Hitch Cargo Carrier Clearance Around Spare Tires or Ladders

If your vehicle has a rear-mounted spare tire or ladder, please choose a Swing Away Hitch Cargo Carrier. The Fixed Hitch Cargo Carriers will not work on these vehicles. The same goes for RV's that have rear mounted spare tires or ladders - the Swing Away Hitch Mounted Carrier is the best bet. We want to help you make the proper choice, so if you have any questions, please contact us at 1-888-301-GEAR.

Please be sure to include your vehicle's Year/Make/Model when ordering.

Swing Away Hitch Cargo Carrier Clearance

With StowAway2 Swing Away Hitch Cargo Carriers, we determine spare tire or ladder clearance by measuring the "X Distance" from the outer most hitch pin hole to the back edge of the spare tire or ladder.  We do not add extra distance for the cargo carriers lid to open because the carrier can be swung out prior to opening the box.

Our Swing Away frames are available in multiple lengths to accommodate an "X Distance" of  9.75", 12.75, or 14.25" (and even up to 16.75" with a hitch extender).  Please be sure to include your vehicles Year/Make/Model when ordering.  We choose the proper frame length to guarantee the correct clearance on your vehicle.  If you are planning to use your box or cargo platform on more than one vehicle, please let us know and we will ensure a proper fit for all of them.

See the Clearance Table Below to see your Swing Away Cargo Carrier options. Swing Away Hitch Carriers are most often used on SUVs and other vehicles that require access to a rear lift door.

Fixed Hitch Cargo Carrier Clearance

With StowAway2 Fixed Frame Hitch Cargo Carriers, we determine clearance by measuring the "X Distance" from the outer most hitch pin hole to the back edge of the vehicle which should be the rear edge of the bumper. The Fixed Cargo Carriers are available in one frame size only which has an "X Distance" of 2".  On most vehicles the hitch pin hole is less than two inches from the rear edge of the bumper (in some cases, the hitch opening may protrude beyond the rear edge of the bumper, bringing the hitch pin hole even to or just past the rear edge of the bumper).

If your vehicle's "X Distance" is less than 2", you will have no problem using a Fixed Hitch Cargo Carrier. You might still be wondering if the cargo carrier's lid will have enough clearance to open. The carriers' lids are 6" in height. The frame arm for the Basic Fixed Carrier is 8.5" and the frame arm for the Standard and Max Fixed Carriers is 8".  The length of the arms allow the boxes' lids to open without any trouble. 

Depending on the "X Distance" of the vehicle, the box's lid may open over the bumper. On most vehicles, the bumper sticks out 6-8" from the rear of the vehicle and the rear of the vehicle tapers inward. These two factors allow the the lid to gain the 6" clearance that it needs regardless.

Please be sure to include your vehicles Year/Make/Model when ordering.  We will double check that the Fixed Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier will have the correct clearance on your vehicle.  If you are planning to use your box or cargo platform on more than one vehicle, please let us know and we will ensure a proper fit for all of them.

See the Clearance Table Below to see your Swing Away Cargo Carrier options. Fixed Hitch Carriers are most often used on RVs and other vehicles that do not require access to a rear lift door.

Hitch Cargo Carrier Clearance Table

Truck Tailgate Clearance

In most cases, StowAway2 Swing Away Hitch Mount Cargo Carriers will allow pickup truck bed access when the carrier is attached. StowAway2 Fixed Cargo Carriers will not allow the tailgate of the pickup truck to be lowered when the carrier is attached.

To determine if you will be able to lower the tailgate of your truck when the cargo carrier is attached, please measure the horizontal distance from the center of your hitch pin hole to the back edge of your open tailgate.  This measurement is marked red in the diagram below.

The swing away models can accommodate an "X Distance" up to a maximum of 25.5 inches.  This distance reflects the maximum clearance that swing away carriers offer when they are swung out to the 90 degree position.  Please note your truck's year, make and model when ordering to ensure a proper fit. We will select the appropriate frame for your Cargo Carrier or Rack to provide the proper "X Distance" for your truck.