Well Ian, I finally built my "hitch kitchen". I have a rooftop tent (iKamper - SO great!) and love finally being off the ground when camping. That got me thinking about bringing my cooking game off the ground too. After watching your video I started my hunt. I have a Subaru Ascent with a 2" receiver hitch. I found a 48" x 18" x 18" aluminum "under truck" box with barn doors. I wanted to keep the top as a counter and still have access to stuff inside. I was going to go larger but fortunately I tried the swing hitch out first - found my hitch is considerably higher then yours. A larger diameter box would be too high. And 60" was more than needed also. The swivel plate was heavier than I thought, but fitting and installing the angle iron brackets was easy after watching your video. I'm having a welder weld a few receiver pipes near the four corners (near the top of the box behind the doors) and a couple extra on the back. Then going to have him build me an aluminum basket with 1ft walls and a diamond grate bottom that covers the top of the box (4' x 18"). Four rods will extend from the bottom of the basket that fit into the pipes on the box. Basically a removable basket that holds fire wood and a propane tank. Hopefully two additional rods on top of the basket (in the rear) will fit into the two pipes on the back of the box (down lower) so when the basket is flipped over (once empty) to make a small counter top at a lower height for food staging. Hope you can picture that. It'll all get a black powder coating when finished. I'll try to post a picture when finished. Thanks so much for the inspiration!. Woody
Awesome video and channel!! Thanks so much for this. I just bought a used Stowaway swing away hitch and cargo box and I don't think the rear lift gate on my Dodge Grand Caravan is gonna clear the cargo box. :( So this will be a great solution.... thank you so much!! And I see you have lots of other good links above.... gracias!
LOVE IT I have ordered the same models both as you and will be building a copy since yours works so well They are both on their way! Can you tell me how long the angle iron pieces were so I can get the material so I have it when the others show up Thanks for sharing and helping me plan my project
Thanks for the fast response! Any weight (loading) issues. I'm looking at a bigger box then yours (60" x 24" x 23"). Weight about 70#'s on its own. Add a Yeti cooler, table top bbq and 2 burner stove and ... well I'm not sure what the total will be. I think the swing hitch has a 250# max. Your thoughts appreciated.
Wow, great idea. Did you put anything in the box to support the bolt heads? Just wondering how well that thjn aluminum will hold up to vibration and weight. Love you videos, Whit
Yes. I added big washers inside the box. It seems to be doing well. I will keep an eye on it. If it looks like I need to brace it, I will probably use steel bar or angle iron.
Nice job Ian!!....just trying to figure out something and stumbled on your video ...Perfect!! What was the size of the angle iron and the flat iron in box....I'm guessing 1 1/2" Thanks for sharing!!
Hi, Great video.....doing the same with my E350....and am curious as to the make/model of the storage box you used. I want to ensure I keep the same clearances you did....particularly on the license plate visibility and ground / van clearances. Where did you purchase it also? Thanks in advance.
Absolutely love your swing hitch setup. Question. What is the max weight capacity of the hitch? I see on the Amazon link, that the Max Capacity is only 250 lb. You have a truck box on yours, how much more weight can you put on the hitch? I'm looking to put a truck box on mine as well, similar to your setup, but on top of the box though, I want to put a bike rack for my motorized bicycle which I'm making a trail bike. (When I get around to building it! Ha ha!) Thanks in advance.
Awesome idea, thanks for sharing. How does the swivel perform on bumpy roads? I ordered the swing out arm because of your video, but I am debating ordering the swivel seat since I am unsure how it will wear since we drive a lot on bumpy dirt roads.
Can you advise if the hitch is rated to carry up to a 300# weight load and open with that weight on board? Also how is the swivel holding up ... any play develop over time with road vibration and wear & tear ... does swivel still glide smoothly after being exposed to road dirt, dust, and the elements? With the swivel in the center of the box, how concious do you need to be about distributing the weight inside the box to insure box doesn't start to list to the heavy side?
