Best Swing Away Hitch Cargo Carrier for Rear Access
A strong swing-away hitch cargo carrier adds usable storage while letting you move the loaded setup aside to reach your vehicle’s rear; it suits road-trippers and campers who need both cargo space and hatch access. The StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame leads this group with 16 cubic feet of enclosed storage, a 200-pound capacity, and a frame designed to swing away without removing the carrier. Other choices include the 12.5-cubic-foot StowAway Standard, Yakima’s 10-cubic-foot GearLocker system, and swing-away adapters for shoppers who already own a rack or basket.
Match the product type to your gear first: a complete cargo box is not interchangeable with an adapter, and capacity figures do not by themselves confirm vehicle compatibility.
The StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame is the strongest match for shoppers who want a complete, enclosed swing-away cargo carrier. It provides 16 cubic feet of storage and a 200-pound capacity, with a patented frame that swings away for rear-door, liftgate, or tailgate access without removing the carrier. Choose it when enclosed storage and access are priorities; consider the StowAway Standard for a smaller box, or an adapter if you already have a separate rack or basket.
Our Top Picks
Best OverallIts enclosed box offers 16 cubic feet of storage and a 200-pound capacity, while the patented swingaway frame preserves rear access without carrier removal.
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Best Smaller BoxStowAway Standard Cargo Carrier
This complete swing-away cargo box holds 12.5 cubic feet and 200 pounds, with a locking latch, taillights, license plate bracket, and drain plug.
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Best Modular SystemYakima EXO SwingBase GearLocker
The included GearLocker provides 10 cubic feet of enclosed storage, and the loaded SwingBase moves aside in one motion for rear vehicle access.
View on Amazon- Highest Listed Capacity Kuat Pivot XD
Compare swing-away cargo carrier options
| # | Product | Weight | Material | Compatible with Vehicle Type | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. StowAway Max Cargo BoxBest Overall | 99 lb | LLDPE and Steel | — | View on Amazon |
| 2 | 2. StowAway Standard Cargo CarrierBest Smaller Box | 94 lb | Plastic | — | View on Amazon |
| 3 | 3. Yakima EXO SwingBase GearLockerBest Modular System | — | Aluminium, Plastic | — | View on Amazon |
| 4 | 4. Kuat Pivot XDHighest Listed Capacity | 68 lb | — | Car | View on Amazon |
| 5 | 5. Aurvest Swing Away Hitch AdapterPassenger-side full-swing access | — | Alloy Steel | Car | View on Amazon |
| 6 | 6. Young Electric Swing Away HitchBasic 250-pound swing adapter | — | Alloy Steel | Car, Truck, Van | View on Amazon |
| 7 | 7. Saris Swing Away Hitch AdapterSwing-away rack adapter users | 30 lb | Steel | Hitch | View on Amazon |
Detailed Reviews: Best Swing Away Hitch Cargo Carrier

#1 · Best Overall
1. StowAway Max Cargo Box
- Weight: 99 lb
- Material: LLDPE and Steel
Best for: Road-trip storage for larger loads.
Why it ranks #1: Its enclosed box offers 16 cubic feet of storage and a 200-pound capacity, while the patented swingaway frame preserves rear access without carrier removal.
The StowAway MAX pairs a 16-cubic-foot cargo box with a patented swingaway frame, adding substantial enclosed storage while still letting you reach rear doors, liftgates, or tailgates without removing the carrier. Its 200-pound capacity suits travelers who need more room for road trips, camping, or other travel gear.
The 51-by-23-by-26-inch LLDPE-and-steel box provides a defined cargo space, while the 16-cubic-foot volume helps move luggage and camping equipment out of the vehicle cabin. The swingaway frame pivots the loaded carrier away for rear access, so opening a liftgate does not require unloading the box first. Included hitch tightener and license plate bracket round out the supplied components. At 99 pounds, the carrier itself is a substantial item to handle during installation or storage.
- 16 cubic feet of cargo storage
- 200-pound capacity
- Swingaway frame allows rear access without removing carrier
- Includes hitch tightener and license plate bracket
- The carrier itself weighs 99 pounds.
Skip it if you need a lighter carrier to handle during installation; the listed unit weighs 99 pounds.
Choose this for road trips, camping, and travel when enclosed 16-cubic-foot storage and rear access matter. The 200-pound capacity is a load limit, and the 99-pound carrier weight is worth factoring into handling.
