StowAway Hitch Mount Cargo Box Quick Answers
- Question: Will the StowAway2 Hitch
Mount Cargo Box work on
my vehicle?
Answer: Almost always. If your vehicle has a
rear-mounted spare tire or ladder, confirm
your vehicle clearance using our detailed Clearance
Guide.
- Question: If I order a StowAway2,
when will I receive it?
Answer: Soon! Please choose
ground 5-8 day shipping. It takes 1 day
to process order and 1-5 business days via
ground. These units ship from the west
coast. California customers 2-3 days,
Midwest 3-4 days, East coast 5-6 business
days. Order early, allow extra time, if
you have a tight delivery time, call us
first. Comes in two packages, you have
to mount the box to the frame. It is a
simple process.
Frequently Asked Hitch Mount Cargo Box Questions
Vehicle Fit
Questions
Q. Will A StowAway2 Cargo Carrier &
Swingaway frame work
on my vehicle?
A. There is a StowAway Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier that will
work on almost every SUV, Minivan, Van, and Truck.
If you believe your vehicle has a unique
clearance or compatibility issue, or you would
like to confirm compatibility, please send
email or call Customer Service
toll-free: 888-575-6652. When
contacting us regarding vehicle fit issues, please
include the Year, Make and Model of your vehicle.
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Q. Which StowAway2 Cargo Carrier is
best for my vehicle?
A. Need help determining which StowAway Hitch
Mount Cargo
Carrier is right for your vehicle? Start with the
Swingaway
Cargo Carrier Comparison Table, which shows
each of our Swingaway models side-by-side for
quick comparison.
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Q. Can I put
my Pickup Truck's tailgate in the down position
with a StowAway2 Swingaway Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier in place?
A. Our patented Swingaway frame accommodates
almost all truck tailgates. Please refer to
the StowAway2
Tailgate Clearance Guide for more information.
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Spare Tire
Questions
Q. I have a spare tire on the back of my
vehicle. Will a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier work on my
vehicle?
A. StowAway2 Cargo Carriers
can accommodate almost any rear-mounted spare
tire. Please refer to the StowAway2
Spare Tire Clearance Guide for more
information.
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Hitch Questions
Q. How does a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier
fit on my vehicle? What is my vehicles tongue
weight capacity? What kind of hitch receivers work
with StowAway2 Cargo Carriers? Can I use a hitch
converter? Can I use a hitch extender? I dont
have a hitch on my vehicle, can I install one?
A. Please refer to our StowAway2
Hitch Guide for more information regarding:
hitch sizes and classes, hitch safety, hitch
compatibility, hitch converters, and installing an
after-market hitch.
Due to the weight of a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier
or Rack, we only recommend using a Hitch Extender
on a Class 3 or above (2) hitch. We do not
recommend using a hitch extender on a 1.25
trailer hitch. We do not recommend using a Hitch
Extender longer than 7 inches (measure from hitch
pin hole to hitch pin hole on the Extender). We do
not recommend using a Hitch Expander (a specialty
extender that converts a vehicles 1.25 hitch
to a 2 opening).
The use of a Hitch Extender in conjunction with
a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier will decrease the
carrying capacity of the StowAway2 by 1/3.
Therefore, you should attempt to limit the weight
of your gear to roughly 130 pounds when you use
your StowAway2 with an Extender.
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Shipping
Questions
Q. How long does it take to ship the
StowAway2 to my home? How much will it cost
to ship a Cargo Carrier to my home? Can I
have a StowAway2 shipped via Overnight or Express
service? Do you ship to Canada? How can I track my
order?
A. Please choose ground 5-8 day
shipping. In general, not guaranteed....West coast
customers will get their unit in 3-4 business
days, Midwest 4-5 business days and East coast
customers 5-8 business days. If you have a
close deadline, use customer service and contact
us to verify delivery. If you need
faster service, call us. The units weigh
80-100 lbs and overnight can be expensive.
