Review on CURT 18100 Aluminum Tray Hitch Cargo Carrier: 60 x 20-Inch, 500 lbs Capacity, Foldable 2-in Shank for Added Convenience by Mark Meyer

This was installed on my 4th generation Toyota 4Runner. I am very satisfied with this product after changing it. After learning from other reviewers, I immediately screwed a 1/2 inch piece of plywood to the bottom. That made a big difference and made it much stronger. I also used a hitch stabilizer I bought from Revain (CZC AUTO Hitch Tightener). Without these mods I would give this product 3 stars but that makes it a solid 5. You will need to put plywood on top of it like I did if you plan to carry anything heavier than sleeping bags and empty coolers on top. Otherwise the floor will sag and tip from side to side. I also put reflective stickers on it for extra safety. I chose this product for its lightness. The steels I have tried before are sturdier out of the box, but they are very heavy and (for me) difficult to lift without the help of another person. This aluminum I can easily install and remove even with a plywood floor. With the cost of plywood and decals, it's still a lot cheaper and a lot lighter than most steel of the same size and quality. I love that it folds up when not in use and rides very neatly and firmly (with the stabilizer bar mentioned above). Of course, when folded it blocks the tailgate, but flipping it up and down is very easy with a single pin. I drove this hitch carrier empty and folded from California to Arkansas (3600+ miles). In Arkansas, I loaded it up with very heavy coolers (a little over 500 pounds, which is the advertised limit for this carrier) and made it to California. In any case, you must distribute the load evenly and secure it very well. Tying is easy as many holes are strategically placed. The straps also easily snag on the bottom if you can't get to the hole. Loaded with coolers, I could still open and close the tailgate of my 4Runner, clearing it a fraction of an inch. Although I tried to balance it, my load was slightly heavier on one side and the carrier tilted slightly to that side towards the middle of my trip (in Albuquerque, NM) as you can see in the picture. I fixed this issue by rearranging my coolers and it has leveled out. It is worth noting that on the 4th generation 4Runner this coupling is located just in front of the exhaust pipe on the right. The resulting hot exhaust melted the plastic cover off the corner of a cheap radiator just in front of it and slightly charred the plywood after 1,800 miles. The other type of cooler I set up at this end for the second leg of my journey survived. Driving with this holder was easy, I even forgot it was there. No rattling. When reversing, it blocks my 4Runner's rear camera a bit, but I was still able to see over the top. Folded up no problem. I traveled with him through the forest, on roads and off-road, over dirty rocks and sticks. I carried the game out of the forest. I cleaned the game on it. Tall men sat and stood on it with ease. I have used and abused it in every way and it has performed admirably with no wear other than a few scratches and blemishes. High quality aluminum, solid construction and practical design. The dimensions have turned out to be perfect for my 4Runner and will probably work with any mid-size SUV or van. Assembly was easy enough for one person (me) in under an hour and a bottle of beer.