StowAway Cargo Carrier Frequently Asked Questions

Product Specifications, Features and Warranty

Q. Is some assembly required when I receive my StowAway Cargo Carrier?
A. Yes, some assembly is required. Each StowAway is pre-assembled at the factory to ensure that all the parts and components fit and function properly. The unit is then partially dis-assembled so that it will fit into the StowAway shipping cartons. The assembly required includes up to five basic steps:  1. Bolting the two pieces of the swingaway frame together with the pivot bolt (not required with a fixed frame). 2. Attaching the StowAway Box to the frame. 3. Attaching the box lid to the box base with the hinge pins. 4. Attaching the license plate bracket to the box. 5. Installing the unit into your hitch receiver and tightening the hitch tightener. You will need two large adjustable end wrenches (up to 1 1/16" opening) and a phillips screwdriver. A socket set is helpful. We recommend two people assemble the carrier, planning on 30 to 60 minutes for the assembly process.

Q. How large is a StowAway Cargo Carrier? Do StowAway boxes come in different sizes? What are the interior dimensions of StowAway boxes?
A. For detailed product information and technical specifications, check out the StowAway Cargo Carrier Comparison Table.

Q. Can I purchase a StowAway box or frame individually?
A. Yes. All of our cargo carriers and frames can be purchased individually in the Cargo Boxes and Frames category on our website.   

Q. How does the Swingaway frame swing out?
A. StowAway's Swingaway frame is designed with a pull latch, threaded safety bolt and a drop safety pin to prevent unplanned frame opening. To swing open the frame, simply pull the drop safety pin, remove the threaded bolt and lift the pull latch. Once unlatched, the box can be swung out as far as 180 degrees for clear access to the rear of your vehicle. The drop safety pin can be used to lock the carrier open at a 90-degree angle if desired. For safety reasons, the Swingaway frame pivots on the passenger side of the vehicle. To close the Swingaway model, simply swing the carrier closed until it the latch is fully engaged. Always tighten the threaded safety bolt and drop the safety pin into place before driving with the Swingaway model.

Q. Can I remove the Cargo Box and install the StowAway Bike Rack or Cargo Rack on the same frame?
A. Yes you can. The StowAway Frames are designed to accommodate our cargo box, cargo rack or bike rack. To install the bike or cargo rack simply unbolt the StowAway Cargo Box from the frame and bolt the cargo or bike rack (or both) in its place. The Bike Rack can be used by itself or with the Cargo Rack. One of the best features of the StowAway Carrier is the versatility its frames and their ability to accommodate the full range of StowAway racks and boxes.   

Q. Are the StowAway Cargo Carriers waterproof?
A. The StowAway Cargo Carriers are designed to keep water away from the contents of the box. The MAX box is designed with a water channel and weep holes to channel water penetrating at the lid to the outside. The Standard box utilizes a gasket to seal the lid and base seam and prevent water penetration. Silicone is applied to the taillights on both units and a rubber gasket is used to prevent water penetration around the latch. Despite all these preventative safeguards it is still possible, under severe conditions, for slight water penetration to occur and we recommend that you pack your items accordingly. We also recommend covering the StowAway Carrier if storing the unit outside.

Q. How much does the StowAway Cargo Carrier weigh?
A. The StowAway Carriers weigh from 60 to 99 pounds depending upon the box and frame model. For detailed product specifications, check out the Cargo Carriers product pages.

Q. How much will the StowAway Cargo Carrier hold?
A. The MAX Cargo Carrier offers 16 cubic feet of capacity and will carry up to 200 pounds of gear.  The Standard Cargo Carrier offers 12.5 cubic feet of capacity and will carry up to 200 pounds of gear a 2" hitch, and 125 pounds with a 1.25" hitch.  You can see this in practical terms by viewing our Cargo Carrier Competitive Comparison table.

Q. Is the StowAway Cargo Box offered in different colors?
A . The StowAway Cargo Box is available in Black or Eggshell White. Please indicate your color choice when placing your order. Special colors are available for orders of 20 or more boxes.   

Q. What are StowAway Cargo Boxes made from?
A. The StowAway Cargo Boxes are roto-molded with linear low density polyethylene. This material is super durable, and is the same material used in some white water kayaks. Extensive tests have shown that the box can take an impact without cracking or failing.  

Q. Can my exhaust heat damage or melt my StowAway Cargo Box?
A. Exhaust heat and plastic don't mix, so you will want to be sure that your exhaust is directed away from your StowAway Cargo Box. Many vehicles already divert their exhaust, but some do not. If your exhaust points directly toward or under the StowAway Carrier you will either want to purchase an exhaust tip (available through places like Midas Mufflers) that will divert your exhaust downward, or purchase a StowAway Exhaust Shield that mounts directly to the StowAway box.  Exhaust damage to your carrier is not covered under the StowAway Warranty.

Q. How long is the StowAway warranted for?
A. The StowAway offers a five-year warranty. We will, at our sole discretion, replace or repair the cost of the defective unit. Contact us directly by calling 800.943.5377 to make your claim and provide proof of purchase. Unless otherwise authorized, return transportation charges must be prepaid by the purchaser.

