Blog

Game Time Means Grill Time: the StowAway Hitch Grill Station

2019-10-24T13:06:00-05:00

Fall means college football. College football means tailgating. The story goes that tailgating began over a hundred years ago during a football game between Rutgers and Princeton. Modern tailgating has evolved from casual get-togethers in the team parking lot to full-blown parties complete with food, seating and games.

Whatever vibe of tailgating you prefer, our StowAway Hitch Grill Station will enhance your experience as it delivers ease and functionality. Gone are the days of hauling the grill from the garage to the back of your vehicle and then out to the tailgating parking lot. The grill station simply slides into your hitch receiver, and includes all your tailgating necessities – a grill, cutting board, cargo rack for your cooler and food, all mounted to a SwingAway frame.

The SwingAway frame is designed to swing out and lock at 90 degrees for grilling safely away from the car, and to give you clear access to the back of your vehicle. The grill is a high-performance Cuisinart Grill with 240-sq. inch of grilling area, plenty of space to keep your fellow fans full.

The StowAway Hitch Grill Station offers models for both 2-inch and 1.25-inch trailer hitches, and with a capacity of up to 200 pounds of gear. (The frame and rack come with a 10-year limited warranty!) Think of the benefits – more room in your vehicle, simple setup and operation, and you can remove the grill and cutting board and use the cargo rack year-round.

Here’s to fall, football, family, friends and tailgating!

Horseshoeing — Anvil and All — Goes Mobile with the StowAway SwingAway Hitch Frame

2018-04-27T12:23:00-05:00

We’ve seen StowAway hitch-mounted frames come in handy for camping enthusiasts, business owners, bike race competitors, world travelers… the list goes on and on and on. Now, we can add farriers to that list. (You know, farriers, the people that take care of and shoe horses.)

One StowAway customer, a mobile farrier working in Oregon, ordered the SwingAway hitch frame for his vehicle and is using it in a very creative way: he mounted his anvil on it. While many people keep their anvils and other farrier supplies in a stall near the stables or on a work bench (or even in the trunk of their car), this customer’s solution allows for increased convenience and unlimited mobility when horseshoeing.

Tired of making horseshoes using an anvil in the bed of his pickup, this creative customer mounted a steel platform onto the SwingAway frame — putting his anvil at the exact right height. After adding a trailer wheel jack for shock absorption, he was ready to hit the hay (which of course has a different meaning in this context).

Now when he shoes horses, there’s no need to go back and forth between a work bench and the stable, or a need to set up a horseshoeing station for every job. With the anvil mounted to the versatile SwingAway frame, it’s a mobile shoeing station that maximizes the cargo space of his vehicle at the same time.

The patented StowAway SwingAway frame is designed for 2” hitches and is able to hold up to 250 pounds of gear or equipment. It’s manufactured in the USA of heavy-duty steel tubing and swings out 180 degrees to allow quick and easy access to the cargo space in the rear of your vehicle. It also comes with a hitch tightener to prevent any rattling or hitch wobble.

For farriers, ranchers, and farmers of any sort, the SwingAway frame can provide you with the ability to maximize your cargo space by carrying machinery and other gear outside the vehicle. But, if you’re not a rancher, farrier, or farmer of any sort, the SwingAway frame can still be a solution to your cargo space needs — it’s also compatible with StowAway Hitch Cargo Carriers, Hitch Cargo and Bike Racks, Hitch Grill Stations and much more.

So, whether you’re a farrier looking to create a portable horseshoeing station, a small business owner trying to make some more room for equipment, or even a parent hoping to keep your kids’ muddy football gear out of the trunk — StowAway frames and cargo boxes for SUVs can be used in countless creative ways!

: The SwingAway frame

Tracey and Sophia's Stow-ry | Cargo Carrier for Camping

2018-04-06T13:37:00-05:00

StowAway is lucky to have amazing customers that share their stories and adventures with us! This particular story arose when our customer, Tracey, was installing the StowAway with her granddaughter, Sophia...

Tracey loved camping and sleeping under the stars. She remembers playing outside as a kid and the excitement of outdoor adventures. Motivated to get Sophia outdoors, Tracey decided to take her on a camping trip!

It had been years since Tracey went camping, but she remembered how fun it was when she took her two daughters and was excited to share the experience with Sophia. However, Tracey had a smaller vehicle now and as the gear began to stack and the list of supplies grew longer, she realized her Nissan Versa would not carry everything. Especially since she was planning to bring her Yorkie and its kennel!

Tracey began looking for a solution to her cargo carrying problem. She didn’t want to have her gear on a hitch rack covered with a tarp and bungie cords – as she had seen other people do – because it didn’t seem secure or weather proof. And rooftop carriers were inconvenient and didn’t keep things very organized.

Tracey typed “cargo box” into a search engine and found an array of hitch mounted carriers. After browsing other options, she landed on StowAway Cargo Carriers. She discovered that our standard hitch cargo box was equipped with a SwingAway hitch frame that allowed full access to the back of her vehicle. The SwingAway frame made it convenient to load both her hatchback and the StowAway easily – maximizing accessibility and storage capacity.

