Short answer: the StowAway2 Standard is the one to buy if you want a lockable, enclosed box on a 2-inch receiver and your vehicle can carry it. Get the SwingAway frame if you ever need the hatch or doors with the box loaded. StowAway2 lists 12.5 cu ft of storage and a 200 lb maximum load, but also says the vehicle needs at least 350 lb of tongue-weight capacity, and the box with SwingAway frame weighs about 94 lb before you pack anything. Search Amazon for the StowAway2 Standard Hitch Cargo Box .
Before you load it, check your load against your vehicle, hitch and extender limits.
Specs from the maker
| Item | StowAway2 Standard |
|---|---|
| Storage | 12.5 cu ft (the page also says 16 cu ft in one line; we use 12.5) |
| Outside size | 49 x 21 x 24 in |
| Inside size | 47 x 19 x 22 in |
| Weight | about 47 lb box alone; about 94 lb with SwingAway frame |
| Maximum load | 200 lb on a 2-inch receiver; 125 lb on a 1.25-inch receiver |
| Vehicle requirement | at least 350 lb tongue-weight capacity; Class 3 or 4 hitch for 2 inch, Class 2 for 1.25 inch |
| Lighting | LED taillights with brake and turn function; lighted plate bracket |
| Warranty | 10-year limited |
| Price | Check the current complete frame-and-box package |
Source: StowAway2 Standard Cargo Carrier page .
Which frame
- SwingAway: swings up to 180 degrees and locks at 90 degrees, to provide rear access when the actual vehicle and door clearances permit it. Rise is 2 to 5 inches depending on the vehicle.
- Wide-Swing SwingAway: lets a passenger-side door open up to 90 degrees; StowAway2 aims it at vans and side-hinged doors.
- Fixed: about 7 inches of rise, 2-inch receivers only, and it may need a hitch extender on some vehicles. It is lighter on the wallet but gives up the feature that defines this box.
Standard or Max
The Max is a separate, larger box (16 cu ft). Do not mix its numbers with the Standard’s. The Standard suits small to mid-size SUVs, trucks and vans, per StowAway2. Pick on how much you pack and how much weight your hitch will take, not on volume alone: a densely packed box hits the tongue-weight limit before it fills up.
Trade-offs
- Weight and cost. About 94 lb of empty carrier is part of the load on your hitch. Add cargo and the total can approach a small vehicle’s limit.
- Exhaust. StowAway2 says rear-facing exhaust may need a shield or tip.
- Not for off-road. StowAway2 states it is not intended for off-road use.
- Storage. Decide where a box and frame of this size live when off the vehicle.
Alternatives
- Open basket for muddy or oversized items: see our hitch carrier shortlist .
- Modular Yakima system with a smaller 10 cu ft box: the Yakima EXO GearLocker review .
- Roof box when the receiver is needed for bikes: the rooftop cargo box shortlist .
How to decide
- Read the vehicle manual for tongue-weight and hitch ratings; meet the maker’s minimum 350 lb tongue-capacity requirement and accommodate the full carrier-plus-load weight under the applicable vehicle and hitch limits.
- Choose SwingAway if the rear opening matters on a trip.
- Check the tail lights, plate visibility and exhaust position with the box on.
- Check clearance for bumper, spare tire and your driveway angle.
Sources
See Also
If you are weighing this model, also compare it with MaxxHaul 50027 Review: A Budget 2-Bike Rack With Important Limits, Extang Trifecta 2.0 Tonneau Cover Review: Fit, Features, and Trade-Offs, and Hitch Cargo Carrier Weight Limit Calculator.
For broader context before you decide, Roof Rack Load Rating: What It Means and How to Check It and Best Receiver Hitch Brands for Beginners: Start With Exact Vehicle Fit help round out the trade-offs.