Larry, I am pretty sure it is rated for 250#. The swing and the swivel are doing great with no issues. No visible or noticeable road wear and it still turns smoothly. I make sure that I even the weight out. But it is definitely some thing you don’t want people sitting on. I have had to stop people from trying because it looks so sturdy.
What kind of bolts did you use to install the aluminum box? Steel, titanium, zinc corrode aluminum I'm thinking I need 2 wood furrings between the box and the hitch frame Then, what kind of bolts/nuts/washers did you use?
Judy, I am pretty sure I used stainless steel bolts from Home Depot. I didn't see any need for furrings between the box and hitch frame. I did use some angle iron to create a more stable frame, and I did use some metal strips inside the box as well as you can see here: czcams.com/video/erMpbGF0Tfo/video.html
The box is very light. It is made out of aluminum. If I had to guess, probably 20lbs or less. I am not sure what you mean by drag, but it does not hit any curbs or low spots.
Sir... I have a 60 inch box the problem I have is the bolt and the secure pin sits right under the box and I will not be able to use it. how did you or did you not, clear that space?
Can you give us an update? It's been a few years now, how has your hitch-hauler held up? I am curious if it got loose or had any issues with a loaded box sitting on effectively one relatively small pivot bolt while bouncing down the road? I love this idea, and am curious how you feel about it after using it for awhile? Also, that rotation assembly, did it rus or have any problems getting gunked up with road grime?
madllib Thanks for watching. I will probably do a total tour update in a couple months. But in regards to the swing and swivel hitch, I’ve had no issues with it. It has worked wonderfully! No problems with any of the metal, no fractures, No issues with grime. I couldn’t be more happier with it. I actually had a fender bender where I backed into another car. It damage the other car but no visible damage on the truck box or the hitch.
Thanks for the question and reply. I was wondering the same thing, if any issues surfaced with that single swivel bolt. Glad to hear it’s still hanging in there, literally!
Hi - I love your idea. I now have the swing away arm and trhe swivel plate. But wondering what is the exact box that you got that has done so well for the last 2 years. I do not see it in youe list above Can you tell me? I am putting it all on the back of my Tacoma TRD offroad. Thanks - Jan
@@IanSkelley one other question: Did you get another back p camera - or just adjust your mind to knowing that the measurement lines were no longer accurate - in that the box seems to fill the backup camera line spaces? I am trying to do a mock-up with tubs and cardboard boxes to see what it all looks like, in order to know what size box to get and what happens to backup camera. Any suggetsions?
Awesome fix. This is what I have been looking for but I have one question. My van is a 2002 Dodge Ram Van that has 1 rear door that swings open. Is the toolbox able to rotate 360 degrees or does it have a limit? I am worried my barn door is too far out to clear the toolbox? A great fix to this problem! Well done.
The box is very light. It is made out of aluminum. If I had to guess, probably 20lbs or less. Swing Away weighs 47 lbs. The Northern Tool seat swivel is 21lbs.
Greg, the swing away hitch is separate from the cargo carrier. If you want to open both doors, you need to add the swivel to the hitch. Thanks for watching.
Good question. If you are talking about the truck box on back, I didn't want to tow something as this is my daily driver....also I didn't want the expense of an additional license plate. If you are talking about just buying a trailer instead of building out the van, I wanted something simple that I could just drive and camp.
that is not a great designed hitch. titam ramps make a unit for 159 that functions way better. if you are in the market check it out , going to scoop one myself
@@gilbertocisneros85 hello, the point is the titan hitch completes a perfect 90 angle so you dont need the swivel at all. With the titan it completely swings pass the door. The older models that dont complete a 90 are obsolete
This is the most awesome answer to my problem Thank u.
Tracy, glad to help. Thanks for watching.
Actually, just found my answer below..."Better Built"....still a superb video.
BRILLIANT INSTALLATION- I’m taking notes to use when I get my Ford T 250 later this summer! 👍😎
Thank you for watching Elisa.