Tracey contacted us via the live chat on the StowAway website when she was installing the cargo carrier. With only a few questions, she easily installed the StowAway - just her and her granddaughter. Tracey said the most difficult part was getting the StowAway out of the box it arrived in! Her friends and family were all impressed that she installed it with ease. Not too surprising when you meet Tracey though. She is a hardworking, single mom that is used to accomplishing a lot on her own. So if you are single and concerned you can’t install the StowAway by yourself, Tracey wants you to know, YOU CAN!

So what did Tracey fit inside the StowAway standard cargo carrier for their camping trip?

Tent (6-person capacity)
2 sleeping bags
Full size inflatable mattress
Camp stove
Table lantern & tent lamp
2 large folding mesh chairs
7-piece pot & pan set
2 large bags of miscellaneous camp gear - candles, bug spray, bungee cords, clothes line, cooking utensils, dinnerware for 4, camp toaster, lighters, etc.
Large beach bag of bath, kitchen, and beach towels
10’ x 12’ tarp
15' extension cord
Tub to wash dishes

: Plus, she had room to spare! Tracey says, “…this extra space makes me very happy. I leave it on the car so we can just grab a few clothes, pick up food on the way - and go!”

With a comfortable ride and the ability to bring everything you need for the journey, the StowAway makes road travel more enjoyable!

A special thank you to Tracey and Sophia for sharing their Stow-ry and photos! Happy travels, happy camping!

StowAway's Happy Camper Checklist | Camping Packing List

2018-03-30T14:02:00-05:00

Need a fun, inexpensive adventure with your family? Go camping! Camping is a great way to spend time with your family, without dumping a lot of money into a vacation. Once you have the gear, all you'll pay for are campground fees. Most park or campground fees are between $10 and $25 – you can’t find a hotel for that price. Plus, with no cell reception, your kids will be forced to put down their devices and interact with their surroundings, and you!

To make your camping trip a success, bring plenty of food and games. Don’t forget to check your camping packing list… or forget to make it in the first place. Get your family involved in the process and discuss what you all want to bring. However, if you're like me, even if I make a list I usually forget something. Which is why I suggest checking out what other people and camping sites suggest to bring. For example:

StowAway's Happy Camper Checklist

Tent(s)
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Hiking boots
Sneakers
Shower sandals
Multiple changes of clothes, for both warm and cool weather.
Socks!
Pajamas
Bathing suit
Sunglasses
Towels
Bag for dirty clothes
Pocket knife
Compass
Waterproof matches
Toilet paper
Water bottle
Toothbrush
Hand sanitizer
Sanitizing wipes
Tissues
Flashlight (spare batteries)
Insect repellant
Sunscreen
Whistle
Bug net
Trash bags
Cooler
Food (trail mix, granola bars, s’mores, jerky, hot dogs, etc.)
FIRST AID KIT (For a first aid check list, click here)

And don’t forget your StowAway Cargo Carrier! All of your camping supplies and gear will fit in the StowAway, providing you a convenient way to access everything and stay organized. With the StowAway, you can bring everything you want and need for the trip to be happy campers! If you want to take your camp cooking to the next level, consider getting a trailer hitch grill to pair with your StowAway.

For additional camping information and articles visit http://campersupplies.camping2u.com.

Time For the Stowaway Fishing Rod Holder!

2018-03-23T13:50:00-05:00

Fishing season has finally arrived and you’ve got your plans laid out. You’ve got your fishing license, all your gear is packed and ready to go, and you’re heading to the perfect fishing spot. You’ve made camping/cottage/hotel reservations and your rig is loaded up with food, clothes, coolers, tackle boxes and all your other needful things.

But where, oh where, will you put the fishing rods? It’s not safe to put them inside your car, lest they poke someone in the eye. Which is only slightly worse than getting them bent or – gasp – broken. Seriously, where do you put your fishing rods when you’re hitting the road for fishing season?

: Each StowAway Fishing Rod Holder accommodates three rods, safely and securely

Here’s a grand idea: The Stowaway Fishing Rod Holder. This handy cargo device safely carries three surf fishing rods on the StowAway Hitch Rack (not included). This surf casting rod holder can also be installed quickly and easily on the StowAway Hitch Cargo Carrier. Both the cargo rack and cargo carrier come with an optional SwingAway frame, which pivots 180 degrees to give you full access to the rear of your vehicle.

The Stowaway Fishing Rod Holder is particularly helpful to surf fishers, whose poles typically range between seven and 18 feet long. (The extra length allows anglers to cast further into the water from the shore.)

With the Stowaway Fishing Rod Holder attached to the StowAway Hitch Cargo Carrier, you can conveniently store all your gear, as well as food and a cooler full of beverages, in the cargo box between your fishing rods.

: Surf fishing rods can be as long as 18 feet, and have special storing and carrying considerations

Some other features of the Stowaway Fishing Rod Holder include:

Anodized aluminum tubes
Tubes are 20 inches tall x 2 inches diameter
Vinyl end rings protect rods
Bolts with polyethylene brackets
Quick and easy installation
Includes bracket and hardware

Casting about for various solutions for storing, hauling and accessing your fishing gear can be time-consuming, expensive, disorganized and discouraging. This year, celebrate the opening of fishing season with a comprehensive solution. By combining the Stowaway Fishing Rod Holder with the StowAway Hitch Cargo Carrier, you’ll have everything you need - safe, sound and at your fingertips.

