FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Product Specs & Features
| Feature |
MAX Carrier |
Standard Carrier |
| Capacity |
16 cu. ft. / 200 lbs |
12.5 cu. ft. / 200 lbs (2" hitch) / 125 lbs (1.25" hitch) |
| Box Weight |
52 lbs |
47 lbs |
| Frame Weight |
SwingAway: 47 lbs / Fixed: 18 lbs |
SwingAway: 47 lbs / Fixed: 18 lbs |
| Colors |
Black or Ivory |
Black |
| Includes |
Multi-Function Lights, Reflectors, Locking Latch, Hitch Tightener, lit license plate bracket |
Multi-Function Lights, Locking Latch, Hitch Tightener, lit license plate bracket |
Fit & Compatibility
General Fit
- Which vehicles will the Stowaway fit?
Stowaway carriers work with SUVs, vans, trucks, RVs, and some cars with the right hitch. Our Fit Guide can be
used for additional, more vehicle-specific guidance.
Stowaway Fit Guide
EV Compatibility
- Does it work with electric vehicles (Tesla, Rivian, Ford Lightning, etc.)?
Yes, as long as a compatible hitch is installed and vehicle hitch capacities are observed.
Access & Clearance
- Will it block my backup camera or sensors?
It may. This is common with hitch-mounted accessories, and aftermarket camera solutions are available to help
restore rear visibility.
- Can I still open my liftgate or tailgate?
Yes. The SwingAway frame pivots up to 180°, providing rear access on most vehicles including those with
standard liftgates and tailgates.
- What if my vehicle has side-swing rear door(s)?
The StowAway will allow side-swing rear doors to open, although the amount the door(s) will open may be limited.
- Single rear doors that swing toward the passenger side typically open 60-80 degrees, though less clearance
may be available if a rear-mounted spare tire is present.
- On vehicles with double rear doors, the passenger-side door generally opens 70-80 degrees, while the
driver-side door opens fully. A rear-mounted spare tire or ladder may reduce the opening range of the
passenger-side door.
- What if I have a rear-mounted spare tire?
The SwingAway frame clears most spare tires, though a hitch extender may be needed to provide clearance for larger sizes. Our Fit Guide
can provide additional guidance on how much clearance our frames provide.
Note that rear-mounted spare tires and ladders may prevent the box lid from opening fully, as the lid overhangs the back of the box
approximately 6" when open. In these cases, the carrier will need to be swung out for the lid to open fully.
- Can the SwingAway arm swing to the driver's side?
No, for safety reasons it opens only to the passenger side.
Ordering & Shipping
Purchasing
- Where can I buy a Stowaway?
Directly from StowAway2.com or by phone. All orders are shipped to customers via FedEx Ground.
- Can I pick up my order in person?
Yes, by appointment at our facility in Tigard, Oregon. We offer free assembly and installation, plus a discount for in-person pickup. Contact us for details.
Delivery
- Which shipping carrier is used?
StowAway cargo boxes, racks, and frames ship FedEx Ground and require a signature upon delivery. Accessories and smaller items ordered separately may ship USPS, UPS, or FedEx,
and may require a signature if the order total is over $100.
- How long will delivery take?
Orders usually ship within 1-3 business days from receipt. Transit times vary by location: typically 1-3 business days to West Coast destinations, and 5-7 business days to the East Coast.
- How do I track the status of my order?
After an order is placed, a confirmation email is automatically sent to the email address provided. This confirms that the order was received and is in the queue to be built. Once the order ships,
a follow-up email is sent with the shipment tracking number, which allows you to track delivery and get updates on the estimated delivery date. We recommend checking tracking regularly as delivery estimates can change.
Shipping Options
- What does shipping cost?
Shipping to the lower 48 United States is included with all product purchases. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or abroad is available at an additional charge.
Please Request a Quote for these destinations. - Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or overseas?
Yes, though shipping to these locations is not included. Request a Quote for exact costs.
- Is expedited shipping available?
Yes, though it can be very costly due to size and weight. Call us for a quote if needed.
Returns
- What is your return policy?
New, unused products may be returned within 30 days (custom orders excluded). Return shipping is the customer's responsiblity and a restocking fee may be charged.
View our full Return Policy online for more details.
Assembly & Installation
Assembly of the StowAway Cargo Box, Rack, and Swingaway frame are straightforward and should take between 30 - 60 minutes. While it is possible to assemble with one person,
we recommend a two-person team to ease the process.
We recommend assembling the StowAway Cargo Box, Rack, or Swingaway frame for the first time on the vehicle, as this allows better access to each component.
