Quick Answers
- Question: Will the StowAway2 work on my vehicle?
Answer: Almost always. Confirm compatibility for your vehicle using our Online Fit Guide. If your vehicle has a rear-mounted spare tire or ladder, confirm your vehicle clearance using our detailed Clearance Guide. - Question: I don't have a trailer hitch yet. Help!
Answer: No problem. You can order a trailer hitch for your vehicle directly from us. For more information, check out the Ordering a Hitch Guide. - Question: If I order a StowAway2, when will I receive it?
Answer: Soon! For quick answers to common shipping questions, check out our Quick Shipping Guide. For more detailed information, please reference the full Shipping Guide. - Question: Is there a dealer in my local area where I can see a StowAway2 or pick one up?
Answer: Possibly. However, most StowAway2 owners prefer purchasing factory-direct online for a number of reasons. For more information, check out our Why Buy Direct Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have divided our Frequently Asked Questions into sections. Click one of the following hot links to jump to a specific section.
- Vehicle Fit Questions
- Spare Tire Questions
- Hitch Questions
- Shipping Questions
- Product Questions
- Accessories Questions
- Towing Questions
- Company Questions
Vehicle Fit Questions
Q. Will A StowAway2 Cargo Carrier work on my vehicle?
A. There is a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier that will work on almost every SUV, Minivan, Van, and Truck. Check out our Online Fit Guide to confirm compatibility with your vehicle. If you believe your vehicle has a unique clearance or compatibility issue, or you would like to confirm compatibility, please fill out our Contact Us form or call StowAway2 Customer Service toll-free: 800.943.5377. When contacting us regarding vehicle fit issues, please include the Year, Make and Model of your vehicle.
Q. Which StowAway2 Cargo Carrier is best for my vehicle?
A. Need help determining which StowAway2 Cargo Carrier is right for your vehicle? Start with the StowAway2 Product Selector. Another great resource is the StowAway2 Showroom, which has up-close images and extended product information about each of our carrier boxes and frames. Also, check out our Cargo Carrier Comparison Table, which helps you decide whether a Swingaway Carrier or a Fixed Frame Carrier is right for you. Lastly, check out our Swingaway Cargo Carrier Comparison Table, which shows each of our Swingaway models side-by-side for quick comparison.
To speak with a vehicle fit expert, please fill out our Contact Us form or call StowAway2 Customer Service toll-free: 800.943.5377. When contacting us regarding vehicle fit issues, please include the Year, Make and Model of your vehicle.
Q. Will a Swingaway frame work on my vehicle?
A. Our patented Swingaway frame accommodates almost all rear-swinging doors, rear barn style doors and rear lift gates. To check if there is a clearance issue with your vehicle, please refer to our Online Fit Guide. To see the Swingaway frame in action, please view the StowAway2 Video. If you believe your vehicle has a unique clearance or compatibility issue, or you would like to confirm compatibility, please fill out our Contact Us form or call StowAway2 Customer Service toll-free: 800.943.5377. When contacting us regarding vehicle fit issues, please include the Year, Make and Model of your vehicle.
Q. Can I put my Pickup Truck's tailgate in the down position with a StowAway2 Swingaway Cargo Carrier in place?
A. Our patented Swingaway frame accommodates almost all truck tailgates. Please refer to the StowAway2 Tailgate Clearance Guide for more information.
Spare Tire Questions
Q. I have a spare tire on the back of my vehicle. Will a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier work on my vehicle?A. StowAway2 Cargo Carriers can accommodate almost any rear-mounted spare tire. Please refer to the StowAway2 Spare Tire Clearance Guide for more information.
Hitch Questions
Q. How does a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier fit on my vehicle? What
is my vehicle’s tongue weight capacity? What kind of hitch receivers
work with StowAway2 Cargo Carriers? Can I use a hitch converter? Can
I use a hitch extender? I don’t have a hitch on my vehicle, how can I order one?
