Tired of dealing with a bulky swing-away hitch cargo carrier or bike racks every time you need something from the back of your vehicle? You're not alone. Traditional swing-away hitch cargo carriers are a popular way to add storage space for road trips and outdoor adventures, but they often come with their own set of frustrations. Many users find them heavy and cumbersome, a hassle to operate (especially when fully loaded), and even a bit concerning from a safety standpoint. In this article, we’ll explore these common pain points and introduce a smarter alternative that makes hauling gear easier and safer.

Meet the slideout cargo carrier – a better solution.

Slideout carriers offer the extra cargo room you need without the headaches of a swing-away arm. Below, we’ll break down what swing-away carriers are, why they can be problematic, and how slideout designs (like our GearSpace® enclosed cargo carrier) solve those issues. If you’re searching for the best alternative to a swing-away hitch cargo carrier, read on.

What Is a Swing-Away Hitch Cargo Carrier?

A swing-away hitch cargo carrier is a storage platform or box that mounts to your vehicle’s hitch receiver and pivots to one side on a swing arm for rear hatch access. The concept is simple: release the latch, swing the loaded cargo rack, box or bike carrier aside, and open your SUV or van doors without removing the gear.

Typical use cases: These carriers are popular among campers and road trippers who need frequent rear access while hauling coolers, luggage, or outdoor gear. They offer the convenience of keeping the back of your vehicle accessible—at least in theory.

However, swing-away designs come with trade-offs. They’re often bulky and heavy, with extended frames and hinges that push the carrier farther from your vehicle—especially when the swing hitch adapter is added to an existing rack. The swing motion itself can be awkward to manage when fully loaded, and you’ll need ample side and rear clearance to operate it, which isn't always practical. They also typically offer less cargo capacity than fixed or slideout-style carriers. We’ll cover more of these limitations in the next section.

Common Problems with Swing-Away Cargo Carriers

While swing-away hitch mounts solve the rear access problem, they introduce several of their own issues that can frustrate users:

• Cumbersome Operation: Swinging a fully loaded carrier—often up to 200 pounds—can be awkward and physically demanding, especially for one person.
• Tight Space Challenges: Because the arm swings wide to the side, you need considerable clearance. In roadside spots, this can mean swinging into traffic. Uneven ground may also make it hard to realign and latch the carrier after use.
• Limited Rear Door Access on Vans: For vehicles like the Mercedes Sprinter with dual rear doors, swing-away hitch mounts may not allow one door to fully fold back as intended. Many models only permit one door to open partially, restricting access even further.
• Lower Load Capacity: Swing-away cargo baskets and enclosed carriers often have lower tongue weight limits than traditional fixed or slideout carriers. If the swing arm is a bolt-on accessory rather than a built-in feature, it typically reduces the original carrier’s rated weight capacity.
• Added Weight & Hitch Stress: The swing-out hitch mechanism adds bulk and complexity—especially if it’s a hitch adapter and not an integrated function. It increases leverage on the hitch in an unnatural twisting motion, which can reduce capacity and lead to long-term wear or damage. We always recommend the use of a Silent Hitch Pin or hitch tightener to help alleviate this twisting stress but it is not a complete cure to the problem.
• Safety Concerns: Improperly secured latches can cause the carrier to swing open during travel. There’s also risk when opening the arm near traffic or backing up without locking it in place. For more on cargo safety, see our post: Are Hitch Cargo Carriers Safe?

Slideout Cargo Carriers: A Smarter Alternative

Slideout hitch cargo carriers offer the same rear access as swing-away models—without the hassle. Instead of pivoting to the side, they slide straight back on a dual rail system, making them easier and safer to use.

• One-Person Operation: Slideout carriers move in a straight, supported line, making them easy to extend and retract even when fully loaded—no awkward swinging or heavy lifting.
• Tight Space Friendly: They extend directly behind your vehicle, so there’s no need to worry about side clearance in tight parking spots or campsites.
• Unhindered Door Access: With around 30+ inches of travel, most slideout carriers allow full opening of SUV hatches and Sprinter van doors while still loaded.
• Reduced Hitch Strain: The centered weight reduces side stress on your hitch, minimizing wobble and long-term wear from sideways twisting.
• Simple & Secure: With fewer pivoting joints and no swinging motion, slideouts offer more intuitive use and better peace of mind.