We've included a rough outline of the assembly steps below for reference. More detailed instructions are included with each shipment and can be found on individual product pages.
Assembly Steps
- Remove the frame and box from packaging. Identify all components and hardware.
- Insert the hitch bar into your vehicle hitch. Secure using the included hitch pin or a locking alternative.
- Attach the swing arm to the hitch bar using the provided hardware.
- Mount the cargo box or rack onto the frame using the provided hardware.
- Attach the hitch tightener to the frame.
- If using the included license plate bracket, drill the three pre-marked holes and attach the bracket to the box with the provided hardware.
With two people, this process usually takes 30 - 60 minutes. Units are pre-fit at the factory, then partially disassembled for shipping.
Tools Required
- Two adjustable wrenches (up to 1-1/16")
- Phillips screwdriver
- Socket set (optional, makes installation faster)
- Drill with 3/16" and 5/16" bits (for license plate bracket installation)
Use, Security, & Safety
Use
- Will exhaust damage my carrier?
It may, if your exhaust is within or just below the bumper and it points straight toward the box, you'll need an exhaust shield or tailpipe tip to divert heat. If your vehicle's exhaust angles down or to the sides, an exhaust shield typically isn't needed.
Sprinter style vans typically never require exhaust shields or diverter tips.Note that heat damage from vehicle exhaust isn't covered under warranty.
- Can I tow a trailer while using a Stowaway?
You can. To tow a trailer and use a StowAway carrier a dual hitch adapter will be needed, available online or at trailering stores. You will need to
confirm that your vehicles tongue weight rating is adequate for both the StowAway Cargo Carrier, any cargo, and the trailer tongue weight.
- Is it safe for off-road use?
The StowAway box and frame are built for long-term durability and many customers regularly use them on dirt and gravel roads, and in mild off-road environments.
When heading off pavement, we recommend driving slowly and avoiding washboard roads whenever possible. However, because any off-road terrain is unpredictable,
aggressive driving or rougher trails can create sudden forces beyond the carrier's design limits. For this reason, while the StowAway performs well in light
off-road use, damage that occurs during off-roading is not covered by the limited warranty.
- Will the StowAway Cargo Carrier affect my vehicle's ground clearance?
Because the StowAway extends beyond the rear of your vehicle, it can affect clearance when driving over steep approaches or dips such
as driveways and ditches. The actual height of the StowAway above the ground will vary depending on your vehicle's hitch height and
which frame type is used. Whenever possible, we supply our Standard frame for maximum clearance, but vehicles with side-swing doors
or rear-mounted spares may require our Low-Rise frame. In either case, most customers find the clearance sufficient for everyday
driving. Our Frame Type Guide offers details on each frame and its clearances if you'd
like additional information.
- Is the StowAway waterproof?
StowAway carriers are designed and tested in the rainy Pacific Northwest to be highly water resistant, and have a long track record of
keeping gear dry over thousands of miles. In most conditions, your cargo will stay protected. That said, no cargo box can be guaranteed
completely watertight, and in extreme weather a small amount of moisture may get inside. Condensation can also occur naturally when
moist air becomes trapped inside the box and cools overnight. To minimize this, allow air circulation when possible and pack sensitive
items accordingly when traveling or storing gear in very wet or humid conditions.
Want to see how water resistant the StowAway is? See a StowAway get a spray down in this short, simple, real world demonstration of how well
the carrier keeps water out.
If you do notice water inside your StowAway, it usually means something is slightly out of alignment.
Our troubleshooting guide can help you fix the issue quickly.
Security
- How secure is the Stowaway Carrier?
Each carrier comes equipped with a sturdy locking latch to help keep your cargo safe. While no lock can stop a determined thief with
the right tools and enough time, the latch provides solid day-to-day security. For added peace of mind, we recommend packing valuables
thoughtfully and out of sight.
- What prevents someone from removing the box from the frame?
The StowAway box is mounted to the frame with bolts secured by nylon lock-nuts. These nuts use nylon inserts, which make it very
difficult to remove the box without access to the bolt heads inside the cargo area. For added reassurance, the bolts can be reversed
so the nuts sit inside the box, and a thread-locker can be applied as an extra safeguard to keep everything firmly in place.
- How can I prevent someone from removing the StowAway from my vehicle?
A locking hitch pin can be added to your order to help prevent removal of the StowAway Cargo Carrier from your vehicle. These pins
secure from the end and require about 4" of clearance on either side of the hitch, so they may not fit every setup, particularly
Sprinter-style vans with angled hitch plugs. For those vehicles, third-party locking hitch pins that secure from the side of the
pin are a good alternative. While no solution can guarantee complete theft protection, a locking hitch pin provides a b layer
of everyday security and peace of mind.