: By combining the Stowaway Fishing Rod Holder with the StowAway Hitch Cargo Carrier, you’ll have everything you need - safe, sound and at your fingertips

All StowAway components are sold separately, which gives you a great deal of flexibility in how you choose to use your cargo system. In a mix-and-match configuration, you can carry many things in addition to your fishing rods, including bikes, a grill station, and up to 200 pounds of essential cargo.

And that makes for a great start to any season.

Install your StowAway, BY YOURSELF!

2018-03-16T13:57:00-05:00

You’ve got the strength, and we’ve got the steps how!

With a long list of things to do before leaving on a trip, your friends and family are scattered in different directions trying to get everything done in time. Before you pack anything, you need to install your StowAway. You look left, you look right, and no one is around.

How are you going to install the StowAway by yourself? Luckily, you aren’t alone – well, you know what we mean! Other customers have had the same question, which is why StowAway wants to share the steps to complete an installation by yourself.

Note: Upper body strength is a must for lifting the StowAway and sliding it into the hitch receiver. If you have back problems, it is best to wait for assistance.

To install, you’ll need:

¾” socket wrench
Hitch tightener
Hitch lock and pin
Good upper body strength

Step 1 – Align the StowAway hitch frame with your vehicle’s hitch and slide it into place. If it is not aligned, the hitch pin will not go in.

Step 2 – Insert the hitch pin and lock.

Step 3 – Next, slide the hitch tightener into place and use the ¾” socket wrench to tighten the nuts evenly.

Step 4 – Plug in cord for taillights.

Step 5 – Lock the StowAway in place and tighten the T-bolt. If you have a Swing Away hitch frame, don’t forget to insert the frame pin to keep the StowAway in place.

Helpful tip: Install the wheel kit to make moving your StowAway from garage to vehicle as easy and effortless as possible. They attach to the existing frame and won’t get in the way. Therefore, you can leave them on permanently, so they are there when you need them.

While installing and removing the StowAway is much easier with two people, it is helpful to know how to do it by yourself. Schwarzenegger strength is not required, but please be careful and watch the How to Install by Yourself Video in advance!

We Want to Sponsor YOUR TEAM!

2018-03-09T14:08:00-06:00

Have a cycling group that travels to races? A running group supporting a cause? If so, StowAway wants to sponsor your team!

You’ve done a great job squeezing 6 people, travel supplies, gear, and food into your vehicle – but let us make things easier. StowAway will give your team a hitch cargo carrier at no cost to you. That’s more leg room, easier access to your gear, increased storage capacity, and it doesn’t cost you a penny!

So, now you’re thinking – what’s the catch? In return, all we ask for are photos of your team using the StowAway. It’s as simple as that.

In the past we have sponsored:

“Team Basis,” a professional cycling team who used the StowAway as they traveled across the USA competing in events.

: The “Almost Angels” team that walks every year in the Portland-to-Coast relay to raise money for cancer research.

: Hood-to-Coast relay team , 2015!

: Helen's Angels, Hood-to-Coast Relay.

StowAway enjoys sponsoring teams and getting involved in active communities, but we need your help finding a dedicated team with a purpose! The team does not have to be professional athletes or from a specific area. Most importantly, we are looking for a team with storage issues that need solving!

Have a great team in mind? Email lauren@pacrecproducts.com with a short description of the team you are nominating and why they could use a StowAway. There is no deadline for when you can nominate a team but we only sponsor 1 a year, so act fast!

Wheels to the Rescue!

2018-03-02T14:15:00-06:00

You’ve been enjoying the convenience and storage capacity of your StowAway Cargo Carrier for miles and miles. Loading and unloading gear easily, freeing up room in your vehicle, and being able to take everything you need along the way. But when it’s time to store your StowAway, what is the best way to do that?

When you’re moving the cargo carrier from your vehicle into the garage, follow the motto:
work smarter – not harder.

The StowAway Carrier Wheel Kit is here to help!

The wheels easily mount to the frame of your StowAway Cargo Box while it is still attached to your vehicle. This allows you to easily install the wheels, and roll the cargo carrier effortlessly from your vehicle to the garage.

The wheel kit includes:
• Two heavy-duty wheels that mount onto any StowAway frame
• Wheels use the same attachment points as the frame
• Easy installation (no drill required)
• Easily move your carrier while still attached to the frame
• Free Shipping

Visit www.stowaway2.com to learn about other useful products that make your StowAway more versatile and easy to use.

Spring Road Trips With the StowAway Carrier

2017-05-10T14:27:00-05:00

It’s spring and that means it time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors again. It also means that road trip season is getting back into full swing. With spring break going on all over the country, as well camping trips, and even ski trips to the mountains, people have a lot of reasons to pack up the family vehicle and head out on the road. The fact is, when you’re going to take a road trip, you have to be able to store all your gear safely inside your vehicle before you leave. Road trip storage often requires some real packing and loading ability, as well as some compromise when some things just won’t quite fit. So how can you make your next spring road trip better? Make sure you take a StowAway Cargo Carrier along for the ride.

Take the StowAway Cargo Carrier With You This Spring

The StowAway Cargo Carrier will be the best passenger you’ve ever had. It easily attaches to your rear mounted hitch frame and rides quietly and conveniently behind your vehicle. It holds up to 200 pounds when attached to a 2-inch hitch, and with it’s locking mechanism and smooth ride you won’t even know its there. Plus, every time you need to access the back of your vehicle the StowAway SwingAway Hitch Frame makes it easy. With its pivoting arm, you can easily swing the Cargo Carrier out of your way and reach whatever you need inside your car, truck, van or SUV.

