Hitch Cargo Carriers for Your Chevy or GMC SUV, Van, or Truck

A Is your Chevy of GMC Designed for a Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier or Cargo Box?

The compatibility of your vehicle with a hitch carrier depends on a few factors. First is Tongue Weight Capacity (TWC). This refers to how much weight your vehicle's hitch receiver can support. Generally, smaller vehicles will have a lower TWC and larger ones will have a higher capacity. To find out a specific TWC, consult your owner's manual or your dealer. Next what size hitch do you have? Hitches typically come as a 1.25" or 2" square receiver, and occasionally 2.5” for larger, heavy duty vehicles. StowAway Racks and the Standard Cargo Box are available for either the 1.25” and 2” hitch size, while the Max Cargo Box is made only for a 2” hitch.

BWhat kind of and how much gear will you be carrying?

Racks can be the best choice for gear that does not have a regular shape – bikes, grills, inflatable boats and more. The StowAway Cargo Boxes may be a better option if you have multiple pieces of luggage or gear that you want to keep covered. 1.25” hitches typically offer tongue weight capacity ranging from 100 lbs up to 300 lbs. Vehicles with 2” hitches typically have a tongue weight capacity of 300 – 500 lbs. The StowAway Carrier is not suitable for the lighter (Class 1) 1.25” hitches but can be used with hitches with capacities of 200 lbs and higher. Always be sure to stay within the stated capacity on your hitch and your vehicle.

CHow important is protection from the elements, and security?

If you are concerned about the security of your gear and protecting it from the weather, a hitch cargo box might be your best bet. StowAway Cargo Boxes are molded from a strong flexible polymer and include a locking latch, taillights and a water channel to prevent water from getting to your gear.

DWill you be doing more than transporting gear?

StowAway offers several models and accessories If you plan on doing more with your StowAway than transporting gear. The buffet board option provides a platform for preparing or serving food. The StowAway Ski Carrier converts the Ford Transit Van into a ski shuttle for carrying skiers and skis to the mountain. The StowAway Grill Station is your ideal tailgate party grill for college or pro games.

EHow important is clear access to the back of your vehicle?

If you want easy access to the back of your Chevy or GMC without having to unload your gear, the swingaway frame is a must. Release the safety, lift the release pin and swing open your frame for clear access to your back doors, liftgate or tailgate.

OK, now that you’ve assessed your needs and looked over your vehicle and hitch, let’s review the Chevy and GMC product lines and the StowAway models available.

Hitch Cargo Boxes

If your choice is a Cargo Box select either the Max at 16 cubic feet capacity or the Standard at 12.5 cubic feet capacity. Both boxes will protect your gear from the elements, include a locking latch for security, and taillights for safety. A drain plug is included for cleaning your box. Both boxes come in either black or ivory.

Hitch Racks

The StowAway cargo rack provides a flexible hauling alternative for irregularly shaped and large pieces of gear that may not fit into one of our cargo boxes. The rack can also be specialized for hauling bikes, a grill for tailgating, fishing rods or skis and snowboards.

Hitch Frames

StowAway offers two frames, one a fixed frame and the other a swingaway frame. Both frames are welded from heavy duty tube steel and are powdercoated to resist rust and corrosion. All StowAway Boxes and Racks mount to either frame or you can bolt your own box or rack to either frame.

SUVs

From the compact Chevy Trax to the cavernous GMC Yukon, Chevy and GMC makes SUV’s for every family and situation. Both makes are designed to transport people and gear in the most comfortable and practical fashion, making it easy for you to attach your StowAway cargo box.

Compact SUV’s

Here we're looking at the Chevy Equinox and Blazer. With tailgates and split folding rear seats, these offer ample cargo space, though probably not enough for a family camping expedition or extended road trip. The GMC Terrain has a combination of bold styling, first-class comfort, a powerful engine, and plenty of space. However, as smaller SUV’s, the payload and towing capacity of these models are limited, so be sure to check model details when choosing a hitch and cargo carrier.

