rear hitch cargo carriers,, good or bad ?

Someone mentioned using a “rear hitch cargo carrier” in another thread and it got me to thinking about some cargo carriers I’ve seen while driving down the road.

Not all of the time, but many times, when I see these carriers I see them piled high with cargo. So much so, that I and other drivers cannot see the tail lights of the vehicle. I wonder if anyone has ever gotten pulled over and received a ticket for this?

I did see a carrier one time that had tail lights installed that plugged in just light trailer lights. Seems like maybe all carriers should be required to have working tail lights.

What are your thoughts on this?

I don’t think the lights should be required. I used to use one of these for hauling deer…never covered up my tail lights.

How many people driving today have their brake lights covered with snow?

SHould we mandate heaters are put into the brake lights because we can’t trust vehicle operators to keep themselves a little safer by exposing their brake lights?

I think that if tail lights are not exposed the person driving should be ticketed and the problem corrected. It is a matter of safety.

Quote:

---

I think that if tail lights are not exposed the person driving should be ticketed and the problem corrected. It is a matter of safety.

---

Yep! Enforce the laws that are in the books.
As for those racks they are great but the user must be mindfull and use common sence when using them.
I know common sence seems to be not used often.

Quote:

---

I think that if tail lights are not exposed the person driving should be ticketed and the problem corrected. It is a matter of safety.

---

Not to mention they usually cover the license plate. No reason to give a LEO a reason to stop you.

The extra cargo space would be nice but the one’s I’ve seen tend to wobble pretty good. Maybe they just aren’t loaded evenly.

I built a large hauler for my otter. With the shack on it the lights are about half covered. I installed a set of trailer lights recessed into the box tube like snowmobile trailers.
I agree, if you can not see the lights, there should be a ticket.

I saw someone using one to carry their auger, nice way to keep the gas smell out.

I’ve wanted to use one for the shanty, just not to have to lift it all the way into the truck. Never could pull the trigger after having a buddy tell me about his breaking off and sliding down the highway. Hitch portion stayed in, but the basket frame broke off with two coolers and a couple suit cases. Nothing too heavy. Sure this isn’t the norm, but can’t get over the thought. All the added road salt and splash wasn’t attractive either.

This said, no way should it cover the tail lights.

Quote:

---

Not to mention they usually cover the license plate. No reason to give a LEO a reason to stop you.

---

A boat trailer also obscures your license plate. Anyone ever gotten pulled over for that?

I have one, and I love it. I have a large SUV, two kids, and a large Great Dane, so it gives me some added cargo space. Great for camping when I load it with two coolers and two large tubs of camping stuff.

I do agree that your tail lights should be visible, though.