Very good! I love it!
Brilliant solution and explanation. Thank you.
Brilliant!
Great idea and good thinking to solve the issue.
Awesome‼️. Very clever‼️
Thanks for watching James.
Amazing solution! I am so excited to do this! Thank You for sharing!
Wow, thank you for your brilliant idea!
Esther, thank you for your kind words and for watching!
Awesome idea with the swivel. I’m doing it!
God mode achieved...
This is a great idea! 👊🏼
Brian Benjamin thanks for watching!
Well Ian, I finally built my "hitch kitchen". I have a rooftop tent (iKamper - SO great!) and love finally being off the ground when camping. That got me thinking about bringing my cooking game off the ground too. After watching your video I started my hunt. I have a Subaru Ascent with a 2" receiver hitch. I found a 48" x 18" x 18" aluminum "under truck" box with barn doors. I wanted to keep the top as a counter and still have access to stuff inside. I was going to go larger but fortunately I tried the swing hitch out first - found my hitch is considerably higher then yours. A larger diameter box would be too high. And 60" was more than needed also. The swivel plate was heavier than I thought, but fitting and installing the angle iron brackets was easy after watching your video. I'm having a welder weld a few receiver pipes near the four corners (near the top of the box behind the doors) and a couple extra on the back. Then going to have him build me an aluminum basket with 1ft walls and a diamond grate bottom that covers the top of the box (4' x 18"). Four rods will extend from the bottom of the basket that fit into the pipes on the box. Basically a removable basket that holds fire wood and a propane tank. Hopefully two additional rods on top of the basket (in the rear) will fit into the two pipes on the back of the box (down lower) so when the basket is flipped over (once empty) to make a small counter top at a lower height for food staging. Hope you can picture that. It'll all get a black powder coating when finished. I'll try to post a picture when finished. Thanks so much for the inspiration!. Woody
woodybailey sounds like you are making progress. Glad I could help.
smart idea . good job
Thanks James.
This is a great idea
Thank you MsLuisma!
i hope you re-enforced the nut and bolt between the box and swivel base with large washers or metal plates inside the box.
Yes. I used metal plates.
Very nice
Thank you for watching.
your van build numbering will make my build mush easier - thanks
Robert, thank you for watching!
Awesome video and channel!! Thanks so much for this. I just bought a used Stowaway swing away hitch and cargo box and I don't think the rear lift gate on my Dodge Grand Caravan is gonna clear the cargo box. :( So this will be a great solution.... thank you so much!! And I see you have lots of other good links above.... gracias!
Carol, thanks for watching and for your feedback.
SWING AWAY HITCH 👍
Great video answered my questions how you swiveled thanks
Thanks for watching NorCal.
I'd never want that thing bouncing around on the back of my van. Plus you can't open the doors from the inside. You have to have dual swing aways
LOVE IT
I have ordered the same models both as you and will be building a copy since yours works so well
They are both on their way!
Can you tell me how long the angle iron pieces were so I can get the material so I have it when the others show up
Thanks for sharing and helping me plan my project
You're welcome. I think the 2 angle iron sections was about 22" long.
that's using the ole noodle.
Thanks for the fast response! Any weight (loading) issues. I'm looking at a bigger box then yours (60" x 24" x 23"). Weight about 70#'s on its own. Add a Yeti cooler, table top bbq and 2 burner stove and ... well I'm not sure what the total will be. I think the swing hitch has a 250# max. Your thoughts appreciated.
woodybailey my truck box is aluminum and is very light. I have not had any weight loading issues.
Thanks once again.
Wow, great idea. Did you put anything in the box to support the bolt heads? Just wondering how well that thjn aluminum will hold up to vibration and weight.
Love you videos,
Whit
Yes. I added big washers inside the box. It seems to be doing well. I will keep an eye on it. If it looks like I need to brace it, I will probably use steel bar or angle iron.
Nice job Ian!!....just trying to figure out something and stumbled on your video ...Perfect!!