A. Please refer to our StowAway2 Hitch Guide for more information regarding: hitch sizes and classes, hitch safety, hitch compatibility, hitch converters, and installing an after-market hitch. Please refer to our StowAway2 Hitch Extender Guide for more information regarding the safe use of hitch extenders with our Cargo Carriers. For more information about ordering a hitch for your vehicle, check out the Ordering a Hitch Guide.
Shipping Questions
Q. How long does it take to ship the StowAway2 to my home? How
much will it cost to ship a Cargo Carrier to my home? Can I have
a StowAway2 shipped via Overnight or Express service? Do you ship
to Canada? How can I track my order?
A. Please refer to our StowAway2 Shipping Guide for more information regarding: order processing, shipping costs, shipping lead times, priority shipping options, international shipping and order tracking.
Product Questions
Q. Do I need to assemble my StowAway2 Cargo Carrier?
A. Yes, some assembly is required prior to using a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier. Our Swingaway models ship in two separate boxes. Our fixed frame models ship in one box. All of our carriers come with the necessary hardware for assembly. Assembling a carrier for the first time takes roughly 30 - 45 minutes. We recommend two people be present for assembly and installation of the carrier. Detailed assembly instructions are included with every carrier purchase; if you would like to view the StowAway2 assembly instructions prior to placing or receiving your order, click here. To assemble a StowAway2 cargo carrier, you will need two large adjustable end wrenches or socket wrenches with 9/16" and 1 1/8" sockets.
Q. How large is a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier? Do StowAway2 boxes come
in different sizes? What are the interior dimensions of StowAway2 boxes?
A. For detailed product information and technical specifications, check out the StowAway2 Showroom.
Q. Can I purchase a StowAway2 box by itself without the frame?
A. Yes. All of our carrier boxes and frames are now available a la carte on StowAway2.com.
Q. How does the Swingaway model work?
A. To see the Swingaway frame in action, please view the StowAway2 Video . For more images and information, check out the Swingaway Frame Showroom. StowAway2's Swingaway frame is designed with a spring loaded plunger pin and two safety pins. To swing the carrier open for access to the rear of your vehicle, simply pull the two safety pins from their engaged positions, and pull up on the plunger pin. Once unlatched, the box can be swung out as far as 180 degrees for clear access to the rear of your vehicle. The secondary safety pin can be used to lock the carrier open at a 90-degree angle if desired. The pivot point for the Swingaway frame is 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 place both safeties into their engaged positions before driving with the Swingaway model.
Q. How do I interchange an enclosed Cargo Carrier (like the MAX Swingaway) with your Bike Rack and/or Cargo Rack?
A. A single Swingaway frame serves as the platform for both our enclosed cargo carriers and racks. To view a diagram of our Swingaway frame, please click here. Our enclosed carriers (like the MAX Swingaway) bolt to the Swingaway frame in 4 places. To remove the carrier box, simply unbolt these 4 bolts. To attach the Cargo Rack and/or Bike Rack, simply bolt these additional pieces to the Swingaway frame in place of your enclosed carrier box. If you already own one of our enclosed carriers, you may purchase the Cargo Rack and Bike Rack attachment pieces for $119 each. These pieces are fully compatible with your current Swingaway frame. If, at any time, you want to go back to using your enclosed carrier, simply unbolt your attachment racks and replace them with your carrier box.
Q. Are StowAway2 Cargo Carriers waterproof?
A. StowAway2 Cargo Carriers are equipped with an automotive-grade weather seal that surrounds the junction of the box’s lid and base. This seal is extremely effective in keeping out most water and dust. Under severe weather conditions, it is possible for moisture can seep into the box. Items loaded into the StowAway2 should be appropriately protected during wet conditions.
Q. How much do StowAway2 Cargo Carriers weigh?
A. StowAway2 Cargo Carriers (including their frame) vary in weight from 57 to 99 pounds. For detailed product specifications, check out the StowAway2 Showroom.