Full product details
| Brand | StowAway |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Included Components | Includes Cargo Box, Swingaway Frame, Hitch Tightener and License Plate Bracket |
| Dimensions | 51"L x 23"W x 26"H |
| Item Weight | 99 pounds |
| Manufacturer | StowAway Cargo Carriers |
| Part Number | 024.3Dual |
| Material | LLDPE and Steel |
| Model Number | 024.3Dual |
Listed on Amazon as: StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame | Black
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#2 · Best Smaller Box
2. StowAway Standard Cargo Carrier
- Weight: 94 lb
- Material: Plastic
Best for: Compact SUV cargo-box setup.
Why it ranks #2: This complete swing-away cargo box holds 12.5 cubic feet and 200 pounds, with a locking latch, taillights, license plate bracket, and drain plug.
The StowAway Standard combines a 12.5-cubic-foot box with a swingaway frame, adding enclosed space while allowing rear doors, a liftgate, or a tailgate to open. Its 200-pound capacity and 49-by-21-by-24-inch dimensions make it a defined-size option listed as ideal for small- to mid-size SUVs, trucks, and vans.
The 12.5-cubic-foot box provides room for gear outside the cabin, and the frame swings out so the vehicle’s rear doors or liftgate remain accessible without removing the carrier. A 200-pound limit sets the maximum listed gear load. The box includes a locking latch, taillights, license plate bracket, and drain plug; the drain plug supports cleaning, while the dimensions help buyers assess the carrier’s physical footprint. The listed weight is 94 pounds.
- 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space
- 200-pound gear capacity
- Swingaway frame allows rear access
- Includes locking latch, taillights, license plate bracket, and drain plug
- Its 12.5-cubic-foot volume is less than the StowAway MAX’s 16 cubic feet.
Skip it if you need more than 12.5 cubic feet of box space; the StowAway MAX lists 16 cubic feet.
A good match for small- to mid-size SUVs, trucks, or vans needing enclosed gear space and swingaway rear access. Its 12.5-cubic-foot volume and 200-pound load limit define the capacity boundary.
Full product details
| Brand | StowAway |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 49"L x 21"W x 24"H |
| Item Weight | 94 pounds |
| Manufacturer | StowAway Cargo Carriers |
| Part Number | 022.3Black2 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 10 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty |
| Material | Plastic |
Listed on Amazon as: StowAway Standard Cargo Carrier with SwingAway Frame for 2" Hitch- Black
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#3 · Best Modular System
3. Yakima EXO SwingBase GearLocker
- Material: Aluminium, Plastic
Best for: One-motion hatch access.
Why it ranks #3: The included GearLocker provides 10 cubic feet of enclosed storage, and the loaded SwingBase moves aside in one motion for rear vehicle access.
Yakima’s EXO SwingBase swings a loaded GearLocker away from the vehicle in one motion, letting you reach the trunk or hatch without unloading your gear. The included cargo box offers 10 cubic feet for luggage, camping equipment, tools, or outdoor gear, and the base converts a 2-inch hitch into a foldable cargo platform.
The 10-cubic-foot GearLocker gives gear a contained place outside the vehicle, while the one-motion swing action preserves access to the rear cargo area with the box loaded. That can simplify stops when luggage or camping equipment remains packed. The EXO SwingBase is specified for a 2-inch hitch and folds as a cargo platform, tying its hitch compatibility and storage workflow to vehicles with that receiver size. The listed materials are aluminum and plastic.
- Includes 10-cubic-foot GearLocker cargo box
- Swings loaded setup away in one motion
- Rear trunk, hatch, or cargo-area access without unloading
- Converts a 2-inch hitch into a foldable cargo platform
- The included GearLocker provides 10 cubic feet of storage.
Skip it if you need more than 10 cubic feet of cargo-box space; the StowAway MAX lists 16 cubic feet.
A practical choice for travelers carrying luggage, tools, or camping gear who want to reach a rear hatch without unloading. Its included GearLocker is 10 cubic feet, so consider that limit when sizing cargo needs.
Full product details
| Brand | Yakima |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Manufacturer | Yakima |
| Part Number | + |
| Material | Aluminium, Plastic |
Listed on Amazon as: Yakima EXO SwingBase Hitch Base Rack with GearLocker Cargo Box, Black
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#4 · Highest Listed Capacity
4. Kuat Pivot XD
- Weight: 68 lb
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Car
Best for: Heavy-load swing-away setups.
Why it ranks #4: Its swing-away design offers 90- and 120-degree positions and a listed 350-pound capacity, but the supplied details do not include a cargo box.
Kuat’s Pivot XD supports up to 350 pounds and swings to 90- or 120-degree positions, combining a high stated load limit with adjustable rear access. Its passenger-side swing lets a driver move a rack or carrier aside to reach the tailgate without removing the mounted equipment.