What was the size of the angle iron and the flat iron in box....I'm guessing 1 1/2"
Thanks for sharing!!
Bert, thanks for watching. That size sounds about right.
I love this idea and will be implementing something similar. What is the length of the truck box on yours?
It is a Better Built. 60L x 19W x 14H
Hi, Great video.....doing the same with my E350....and am curious as to the make/model of the storage box you used. I want to ensure I keep the same clearances you did....particularly on the license plate visibility and ground / van clearances. Where did you purchase it also? Thanks in advance.
Better Built. I purchased it off Craigslist.
Absolutely love your swing hitch setup. Question. What is the max weight capacity of the hitch? I see on the Amazon link, that the Max Capacity is only 250 lb. You have a truck box on yours, how much more weight can you put on the hitch? I'm looking to put a truck box on mine as well, similar to your setup, but on top of the box though, I want to put a bike rack for my motorized bicycle which I'm making a trail bike. (When I get around to building it! Ha ha!) Thanks in advance.
Yes the max is 250lbs. The truck box is aluminum so it is really light.
Awesome idea, thanks for sharing. How does the swivel perform on bumpy roads? I ordered the swing out arm because of your video, but I am debating ordering the swivel seat since I am unsure how it will wear since we drive a lot on bumpy dirt roads.
Thanks for watching. I have not had any issues with it...however, I almost never drive down dirt roads.
@@IanSkelley okay, thanks for letting me know.
Can you advise if the hitch is rated to carry up to a 300# weight load and open with that weight on board? Also how is the swivel holding up ... any play develop over time with road vibration and wear & tear ... does swivel still glide smoothly after being exposed to road dirt, dust, and the elements? With the swivel in the center of the box, how concious do you need to be about distributing the weight inside the box to insure box doesn't start to list to the heavy side?
Larry, I am pretty sure it is rated for 250#. The swing and the swivel are doing great with no issues. No visible or noticeable road wear and it still turns smoothly. I make sure that I even the weight out. But it is definitely some thing you don’t want people sitting on. I have had to stop people from trying because it looks so sturdy.
What kind of bolts did you use to install the aluminum box? Steel, titanium, zinc corrode aluminum I'm thinking I need 2 wood furrings between the box and the hitch frame Then, what kind of bolts/nuts/washers did you use?
Judy, I am pretty sure I used stainless steel bolts from Home Depot. I didn't see any need for furrings between the box and hitch frame. I did use some angle iron to create a more stable frame, and I did use some metal strips inside the box as well as you can see here: czcams.com/video/erMpbGF0Tfo/video.html
i am looking to install something like this. did you tell us how whats the weight on the box and does it drag? oh and THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS.
The box is very light. It is made out of aluminum. If I had to guess, probably 20lbs or less. I am not sure what you mean by drag, but it does not hit any curbs or low spots.
Yes, dragging refers to that. hitting the ground when you go over hills and valleys...:>)
Yep, no dragging.
How wide is the box? I want to do something similar using a 60" x 24" x 24" truck box. Would that clear the car based on the swing hitch ??
60L x 19W x 14H. Yes it should clear fine.
Thanks for the video. Where did you get the trunk box to attach
I purchased it off of Craigslist. It is a Better Built.
Thank you.
Sir... I have a 60 inch box the problem I have is the bolt and the secure pin sits right under the box and I will not be able to use it. how did you or did you not, clear that space?
Yes. Unfortunately the pin is unusable in this setup. I just rely on the screw tightened and hitch lock.
Can you give us an update? It's been a few years now, how has your hitch-hauler held up? I am curious if it got loose or had any issues with a loaded box sitting on effectively one relatively small pivot bolt while bouncing down the road? I love this idea, and am curious how you feel about it after using it for awhile? Also, that rotation assembly, did it rus or have any problems getting gunked up with road grime?
madllib Thanks for watching. I will probably do a total tour update in a couple months. But in regards to the swing and swivel hitch, I’ve had no issues with it. It has worked wonderfully! No problems with any of the metal, no fractures, No issues with grime. I couldn’t be more happier with it. I actually had a fender bender where I backed into another car. It damage the other car but no visible damage on the truck box or the hitch.
