Hitch Mounted Cargo Box
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Hitch Mounted Cargo Box
I just put over 2000 miles on the Ex (3rd time this summer) in 10 days. Even though the Excursion is HUGE...with me, the wife, the 4 kids, and the 100 pound dog, there's not enough room for all of our stuff (for a 10 day trip) inside.
I've had this box (called the GearSpace 34) for several years with several vehicles. I love it; compared to the Thule and Yakima roof boxes that so many people use, this option is:
- so much easier (and FASTER!!) to load and unload (I would hate to have to try to reach stuff on top of the Ex)
- so much bigger (34 cubic feet of space compared to 16 or so for most roof top boxes)
The only downside to using it with the Ex...
The box telescopes out away from the vehicle on the box frame to allow access to the back of the vehicle. However with the Ex, the doors are too big and can't swing open fully. For me, this meant that I needed to put down the back of the 3rd row seat, push the second row seat forward, and load my dog in through the second row doors and then let him hop over the 3rd row. Not that big a deal.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share the photo and ask the question: what do others with large families and pets do to carry cargo?
I've had this box (called the GearSpace 34) for several years with several vehicles. I love it; compared to the Thule and Yakima roof boxes that so many people use, this option is:
- so much easier (and FASTER!!) to load and unload (I would hate to have to try to reach stuff on top of the Ex)
- so much bigger (34 cubic feet of space compared to 16 or so for most roof top boxes)
The only downside to using it with the Ex...
The box telescopes out away from the vehicle on the box frame to allow access to the back of the vehicle. However with the Ex, the doors are too big and can't swing open fully. For me, this meant that I needed to put down the back of the 3rd row seat, push the second row seat forward, and load my dog in through the second row doors and then let him hop over the 3rd row. Not that big a deal.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share the photo and ask the question: what do others with large families and pets do to carry cargo?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IL
I use a 30ft toyhauler. It works well 
I like your setup, If I was traveling without the toyhauler I would do something similar. I also have a 16 ft aluma trailer that we haul ATV's on and I can add rubbermaid tubs back there if needed.
I like your setup, If I was traveling without the toyhauler I would do something similar. I also have a 16 ft aluma trailer that we haul ATV's on and I can add rubbermaid tubs back there if needed.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Morgantown, WV
Subscribing.
We have six children and a small dog, so when we travel all the seats are full. We bought the X last August, so last Thanksgiving was the first time in years that we've bothered to travel any distance. For that trip we managed to cram everything we took into the rear cargo area, but I didn't like that there were items above the back row.
Honestly, I have been kicking around a cargo trailer somewhere in the 6'x12' to 7'x14' range, depending on whether I can find a used one in decent condition for the price I'm willing to pay. (I refuse to pay more for a a trailer than I paid for my daily commuter, so I may be out of luck there.) It seems overkill, but I would like to be able to take bikes with us once in a while and have room for anything else we might need for that many people.
I am interested to see what other people have to say though.
We have six children and a small dog, so when we travel all the seats are full. We bought the X last August, so last Thanksgiving was the first time in years that we've bothered to travel any distance. For that trip we managed to cram everything we took into the rear cargo area, but I didn't like that there were items above the back row.
Honestly, I have been kicking around a cargo trailer somewhere in the 6'x12' to 7'x14' range, depending on whether I can find a used one in decent condition for the price I'm willing to pay. (I refuse to pay more for a a trailer than I paid for my daily commuter, so I may be out of luck there.) It seems overkill, but I would like to be able to take bikes with us once in a while and have room for anything else we might need for that many people.
I am interested to see what other people have to say though.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 111,873
Likes: 153
From: Wharton, NJ
I just put over 2000 miles on the Ex (3rd time this summer) in 10 days. Even though the Excursion is HUGE...with me, the wife, the 4 kids, and the 100 pound dog, there's not enough room for all of our stuff (for a 10 day trip) inside.