The 350-pound capacity makes the Pivot XD a fit for heavier rack or carrier setups, while the two stated swing positions offer options for clearing the rear of the vehicle. Passenger-side operation establishes which direction the assembly moves, an important consideration for parking and access. The product is described as an upgrade to the Pivot V2, and the listing also mentions support for up to four bikes at 150 pounds maximum, excluding rack weight; keep that separate from the 350-pound capacity statement.
- 350-pound stated capacity
- Swings to 90- and 120-degree positions
- Passenger-side swing action
- Listed bike support is up to four bikes and 150 pounds, excluding rack weight
- The 150-pound bike limit excludes the rack weight.
Skip it if you need a stated bike limit above 150 pounds excluding rack weight; Saris lists 250 pounds for rack and bikes combined.
Consider the Pivot XD for a heavier setup needing passenger-side swing access and selectable 90- or 120-degree positions. Check the specific load context: the listing separately caps bike support at 150 pounds excluding rack weight.
Full product details
| Brand | Kuat |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Car |
| Item Weight | 68 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Kuat Racks |
| Part Number | PXDP20B |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Limited Warranty |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 350 pounds |
| Model Number | PXDP20B |
Listed on Amazon as: KUAT Pivot XD Heavy-Duty Swing Away Hitch
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#5
5. Aurvest Swing Away Hitch Adapter
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Car
Best for: Passenger-side full-swing access.
Why it ranks #5: This 2-inch receiver adapter swings up to 180 degrees and lists a 320-pound maximum, suiting buyers who already have a compatible carrier.
Aurvest’s swing arm moves up to 180 degrees toward the passenger side, giving a loaded rack or cargo carrier a broad swing path for opening a trunk or tailgate without unloading gear. It fits standard 2-inch hitch receivers on cars, trucks, and SUVs, with a stated maximum capacity of 320 pounds.
The 0-to-180-degree swing range gives users a way to move attached gear aside for rear access, while passenger-side movement identifies the direction of that clearance. Its stated 2-inch receiver fit covers cars, trucks, and SUVs, so the hitch size is the key compatibility check. The alloy-steel adapter is supplied as a swing-away hitch adapter, rather than as a cargo box or carrier; buyers need their own compatible gear to attach.
- Swings up to 180 degrees
- Passenger-side swing direction
- Fits standard 2-inch hitch receivers
- 320-pound maximum capacity
- The adapter does not include a cargo box or carrier.
Skip it if you need an included enclosed cargo box; the Yakima EXO SwingBase includes a 10-cubic-foot GearLocker.
Choose this adapter if your 2-inch-hitch setup needs passenger-side clearance up to 180 degrees. It is an extension for attached gear, not a cargo carrier itself, so plan to pair it with compatible equipment.
Full product details
| Brand | Aurvest |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Car |
| Included Components | Swing Away Hitch Adapter |
| Manufacturer | Aurvest |
| Part Number | WGG01 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 1-year after-sales service |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Model Number | WGG01 |
Listed on Amazon as: Swing Away Hitch Adapter for 2” Receiver, 0-180 Degree Heavy Duty Swing Arm Bike Rack Extension, 320 lbs Max Weight Capacity Cargo Carrier Adapter for SUV, Truck, Car (Passenger Side Swing)
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#6
6. Young Electric Swing Away Hitch
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Car, Truck, Van
Best for: Basic 250-pound swing adapter.
Why it ranks #6: The adapter is listed for a 2-inch hitch and a 250-pound capacity, and includes a hitch tightener and anti-rattle lock hitch pin.
Young Electric’s swing-away hitch provides a 250-pound capacity in an alloy-steel assembly for bike racks or cargo carrier baskets. It is listed for cars, trucks, and vans, and the included hitch tightener and M16 anti-rattle lock hitch pin give buyers named mounting hardware alongside the swing-away component.
This product is an adapter for a bike rack or cargo carrier basket, not a listed cargo box, so its role is to add swing-away movement to compatible hitch-mounted gear. The 250-pound capacity sets the stated load ceiling. Its alloy-steel construction and included hitch tightener and M16 anti-rattle lock hitch pin describe the supplied hardware, while the stated vehicle types include cars, trucks, and vans. The listing specifies a 2-inch hitch swing-away.
- 250-pound load capacity
- For bike racks and cargo carrier baskets
- Alloy-steel construction
- Includes hitch tightener and M16 anti-rattle lock hitch pin
- The stated 250-pound capacity limits heavier rack-and-cargo setups.
Skip it if you need a stated capacity above 250 pounds; Kuat’s Pivot XD lists a 350-pound capacity.