Extreme Versatility

The StowAway Max Cargo Carrier, for example, has so many different uses for extra car storage that you will find handy on any kind of spring road trip you take. Our customers use it for camping trips, golf outings, fishing excursions, ski trips, hunting and fishing, bike trips, hauling their dog accessories and just about any other type of road trip you can imagine. In fact, one customer even turned their StowAway Cargo Carrier into a kitchen sink. There are all kinds of road trips and several things to carry when you head out on the road. But it doesn’t matter where you’re going or what you need to haul - you can use a StowAway Cargo Carrier for road trip storage.

It’s Time to Make Your Next Road Trip Better

These strong and durable cargo carriers, together with the heavy-duty SwingAway Hitch Frame, can handle almost any load. So, don’t let an overloaded vehicle ruin your next road trip. Instead, order a Stowaway Cargo Carrier and make sure you have room for everything you want to take, even that last little item that someone always forgets to squeeze into their bag. Your extra cargo will be safe and secure in your StowAway Cargo Carrier, while you and all your passengers will love all the extra space and comfort you’ll get to enjoy inside the vehicle. Order yours today.

Best Spots for Surf Fishing Along the East Coast

2017-05-08T11:33:00-05:00

The open air, the beautiful waves and, of course, the big catch: these are all part of what makes surf fishing so exhilarating. There’s nothing quite like standing on the shore, casting in your line as far as you can and then fighting the sea to land the big one. Whether you’re hoping to snag a striped bass, a bluefish, a flounder, an albacore tuna, or any other species, surf fishing is always a good time. If you want to experience some of the best surf fishing available, you’ve got to head to the East Coast and try your luck. There are literally hundreds of locations to try, but the following are some of the best East Coast fishing spots to cast in your line when you want to reel in the big one while surf fishing on East Coast shores.

Hilton Head, South Carolina – It doesn’t matter what kind of fish you’re trying to land, including mahi mahi, snapper, kingfish and even shark. The fishing experience at Hilton Head is always spectacular.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts – What East Coast fishing trip would be complete without a stop in Cape Cod? You won’t run out of beautiful scenery, open waters and plenty of game to catch. From sea bass, cod, bluefish, tuna, and many more, this is a great place to experience surf fishing.

Montauk, New York – You can find some of the best saltwater fishing on the East Coast in Montauk, which is why it’s known as the largest commercial fishing location in all of New York.

Charleston, South Carolina – Just a couple hours away from Hilton Head you’ll find another great surf fishing spot on the shores of South Carolina. Charleston offers fishing from both on and off the shore, with plenty of open spaces and lots of available game.

Chesapeake Bay – Covering 64,000 square miles, this famous bay offers so many places to cast from, including several different states in the region.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – This is a perfect spot if you’re taking the whole family but not everyone is into fishing. There are all kinds of things do here, and of course the fishing is excellent, too.

How to Carry All That Surf Fishing Equipment

No matter where you decide to go for your East Coast surf fishing trip, you will need a good way to haul all your gear and equipment, including your fishing pole, your tackle, and your bait or lure. And as any experienced fishing enthusiast will tell you, one pole is never enough, so you'll need a Hitch Fishing Rod Rack. Plus, don’t forget about waders, jackets, and any other extra equipment and accessories that you’ll need to make your fishing trip go smoother. Not to be forgotten is a net to help haul your catch and a cooler to keep it fresh on the drive home. Speaking of the drive, you need a place to store all that gear, and unless you like your vehicle smelling like fish, you’re going to want to keep it all outside. That’s where the StowAway Cargo Carrier with SwingAway Hitch Frame comes in handy.

Keep the Fish Smell Outside

With the StowAway Cargo Carrier you can conveniently store all your gear, accessories, extra clothing and even the cooler holding your catch, outside of your vehicle. It will all be safely tucked away inside your weatherproof Cargo Carrier securely hitched to the back of your vehicle. You’ll be able to keep the fish smell outside where it belongs. So, if you’re looking for the perfect way to haul and store your fishing gear before your next surf fishing trip to the East Coast, purchase a StowAway Cargo Carrier today.

Front Mount vs. Rear Mount Surf Rod Racks – Pro’s and Con’s

2017-05-05T12:43:00-05:00

When you’re headed out to do some surf fishing, chances are you’re going to need the right cargo rack to haul all your gear, especially your poles. One of the most popular methods for experienced fishing enthusiasts is to use a surf rod rack to get their equipment to and from their chosen destination. There are all kinds of racks to choose from, including roof mount racks, front mount racks, and rear mount racks. Roof mount racks are usually a hassle to work with so if you have fishing gear to haul, a front mount or rear mount rack is typically the better choice. That being said, is one better than the other? Let’s take a closer look.

Front Mount Racks

There are many front mount surf rod racks to choose from but they all essentially offer the same features.

Pros – one of the pros of a front mount surf rod rack is that it's easy to use when driving on the beach. You can pull up to the perfect spot, cast your line set your rod up and sit in your vehicle to watch for any bites. Another pro is that you can easily keep an eye on your gear from the driver seat.

Cons – on the other hand, there are a few cons, including the fact that they are not good for transporting rods while driving on the road, especially at freeway and highway speeds. The wind can damage your gear, including snapping your rods in half. Road debris that gets kicked back from other vehicles can also damage them. Overall, your rods just aren’t as safe in the front of your vehicle as they are in the back.

