Passenger Side Exhaust Shield

While I wanted to protect the Max box against any exhaust from the passenger tailpipe, I didn’t expect it to sit so high on the hitch bar. With the shield attached in the location designed for set up, it doesn’t allow the back door to swing open. There could be a work around but it needs to be lowered by about 4-5” for the door to clear the shield. Maybe if the shield was attached to the swing arm portion of the hitch and not the fixed hitch, it could work. The shield would move out of the way of the door as the swing arm moves. The product itself seems surfy and useful but not when it prevents the door from opening.

Owner needs to drill holes into the StowAway frame to install the passenger side shield.. Not hard, not confusing but I wonder if/how it affects warranty. From StowAway: Instructions indicate where to drill. Does not affect warranty.

Much is made of the need to deflect exhaust away from the carrier yet the shield not included. I know some cars have exhausts that aim to the side or down, but what if you need to use this on a different vehicle that doesn't or has an exhaust on a different side.
Manufacturer's comment - Many vehicles do not need exhaust shielda while some need it on just one side. If you do plan to use the StowAway on a few different vehicles it might be best to get the shields so you do have the protection when you may need it.

This cargo box is great. It’s big enough to make it worth it. I have only 1 complaint and 1 request. My complaint actually comes from the added exhaust shield which is added to the swing arm assembly essentially no longer lets it swing open. Kinda dumb. If it were attached to the box, it would work much better. My request is that they come up with a storage method for this box and assembly. It’s quite heavy, so hanging it in your garage is doubtful. Other than those 2 things it works great. Not hard to assemble.
Comnpany comment - Not sure what the customer means when he says he cannot swing open his frame with the exhaust shield installed. Will contact the customer.
Company commnet - Some customers unbolt the box from the frame and sture them separately. The box can be set on the ground and used to store camping or other items, the frame can be hung from or leaned up against the wall.

This shield is a must have product to protect the box. This Stowaway is so well built that it will most likely out-live my vehicle. Any protection to preserve your investment is good . This shield is not a thin piece of aluminum, it’s heavy and thick plus they provide pre-holes for both the frame and the shield. Matches up perfectly. Thank you stowaways