Swing-out cargo carrier for SUVs

There's a fine balance between having a vehicle that's big enough to carry all your outdoor toys but small enough that it doesn't destroy your budget — or the environment.

Fortunately, for those of us with small SUVs, there's a new option to ensure we can tote all our camping gear, as well as our toys, with us when we take the family to the mountains (or the beach, desert or river, for that matter).

Oregon-based Ironwood Pacific offers the StowAway2 LT Swingaway cargo carrier. This hitch-mounted cargo carrier is specifically designed for the Class II (1 ¼-inch) hitch receivers found on today's small SUVs. The LT Swingaway model features a durable steel frame that fits into your hitch receiver while supporting a large, high-impact plastic, top-loading container.

This molded box is big enough to swallow all my car camping gear, propane stove, large wall tent, folding chairs, sleeping bags, pads, etc., without overloading the hitch-load rating. The box has a secure locking mechanism, and functional taillights on the unit are wired to plug into standard four-prong hitch wiring ports.

Of course, hitch-mounted gear haulers are nothing new — there are plenty of boxy units and simple tray-style racks out there that can hold gear. But the LT Swingaway unit stands apart from others thanks to the feature that gives it its name — the ability to swing away from the automobile so you can quickly and easily access the back hatch.

For safety while driving, the heavy-duty swing arm locks securely in place by way of a pin through the hinge, a quick-release clasp at the end of the arm, and a screw-in T-bolt. This trio of secure measures keeps the box firmly in place, but it's a matter of seconds to release all three and swing the box out at a 90-degree angle when you need to get into the hatch.

The box does sway a bit when loaded since its only attach point to the vehicle is at the hitch receiver in the center of the box. But with a little planning to keep contents evenly distributed, the unit rides so smoothly it is easy to forget it is there.

This cargo carrier is one of the best tools I've found to increase the functionality of my small SUV. With a couple of backpacks, a pair of paragliders, a large Labrador retriever and all our car-camping gear, the Ford Escape I drive is frequently packed to the gills. With the LT Swingaway I've been able to load and go with a lot less headache and far more comfort.

For those of you who still have large SUVs and would like a little extra room, there are full-sized cargo boxes, too (called the Stowaway line).

The LT Swingaway unit sells for $499. For more information, see www.stowaway2.com.

— Dan A. Nelson, special to The Seattle Times

For the purpose of review, gear manufacturers lend products to the Times' freelance reviewer, who returns products after a typical use of 4-6 weeks. There is no payment from manufacturers and they have no control over the content of reviews. Dan A. Nelson of Puyallup is a regular contributor to Backpacker magazine, and an author of outdoor guides with The Mountaineers Books. Contact him with gear-related questions at gearguy@adventuresnw.net