I've had this box (called the GearSpace 34) for several years with several vehicles. I love it; compared to the Thule and Yakima roof boxes that so many people use, this option is:
- so much easier (and FASTER!!) to load and unload (I would hate to have to try to reach stuff on top of the Ex)
- so much bigger (34 cubic feet of space compared to 16 or so for most roof top boxes)
The only downside to using it with the Ex...
The box telescopes out away from the vehicle on the box frame to allow access to the back of the vehicle. However with the Ex, the doors are too big and can't swing open fully. For me, this meant that I needed to put down the back of the 3rd row seat, push the second row seat forward, and load my dog in through the second row doors and then let him hop over the 3rd row. Not that big a deal.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share the photo and ask the question: what do others with large families and pets do to carry cargo?
I've had this box (called the GearSpace 34) for several years with several vehicles. I love it; compared to the Thule and Yakima roof boxes that so many people use, this option is:
- so much easier (and FASTER!!) to load and unload (I would hate to have to try to reach stuff on top of the Ex)
- so much bigger (34 cubic feet of space compared to 16 or so for most roof top boxes)
The only downside to using it with the Ex...
The box telescopes out away from the vehicle on the box frame to allow access to the back of the vehicle. However with the Ex, the doors are too big and can't swing open fully. For me, this meant that I needed to put down the back of the 3rd row seat, push the second row seat forward, and load my dog in through the second row doors and then let him hop over the 3rd row. Not that big a deal.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share the photo and ask the question: what do others with large families and pets do to carry cargo?
I just checked it out on their website, and I'm not sure but they have a 8" extension tube to move it further out from the vehicle, not sure if that would be enough to open the cargo doors.That unit looks awesome, I have a pet barrier behind the third seat, so it would be interesting to hear if you use the extension or not, and if that would be enough to allow the doors to open.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I emailed the company about the extension; I'll let you know what I find out (although I don't expect to use the box again until Christmas).
I would guess that 8" would be enough to let me open the doors. When I first put the box on the Ex, I was actually able to open the rear doors enough to load my dog in that way (which isn't easy; he's 100 pounds...he won't jump up by himself...and he doesn't like to be picked up). I changed to loading in the side doors just because it's easier for me. If you have a dog that will jump on his own or several small dogs with the pet barrier, it may not be an issue. Although it would be much better to have unobstructed access the rear of the truck.
I would guess that 8" would be enough to let me open the doors. When I first put the box on the Ex, I was actually able to open the rear doors enough to load my dog in that way (which isn't easy; he's 100 pounds...he won't jump up by himself...and he doesn't like to be picked up). I changed to loading in the side doors just because it's easier for me. If you have a dog that will jump on his own or several small dogs with the pet barrier, it may not be an issue. Although it would be much better to have unobstructed access the rear of the truck.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 111,873
Likes: 153
From: Wharton, NJ
I emailed the company about the extension; I'll let you know what I find out (although I don't expect to use the box again until Christmas).
I would guess that 8" would be enough to let me open the doors. When I first put the box on the Ex, I was actually able to open the rear doors enough to load my dog in that way (which isn't easy; he's 100 pounds...he won't jump up by himself...and he doesn't like to be picked up). I changed to loading in the side doors just because it's easier for me. If you have a dog that will jump on his own or several small dogs with the pet barrier, it may not be an issue. Although it would be much better to have unobstructed access the rear of the truck.
I would guess that 8" would be enough to let me open the doors. When I first put the box on the Ex, I was actually able to open the rear doors enough to load my dog in that way (which isn't easy; he's 100 pounds...he won't jump up by himself...and he doesn't like to be picked up). I changed to loading in the side doors just because it's easier for me. If you have a dog that will jump on his own or several small dogs with the pet barrier, it may not be an issue. Although it would be much better to have unobstructed access the rear of the truck.
and here she is next to PlatinumPete's 38's...lol
You'll shoot your eye out
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
That's pretty cool, although I need to be able to use the back doors. I use one of the hitch mounted carriers. It doesn't hold as much but it was enough for my wife and myself three kids in car seats two teenagers and a big black lab, all our stuff for a 7 day trip.
