Im no engineer, but I can’t see how this thing would ever hold up to 300lbs. During assembly I sheared 2 bolts with just minimal torque. Whatever you do, do not use it as a step to get into the bed of your vehicle. I know it’s nor advertised as a step, but I assumed it would hold a 115lb person. It bent. I have thus far only used it to carry bicycles. Wish I would have spent a little more on better quality . As usual, Amazon was awesome. Quick and painless.
Rating: 1 / 5

I used this for the first time last month and it worked great.

I was thinking of buying this model: Valley 90590 Deluxe Hitch Mounted Basket Cargo Carrier, but locally I was able to buy the 90180 for about $35 less and it would fold up without needing to buy extra parts, like the 90590.

I was worried that it would rattle or klunk, but after putting 500 miles on, it hardly ever did. The only times I noticed it was when I would hit a bump diagonally (like turning into a store parking lot with a big transition). No hearing it was a bit of a problem since I couldn’t hear it either; it would be so easy to forget about and back into something in a parking lot. I was desperate to figure out some way to train my mind that it was there. I just bought some tall, thin, yellow stakes from the local hardware store to mark the back corners so I can see from the driver’s seat…we’ll see if that works.

Also, this model has no markings or reflectors that might help other drivers see you. I bought this: American Products Company 360435 Universal 49″ LED Tailgate Bar with Brake Light and Turn Indicators and will be installing that soon. That will plug into my hitch power harness and should look pretty nice.

I found that this blocks my license plate, so I’m working on a workaround for that, too.

For my vehicle, a Jeep Liberty, the spare tire that is attached to the back gate makes it so I can’t fold this up unless I either buy a hitch extender: Hidden Hitch Receiver Hitch Adapter (CU-D-191)Receiver Extension – Extends 2″ Receiver 8″ (3,500lb GTW) or drill new holes so that it is not quite vertical when propped up. I’m not sure this matters enough to me.

I used this bag: Rola 59102 Expandable Hitch Tray Cargo Bag – 9.5-11.5 Cubic Feet and I fit two small suitcases and three small boxes. I could have still fit more stuff or bigger suitcases.

I also bought this lock: Master Lock 1480DAT Stainless Steel Receiver Lock for 5/8- and 1/2-Inch Receiver Holes to try to prevent theft.

At my destination, I was able to pull it out and carry it by myself into a garage until we packed up.

Overall, I’m very happy with it.

Rating: 5 / 5