Mid-Size SUV’s

Both perfectly sized, powerful, family SUVs, the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia are quite alike. These models have the option of third row seating, so you'll find there's limited room for gear and luggage in the back of the vehicle. With only 23 cu ft behind the last row of the Traverse, a StowAway Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is might be a great addition if you’re traveling with the family and dog. Both of these mid-size SUV’s are strong vehicles with even stronger engines. The Acadia even features an all-terrain twin clutch AWD system which can detect if either one of the rear wheels is slipping, and then send power to the wheel with the most traction.

Large SUV's

Here we're talking about the body-on-frame Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, and GMC Yukon. All these models are large, spacious, and well-equipped for most activities. Good ground clearance, AWD, and a choice of powerful engines make them strong tow vehicles with ample tongue weight capacities. Although these models all offer substantial room for people, pets and gear they can fill up with a larger family, group of friends or even members of the little league team. When the third seat goes up cargo capacity goes down, and the need for a hitch cargo carrier becomes a necessity. Hello StowAway Carrier.

Trucks

Known for their strength and longevity, Chevy trucks are available in a wide array of sizes, configurations and trims. From the midsize Canyon to the Sierra HD, GMC trucks are also made to get the toughest of jobs done with power and endurance.

Mid-Size Trucks

If a pickup truck is your style but you don't want one that's too big—you might like the Chevy Colorado. Available in extended and crew cab formats and with a short or long box, you'll find the trailering package is optional. When fitted it provides a 2” receiver but check it's been installed before picking out your hitch-mounted cargo carrier. The GMC Canyon may be on the smaller side of pickup trucks, but this fact does not compromise the power and efficiency this truck has to offer. With a horsepower of 308HP this truck can tow up to 7,700lbs. when equipped with the Trailering Package.

Full-Size Trucks

If you want high-end trim plus room for the family and a bed full of gear, Chevy has you covered with their Silverado. You'll find an abundance of choices in this category, with both the “old” Silverado 1500 and the new Silverado. The 1500 model has been in production since 2014 while the fourth generation launched as a 2019. Both provide impressive payload and towing capabilities. Note though that a 2” receiver, part of the trailering package, is only standard on the higher LTZ and High Country trims.

For GMC, The Next Generation Sierra redefines what it means to drive a pickup. With a long list of impressive features, one of which is the most innovative tailgate design ever, this truck makes loading and unloading quicker and easier. The Next Generation 2019 Sierra also has the world’s first size-function Multipro Tailgate and can tow up to 12,200 lbs. depending on the model selected.

Heavy-Duty Trucks

Here we're looking at the Chevy Silverado HD. Big and very, very strong, it is quite frankly a beast of a truck. It's the kind of vehicle you buy for serious hauling and towing. There's lots of room in the cab, and even more in the bed. However, if you frequently fill your bed with lumber or materials you may need room for your tools or chainsaw - the StowAway lockable Cargo Box is the perfect answer. . Hitch receivers on the big Silverado are 2 1/2” square, but include a reducing sleeve to take it down to 2” for a hitchcargo box or carrier.

The Sierra HD and Sierra Denali HD are GMC’s most heavy-duty trucks. Both with a tow capacity of more than 10,000 pounds, these trucks are no joke. The available Duramax Diesel lets you take on heavy loads with confidence, and you can enjoy 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This is the perfect heavy-duty truck to haul heavy items around with ease.

Vans

If you need a real, full-size van as opposed to a minivan, Chevy has two for you: The Express Cargo and Express Passenger Vans. Seating from 12 to 15 people, depending on configuration, the Express Passenger has tons of interior space. As with the smaller Chevys though, fill all the seats with people and you'll struggle to get their luggage in. The StowAway Max Cargo Box will add just that extra capacity needed for gear. Unlike the Passenger, the Express Cargo is constructed primarily as a work van with plenty of cargo room and available add-ons.

GMC also has two models of heavy-duty vans: the Savana Passenger and Savana Cargo. The Savana Passenger can seat up to 15 individuals, with the capability of towing up to 9,600lbs. With a van that holds so many passengers, it is essential that there be adequate room for their luggage and gear. The StowAway Max Cargo Box just might be the perfect addition.