Hitch receiver baskets

Does anyone use these? Are they safe? Never used one and always thought they look dangerous but with the bed being so short thought if I can pick one up for cheap it would be handy.

 

not bad. as along as you tie stuff down good. mom and dad use to have a van (back in the 90’s) and we used it many times since we our family of 5 and would go 12h drives to western NY. in 2000 dad got the tundra and we keep it. still use it from time to time. i say yes safe as long as you remember it’s back their and don’t over load them, and tire stuff down good.

 

I said when I bought my truck I would pick up a utility trailer, still haven't done it. Of course if I had the $ for one I'd probably have Billies on all four corners instead.

 

yeah. i know what you mean. one reason why i got the SB instead of LB is we have a 12’X7’ trailer already and dad still has his 2000 tundra. and will prob get a new one in the next few years. i have no need at all for the LB. and like the looks of SB better.

if i hauled a lot daily than i may have got the LB. but i maybe put something like a push mower or something in the bed once a week. if that much.

 

It's just the occasional hauls that get me. About to move my step daughter into her dorm and I don't know if we can fit all her stuff, at least under the tonneau. If it looks like it won't rain it wont be a problem but with the tonneau closed can't fit very much.

Also thought if I got one I want to do the rear view camera on anytime mod to help keep an eye on it.

 

Just make sure it doesn't cover your taillights.

Buddy has one and he had one cop hassle him (but no ticket) over it covering his plate.

 

i think i saw a think one time. that mounted to them and plugged into the trailer light. not sure tho.

 

Hadn't thought about the plate.

 

I have a raised one that I bought when I had my last Jeep. Having it higher makes for somewhat less chance of dragging it while off-road. I haven't used it with my truck yet, but still keep it around in case I ever do. I figure it'd be a good place to carry gas cans and propane tanks for camping if I don't take the trailer so they'd be out of the bed. Less chance for an ugly problem if there's a leak. Here's the one I have and it's built like a brick shithouse--very strong and durable-

http://www.quadratec.com/products/12033_847_07.htm

 

That one looks nice. But I can't see spending that much on one. Could probably find a good used trailer for that. I saw one at Northern Tool for like $65.

Here it is, http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200465263_200465263

I'd rather have one with rails, but was trying to stay cheap.

 

I have a "Hitch Hauler" and really like it. Also bought a fold up type hitch so it can be folded up out of the way. (http://www.cabelas.com/cargo-carriers-bike-racks-hitch-haul-folding-receiver-bar.shtml) added lightbar with some trailer LED lights that I attach to the load (usually a large ice chest) with trucker bungees. Works great

 

Ya, seems you usually see these hanging on Yukons and Tahoes because the rear seat is packed with kids and the area behind the seat really isn't much larger than the trunk on a '69 Chevelle....
SUVs usually have the plates up higher on the gate so they (and the lights) tend to be above the cooler and duffel bags usually strapped onto the baskets.

As mentioned above, you can always get a set of magnetic towing lights and use those, and no reason you couldn't temporarily relocate the tag.

I wouldn't bother, but have the needed parts available in case there's an issue on the road. Those plastic parts that the Taco plate screws run into seem WAY easy to strip so I wouldn't get into the habit of removing and replacing my plate without improving it.