Consider this for a compatible 2-inch hitch setup carrying a bike rack or cargo basket up to the stated 250-pound limit. It is an adapter, so the rack or basket must be supplied separately.
Full product details
| Brand | Young Electric |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Car, Truck, Van |
| Included Components | Hitch Tightener, M16 Anti-Rattle Lock Hitch Pin, Swing Away |
| Item Dimensions | 34.44 x 9.44 x 8.07 inches |
| Dimensions | 34.44 x 9.44 x 8.07 inches |
| Load Capacity | 250 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Young Electric |
| Part Number | 10104189 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | One-year warranty |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Model Number | 10104189 |
Listed on Amazon as: Young 250LBS Swing Away Hitch for Bike Rack and Cargo Carrier Basket, Black
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#7
7. Saris Swing Away Hitch Adapter
- Weight: 30 lb
- Material: Steel
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Hitch
Best for: Swing-away rack adapter users.
Why it ranks #7: It pivots 90 degrees and supports up to 250 pounds, but its description focuses on bike-rack use rather than a complete cargo carrier.
The Saris adapter pivots 90 degrees to open hatch access without removing bikes or cargo, making it an add-on for users who want rear access with a rack still loaded. It fits 2-inch hitch receivers and supports up to 250 pounds of combined rack and bike weight.
Because this is a swing-away adapter rather than a cargo box, it adds pivoting access to compatible hitch-mounted gear instead of supplying enclosed storage. Its 90-degree swing can clear the hatch without taking bikes or cargo off first, while the 250-pound rack-plus-bike limit gives a stated ceiling for the carried setup. The 2-inch receiver compatibility narrows fit to that hitch size. Steel construction and a 30-pound listed weight are relevant when planning handling and mounting.
- Pivots 90 degrees for hatch access
- Supports up to 250 pounds of rack and bike weight
- Compatible with 2-inch hitch receivers
- Steel construction
- The 250-pound limit includes the rack and bikes together.
Skip it if you need an included cargo box rather than an adapter; the Yakima EXO SwingBase comes with a 10-cubic-foot GearLocker.
Pick this adapter for a 2-inch hitch setup where hatch access matters while a rack and bikes remain attached. Keep the combined rack-and-bike load within 250 pounds; it does not provide a cargo box.
Full product details
| Brand | Saris |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Hitch |
| Included Components | Swing Away Accessory 2" Hitch |
| Item Dimensions | 30 x 25 x 10 inches |
| Item Weight | 30 pounds |
| Dimensions | 30 x 25 x 10 inches |
| Load Capacity | 250 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Saris |
| Part Number | 4430 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 2 year manufacturer, Saris Cycling Group, Inc (SCG), parent company of Saris Racks, warrants our product to the original consumer to be free from defects in materials and workmanship. Please retain your sales slip for your records, as proof of purchase will be required. |
| Material | Steel |
| Model Number | Saris |
Listed on Amazon as: Swing Away Hitch Adapter by Saris | 2" Receiver, 250 lb Capacity | Easy Access & Foldable | Black Alloy Steel | Made in The USA
View on AmazonAvoid clearance and capacity mismatches
A swing-away arm does not guarantee that every hatch will clear the carrier; check the vehicle’s rear shape, hitch position, and the carrier’s loaded dimensions before choosing. The StowAway Max measures 51 by 23 by 26 inches, while the Standard is 49 by 21 by 24 inches, so the larger box may suit more gear but also occupies more space behind the vehicle. A second trap is treating an adapter’s listed capacity as the vehicle’s usable payload.
The Saris lists 250 pounds for rack plus bike weight, and the Kuat lists 350 pounds, but these figures do not establish your hitch or vehicle’s allowable load. The Kuat description also separately mentions a 150-pound maximum for up to four bikes, excluding rack weight.
Confirm limits and clearances for the complete setup, not just the swing arm.
A cargo box and a swing arm solve different problems
A complete box adds storage, while a swing-away adapter mainly changes access for a separately owned rack or carrier. That distinction matters because the StowAway Max and Standard include cargo boxes with 16 and 12.5 cubic feet of space, respectively; the Yakima EXO includes a 10-cubic-foot GearLocker. By contrast, Saris, Kuat, Aurvest, and Young Electric are swing-away hardware options in the supplied descriptions, not equivalent ready-to-load enclosed boxes.
An adapter can be the right choice if you already own compatible gear, but the product details here do not confirm fit with every basket, rack, or vehicle. Check receiver size, attachment compatibility, and the complete loaded setup before buying.
If you need weather-protected, dedicated storage in one package, prioritize the boxed systems; if you need to move existing equipment away from the hatch, investigate an adapter.
