A roof-mounted cargo basket is a versatile rack that attaches to the roof of your vehicle, providing extra storage space for various items like luggage, outdoor gear, and sports equipment. It’s ideal for maximizing your vehicle’s cargo capacity during road trips and adventures. And a basket hitch cargo carrier is a cargo-carrying platform that hitches to the rear of your vehicle, often using the trailer hitch receiver. It offers a convenient and secure way to transport luggage, camping gear, and other items, freeing up space inside your vehicle.
In this article, we mainly introduce the installation method of these two kinds of cargo basket.
How to Install a Roof Mounted Cargo Basket？
Installing a roof-mounted cargo basket is a straightforward process that typically requires basic tools and some attention to detail. Here are the general steps to guide you through the installation:
Materials and Tools You’ll Need:
- Roof-mounted cargo basket
- Roof rack or crossbars (if not already installed)
- Mounting hardware (usually included with the basket)
- Wrench or socket set
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Torque wrench (optional)
- Step ladder (for easier access)
Installation Steps:
- Check Roof Rack Compatibility: Ensure that your vehicle has a roof rack or crossbars installed. If not, you’ll need to purchase and install a compatible roof rack system first. Refer to your vehicle’s manual or consult the manufacturer for guidance on roof rack installation.
- Position the Cargo Basket: Place the cargo basket on top of the roof rack or crossbars, aligning it centrally on the roof. Ensure that it’s positioned evenly to distribute the weight of your cargo.
- Attach the Mounting Brackets: The cargo basket will typically have mounting brackets with pre-drilled holes. Use these holes as guides to attach the brackets to the roof rack or crossbars using the provided hardware (usually bolts and nuts). Tighten the bolts securely, but do not fully tighten them at this stage.
- Check Alignment: Verify that the cargo basket is level and properly aligned on the roof. Use a measuring tape to ensure that it’s equidistant from the edges of the roof rack or crossbars.
- Fully Tighten the Bolts: Once the cargo basket is properly aligned, go back and fully tighten the bolts on the mounting brackets. Use a torque wrench if available, following the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications to avoid over-tightening.
- Secure Additional Accessories: If your cargo basket comes with accessories such as a wind fairing or extension, attach them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wind fairings help reduce wind noise and enhance aerodynamics.
- Load Your Cargo: After the cargo basket is securely installed, load your cargo into the basket, ensuring that it’s properly secured using straps or bungee cords. Distribute the weight evenly and avoid overloading to maintain vehicle stability.
- Final Check: Before hitting the road, double-check that all your cargo is secure and the cargo basket is firmly attached to the roof. Ensure that there are no loose items that could create wind noise during travel.
How to Install a basket hitch cargo carrier？
Installing a basket hitch cargo carrier is a relatively simple process and doesn’t require roof rack systems. Here’s how to do it:
Materials and Tools You’ll Need:
- Hitch-mounted cargo basket
- Hitch receiver on your vehicle
- Hitch pin and clip (usually included with the basket)
- Wrench or socket set
Installation Steps:
- Check Hitch Receiver Compatibility: Ensure that your vehicle has a hitch receiver installed. Most vehicles equipped for towing have a hitch receiver. If not, you may need to have one professionally installed.
- Position the Cargo Basket: Slide the cargo basket’s shank (the part that fits into the hitch receiver) into the receiver on your vehicle. Make sure the hitch pin holes on the shank align with the holes on the receiver.
- Insert the Hitch Pin: Slide the hitch pin through the aligned holes in the shank and the receiver. Secure it in place by attaching the clip through the pin’s hole.
- Tighten the Hitch Pin: Use a wrench or socket set to tighten the hitch pin securely. Make sure it’s snug to prevent any movement or rattling during transit.
- Load Your Cargo: Once the cargo basket is securely installed, load your cargo into the basket. Ensure that it’s properly secured using straps or bungee cords. Distribute the weight evenly and avoid overloading to maintain vehicle stability.
- Final Check: Before driving, double-check that all your cargo is secure within the basket, and the hitch-mounted cargo basket is firmly attached to the hitch receiver. Ensure that there are no loose items that could shift during travel and create instability.
Installing both roof-mounted and hitch-mounted cargo baskets can significantly enhance your vehicle’s storage capacity. Whether you choose a rooftop or hitch-mounted option depends on your preferences and the type of cargo you need to transport. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions provided with your specific cargo basket for any model-specific installation steps or considerations.