Thanks for the question and reply. I was wondering the same thing, if any issues surfaced with that single swivel bolt. Glad to hear it’s still hanging in there, literally!
Hi - I love your idea. I now have the swing away arm and trhe swivel plate. But wondering what is the exact box that you got that has done so well for the last 2 years. I do not see it in youe list above Can you tell me? I am putting it all on the back of my Tacoma TRD offroad. Thanks - Jan
Jan, thank you for watching. I purchased a truck box off Craigslist. It is a Better Built. 60L x 19W x 14H. Not sure of any specific model.
@@IanSkelley great - thanks for info
@@IanSkelley one other question: Did you get another back p camera - or just adjust your mind to knowing that the measurement lines were no longer accurate - in that the box seems to fill the backup camera line spaces? I am trying to do a mock-up with tubs and cardboard boxes to see what it all looks like, in order to know what size box to get and what happens to backup camera. Any suggetsions?
Jan, I moved the backup camera higher. czcams.com/video/5I41RmuxCls/video.html
Awesome fix. This is what I have been looking for but I have one question. My van is a 2002 Dodge Ram Van that has 1 rear door that swings open. Is the toolbox able to rotate 360 degrees or does it have a limit? I am worried my barn door is too far out to clear the toolbox? A great fix to this problem! Well done.
It is able to swivel 360 if you don’t have trailer lights put on.
I clicked the link for the swivel and its no longer available. What they do have doesn't seem suitable.
@@Merlinsluck this is it. m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200487875_200487875
@@IanSkelley Awesome! I found it. Thank you so much!
How much weight does the box hold? How is it holding up?
webmstir The box will hold 250lbs. That is what the swing away hitch is rated for. It is holding up real good. No complaints at all.
how much weight is in the swing away hitch, box, and swivel unit?
The box is very light. It is made out of aluminum. If I had to guess, probably 20lbs or less. Swing Away weighs 47 lbs. The Northern Tool seat swivel is 21lbs.
Is this the swivel you are using? K & M Swivel Pro Seat Swivel, Model# 5006
Robert, yes it is. See description for full list of items. Get K & M Swivel Pro Seat Swivel, Model# 5006: amzn.to/2yziH3F
@@IanSkelley Thank you so much!
Ummm... the swivel base is for a seat... i.e. inside , OUT of the weather ?
Seminole Rick yep. It is doing well. One of the best things I have done to the van.
There are going to be all kinds of weight problems with that setup.
In what respects? The GVWR on the van is 9000lbs. My current weight is 7500lbs.
What "WannaBFree"⬇️
Swing hitch was build wrong, that's why your door wount open
Not sure what you mean.
one more thing . its just the hitch swing you half to buy the cargo carrier but it will by bypass the door
Greg, the swing away hitch is separate from the cargo carrier. If you want to open both doors, you need to add the swivel to the hitch. Thanks for watching.
Wow... Why not just get a trailer.???.
Good question. If you are talking about the truck box on back, I didn't want to tow something as this is my daily driver....also I didn't want the expense of an additional license plate. If you are talking about just buying a trailer instead of building out the van, I wanted something simple that I could just drive and camp.
that is not a great designed hitch. titam ramps make a unit for 159 that functions way better. if you are in the market check it out , going to scoop one myself
Greg that Titan hitch looks interesting. That could probably work too.
And how are you going to attach the swivel base to that titan hitch ?
@@gilbertocisneros85 hello, the point is the titan hitch completes a perfect 90 angle so you dont need the swivel at all. With the titan it completely swings pass the door. The older models that dont complete a 90 are obsolete
@@gilbertocisneros85 I think the titan hitch wouldn't need a swivel. It seems like that hitch might open up enough room to not need a swivel.