Q. How much can StowAway2 Cargo Carriers hold?
A. The MAX Swingaway and MAX Sport Plus have 16 cubic feet of space and will carry up to 200 pounds of gear. The standard StowAway2 box has 12.5 cubic feet of capacity and will carry up to 200 pounds of gear. The LT Model and LT Swingaway model have 12.5 cubic feet of capacity and will carry up to 125 pounds of gear. To get an idea for what fits inside these carriers, check out our Applications section.
Q. Do you offer the StowAway2 in different colors?
A . StowAway2 Cargo Carriers are offered in Black or White. Please indicate your color choice when placing your order.
Q. What material are StowAway2 Cargo Carrier boxes made from?
A. StowAway2 Cargo Carrier Boxes are molded from an ultra durable low-density polyethylene, the same material used on high-performance whitewater kayaks. Our boxes have been repeatedly tested under severe elements to ensure against cracking or failing.
Q. Should I be concerned with my vehicle's exhaust affecting
the StowAway2?
A. As is the case with most plastics, extreme heat can cause deformation. Most vehicles feature an exhaust system that directs the heat from its exhaust system down and away from where the StowAway2 Cargo Carrier sits. If your vehicle’s exhaust system points the exhaust directly at your StowAway2 Cargo Carrier, you should purchase an exhaust tip that direct the exhaust down and away from the Carrier. As a general guideline, the distance from the tip of the tailpipe to your StowAway2 Cargo Carrier Box should be a minimum of 14 inches. For more information, please read the StowAway2 Exhaust Guide.
Accessories Questions
Q. I recently misplaced the keys to my StowAway2. Can
I get a new set?
A. Replacement keys can be ordered by calling 800.943.5377. The cost is $10, including postage. If you are in a hurry, overnight shipping on a set of replacement keys is now available for $20.
Q. What is the Hitch-Coupling Tightener?
A. The Hitch-Coupling Tightener (Item # 020.6) reduces vibration by eliminating "play" at the junction between your hitch receiver and the StowAway2 frame. To see how the Hitch-Coupling Tightener installs, click here. This vibration does not affect the performance or safety of the StowAway2 Cargo Carrier, but can be a nuisance on uneven road surfaces. This item is included FREE with most StowAway2 Cargo Carrier orders.
Q. Do I need the StowAway2 License Plate Kit?
A. License plate requirements vary state by state, but many states require your vehicle’s rear license plate to be visible at all times. We include a License Plate Kit (Item #020.7) free with many StowAway2 models, otherwise it is an optional accessory item. The License Plate Kit mounts to your Cargo Carrier box and plugs directly into the StowAway2 wire harness.
Q. The light bulb in my License Plate Bracket and Kit burned
out. Can I order a replacement?
A. The model number for the light bulb used in our License Plate Bracket and Kit is C168. It can be found at your local automotive or hardware store.
Towing Questions
Q. What can I safely tow with the StowAway2 Towing Model (Item
#022.2)? Will my proposed setup work with the Towing Model? Can
I put a bike rack into the Towing Model’s receiver hitch? What is
the Towing Model’s carrying capacity? What is the difference between
towing capacity and tongue weight capacity? How does my vehicle’s
tongue weight capacity affect my StowAway2’s carrying capacity?
A. Please refer to our StowAway2 Towing Guide for more information regarding: towing safety guidelines, towing capacity, tongue weight capacity, calculating the Towing Model’s carrying capacity, bike rack compatibility and whether your proposed towing setup will work with our Towing Model.
Company Questions
Q. What is the StowAway2 warranty?
A. StowAway2 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.
Q. Where can I purchase a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier?
A. You can purchase a StowAway2 Cargo Carrier factory-direct via this website. To order by telephone or to request a list of retailers that carry StowAway2 Cargo Carriers in your area, please call 800.943.5377.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Please Contact Us or call StowAway2 Customer Service at 800.943.5377.