Cleaning & Storage
Cleaning
- What's the best way to keep the StowAway clean?
Wash with mild soap and water to keep the finish looking fresh. Products like Trim Shine can restore the luster to the surface if it fades.
- Can I use other cleaning products on the StowAway box and frame?
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish.
- Can I take the StowAway carrier through a car wash?
No, never take the StowAway carrier through any kind of automated car wash.
Maintenance
- How do I prevent rust on the frame?
Rinse the frame with fresh water after exposure to salt, sand, or road chemicals. Dry thoroughly before long-term storage. If you notice signs of rust,
touch up promptly with a rust-preventive coating.
- How should I care for the box interior?
Avoid leaving damp gear inside for long periods, and be sure not to store fuels, oils, solvents, or other chemicals inside the carrier, as they can create
fumes and may damage the box materials.
- What other periodic maintenance is required?
Regularly lubricate all moving parts, including the frame latch, threaded safety bolt, and pivot bolt. We recommend using a
lithium grease in these areas. It is also recommended to regularly lubricate the lock with a dry lubricant, such as a graphite
or silicone based spray; avoid oil-based lubricants as these attract dirt.
Storage
- How should I store my StowAway when not in use?
Indoors is best. If outdoor storage is your only option, no problem - just add a StowAway cover to keep it clean and protect it from UV
exposure. Many customers store their carrier outside this way with great results. Whether in a garage, shed, or on the driveway under
a cover, storing your StowAway is simple and worry-free.
For best results, latch the lid before storing. This keeps the interior clean and also helps the latch teeth remain properly aligned during
seasonal temperature changes.
To make moving and storing your StowAway even easier when it's not on your vehicle, we recommend adding our wheel kit. It attaches quickly,
lets you roll the carrier around like a large suitcase, and makes repositioning or tucking it into a garage corner effortless. Many
customers find the wheel kit a must-have for hassle-free storage.
- Do I need to do anything before storing?
Before storing, ensure the StowAway is clean, dry, and check that the frame is free of rust. Lubricate all moving parts as previously outlined
and ensure the lid is closed and latched.
Parts & Accessories
- Can I order replacement parts?
Yes. Keys, latches, lights, reflectors, and more are available on our website. See our Replacement Parts page for all available parts.
- I lost my keys. Can I get replacements?
Yes. Replacement latches and keys are available on our website.
- What accessories are available?
- Exhaust Shield - Protects the cargo box from heat damage if your vehicle's exhaust points directly at or below the carrier.
- Lid Rack - Adds extra space on top of the box for carrying lightweight, bulky items like camp chairs, tents, or coolers.
- Wheel Kit - Makes it easy to move and store the StowAway off your vehicle, rolling it like a large suitcase. A favorite for garages and driveways.
- Cargo Cover - Shields the carrier from weather, dirt, and UV rays when stored outdoors, helping preserve the finish and extending its life.
- Buffet Board - A tailgating favorite, this optional board attaches to the box to create a handy prep or serving station for food and drinks.
- And More - Additional accessories are available to help customize your StowAway for your adventures.
Warranty
- What is the warranty for a StowAway Cargo Box, Rack, or Frame?
Every StowAway cargo box and frame is backed by a 10-year limited warranty for the original owner. We're
committed to making sure your carrier lasts for the long haul, and if something goes wrong, we'll work with you to repair or replace
the part so you can get back on the road quickly.
- What parts are covered by the warranty?
- The StowAway box and frame are covered for defects in materials and/or workmanship for a period of 10 years.
- The carrier electrical components and any optional accessories are covered for defects in materials and/or workmanship for a period of 1 year.
- See our warranty page for specific details regarding covered items.
- Is the warranty transferable if I sell my StowAway?
No, the warranty is tied to the original purchaser. This helps us ensure that every claim is handled fairly and directly with the
customer who made the purchase.
- What is not covered?
Everyday wear and tear, cosmetic scratches, rust & corrosion, or damage from things outside of normal use (like exhaust heat or
off-roading) aren't covered. We'll always help troubleshoot, though, and recommend solutions if these situations come up. See our
warranty page for specific details regarding warranty exclusions.
- Can I get replacement parts if needed?
Absolutely. Replacement parts are readily available on our website, and our
customer service team is only a phone call or email away to guide you through the process.
Our goal is to keep your StowAway working like new for years to come. If you ever have a concern, we're here to help. More information
about our warranty can be found here.
Still have questions? Contact our customer service team: