Harbor Freight Cargo Carrier Project

This project converts an inexpensive Harbor Freight cargo carrier to fit either a 2-inch receiver or a 1-1/4-inch receiver.

My old Miata (and now my 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible) is equipped with a 1-1/4″ Class 2 receiver but all the cargo carriers that I found that would fit my reciever were over $125, so I decided to modify a cargo carrier that I bought at Harbor Freight to be interchangeable and fit either a 2″ or a 1-1/4″ receiver.  Since I had a 25% off coupon, the Harbor Freight cargo carrier (Item 69858) was only $34.49.

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Harbor Freight Model 69858 Cargo Carrier

 

The Harbor Freight Model #69858 Cargo Carrier I purchased in Pensacola, Florida has a 500 pound capacity but the same model number is also available with a 300 lb. capacity.  Either would work for me since the Miata hitch is only rated for 200 lb.

See the slide show below to see how I made the 1-1/4″ hitch.

   
Sides welded to the hitch
sides welded to the hitch 2
Spay painted black
Cargo carrier on the Mazda Miata MX-
P1120006.JPG
P1120008.JPG
Harbor Freight Model 69858 Cargo Carrier
The unboxing of the Harbor Freight cargo carrier.
The cargo carrier's is designed for a 2" receiver.
Layout to add a 1-1/4" hitch to cargo carrier.
sketch on the cargo carrier box to showing original layo
sketch with cargo carrier structure
sketch with cargo carrier structure and hitch
Sketch with side piece template
Angle of hitch corrected
original with bolts
first welds completed
layout of side panels
One side piece in place
Drill the sides
Sides welded to the hitch
sides welded to the hitch 2
Spay painted black
Cargo carrier on the Mazda Miata MX-
P1120006.JPG
P1120008.JPG
Harbor Freight Model 69858 Cargo Carrier
The unboxing of the Harbor Freight cargo carrier.
The cargo carrier's is designed for a 2" receiver.
Layout to add a 1-1/4" hitch to cargo carrier.
sketch on the cargo carrier box to showing original layo
sketch with cargo carrier structure
 

If you find this project is useful to you, please consider making a small donation to help contribute to my time invested and to further development of projects. Thanks for your kind support!
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