My guess is the 500lbs is very conservative. No worries hauling deer or elk.
I'd recommend using an anti rattle locking hitch pin. Eliminates any play and stabilizes things nicely.
It sticks out a good bit so reflectors or better yet, lights, would be a wise addition. Overall I'm pleased with the setup.
Is there any limit to the load capacity of the Defender with a hitch carrier (other than what the carrier manufacturer states)? Same as certified tongue weight?
Lol!! That reminds me. Many years ago (turn of the century?) I had a VW Westfalia. You know, the campervan version. Ok, it was in my youth. Anyway, I get one of those pans to carry more gear. I load it up. Put in the tubs, etc. I go on a trip. I'm sitting at a red light and there's this weird smell. Something like something is melting. I pull over and the exhaust had totally melted one of the tubs near the exhaust because it was too close. I felt like a stooge! (Not for the first or last time, btw). I'm a nope with the rear carriers. I suspect the tire gives enough distance that it's not going to melt, but I'm out. I can't wait to finish my M416 build out. It's been keeping me busy. THAT is going to be my overlanding gear carrier.
Not a concern with this carrier it seems. Used it plenty of times without any issues. Plenty of distance between tray and exhaust (which also points in a downward angle).
[QUOTE=GavinC;866546]
Great setup @GavinC Thanks for sharing the details. I am a new defender owner and need the cargo space—4 kids.
—>Is your light kit also from Reese?
I like that you added the license plate—seems safer for those following as a heads up. We have the spare plate too so I will borrow that idea.
—> I was just debating with my husband—he wants the hitch for the coolers. I disagreed and said we should put the camping tents in the hitch bc the cooler would be exposed to the sun too much (we live in SoCal). Settle our debate??