Rear Mount Racks

There are some pros and cons to rear mount surf rod racks, as well.

Pros – the best thing about using a rear mount surf rod rack is that your gear, especially your poles, are much safer when you travel. They won’t snap in the wind or get hit by flying road debris. They also won’t interfere with your view or be a distraction while you drive.

Cons – the main downside to a rear mount surf rod rack is that you don’t have access to the back of your vehicle. However, if you combine your rack with a StowAway SwingAway Hitch Frame, you can eliminate this problem, too. That means you can safely store your gear in the back but still fish from the comfort of your vehicle.

Which Is Right for You?

The bottom line when you’re looking for a surf rod rack is you have to weigh all the pros and cons of both options and determine which one is right for you. Ultimately, if you want the convenience and safety of carrying your equipment in the back of your vehicle while still being able to easily access your trunk then mounting your StowAway Surf Fishing Rod Rack to a StowAway SwingAway Hitch Frame is your best bet. You not only get the benefit of a sturdy rack that can safely hold up to six fishing poles, but you also get a heavy-duty cargo rack designed to hold up to 200 lbs. with a 2-inch hitch. It easily pivots away from your trunk, allowing you access to the back of your vehicle and you don’t have to worry about having anything in the front of your vehicle blocking your view or getting damaged by road debris or wind. If you want to make hauling your surf fishing gear much easier, purchase your StowAway Surf Fishing Rod Rack today.

StowAway Cargo Carriers - Versatility in action.

2017-01-25T14:03:00-06:00

How many times have you wished you had more space for your road trip?

Packing up for a road trip requires careful planning - how much to take and where to put it. Too much gear and your passengers will end up riding with duffel bags or suitcases on their laps for hours. Not enough gear and you won't have what you need when you stop along the way. So where do you put the gear that you need but don't quite have the room for? You could try a travel trailer but driving and parking with a trailer can be a bit challenging. Plus where to store it when not in use, or the cost to rent one if you go the rental route. Or you could use a rooftop carrier, but loading and unloading a rooftop carrier requires a foot stool for a lot of people, let alone the impact of a rooftop carrier on your gas mileage. And don't forget you have it up there when going into the garage or you may tear it off.

Is there a better solution?

Everything, INCLUDING, the Kitchen Sink

We think there is, and it's the StowAway Hitch Cargo Carrier. The StowAway Carrier slides easily into your hitch receiver, providing you with ample, ground level access to your gear. The box itself is rugged and roomy, and the StowAway carrier swings out so you can access the back of your vehicle to let the dogs out. And the StowAway box design is not only perfect for carrying your luggage and your gear, it can also be converted to a kitchen sink once you get to your destination. Talk about versatility! It even has a drain plug.

What about Other Uses?

The versatility doesn’t stop there. The StowAway SwingAway Frame has plenty of different functions just by itself. You can combine this hitch mount carrier with one of our Cargo Carriers, a hitch cargo rack, a bike rack or even our Tailgate Hitch Grill Station . However, the uses are practically endless. In addition to the many options we offer, several of our customers have come up with their own uses, including the homemade kitchen sink above. Anyone who has ever gone on a long camping trip knows how nice it would be to have a kitchen sink in the woods. With the StowAway Hitch Cargo Carrier, that dream can be a reality. Plus, if you can turn it into a kitchen sink, just imagine what else you can do with it.

Endless Possibilities

Of course, you can haul just about anything you’ll need for your trip in the cargo carrier, up to 200 lbs. with a two-inch hitch. That includes golf clubs, luggage, food, recreation equipment and even fold-up bikes. It’s also great for pet owners. As anyone who owns a pet can attest to, there are plenty of extra things you need to bring along when you travel with your furry friend. All that “stuff” conveniently fits into your hitch mount carrier, which means you’ll have more room for you and your pet(s) inside. Even when you’re not camping or on a long road trip there are plenty of other uses for the StowAway Hitch Carrier. Do your kids play sports? Maybe you coach a soccer team. It doesn’t matter the sport, you can throw all that smelly, dirty gear in your hitch mount carrier and leave the stench behind.

Buy a Cargo Carrier for Your Next Adventure

The StowAway SwingAway Frame, together with the StowAway Hitch Carrier, offers so many options for so many different adventures. So make your next road or camping trip much easier with the StowAway MAX Hitch Cargo Carrier.

Foldup Bike Storage and Transport While on the Road

2017-01-08T11:20:00-06:00

People use our StowAway carriers for all kinds of reasons. In fact, our customers continually find new ways to use our cargo carriers that we would never think of, and many of those customers share those experiences with us. A lot of people ride bikes and although we offer a cycle carrier that attaches to our hitch mounted SwingAway Frame, folding bikes don’t fit well on a bike rack. As it turns out, our StowAway Max Cargo Carrier makes a great companion for anyone who owns and hauls a folding bike.

Where to Put Your Folding Bikes on a Road Trip

If you own a folding bike you may tend to take your bikes on vacations, road trips or even day outings. Hauling the bikes along with your other gear can be a challenge even in a good size SUV or RV. That’s where the Max Cargo Box comes in. A road bike storage solution, the Max box will comfortably carry two folding bikes, and leave plenty of room for helmets, gloves and other accessories. And StowAway customers have hauled the most popular folding bike brands, including Dahon and Bike Friday models.

