The Best Van Life Cargo Carrier? StowAway 2 (Full Review after 1 Year)
My one-year review of the StowAway 2 Hitch-Mounted Swing-Out Cargo Carrier—specifically, the Max model. I'll share my experiences, custom modifications, a neat trick I discovered, and some key considerations if you're thinking about adding one to your rig. So, is it worth the hefty price? Let’s dive in!.
Links to products, devices and gear featured in this video
Hey everyone, it's Ray! Welcome back to the blog. If you're new here, I cover all things van life, from DIY minivan camping to gear that makes life on the road easier.
Putting the StowAway 2 to the Test
From Arizona to the Jersey Shore, I’ve driven thousands of miles with this cargo carrier in all sorts of conditions. Smooth highways, bumpy backroads, and even rugged off-road trails in the National Forest—it’s been through it all. I’ve loaded this massive storage box with a ton of gear, including:
- Two five-gallon buckets
- A generator
- A folding toilet
- A camp chair
- A step ladder
- An outdoor rug
Even though I stay under the max weight limit, I noticed that swinging the carrier all the way out puts significant stress on the hitch mount. To counter this, I added a stabilizer jack to the bottom of the frame—a mod that has made a big difference. More on that later!
The Basics of the StowAway 2
This review isn’t sponsored—I bought my StowAway 2 used on Facebook Marketplace. It’s an enclosed, hitch-mounted cargo box designed for extra storage on your car, van, or SUV. The key features include:
- A sturdy swing-away steel frame for easy access to your rear hatch or doors
- A locking, waterproof cargo box with a drain plug
- Tiny drain holes in the rim channel to route rainwater away from your gear
- A lid that stays open for easy loading
- Built-in turn signals, brake lights, and license plate illumination
- Made in the USA
StowAway 2 comes in two sizes: Standard and Max. Here’s how they compare:
| Model | Weight | Storage Capacity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 47 lbs | 12.5 cu ft | 49” L x 21” W x 24” H |
| Max | 52 lbs | 16 cu ft | 51” L x 23” W x 26” H |
Some optional accessories include an exhaust shield plate, an LED light upgrade, reflective safety tape, and a buffet board insert that converts the cargo box into a serving table.
Why I Chose the Max Model
The extra 3.5 cubic feet of storage in the Max model was great, but what really sold me was the additional 2 inches of interior height. This made it possible to store my spare tire inside the box—a game-changer! No more crawling under the van to get the spare in an emergency.
I made a simple modification to install a spare tire mount by drilling a hole and adding a long threaded bolt inside the box, reinforced with steel plates and butyl sealing tape to keep it watertight. Later, when I no longer needed to store the spare inside, I flipped the bolt around to the outside of the box. Now, I can use it to mount a camp chair, a small ladder, or traction boards.
A Trick for 1 1/4” Hitch Receivers
Here’s a little-known trick: If you have a 1 1/4” hitch and want to use the Max model (which normally only comes with a 2” hitch mount frame), you can order the frame and the box separately. This isn’t something StowAway recommends, but it works. However, keep weight limitations in mind. The cargo limit for a 2” receiver is 200 lbs, but if you have a 1 1/4” receiver like I do, it drops to 125 lbs.
Understanding Tongue Weight
Before adding any hitch-mounted cargo carrier, it’s crucial to calculate your vehicle’s tongue weight limit. My minivan has a max towing capacity of 2,500 lbs, which means my safe tongue weight (10-15% of towing capacity) is about 375 lbs. However, my Class 2 hitch is only rated for 350 lbs, so I have to keep my cargo weight within that limit.
Stabilizer Jack Modification
Because my loaded cargo carrier weighs 223 lbs, I wanted to reduce the stress on my hitch and swing-out arm. I installed a stabilizer jack to support the weight. Here’s how:
- Test fit the jack in its folded position to ensure it wouldn’t interfere with the box.
- Removed the box and positioned the jack to maintain ground clearance.
- Marked the mounting position with painter’s tape.
- Hired a professional welder to attach it for $50.
- Repainted the welded areas with Rust-Oleum black spray paint.
- Lubricated the jack with white lithium grease to prevent rust.
Final Thoughts: Is the StowAway 2 Worth It?
After a full year of use, I can confidently say the StowAway 2 is worth it if you need secure, weatherproof storage that doesn’t block access to your rear hatch. It’s well-designed, durable, and incredibly useful for van life and road trips.
However, there are two downsides:
- The cost. At around $1,100 new, it’s expensive!
- Limited access in tight spaces. You need enough room to fully swing it open, which can be tricky in small parking spots.
For me, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. If you found this review helpful, please like and subscribe to my channel for more van life content. Thanks for reading, and happy travels!