We can ship into Canada, send
email with your shipping address for
quote. We generally receive tracking
information from the warehouse 2-3 days after
shipment. Log into your LakelandGear.com
account for updates.
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Product
Questions
Q. Do I need to assemble my StowAway2
Cargo Carrier?
A. Yes, some assembly is required prior
to using a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier. Our Swingaway
models ship in two separate boxes. Our fixed frame
models ship in one box. All of our carriers come
with the necessary hardware for assembly.
Assembling a carrier for the first time takes
roughly 30 - 45 minutes. We recommend two people
be present for assembly and installation of the
carrier. Detailed assembly instructions are
included with every carrier purchase; if you would
like to view the StowAway2 assembly instructions
prior to placing or receiving your order, click
here. (this is PDF file). To assemble a StowAway2 cargo carrier,
you will need two large adjustable end wrenches or
socket wrenches with 9/16" and 1 1/8"
sockets.
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Q. How large is a StowAway2 Cargo
Carrier? Do StowAway2 boxes come in different
sizes? What are the interior dimensions of
StowAway2 boxes?
A. For detailed product
information and technical specifications, check
out the Hitch
Mount Cargo Box Comparison Chart.
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Q. Can I purchase a StowAway2 box by
itself without the frame?
A. Please call LakelandGear.com.
See Customer Service for contact information.
Q. How does the Swingaway model work?
A. StowAway2's Swingaway frame is
designed with a spring loaded plunger pin and two
safety pins. To swing the carrier open for access
to the rear of your vehicle, simply pull the two
safety pins from their engaged positions, and pull
up on the plunger pin. Once unlatched, the box can
be swung out as far as 180 degrees for clear
access to the rear of your vehicle. The secondary
safety pin can be used to lock the carrier open at
a 90-degree angle if desired. The pivot point for
the Swingaway frame is on the passenger side of
the vehicle. To close the Swingaway model, simply
swing the carrier closed until it the latch is
fully engaged. Always place both safeties into
their engaged positions before driving with the
Swingaway model.
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Q. How do I interchange an enclosed
Cargo Carrier (like the MAX Swingaway) with your
Bike Rack and/or Cargo Rack?
A. A single Swingaway frame
serves as the platform for both our enclosed cargo
carriers and racks. To view a diagram of our
Swingaway frame, please click here.
Our enclosed carriers (like the MAX Swingaway)
bolt to the Swingaway frame in 4 places. To
remove the carrier box, simply unbolt these 4
bolts. To attach the Cargo Rack and/or Bike
Rack, simply bolt these additional pieces to the
Swingaway frame in place of your enclosed carrier
box. If you already own one of our enclosed
carriers, you may purchase the Cargo
Rack and Bike
Rack attachment pieces for $119 each. These
pieces are fully compatible with your current
Swingaway frame. If, at any time, you
want to go back to using your enclosed carrier,
simply unbolt your attachment racks and replace
them with your carrier box.
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Q. Are
StowAway2 Cargo Carriers waterproof?
A. StowAway2 Cargo Carriers are
equipped with an automotive-grade weather seal
that surrounds the junction of the boxs lid and
base. This seal is extremely effective in keeping
out most water and dust. Under severe
weather conditions, it is possible for moisture
can seep into the box. Items loaded into the
StowAway2 should be appropriately protected during
wet conditions.
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Q. How much do StowAway2 Cargo Carriers
weigh?
A. StowAway2 Cargo Carriers
(including their frame) vary in weight from 57 to
99 pounds.
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Q. How much can StowAway2 Cargo
Carriers hold?
A. The MAX Swingaway and MAX
Sport Plus have 16 cubic feet of space and will
carry up to 200 pounds of gear. The standard
StowAway2 box has 12.5 cubic feet of capacity and
will carry up to 200 pounds of gear. The LT
Model and LT Swingaway model have 12.5 cubic feet
of capacity and will carry up to 125 pounds of
gear.
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Q. Do you offer the StowAway2 in
different colors?