Save Room in Your Vehicle

Loading your folding bikes into the Max Box will save you room in your vehicle and keep your bikes protected from the weather. You can lock your StowAway Cargo Carrier, which means your folding bikes will be safe against would-be thieves. Plus, with the Max’s convenient and easy-to-use swing away hitch frame you don’t have to remove your bikes to access the back of your vehicle.

Your Folding Bike’s New Best Friend

If you’ve been looking for a better way to haul your folding bikes then look no further than the StowAway Max Cargo Carrier. Convenience, protection and accessibility rolled into one bike carrier solution. And best of all, when you aren’t transporting your folding bikes, you can use your carrier for hauling all kinds of other gear, whether it be for camping, team sports, or visiting your out of town relatives.

So go to StowAway2.com to learn more about your folding bike’s new best friend

Smokin Brothers Tailgate Grill Secret Ingredient is StowAway

2016-12-20T11:26:00-06:00

The football season is in full swing and fans everywhere are already starting to get their playoff and bowl plans in order. Every football fan loves that big moment in the game when his or her team makes the key play, scores the big touchdown or comes up with a huge a defensive stop. However, you can’t really sit down to watch a big game without a proper tailgate party before the kick-off. Playoff and bowl games are no exception, so of course, every fan already looking forward to the post season is likely making big plans for their tailgating experience, as well.

How Tailgating Was Meant to Be

It doesn’t matter what you’re serving, whether it’s hamburgers, polish sausage, a rack of ribs, or anything else you decide to throw on the grill, everyone needs a good meal before they scream their lungs out for three hours. There are so many different options for grilling at a tailgate party, and people have come up with a lot of unique and interesting ideas. However, every tailgater has something in common. They all have to find a way to haul their grill to the game. But what if you could simply attach your grill to the trailer hitch on your vehicle and have it ready for use when you get to the game? That would really make your tailgate party a winner.

Smokin’ Brothers to Go

Well, thanks to the StowAway SwingAway Frame you can easily turn your Smokin’ Brothers grill into a hitch mount grill. Whether it’s the big game, a camping trip, or any other place you grill, this versatile and easy to use swingaway hitch frame is a great way to take your grill on the road, no matter where you’re headed. Take a look at what this StowAway customer did with their SwingAway Frame. That’s the Smokin’ Brothers “24” grill and it’s attached right to the trailer hitch, making this a super portable trailer hitch grill. With the StowAway SwingAway Frame it’s easy to create your own hitch mount smoker grill or hitch grill station with a Smokin’ Brothers grill. Getting your grilling station to and from the game has never been easier.

Durable, Quiet and Convenient

lus, it’s also very convenient to use. Because the SwingAway Frame swings away from your vehicle up to 180 degrees you still have easy access to your trunk while you grill. Just throw all your fixings in the back of your vehicle and they’re right there where you need them for smokin’ or grillin’. This heavy-duty steel hitch frame will easily handle just about every grill/smoker the Smokin’ Brother makes. The SwingAway Frame holds up to 175 lbs. with a 1.25-inch hitch and up to 250 lbs. with a 2-inch hitch. It also includes a hitch tightener to help reduce or eliminate hitch rattle. If you love your Smokin’ Brothers grill and wish you could take it with you to your next tailgate party, camping trip, or any other BBQ outing, then try pairing it with the StowAway SwingAway Frame. Your stationary grill will become a fantastic hitch grill BBQ for every occasion.

Your Tailgate Experience Will Always Be a Winner

Of course, we can’t guarantee that your team will always be victorious on the field, but we can promise that your tailgating event will always be a winner when you combine your Smokin’ Brothers grill with the StowAway SwingAway Frame. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your tailgating experience this football season then click here to purchase your new Smokin’ Brother’s grill and click here to team it up with the StowAway SwingAway Frame to create your very own portable hitch grill station. Tailgating will never be the same.

The StowAway Swingaway Frame is a Perfect Match for Ski Shuttles

2016-12-02T11:32:00-06:00

Fall is here and winter is just a few weeks away. Many mountain slopes all over the country have already received their first blanket of fresh white powder; with much more still to follow. All that snow means that skiers and snowboarders aren’t far behind. In fact, in some places, they’re already out in full force and before you know it the slopes will be covered with snow-lovers. That means big business for the ski resorts for the next several months.

Hauling Ski’s, Snowboard’s and Gear is a Must for Ski Resorts and Hotels

Of course, with all those skiers and boarders comes all their equipment. One of the biggest downsides to skiing and snowboarding is hauling around the gear, especially if the skiers lodge at a hotel that’s not within walking distance of the slopes. Many ski resorts and hotels offer shuttle services to help make the experience a little easier on their customers, but it can still be a burden to get their gear on board the shuttle. Some shuttles have added ski racks on the roof, others use space inside the shuttle for the skis and gear, and still others have ski totes mounted on a fixed frame at the back of the shuttle. None of these is ideal in terms of access or convenience. So what if there were a better way? There is.

Make Your Shuttle Ride Much Easier with the StowAway Swingaway Frame

Mounting your ski tote to the StowAway Swingaway Frame is the answer - room for the skis and snowboards plus a dose of convenience.

