Trailer Hitch Cargo Rack Recommendations for JLU

[NHJLUR]

I won't lie. I had some buyers remorse after pushing the order button for the Pakmule. Seemed awfully expensive compared to alternatives until it arrived at my door. This thing is nuts! Way more substantial then the pictures portray, and surprisingly light for the amount of material there. Ordered it last week, and took 5 days from Texas to New Hampshire, with shipping included. Easy to see why the price is so high with the materials used and attention to detail. I particularly like the solid tube that slides into the receiver that has a threaded hole for snugging it up. Can't stand wobbling carriers, so this has the solution already built in!

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[NHJLUR]

Figured I'd close this out with some installed pics. Couldn't be any closer with the 315 tako2 installed. Little bit of rubbing when I open the gate, but definitely doable. Can stand right on it, and doesn't move a bit.

 

[snakesnakington]

I just wanted to check in on this thread. Has anyone else got a basket/tray that they like that's about 60" wide and allows the rear door to open when empty? Extra points if it folds?

The pakmule looks great, but I just cannot justify $800 on a rear cargo rack.

Looks like some JK guys have taken this, flipped the angled receiver pipe, and gotten this one to work.

Anyone more familiar than I know if you could do the same with this one and still retain the folding functionality?

Or anything else the wisdom of the board recommends to carry about 200-225 lbs worth of stuff. The trays seem like the obvious answer, but I'm worried that they'll buckle under the weight.

Thanks!

 

[CoastalKrewe]

Figured I'd close this out with some installed pics. Couldn't be any closer with the 315 tako2 installed. Little bit of rubbing when I open the gate, but definitely doable. Can stand right on it, and doesn't move a bit.

Looks great! Do you have the Mopar Oversize Spare Carrier Mounting Bracket Kit installed or just the hinge reinforcement?

trying to figure out the clearance I would have using the pakmule with the mopar oversize spare tire kit.

 

[DToxic]

in your guys' experience, do most of the items on the rear cargo carrier get dusty? Or are they high enough to avoid that?

 

[Rhinebeck01]

in your guys' experience, do most of the items on the rear cargo carrier get dusty? Or are they high enough to avoid that?

@DToxic

They get drenched, dusty and more. Best bet is for anything on the carrier to be in a waterproof bag, a tote, if you need to keep the item clean, dry.

High means Nada......... ever notice how dirty a Wrangler's rear window gets when out in the dirt, rain..

 

[Matt Y]

Here’s my brand new setup after consulting this thread and a buddy with a similar Rubicon.

$69 steel haul-master from Harbor Freight. I can open the tailgate with stock 33” tire (provided the rack is empty). It’s easy to carry and install. I like that doesn’t stick out far. Someone said it’s bad to have a lever.

The bins are from Walmart. $11 each. Good snap on lids. Grooves and holes for straps. PERFECT FIT against the tire.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Here’s my brand new setup after consulting this thread and a buddy with a similar Rubicon.

$69 steel haul-master from Harbor Freight. I can open the tailgate with stock 33” tire (provided the rack is empty). It’s easy to carry and install. I like that doesn’t stick out far. Someone said it’s bad to have a lever.

The bins are from Walmart. $11 each. Good snap on lids. Grooves and holes for straps. PERFECT FIT against the tire.

@Matt Y

You are kidding right? Sure hope so...

I mean your tail lights are not visible... You have not added any brake / running lights or even a reflector to the haul master that would take over tail end light duty..

 

[Matt Y]

Good point! I hope it’s just the angle of the close up picture. I’ll check it out and push them together if needed. The rack is just over 4 feet wide.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Good point! I hope it’s just the angle of the close up picture. I’ll check it out and push them together if needed. The rack is just over 4 feet wide.

Try moving the totes together so they are almost touching and also center the duo.. Then, your tail lights will be visible...

It's quite easy to add lights to the haul master... Just buy an inexpensive offering made for a small boat trailer. Bolts on easy and you plug into the 4/8 pin connector you have.

 

[RobAmy]

I use this one, no issues. I added a light kit to mine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CE0LD2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

Curt light kit installed on the rack.

 

[brent185]

Thought i'd chime in late here...

Pretty sure the OP is a Pakmule employee.

I recently bought the very same Pakmule. Paid almost $1100 with shipping. For this price I expected the carrier to be twice as good as the others (many of which are less than $300). Twice as good meaning no wobble, sits flat, etc. It does neither of these things, and I almost laughed when I first put it on; it sits noticeably off-level, and touch it and jumps around in the receiver (I have a '24 Rubicon). The ONLY benefit of the Pakmule is its aluminum design. Is that worth $800 more than the others? Nope.

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