After years of discussing the possible need to expand our carrying capacity for our 2014 Toyota Highlander, we finally bought a hitch carrier. We purchased the Reese Pro Series 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier Basket for 2 Inch Trailer Mounted Hitch. I am writing the review after our first trip, so my comments don't reflect anything with regard to durability over time.In summary, we were extremely pleased with performance of the carrier, which we used with a Reese waterproof cargo bag. Total driving distance was about 650 miles, mostly freeway and well maintained roads. The carrier arrived in excellent shape (other reviews discuss damage to packaging). It was easy to assemble and install. Construction is quite solid. However, I strongly suggest you use the recommended torque wrench to tighten bolts to the recommended tightness. The bolts that hold the two sides together are recommended to be tightened to 70 ft/lbs. Other bolts to 25 ft/lbs. I was surprised how much pressure I needed to apply to reach the specified 70 ft/lbs and would not have intuitively tightened to this degree without the torque wrench. We installed the carrier with a hitch tightener, which seemed to help with the stability of the carrier (we had zero sway or rattling; when driving loaded or empty). This added only a couple of minutes to the install and removal (LIBERRWAY 304 Stainless Steel Hitch Tightener). We also purchased the Reese Explore 63604 Rainproof Cargo Tray Bag and aROLA 59516 LED Light Kit. The cargo bag was excellent; fit perfectly, easy to install and load; protected our load. Although we encountered some rain we can't yet comment on how rain proof this bag is. The straps attached easily to the carrier and held everything tight; no loosening during the trip (summer temperatures were often in the high 90s). The light set is admittedly an extra that may not have been needed since the carrier and bag did not obstruct our tail lights but we wanted extra visibility (would recommend). The LED lights do this well. The light set was easy to install and needed no extender wire harness; plugged easily to our hitch receptacle. However, we were disappointed that the rubber grommets for the lights were too loose when installed with this carrier. The lights are for another (Rolla) brand of carrier. Black duct tape resolved the acute need; I'll will do a more permanent solution with our next trip.On our first trip, we used the hitch carrier for carrying all our luggage, a 10X10 folding canopy, a plastic bin of cookware and other heavy items, 3 beach umbrellas, a fold up REI camping table, tools, and a number of other assorted items. The hitch rides high enough to avoid exhaust and contact with the ground on sharp inclines but even with the cargo bag loaded, didn't obstruct our tail lights and license plate. There is enough clearance between carrier and vehicle to easy to load and unload the vehicle with hitch installed. No impediment to the tail gate with cargo bag loaded (see picture of side view). No noticeable impact to mileage.In summary, we're really happy we have made the purchase of this equipment as it will make our future travel a lot easier. We are also glad that the 2" hitch we had installed when we ordered the vehicle can be used for more than just a utility trailer. As the carrier ages I will update the review if there are any issues encountered.Update: September 2022. Still love the carrier. Used several times per year. Easy to put on and take off. Cargo bag has kept our stuff dry even when we’ve encounter driving rain. Has held up well. Still glad we got a LED light set (duct tape has been an adequate solution for loose grommets). We’ve added a locking hitch pin.

Sturdy and well built, fairly easy to assemble. Take note that the product is sturdy, therefore pretty heavy. It's not easy to insert into the hitch with just one person. Also, this product extends beyond the back of my vehicle approx 4 feet and it could be very easy to forget it's there since I cannot see it in any of my mirrors so care must be taken when backing up. I purchased a telescoping flag that I will bolt to the carrier so that it will be visible from the driver's seat. Here are the things I've added:Telescoping Flag for visibility (Not shown in photo)For legality reasons, rear side markers in the form of 1" red reflector tape trimmed to height of vertical side supports (Purchased at local hardware store but similar to the product below)Optional brake light kit from RolaStow-away Hitch Tightener (So it doesn't rock back and fourth!)License plate relocation with light for DOT compliance:The mounts/clamps for the license plate did not fit snug enough over the square tube, but this was fixed with a small 1-1/2" long piece of serpentine belt placed into one of the side of the mount before placing over the bar. With the extra rubber, the mounts are very snug on the bars.I've also ordered the bag for use in less than perfect weather:At the end of the day this is a great way to add storage to my vehicle and has been the most inexpensive method of adding external storage that I've utilized so far on any of my vehicles. My impression is that this is a great product at a very reasonable price.

I recieved this in 1 day...I don't know how it arrived so quickly. It comes in two pieces. You only need to attach 4 small and three large bolts and you are ready to go. Be sure to get a hitch pin ( sold seperately) I went to Home Depot for mine. This carrier is nice cause it is extra large, very sturdy, but not overly akward to attach. I store mine on 2 recycling bins so that I can easily slide it a bit to adjust for attaching to the hitch. You need a torque wrench ( or a friend who has one ) to secure the 11 bolts. Very simple assembly. This one is the larger size and I'm glad I chose it cause as you will find that in practical use you can haul many more items. I bought wratcheting straps, but the "octopus-style" bungee cords seem to work best for my uses unless you really have a top-heavy or tippy item. I also like the fact that with this one you can add lights...the cutouts are built in the frame. You dont need them for day errands but if I were driving long distance or night travel I would go for the lights. The frame seems very sturdy and I have kept it outside uncovered for several months now. There is the start of rusting at the bolt heads, but I suppose that is to be expected. Perhaps you could spray rustoleum on them as a preventitive. I also notice that there is a very light rust tinge along only one support bar where the steel mesh lies over and must be welded to it. If I could, I would store it in a shed or garage. The hitch bar has a rise to it and I wouldn'tbuy one without the rise feature as it adds necessary clearance. Mine has had zero problems over gradings and culverts. For 125 dollars delivered, it is well worth the price for saving me and my forester the aggravation of loading messy/bulky/stinky items into my car and adding lots of cargo carring capacity.