First, the skis and snowboards are easy to access. You don’t have to get to the top of the vehicle to strap down skis, or get out the stool to retrieve them upon arriving to the destination. Instead, the hitch mount frame and tote hold your skis and snowboards at an easy-to-reach ground level. Secondly, because the StowAway frame swings away from the vehicle, it makes it easy to access the back of your van where you might be storing boots or backpacks. The swingaway frame is made of heavy-duty steel tubing and will hold up 250 pounds. One last feature ski resorts and hotels may appreciate is the swingaway frame's versatility. In the off season, the ski tote carrier can be removed and the StowAway hitch mounted cargo box, basket or hitch mount bike carrier can be added to carry gear or bikes, which is great for resorts that also offer mountain biking, rafting or hiking excursions during the summer.

Convenience and Accessibility

Home James Transportation in Winter Park, Colorado has already found the swingaway frame to be a great tool for its shuttle service. Combined with their metal ski tote, the frame makes for an exceptional hitch mount ski rack. And StowAway was able to customize their frame for the unique needs of the Home James Shuttles. This is a great addition for any ski resort or hotel with shuttle service, and your patrons will love the convenience it provides. Plus, because the frame's so versatile, other resort vehicles will likely find a use for it as well, especially when combined with a StowAway Hitch Cargo Carrier.

Get Your StowAway Swingaway Frame

If you’re looking for a better alternative to carry gear on your ski resort shuttle, the StowAway Swingaway frame is the way to go. It provides great convenience and accessibility that all your patrons will truly appreciate. Learn more about the StowAway Swingaway frame.

Hood to Coast with the StowAway Carrier | Fall Packing List

2016-10-20T11:39:00-05:00

The 2016 Hood to Coast has come to a close and the 2017 lottery selection is already underway. So this is a perfect time to review how the weekend went and how the StowAway met the needs of two teams in the race.

The Hood to Coast is a one of the longest and largest relays in the world. In fact, the Hood to Coast has filled its limit on opening day for the past 18 years. According to the Oregonian, there were 1,050 teams of twelve people running nearly 200 miles from Mt. Hood to Seaside.

Each twelve-person team is allowed two vehicles for the Hood to Coast (no larger than a standard-sized van). With those limitations, you can see why some teams might run the Hood to Coast with a StowAway MAX Hitch Cargo Carrier for their gear. The StowAway simply slips into the hitch receiver, adding extra space without adding an extra vehicle, plus with the swing away frame you can still access your team’s gear in the back of the rig without it really slowing you down.

Here’s how two teams of Nike employees used their StowAways for this popular event. Team One put much of their gear and clothes into their StowAway. Team Two used their StowAway as a giant cooler filled with ice, snacks, and water bottles. Which was perfect use for a hot day!

: Look how the StowAway can be used as an ice chest!

This year’s Hood to Coast had some brutal temperatures, especially for the Pacific Northwest. The high for the run this year was a grueling 96 degrees. However, the temperatures no matter how high or how low stopped these devoted groups of runners. Easy access to their drinks and snacks really helped keep the teams of Nike employees going.

Emma Gray from the Sloth Squad, a member from one of the many other dedicated Hood to Coast teams, spoke about this epic relay. She said that the heat on Leg One and the lack of sleep were brutal. Emma described the best part of the Hood to Coast was experiencing the amazing camaraderie and endless support (and wickedly awesome humor) of her team. “It was SO fun!” replied Emma.

While Hood to Coast is completed for this year (and let’s be honest we aren’t all going to be running on one of the teams…ever) there are ways that we can be prepared for other explorations for this fall. Here is a “how to” packing list for running, races, relays, pumpkin patching, whatever the task may be!

Adventure Packing List

Water
Carbohydrates
Electrolytes
Sunscreen
Rain Jacket/Poncho
Change of Clothes
Change or Shoes
Flashing Vest
Sleeping Bag
Baby Wipes
Trash Bag
Pain Relievers

What would your fall packing list include? Regardless, consider the StowAway Carrier for help transporting your gear for all of your activities. It has lots of room and the hitch mount swings out for easy access to the back of your vehicle. Take a look around the StowAway product line to see if there is something that might fit your needs.

In the meantime, for a more specific and comprehensive packing list for Hood to Coast check out this blog and their amazing “how to” packing list:

Run Oregon blog Hood to Coast Packing List

Announcement: The Winners of the 2016 StowAway Summer Photo Contest

2016-09-01T11:44:00-05:00

We love seeing our customers enjoying their StowAway products, especially during the summer months when everyone is out camping, road tripping, and adventuring. That’s one of the reasons why we held a 2016 Summer Photo Contest, and we were not disappointed with the many, many submissions that we received both on Facebook and through other channels.

We’d like to thank all of you who participated in the photo contest and all of you who voted on Facebook for the winners. The three tiered prizes — $100, $50 and $25 Amazon gift cards — have been awarded based on the photos that garnered the most “likes” on our Facebook page, per the guidelines of the contest.

Now, without further ado, here are this summer’s lucky winners:

First place — and a $100 Amazon gift card! — goes to Susan Jones, who posted an amazing photo of the nice set-up she created as she was camping with her dogs. Her StowAway Cargo Carrier was able to fit her tent and other camping gear and made the trip a lot easier for Susan and her pups. Congratulations on the big prize!