A . StowAway2 Cargo Carriers are
offered in Black or White. Please indicate your
color choice when placing your order.
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Q. What material are StowAway2 Cargo
Carrier boxes made from?
A. StowAway2 Cargo Carrier Boxes
are molded from an ultra durable low-density
polyethylene, the same material used on
high-performance whitewater kayaks. Our
boxes have been repeatedly tested under severe
elements to ensure against cracking or failing.
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Q. Should I be concerned with my
vehicle's exhaust affecting the StowAway2?
A. As is the case with most plastics,
extreme heat can cause deformation. Most
vehicles feature an exhaust system that directs
the heat from its exhaust system down and away
from where the StowAway2 Cargo Carrier sits. If
your vehicles exhaust system points the exhaust
directly at your StowAway2 Cargo Carrier, you
should purchase an exhaust tip that direct the
exhaust down and away from the Carrier. As a
general guideline, the distance from the tip of
the tailpipe to your StowAway2 Cargo Carrier Box
should be a minimum of 14 inches. EXHAUST
WARNING Do not install the StowAway2
on a vehicle equipped with an exhaust system that
directs the engine exhaust toward the cargo box,
as damages to the box and its contents may occur.
The tailpipe must direct the exhaust away from
the cargo box, either downward or to the side. The
distance from the tip of the tailpipe to the cargo
box should be a minimum of 14. Do not install
the unit on a vehicle equipped with an aftermarket
exhaust system unless the exhaust tip directs the
exhaust away from the cargo box.
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Accessories
Questions
Q. I recently misplaced the keys to my
StowAway2. Can I get a new set?
A. Replacement keys can be
ordered by calling 800.943.5377. The cost is $10,
including postage. Expedited shipping options are
also available at an additional cost.
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Q. What is the Hitch-Coupling Tightener?
A. The Hitch-Coupling
Tightener reduces vibration by
eliminating "play" at the junction
between your hitch receiver and the StowAway2
frame. It is included with many but not all
Swingaway products. To see how the Hitch-Coupling
Tightener installs, click
here. (this is PDF file). This vibration does not affect the
performance or safety of the StowAway2 Cargo
Carrier, but can be a nuisance on uneven road
surfaces. This item is included FREE with
SwingAway Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier orders. Fixed
models can order this option.
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Q. Do I need the StowAway2 License
Plate Kit?
A. License plate requirements
vary state by state, but many states require your
vehicles rear license plate to be visible at
all times. We include a License
Plate Kit free with many SwingAway models, otherwise it is an optional
accessory item. The License Plate Kit mounts
to your Cargo Carrier box and plugs directly into
the StowAway2 wire harness.
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Q. The light bulb in my License Plate
Bracket and Kit burned out. Can I order a
replacement?
A. The model number for the light
bulb used in our License Plate Bracket and Kit is
C168. It can be found at your local automotive or
hardware store.
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Towing
Questions
Q. What can I safely tow with the
StowAway2 Towing Model? Will
my proposed setup work with the Towing Model?
Can I put a bike rack into the Towing Models
receiver hitch? What is the Towing Models
carrying capacity? What is the difference between
towing capacity and tongue weight capacity? How
does my vehicles tongue weight capacity affect
my StowAway2s carrying capacity?
A. Please refer to our StowAway2
Towing Guide for more information regarding:
towing safety guidelines, towing capacity, tongue
weight capacity, calculating the Towing Models
carrying capacity, bike rack compatibility and
whether your proposed towing setup will work with
our Towing Model.
Company
Questions
Q. What is the StowAway2 warranty?
A. StowAway2 offers a five-year
warranty. They, at their sole discretion, may replace or repair the cost of the defective unit.
You must provide proof of purchase. Contact
LakelandGear directly by email
and we will help facilitate your claim. Lakeland
Enterprises provides no warrnaty. Unless otherwise authorized, return transportation
charges must be prepaid by the purchaser.
LakelandGear.com Cargo Hitch Mount Cargo Boxes