Review: Tow Tuff Heavy Duty Aluminum Cargo Carrier and Bike Rack

Review: Tow Tuff Heavy Duty Aluminum Cargo Carrier and Bike Rack

I was given a Tow Tuff aluminum cargo carrier and bike rack to review. Imagine my excitement when I found out I was getting a $400 item for free! Even still, my opinion is my own and not influenced by this gift.

Tow Tuff Cargo Carrier Review

The Tow Tuff Carrier came in the mail, delivered by a seemingly disgruntled FedEx driver who had to lug it up to my garage. I saw him on my Ring camera, and thought “ewww… I better wait until he’s gone to run out there.” Not just because I was still in my pajamas, but also because I thought he might be mad about having to carry it. After all, it’s big!

So, I ran out there as he was pulling out of my long driveway, and squealed with delight! Bracing to pick up a really heavy package, I was surprised at how lightweight it actually is. Like, really, really light. So, then I started to get nervous. If it’s light, is it actually “heavy duty”, I wondered?

Heavy Duty Car Carrier

Much to my surprise, even though it’s made of aluminum, this thing is actually heavy duty. It says it will hold up to 500 pounds.

So, in my calculating mind I’m trying to figure out what I can get that’s going to weigh 500 pounds to test this out! Ha, ha, ha. I’m sure I didn’t come close, but I did haul a freezer full of ice cream about a block, and it was no sweat!

Make no mistake, the heavy duty does not equate to solid and sturdy. It’s put together with lock nuts, so they don’t tighten to a place that they’re cinched completely down. In other words, the aluminum deck does rattle around a little. It makes for some road noise, but it’s not exactly a problem. If I had to list pros and cons, that would be the one “con” I could think of listing.

Very Easy and Quick to Assemble

Of course, you only have to put it together once. But, it’s noteworthy that it was really easy and fast. We were leaving, and I had this brainstorm that we should put together the cargo hauler and use it right then and there. Much to my family’s dismay, this happens all the time with me. Ha, ha.

My daughter and I followed the included directions manual and had it assembled in probably less than 10 minutes. She was even impressed with how easy it was, and she’s a teenager so she’s not often impressed by anything, especially not my wild escapades. (And, when you’re my age, deciding last minute to put together a cargo hauler is in fact a wild escapade!)

Again, the fact that it rattles around is mildly concerning. But, it seems to be fine. It doesn’t wobble or feel like it’s about to fall apart or anything, it just makes some noise.

the box

Car Carrier with Bike Rack Straps

For some reason, my CR-V doesn’t have roof racks. I once tried to buy roof racks at a church garage sale, only to find out they weren’t the right thing, or the right size, or something.  So, I still don’t have roof racks. It’s kind of an inside joke with my family, because trying to say that (three times, fast) makes for some fun conversation.

So, when I was able to get a car carrier (for freeeee!) I jumped at the chance. Add to that the fact that it has bike straps to make it a bike rack. I was on the hunt for a bike rack for EVER. Of course, I don’t like to pay full price for things, which is why it took so long. They’re awesome and apparently in demand. I couldn’t find one for a long time. I finally did find a nice one at a garage sale for a decent price. Ironically, I still haven’t used it and it’s been over a year. But, such is life.

So, this Tow-Tuff carrier comes with a bunch of fancy bike straps so that you can tie down your bicycles. I believe it’s even better than the Tule car-hitch bike rack that I have.

accessories include bike straps

Tow-Tuff Cargo carrier specs

Item Dimensions: LxWxH 27 x 62 x 3 inches

Weight: 48 pounds

Capacity: 500 pounds

Hitch: standard 2″ ball receiver

From the Tow-Tuff Manufacturer

Tow Tuff TTF-2762ACBR Heavy Duty 2-in-1 Aluminum Cargo Carrier with Bike Rack

Add some extra storage space to your next road trip with the Tow Tuff TTF-2762ACBR Heavy Duty 2-in-1 Aluminum Cargo Carrier.
The heavy-duty cargo carrier has plenty of room to take care of all your various hauling needs whether a simple in-town move or on a cross-country road trip. With a versatile and unique design, the cargo carrier also doubles as a bike rack by simply utilizing the installation pins included. The bike rack carrier has a total load capacity of 500 pounds and fits 2-inch receivers for easy mounting on your vehicle. Use the adjustable wheel holder and tie-down straps to secure up to 4 bikes in place. This 2-in-1 rack measures 62 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 3 inches tall and weighs 48 pounds.
Whether you’re going biking on a nearby trail or hauling your things cross country, the Tow Tuff TTF-2762ACBR Heavy Duty 2-in-1 Aluminum Cargo Carrier can make your trip a whole lot easier.

Conclusion: Is the Tow-Tuff Car Carrier and Bike Rack Worth It?

In case you haven’t already noticed, I highly recommend this car carrier. It’s lightweight and easy to assemble. It’s even easier to install and remove. Towing bikes is also a snap, and they’re securely fastened down with the included bike straps. The only minor concern that I have is the rattle, which I’ve already sort of forgotten about. I can’t really hear it when I’m driving, unless I’m trying. Another thing to note: this extends the length of your car about 3 feet so keep that in mind when you’re parking or backing up!