Slideout carriers bring smart design and everyday convenience—next, we’ll look at one of the most capable options available.

Introducing the GearSpace Slideout Cargo Carrier

The GearSpace® 34 by Let's Go Aero is a premium slideout enclosed cargo carrier designed for ease of access and secure storage. With its 34 cubic feet of storage space and 300-lbs capacity, it's ideal for transporting camping gear, tools, or up to two bicycles (with an optional bike mount kit).

Key Features:

• Spacious Enclosed Design: Provides 34 cubic feet of gear capacity (63”L x 28”W x 40”H interior) to keep extra gear and bikes protected from weather and theft.
• Smooth Slideout Function: Slides out up to 32 inches on a TwinTube® platform from the hitch pin hole, offering unobstructed rear vehicle access without the need for swinging arms or hitch extenders.
• Durable Construction: Made from rotomolded polyethylene with a black powder-coated steel frame, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Weather-Resistant & Secure: Features a watertight overlapping lid, heavy-duty elastomer draw latches, and two steel pin locks to keep contents dry and secure.
• Integrated Lighting & Safety: Equipped with LED tail lights, an illuminated license plate holder, and includes Silent Hitch Pins® for a rattle-free ride.

Proven Legacy, Modern Design

The GearSpace has been trusted by outdoor enthusiasts and road-trippers for over 20 years, thanks to its rugged construction and thoughtful engineering. In fact, many customers still use their original carriers today for their extra storage and bike transport. Recently, the GearSpace received a modern upgrade with a refreshed design that improves fit, function, and usability—while staying true to the proven features that made it a favorite.

➡️ Read about the latest GearSpace updates here

Buy GearSpace Slideout Cargo Carrier Buy on Amazon

Why Choose an Enclosed Cargo Carrier Over Open Swing-Away Designs?

Beyond easier access, enclosed cargo carriers offer major advantages over open platform hitch rack designs with swing away functionality—especially in protection and security. (For more carrier comparisons, check out our What Is a Cargo Carrier? guide.)

• Reduced Hitch Wear & Tear: Swing-away carriers introduce lateral torque as they pivot sideways—an unnatural load path for your hitch receiver. Over time, this twisting motion can increase wear and lead to instability or even damage. Slide-out carriers, on the other hand, apply force directly in line with your vehicle’s frame and hitch design, preserving structural integrity by distributing weight in the direction intended by factory hitch specifications.
• Weather Protection: Enclosed carriers seal out rain, snow, and dust—keeping gear clean and dry without the need for extra covers or tarps.
• Theft Deterrence: Your gear stays hidden and locked up, unlike in open trays where it’s exposed and vulnerable at every stop.
• Debris & Damage Shielding: The hard shell blocks rocks, UV rays, and grime—helping your gear arrive in the same shape it left.
• Durability & Appearance: Built from tough, weather-resistant materials, enclosed carriers resist rust, maintain their shape, and offer a more polished look than exposed storage.

In summary, choosing an enclosed, slideout carrier gives you the best of all worlds: easy rear access, maximum protection for your gear, and a tidy, secure storage solution. To highlight the differences, here’s a quick comparison:

Upgrade Your Hauling Experience

The bottom line: you don’t have to put up with the bulk and inconvenience of a swing-away hitch cargo carrier. Slideout carriers offer a smarter, safer, and more user-friendly way to bring along all your essentials. By upgrading to a slideout enclosed cargo carrier like the GearSpace, you’ll enjoy easy access to your vehicle, better protection for your gear, and greater peace of mind on the road.

Ready to leave that clunky swing-away setup behind and upgrade your hauling experience? Check out the GearSpace Enclosed Cargo Carrier on the Let’s Go Aero website to see full details and specifications. You can also buy the GearSpace on Amazon for convenient delivery to your doorstep. Don’t let a bulky swing-away hold you back – embrace the ease of a slideout cargo carrier and hit the road with confidence on your next adventure!