The $50 Amazon gift card will be going to Pedrinho Pavão, who used a SwingAway frame on the back of his ice cream truck to haul his generator! That’s one we haven’t seen before; more room for ice cream in the van, right? Congrats Pedrinho!

And, finally, third prize and a $25 gift card to Amazon will be going to Brian Smith and Heather and Chris Pettis, who earned the same amount of “likes” on Facebook. Brian took his StowAway on a trip down the beautiful California coast, and the Pettis’ are using their StowAway to maximize space in a sleek new SUV!

Because there were so many amazing submissions from our customers, we just have to share a few staff favorites. These winners will receive $50 gift cards as well, because we thought they deserved a prize for their creativity and interesting content. We broke it down into three categories:

Best Composition: Bruce Arrant and friends tailgating before Cheap Trick, Joan Jett and Heart with the StowAway Hitch Grill at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado — rock on, Bruce!

Most Creative Application: Maria Stearns and her husband made their StowAway into a convenient camping sink — talk about creativity and practicality. Congrats, Maria!

Best Road Trip Picture: Congratulations to Eric Johnson, who took his dogs along a 3,000-mile road trip through picturesque Mendocino, California. Even the dogs are smiling!

To claim your prize, please contact StowAway through Facebook, shoot us an email at customerservice@stowaway2.com, or give us a call at 1-800-943-5377. We’ll need your mailing address so we can send you your gift card. If we don’t hear from you within the next week, we’ll send you a message. Congratulations again to all our winners and thank you all for participating in the 2016 StowAway Summer Photo Contest!

Stowaway Hitch Grill Station | Tailgating Supplies

2016-08-23T11:54:00-05:00

Get ready, football fans — the season is upon us. That means tailgating on sunny fall Saturdays: Grilling up some burgers, cracking open a cold beer and, of course, cheering on your favorite teams with friends and family. If you’re serious about football season, you’re probably serious about tailgating.

But tailgating can be a hassle sometimes. Hauling the grill from the garage to the back of your vehicle, and then out to the lot; finding space for your cooler, grilling and eating utensils, food and drinks; not to mention the grease and smells from the grill that can dirty up the inside of your vehicle.

Fire up the StowAway Hitch Grill Station and these common problems will be so last season.

The StowAway Grill Station is a tailgating necessity that will free up space in your vehicle and help to avoid grease marks and sooty smells that go along with a grill. The station simply slides into your hitch receiver, and includes all your tailgating supplies – a grill, cutting board, cargo rack for your cooler and food, all mounted to a SwingAway frame. The SwingAway frame is designed to swing out and lock at 90 degrees for grilling safely away from the car, and to give you clear access to the back of your vehicle. The grill is a high performance Cuisinart Grill with 240-sq. inch of grilling area.

The StowAway Hitch Grill Station offers models for both 2-inch and 1.25-inch trailer hitches, and with a capacity of up to 200 lbs of gear. (The frame and rack come with a 10-year limited warranty!)

Just imagine: More room in your vehicle for your friends, and simple setup at the game once you arrive. The StowAway Hitch Grill Station allows you to focus on what’s important on game day — grilling up some delicious food, showing your team spirit, and spending time with friends and family.

As football season is about to get started keep an eye out for the StowAway Tailgating Photo Contest and our blog for more ideas on tailgating recipes, games, and more. Happy tailgating!

Tesla, Tested: StowAway and Tesla Model X a Perfect Pairing

2016-08-19T11:58:00-05:00

The Tesla Model X is billed as the “safest, fastest and most capable sport utility vehicle in history.” Now, no one is disputing that, but… What if we told you that it can be even more capable — by maximizing the cargo space that it offers?

One Tesla Model X owner discovered that he needed a bit more room for equipment and other items during his long road trip from Los Angeles, California to Laughlin, Nevada. A roof rack was out of the question, as the Falcon Wings on the Model X would almost completely limit access. To solve this conundrum, he turned to the StowAway MAX Hitch Cargo Carrier for some much-needed additional cargo space.

All 600 miles of the trip went along without a problem.

“I was a little worried about how it would work out,” the customer said. “My primary concern was whether I would have a hard time supercharging, due to the increased depth.”

Because the StowAway MAX Hitch Cargo Carrier offers 16 cubic feet of extra storage space and holds 200 lbs. of gear, it was a reasonable concern that supercharging a Model X in a back-in charging station would be a problem (assuming all the pull-through stations were unavailable).

Like a good roadtripper, the customer thought ahead and ordered the MAX Hitch Cargo Carrier on the signature SwingAway frame. This allows the box to swing 180 degrees away from the rear of the vehicle, granting full and easy access to the trunk (and more room to back in if need be).

However, to this Tesla owner’s pleasant surprise, the power cords in the back-in stations reached the outlet on the side of his car with no issues whatsoever.

“We had no problems backing in to charge,” he said. “I could see where it might be difficult if the Tesla parking sign was too far forward or something, but one other option you might have in that situation would be to have a passenger swing the carrier out completely, opening up more of the rear/center of the vehicle area to allow for backing in further.”

Our customer’s original review of his experience with the StowAway on his Model X was posted on the Tesla Motors Club forum, complete with more photos and details about accessories. In every regard, the StowAway MAX Cargo Carrier is a perfect solution for Tesla Model X owners — and other electric SUV drivers — looking to maximize their cargo space.

But you don’t have to take our word for it: Our customers speak for themselves.