StowAway Standard Hitch Cargo Box with Frame
The Standard Hitch Cargo Box is the original StowAway cargo carrier. With 12.5 cubic feet of capacity, this rugged box offers ample room for securely storing your gear. And, when mounted to our heavy duty Swingaway frame, provides clear access to the back of the vehicle. The Standard hitch cargo box includes a locking latch, taillights, a lit license plate bracket and a drain plug for easy cleaning.
The StowAway Standard hitch cargo box is available on two different hitch frames, our versatile Swingaway frame or our rugged fixed frame. The Swingaway frame swings out to provide clear access to the rear of the vehicle and can be used as a platform for the Standard box, our bike rack, cargo rack, grill station or rod rack. The fixed frame is ideal for vehicles without rear doors or a rear mounted spare tire.
What's Included with the Standard Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier Base Package?
In our Standard Carrier Base Package you'll find everything you need to hit the road with your StowAway Standard Hitch Cargo Box, including:
- Standard Hitch Cargo Box with locking latch and taillights
- Your choice of SwingAway or Fixed frame
- License Plate Bracket
- Hitch Tightener to eliminate hitch rattle - Please note that the hitch tightener may not be compatible with vehicles that have built-up or non-standard hitch designs. See photos on Hitch Tightener product page for information on standard hitch construction.
Ordering a "Box Only"
- Mounting holes will not be drilled unless you specify on the order that you have a StowAway SwingAway or Fixed frame.
- "Box Only" orders do not include a hitch tightener and/or hitch pin
Key Features
Cargo Box
- Heavy duty. Molded from the high-impact polymer used in some white water kayaks
- 12.5 cubic feet of gear capacity
- 200 lbs of carrying capacity with a 2" hitch
- 125 lbs of carrying capacity with a 1.25" hitch
- Compare the storage of the Standard box versus the MAX box
- Full function single-bulb LED taillights and wrap-around reflectors
- Locking latch
- Built-in carrying handles and a drain plug for easy cleaning
- Automotive-grade gasket to help prevent water penetration
- Outside dimensions: 49"L x 21"W x 24"H. Inside dimensions: 47"L x 19"W x 22"H.
- Box weighs 47 lbs without the frame.
- Designed for vehicles and hitches with a minimum of 200 lbs tongue weight capacity
- 10-year limited warranty
SwingAway Frame
- Built in rise for ground clearance (2" for vehicles with less than 7" of clearance between hitch and rear doors, 5" for all others)
- Accessible - Pivots up to 180° for clear access to your vehicle - (Note: on vehicles with rear double doors, the passenger side door will only open 70 - 80 degrees)
- Frame locks at 90° for loading/unloading
- Heavy-duty welded tube and steel with dual safeties
- Versatile - Can be used with any StowAway cargo box or rack, or with your own container
- Frame weighs 47 lbs
Fixed Frame
- Rises 7" for ground clearance
- Rugged steel tube construction
- Can be used with any StowAway cargo box or hitch rack
- Ideal for vehicles without rear doors or a rear mounted spare tire
- Frame weighs 18 lbs
Usage Guidelines
The StowAway Standard Carrier is designed for active use and travel. It is not recommended for off-roading or on washboard dirt roads. If it is used on salted roads we recommend rinsing and oiling the frame after each use to prevent rusting and corrosion.
Exhaust Shield Use Recommended. For vehicles with exhaust pipes pointing straight back, we do recommend either an exhaust tip to divert your exhaust down or to the side, or the purchase of our lightweight exhaust shields. Diverting the exhaust will help prevent damage to the carrier and your gear.
Super Versatile Frame. Use the StowAway frame as a platform to mount your StowAway box, cargo rack, bike rack or tailgate grill station. Or attach your own box, grill, rack or device.
Not 100% sure if this is the right carrier for you? Check out our Hitch Cargo Carrier Buyer's Guide for more information on choosing the perfect StowAway for your needs!
Optional Accessories
StowAway Standard Cargo Carrier Assembly Instructions
Using the StowAway Carrier
- For optimal weight distribution, it's best to load the StowAway Carrier with lighter, bulkier items.
This way you can save the denser, heavier items for inside your vehicle.
Regardless of the gear, always distribute the weight evenly across the bottom of the box.
- In order to avoid latch or taillight interference, do not pack items too closely to the StowAway latch or taillights.
- The StowAway cargo box is designed to prevent water from penetrating the interior of the box.
The Standard box uses a gasket to deter water, while the MAX box uses a channel and weep holes to channel water outside and away from your gear.
In order to ensure proper water drainage, be sure to keep the weep holes clear of debris.
While these water prevention systems work effectively under most conditions, water or dust may penetrate the box.
There is also the possibility that condensation will accumulate in the box under certain humid conditions.
While these instances are rare, we suggest you pack your items accordingly.
- A hitch lock will secure the StowAway Carrier to your hitch.
Hitch locks are available through StowAway2.com or through automotive or rack stores.
We highly recommend purchasing and using a hitch lock.
- All StowAway Cargo Carriers come with a lit license plate bracket for mounting your rear license plate onto the carrier.
Moving your license plate to the StowAway may not be necessary if your plate is clearly visible.
- The SwingAway frame is equipped with a latch, as well as a primary and secondary safety.
To close the frame, swing it closed until the latch engages, then use the pins provided to lock the two safeties into place.
To open the frame, remove both safeties and pull up on the orange plunger pin.