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
I tow a 4x6 trailer and LOVE it. It holds my aux fuel tank and still has enough room left to be useful. Plus it's very light, tows excellent, and allows us the liberty of seeing "stuff" and picking it up no matter where we are in our vacation.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,607
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
I love that Gearspace box. 120 lbs empty and holds up to 300 lbs...nice
in the past with our other SUV's I had a Sears Travel box that rode ontop of the car. I saw an easy 2-3 mpg loss when that thing was up there. Also very noisy and drafted pretty badly...epsecially against oncoming semi trucks and that huge air wave they push
edit: Nevermind. Saw it for $1,300. That's alot of coin. I'd rather just take the MPG hit
in the past with our other SUV's I had a Sears Travel box that rode ontop of the car. I saw an easy 2-3 mpg loss when that thing was up there. Also very noisy and drafted pretty badly...epsecially against oncoming semi trucks and that huge air wave they push
edit: Nevermind. Saw it for $1,300. That's alot of coin. I'd rather just take the MPG hit
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 854
Likes: 2
From: Middleburg FL
Not to hijack, but where did you get that pet barrier? It looks like the wings are adjustable for width? And I just pile the roof rack full of stuff when we travel or throw the hitch carrier on for short trips.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,595
Likes: 1,236
From: N. IL
How about an 18'' extension? 
That'll give you some backing challenges.
Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 18" Hidden Hitch Hitch Accessories HE18
That'll give you some backing challenges.Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 18" Hidden Hitch Hitch Accessories HE18
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 111,873
Likes: 153
From: Wharton, NJ
PM Sent!
TreadLightly
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 0
From: SE Missouri
Our two boxers get the back. The girls get the middle. Everything else either goes on top or in the travel trailer. While pulling our TT we have to access the back a lot to let the dogs out. Love the Barn doors (great job Ford). If we need more room then it goes up top. We have one 18 cu ft Thule box now, but I have thought about adding another.
I like this setup:
I like this setup:
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
I have dual boxes on top of our X. Just got the second one this spring, cuz I knew we were gonna need it. Me, I don't like the idea of a trailer, as that will slow us, limit us to places I like going to. Pack light, and simple and enjoy the outdoors.
I usually load them full with the camping mats, sleeping bags, extra shoes, etc. I know that I have overloaded them from time to time with the weight ratings that they have, but have never had an issue.
This was on our way to a 3 night camping trip about 7 hrs drive away from home, and about 100 miles down the Dempster Highway, in the north central area of the Yukon.
I hate the idea of not being able to look out the back window while driving, so we try to pack lite. In fact just last weekend we went on a 3 night canoe trip down the Yukon river, yes with the kids, and REALLY had to pack lite.
That is me with the fly rod, and some of my kids around, behind me.
My next adventure is going to be to get an alum roof top made for a large 15 passenger van. I have found one that is made out of alum, has a solid bottom and sides that I will have to fab to fit on the X, and still be easy to remove. Still use the dual boxes, maybe just one, and now that we bought the seal skin packs for the canoe trip, we now have waterproof bags to load stuff up on top.
I usually load them full with the camping mats, sleeping bags, extra shoes, etc. I know that I have overloaded them from time to time with the weight ratings that they have, but have never had an issue.
This was on our way to a 3 night camping trip about 7 hrs drive away from home, and about 100 miles down the Dempster Highway, in the north central area of the Yukon.
I hate the idea of not being able to look out the back window while driving, so we try to pack lite. In fact just last weekend we went on a 3 night canoe trip down the Yukon river, yes with the kids, and REALLY had to pack lite.
That is me with the fly rod, and some of my kids around, behind me.
My next adventure is going to be to get an alum roof top made for a large 15 passenger van. I have found one that is made out of alum, has a solid bottom and sides that I will have to fab to fit on the X, and still be easy to remove. Still use the dual boxes, maybe just one, and now that we bought the seal skin packs for the canoe trip, we now have waterproof bags to load stuff up on top.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
To each his own though, your setup looks great for what you're doing!