Hitch Cargo Carriers for Your BMW SAV
Known as the original Sports Activity Vehicle, the BMW X series is all about convenience, utility, and luxury coming together. Adding a Stowaway Cargo Carrier can add to the convenience and utility.
When you mount the StowAway Cargo Carrier with SwingAway frame to the rear of your BMW, the options are endless! Depending on your current adventure, you'll have ample storage space to take all your cycling, camping, climbing, or fishing gear. And trunk accessibility won't be compromised, meaning you can store even more and still get to it with ease.
The StowAway hitch carriers meet this need. Hitch mounted for easy ground level loading, the StowAway includes a swingaway frame for clear access to the back of your vehicle. Choosing the right StowAway should be done based upon your needs.
Stowaway MAX Cargo Box on BMW X5
Stowaway MAX Cargo Box with lid open on BMW X5
Things to Consider When Choosing the Right StowAway Hitch Carrier for Your BMW SUV
A StowAway hitch carrier provides a simple way to expand your vehicle's gear capacity. All StowAway carriers slide into your hitch for easy access from ground level and are tightened in place with the StowAway hitch tightener. But which StowAway might be best for your BMW SUV vehicle and needs?
A Is your BMW SUV Designed for a Hitch Cargo Carrier or Cargo Box?
The compatibility of your vehicle with a hitch carrier depends on a few factors. First is Tongue Weight Capacity (TWC). This refers to how much weight your vehicle's hitch receiver can support. Generally, smaller vehicles will have a lower TWC and larger ones will have a higher capacity. To find out a specific TWC, consult your owner's manual or your dealer. Next what size hitch do you have? Hitches typically come as a 1.25" or 2" square receiver, and occasionally 2.5” for larger, heavy duty vehicles. StowAway Racks and the Standard Cargo Box are available for either the 1.25” and 2” hitch size, while the Max Cargo Box is made only for a 2” hitch.
BWhat kind of and how much gear will you be carrying?
Racks can be the best choice for gear that does not have a regular shape – bikes, grills, inflatable boats and more. The StowAway Cargo Boxes may be a better option if you have multiple pieces of luggage or gear that you want to keep covered. 1.25” hitches typically offer tongue weight capacity ranging from 100 lbs up to 300 lbs. Vehicles with 2” hitches typically have a tongue weight capacity of 300 – 500 lbs. The StowAway Carrier is not suitable for the lighter (Class 1) 1.25” hitches but can be used with hitches with capacities of 200 lbs and higher. Always be sure to stay within the stated capacity on your hitch and your vehicle.
CHow important is protection from the elements, and security?
If you are concerned about the security of your gear and protecting it from the weather, a hitch cargo box might be your best bet. StowAway Cargo Boxes are molded from a strong flexible polymer and include a locking latch, taillights and a water channel to prevent water from getting to your gear.
DWill you be doing more than transporting gear?
StowAway offers several models and accessories If you plan on doing more with your StowAway than transporting gear. The buffet board option provides a platform for preparing or serving food. The StowAway Ski Carrier converts the vehible into a ski shuttle for carrying skiers and skis to the mountain. The StowAway Grill Station is your ideal tailgate party grill for college or pro games.
EHow important is clear access to the back of your vehicle?
If you need clear access to the back of your vehicle without having to unload your gear, the swingaway frame is a definite must. Remove the frame safety pins, lift the release pin and swing open your frame for access to your back doors, liftgate or tailgate.
OK, you’ve assessed your needs and looked over your vehicle and hitch. Now select the StowAway that will work best for you.
Hitch Cargo Boxes
If your choice is a Cargo Box select either the Max at 16 cubic feet capacity or the Standard at 12.5 cubic feet capacity. Both boxes will protect your gear from the elements, include a locking latch for security, and taillights for safety. A drain plug is included for cleaning your box. Both boxes come in either black or ivory.
Hitch Racks
The StowAway cargo rack provides a flexible hauling alternative for irregularly shaped and large pieces of gear that may not fit into one of our cargo boxes. The rack can also be specialized for hauling bikes, a grill for tailgating, fishing rods or skis and snowboards.
Hitch Frames
StowAway offers two frames, one a fixed frame and the other a swingaway frame. Both frames are welded from heavy duty tube steel and are powdercoated to resist rust and corrosion. All StowAway Boxes and Racks mount to either frame or you can bolt your own box or rack to either frame.
BMW SUVs Vehicle Overview
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is the original Sports Activity Vehicle -- a mid-size, rear-wheel drive luxury SUV. Convenience, utility, and high-end style come together in this brilliantly designed SAV. It has up to 72.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
You love taking your BMW on every road trip and weekend getaway. Why not mount one of StowAway's Max or Standard Cargo Carriers to its hitch receiver and give yourself some extra storage space for the road? With either 16 or 12.5 cubic feet of storage capacity, our heavy-duty cargo boxes make plenty of room for all your gear.