- By inserting the safety pin into the hole at the pivot point, the SwingAway frame can be locked at a 90º angle from your car, truck, or SUV.
Care should be taken when swinging the cargo box out towards traffic or using it on an incline.
The cargo box should be loaded while the frame is in the closed position.
- The StowAway is equipped with a locking latch and security features.
Nevertheless, a determined thief could potentially access the box's contents by compromising these components.
Exercise care if transporting valuables in the StowAway.
- The lights are designed to provide taillight, brake light, and turn signal functionality.
The lights on every cargo box are tested at the factory before shipping.
If the lights do not appear to be functioning properly, please try the following steps:
- Test the unit on another vehicle, as improper vehicle wiring can be the source of carrier lighting problems.
- In order to ensure that each light is fully tightened and free of corrosion, check the wire connector plugs at each taillight and at the vehicle plug.
Spray WD-40 onto all connectors if you're not sure.
- Consult your vehicle owner's manual to be certain that the terminals on the vehicle plug match the functions of those on the StowAway.
Caring for your StowAway Carrier
- The StowAway is equipped with a drain plug for ease of cleaning.
The exterior surface of the cargo box may get dull or dirty and can be washed with dish soap, water, and a wash mitt to get into the texture.
Trim Shine Plastic Protectant helps restore luster to the black StowAway boxes.
You can generally find it through an auto parts or automotive accessories store.
- In order to remove road grit or salt from the StowAway frame, we recommend washing, rinsing, and drying it after each use.
Any sign of rust should be sprayed with rust remover or a rust preventative at once.
Articulating and mobile frame components (the pivot bolt, plunger pins, and safeties) should be kept lubricated at all times.
Unless the frame is rinsed, dried, and lubricated after each use, road salt will cause the frame to rust.
- Always keep the carrier's lid latched and locked when storing the StowAway cargo box.
Precautions for the StowAway Carrier
- EXHAUST WARNING – Hot exhaust directed at or below the StowAway box could melt or damage the box and its contents.
For vehicles with an exhaust that points straight back, we recommend that the exhaust be directed away from your cargo carrier.
You can either use an exhaust pipe tip for diversion, or a StowAway Exhaust Shield for deflection.
StowAway exhaust shields are available for both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle.
Exhaust shields are not necessary on vehicles with tail pipes that point the exhaust directly down or to the side.
- The StowAway Carrier is not for off-road use.
- StowAway models designed for a 2" hitch receiver should be used with a Class 3 or 4, 2" receiver hitch.
StowAway models designed for a 1.25" hitch receiver should be used with a Class 2, 1.25" receiver hitch.
We do not recommend using a 1.25" to 2" hitch converter with the StowAway carrier under any conditions.
A 7" hitch extender can be used with Class 3 or 4 hitches rated for more than 500 lbs tongue weight.
Under no circumstances should the receiver hitch tongue weight, vehicle tongue weight, or the gross vehicle weight be exceeded.
StowAway Cargo Carrier Video Library
Getting to know your StowAway Cargo Carrier should be as fun and easy as putting it to work.
For detailed information on the use, assembly, or installation of StowAway's MAX or Standard Cargo Carriers, please click on the corresponding instructional video below.
StowAway MAX Cargo Carrier
Assembling the StowAway Max Cargo Carrier
Barn Door Clearance for the StowAway Cargo Carrier
StowAway Max Cargo Carrier Capacity
Locking and Unlocking the StowAway
Latching the StowAway Cargo Carrier
* Signature required for all items shipped via Fedex Ground. To arrange a delivery time or drop off location for your shipment you can register with Fedex Delivery Manager and provide your tracking information.
Free Shipping within the Continental U.S.
We offer free shipping on all orders within the Continental United States.
Items purchased through the StowAway website are typically processed and ready for shipment within 1-2 business days. During the summer months (or right before a holiday) this could change to 3-4 processing days. Please call to confirm current lead times before placing your order.
For orders within the lower 48 states, we ship with either FedEx or USPS ground.
Please call for available express options and applicable shipping charges.
There is no sales tax in Oregon, so we do not charge sales tax on U.S. orders, regardless of your destination.
Typical FedEx Ground Transit Time (Business Days)
Shipping to Alaska
StowAway orders ship to Alaska via Span Alaska and generally take 7 to 10 business days.
Shipping costs to Alaska generally range from $100 to $200, depending on the product. Orders ship to the closest port via barge.
We generally ship smaller items to Alaska by U.S. Mail.
Please fill out our
Quote Request Form and one of our Customer Service Representatives will email you a quote by the end of the next business day.
Shipping to Hawaii
We generally ship orders to Hawaii by air. At the customer's request, we can also ship orders to Hawaii by sea.
Please fill out our
Quote Request Form for a shipping quote to Hawaii.
One of our Customer Service Representatives will email you a quote by the end of the next business day.
Shipping to Canada
For a shipping quote to Canada, please fill out our Quote Request Form.
One of our Customer Service Representatives will email you a quote by the end of the next business day.
International Shipping
For an international shipping quote, please fill out our Quote Request Form.
One of our Customer Service Representatives will email you a quote by the end of the next business day.
If you would like to arrange your own freight services, we can provide you with the necessary weights and dimensions of the product you are interested in.
Returns & Exchanges
We are committed to providing the best customer service and satisfaction possible.
We will gladly refund your purchase price, minus a restocking fee, or replace any defective items within 30 days of purchase.
For more information about our return policy, visit our
Returns & Exchanges page.
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