How to Choose a Swing-Away Hitch Carrier
Complete box or adapter
First decide whether you need storage included or only a swing-away mechanism for gear you already own. The StowAway Max and Standard are complete boxes with 16 and 12.5 cubic feet of storage; Yakima includes a 10-cubic-foot GearLocker. The Saris, Kuat, Aurvest, and Young Electric listings describe swing-away hardware rather than a comparable included cargo box.
A complete system favours buyers starting without a carrier, while an adapter may suit someone with an existing rack or basket. Verify that the adapter fits that specific gear, since the supplied product details do not establish universal compatibility.
Capacity and storage volume
Compare both the stated weight limit and the amount of storage, rather than choosing by one number alone. The StowAway boxes each list a 200-pound capacity, with 16 cubic feet in the Max and 12.5 in the Standard; Yakima’s GearLocker offers 10 cubic feet. Adapter listings range from Saris at 250 pounds to Aurvest at 320 pounds and Kuat at 350 pounds, but those figures do not mean the adapters provide box storage.
The larger StowAway Max favours trips with bulkier cargo, while the Standard or Yakima may suit shoppers needing less volume. For every option, check vehicle and hitch limits for the fully loaded setup.
Fit, dimensions, and rear access
Look at receiver fit, physical size, and the type of swing movement before settling on a carrier. The StowAway Max measures 51 by 23 by 26 inches and the Standard 49 by 21 by 24 inches; both are described for swinging clear of rear access. The Yakima system is described for a 2-inch hitch and swings away in one motion.
Among adapters, Saris pivots 90 degrees, while Aurvest advertises movement up to 180 degrees; Kuat specifies 90- and 120-degree positions. A smaller box favours buyers concerned about rear space, while a wider swing range may appeal when hatch clearance is the priority.
Confirm vehicle-specific clearance rather than assuming an angle guarantees access.
Which Swing-Away Hitch Carrier Should You Choose?
For an enclosed carrier with the most stated storage, choose the StowAway Max Cargo Box: its 16 cubic feet and 200-pound capacity make it the leading all-in-one option. Pick the StowAway Standard Cargo Carrier if you want a smaller complete box, with 12.5 cubic feet and the same listed capacity. The Yakima EXO SwingBase GearLocker suits buyers who prefer its 10-cubic-foot box and one-motion swing-away system.
If you already own a rack or basket, consider the Aurvest Swing Away Hitch Adapter for its listed 320-pound limit, or the Young Electric Swing Away Hitch and Saris Swing Away Hitch Adapter at 250 pounds. The Kuat Pivot XD lists 350 pounds and multiple swing positions, but confirm the intended load and compatibility before choosing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check whether a swing-away carrier will clear my vehicle’s hatch?
Check the carrier’s swing direction and measure the space needed for its arm and load to move away from the vehicle. Compare those measurements with your hatch or tailgate’s opening path, bumper, and nearby obstacles. Confirm access with the intended load in place, since the carrier’s position can affect clearance.
How much weight can my hitch and vehicle safely support with a swing-away carrier?
Use the lowest applicable limit among your vehicle, hitch, swing-away component, and carrier or rack. Include the weight of the carrier and adapter when calculating the total load, and check the vehicle and component instructions for limits and loading guidance. Do not rely on an adapter’s listed capacity alone.
Will a swing-away adapter work with my existing cargo basket or rack?
It may, but confirm that the adapter matches your receiver size and that the rack or basket can attach securely to it. Check the combined load against every component’s limit, and verify that the loaded setup can swing without striking the vehicle or nearby obstacles.
Do all swing-away options include an enclosed cargo box?
No. The StowAway Max, StowAway Standard, and Yakima EXO GearLocker listings identify cargo boxes. The other listed products are adapters or swing-away hitch components, so they are for use with a separate rack or basket rather than an included enclosed box.
What should I compare when choosing between the enclosed carriers?
Compare stated storage, capacity, and the access mechanism. The StowAway Max lists 16 cubic feet and a 200-pound capacity; the Standard lists 12.5 cubic feet and the same capacity. The Yakima EXO GearLocker lists 10 cubic feet and a one-motion swing-away system.
Check fit and vehicle limits before deciding.
Final Words
For a complete enclosed setup with the most stated storage, the StowAway Max is the clearest fit: it lists 16 cubic feet, a 200-pound capacity, and swing-away access. Choose the StowAway Standard for a smaller box, or the Yakima EXO if its 10-cubic-foot box and one-motion system suit your needs. If you already own a basket or rack, compare adapter limits and compatibility, then confirm vehicle, hitch, and load clearances before buying.