Will the StowAway Fit My Vehicle

Q. Will a StowAway Cargo Carrier fit my vehicle?
A. There is a StowAway Cargo Carrier that will work on almost every SUV, RV, Van, Truck, and even some sedans. When ordering, simply select the hitch size on your vehicle, 1.25" or 2", and include your vehicle's year, make, model and whether you have a rear mounted spare tire in the space provided. We will make sure we send you the correct cargo carrier. If you have special clearance issues, or are concerned about compatibility, please fill out our Contact Us form or call StowAway Customer Service toll-free at 800.943.5377 and we will answer your concerns. Please include your vehicle and hitch information when contacting us.  

Q. How do I decide which StowAway Carrier is best for my needs?
A. Need help determining which StowAway Cargo Carrier is right for your needs? Check out our Cargo Carrier Comparison Table to compare StowAway models between themselves and our Competitor Comparison Table to compare the StowAway Carriers against the competition.   
To speak with a vehicle fit expert, please fill out our Contact Us form or call StowAway Customer Service toll-free at 800.943.5377. When contacting us regarding vehicle fit issues, please include the Year, Make, Model and hitch size on your vehicle.

Q. How does the swingaway frame work? Can I open my liftgate or rear doors with the StowAway Carrier swung out?
A. Our patented Swingaway frame swings out up to 180 degrees to accommodate almost all rear liftgates, tailgates, single doors or double doors. The swingaway frame swings to the passenger side for safety purposes, but rear doors swinging to the passenger side will still be able to open between 70 and 90 degrees for good access to the back of your vehicle. If you have questions or would like to confirm compatibility, please fill out our Contact Us form or call StowAway Customer Service toll-free at  800.943.5377. When contacting us regarding vehicle fit issues, please include the Year, Make, Model and hitch size on your vehicle.  

Q. Can I put my pickup truck's tailgate down with a StowAway swung out?
A. Our patented Swingaway frame accommodates almost all truck tailgates.  Please refer to the StowAway Tailgate Clearance Guide for more information.  When ordering a StowAway Cargo Carrier for a pickup truck, please include the Year, Make, Model and hitch size on your truck, along with the horizontal distance shown on the Tailgate Clearance Guide.

Q. I have a spare tire on the back of my vehicle. Will a StowAway Cargo Carrier work on my vehicle?
A. The StowAway Swingaway Hitch Carriers can accommodate almost any rear-mounted spare tire. Our fixed frame models generally do not provide enough clearance behind the tire. Please refer to the StowAway Spare Tire Clearance Guide for more information.

Hitches and Towing

Q. I don't know much about hitch receivers. Can you help me?
A. Please refer to our StowAway Trailer Hitch Basics Guide for more information regarding: hitch sizes and classes, hitch safety, hitch compatibility, hitch converters, installing an after-market hitch and ordering a hitch for your vehicle.

Q. I'd like to tow a trailer or a vehicle behind the StowAway Cargo Carrier.  What are my options?
A. Please refer to our StowAway Towing Guide to learn about your towing options and limitations.  

Accessories

Q. Where can I get a set of replacement keys for my StowAway Cargo Carrier?
A. StowAway Keys can be ordered directly off of our website. Replacement lock cores are also available on the site for those instances in which your lock core has been damaged.  A set of keys with standard shipping is $10.00, with expedited shipping $20.00.  

Q. What is the StowAway Hitch Tightener?
A. It is common that there is "play" at the junction of a hitch rack or carrier and your hitch receiver. The StowAway Hitch Tightener installs at the junction of your StowAway frame and your hitch, removing most of this "play". The StowAway Hitch Tightener is included with most StowAway Cargo Carriers and Racks as standard, but is also available as a stand alone accessory.   

Q. Is the StowAway License Plate Kit required?
A. License plate requirements vary state by state, but many states require your vehicle’s rear license plate to be visible (and lit at night) at all times. The StowAway License Plate Bracket is included with most StowAway Cargo Boxes, and is also available as an accessory.  The StowAway Wire Harness includes leads for the License Plate Bracket.  

Q. The light bulb in my License Plate Bracket burned out. Can I order a replacement?
A. The model number for the light bulb used in our License Plate Bracket is C168. It can be generally be found at your local automotive or hardware store.

Purchasing and Shipping a StowAway

Q. Where can I purchase a StowAway Cargo Carrier?
A. You can purchase a StowAway Cargo Carrier factory-direct via this website.  To order by telephone or to request a list of retailers that carry StowAway Cargo Carriers in your area, please call 800.943.5377.

Q. If I place my order today, when will I receive it?
A. In most cases, orders placed on StowAway2.com will be processed and shipped within 1-2 business days. All StowAway orders ship from our factory in Portland Oregon and are shipped by FedEx Ground. Transit times are generally 1 to 3 business days in the Western US and 4 to 5 business days to the Midwest, South and Eastern states.

Q. Do you offer expedited shipping?
A. We do offer expedited shipping via FedEx Express. However, due to the size and weight of the StowAway shipping cartons, expedited shipping tends to be quite expensive, ranging from approximately $400 for 3 day express to $1,000+ for overnight service. Rates will vary depending upon the StowAway model purchased and your shipping address. Express shipping orders must be made by calling StowAway Customer Service at 800.943.5377.  

Q. How much does ground shipping cost?
A. Ground shipping charges range from $39 - $99 for complete units and $8 - $29 for accessories, anywhere in the continental US.

Q. Do you ship to Canada, Alaska and Hawaii?
A. Please refer to our StowAway Shipping Guide for more information regarding: order processing, shipping costs, shipping lead times, priority shipping options, international shipping and order tracking.  

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Please Contact Us or call StowAway Customer Service at 800.943.5377.