Cargo rack installed

[CRUZTAKER]

I had spoke of doing this ever since my trips to the track required more...and more...and more equipment.

I was tired of having to scrub the trunk carperting every time I wedged the Mickeys in there.
I also carry a pitch tent occationally, a jack, a tool box, an impact wrench, an air tank, and 5gl fuel tank.

I went with a class-II hidden hitch assy that is easily removed from the frame. It weighs about 27 lbs and has the smaller 1-1/4" receiver. I went with the cheapest cargo carrier I could find with a 500lb. weight capacity. There are better and bigger ones out there, and perhaps some day I will get one of those.

It resolves the sticky tires in the trunk issue and gives me more space in the trunk alleviating carrying crap in the back seat area.

Overall, I am happy with the install, and it resolved my sagging bumper issue as the reciever sits correctly in the area that used to droop. I only hope the rear cover Dennis promised me will still fit back there.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/6/2/7/HITCH002.jpg

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/6/2/7/HITCH003.jpg

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/6/2/7/HITCH004.jpg

[GarageMahal]

Looks really good to me :)

jta

[jaywish]

A nice solution,
neat and clean.

Jay

[Mike Poore]

Not to mention you can put the Deer you bag, next fall, on it; 'cause Barb says Jessica ain't gonna allow no dead deer(s) in her Aviator. :nono:

[MarauderMark]

Good idea. it looks like you have to get something for between the tires and the back bumper for rubbing..

[SergntMac]

Bear...You are just too cool here. O M G, I love it!

You solved all your "backpack" problems, a few of which I share with you now that I have dedicated my trunk shelf to other stuff as you have. And...(cough) AND...You found a way for the Marauder to be it's own tow vehicle!

This must upset the hard core racers you encounter over the road to US 42, or, where ever, and give them something to debate before you meet up at the tree. The old and tired "race on Sunday, showroom fresh on Monday" was never more true thanks to you, and your solution.

Bravo!

Okay, enough of me blowing smoke up you azz...Give up the source and part numbers already? I need one of something like this myself, help out a bud, eh?

[DirtyDog]

It also makes you look a little more mean.

[Shaft333]

That hitch is tight.

I didn't know you can buy those racks in 1-1/4" receiver. Cool.

[CRUZTAKER]

Give up the source and part numbers already? I need one of something like this myself, help out a bud, eh?

Go to your local hitch/trailer shop and ask for the class-II 'HIDDEN HITCH' aka 'DRAW TIGHT' hitch for a 2003-4 Mercury Marauder.

My cost locally was $180 plus $65 to install. The installation took 45 minutes and amounted to drilling two extra holes in the frame.

I found my cargo carrier in the mail order catalogue 'SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE' for $45. It comes with both 2" and 1-1/4" main bars, and you choose which to assemble with.

There are far better looking/larger carriers available from the hitch/trailer dealers that range in price $125-$250.

You will need to buy a 1-1/4" (6") extender to allow the cargo carrier's body to clear the edge of the Marauder's fat bumper. $34

Thanks for the positive comments. I expected more flames than compliments on this one, but just had to share my adventure and solution with the community.;)

[LCSO34]

That's way cool, I love to see you pass some dually's hauling a "street" car to races.

[CRUZTAKER]

Good idea. it looks like you have to get something for between the tires and the back bumper for rubbing..Bad angle on the pic.

I assure you, with the extension, there is plenty of space between the bumper and carrier.;)

[Joe Walsh]

Totally Cool !
You can hardly see the hitch at all!!

Great solution for hauling those meaty slicks....plus if you load the slicks just right you can 'pre-heat' them with the exhaust pipes!!! :bows:

[TooManyFords]

Nice job Barry! I'm shopping for slicks now and this looks like the hot ticket. What is the rack rated for weight wise?

Cheers!

John

[Rider90]

Very cool.

Not only is it very functional, but it also lets people know while you're driving to the track that you are serious when it comes to your Marauder :cool:

[CRUZTAKER]

What is the rack rated for weight wise?

John
This particular rack is rated for 500lbs.

That will never happen however.:nono:

[Ryans PI]

Very cool.

Not only is it very functional, but it also lets people know while you're driving to the track that you are serious when it comes to your Marauder :cool:


....not to mention its extra "cushion" in case of a rear end accident.

BTW, does that plate read "WTF IS IT"?

[CRUZTAKER]

BTW, does that plate read "WTF IS IT"?
WTF are you talking about....;)

[jdando]

Rather than start a new thread I figure I can tag on to Barry's.

Just got done installing my hidden hitch and cargo carrier.

I decided to do the install myself. Figured I would save $50 bucks. I had to drill 4 holes in the frame:( unlike others who only had to do two. Fishing the bolts into the two holes furthest into the frame was a real pain. The final solution was to slide the bolt into the spacer and then wrap fine bailling wire around the threads, fish the wire about two feet from the access hole to my new drilled hole and then carefully pull into place. I had the car on jackstands and it was a pain to drill holes and fish bolts. Not sure if it was worth the $35 I saved. Had to spend $15 on a 1/2" drill bit. My arms and abs know I did some work today! Total install time was 60-90 minutes.

Come springtime I will get a bike rack for the hitch also.

Before picture

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/bumper.jpg

After picture

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/newbumper.jpg

Cargo Carrier inplace sideview

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/cargoside.jpg

Cargo Carrier backview

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/cargoback.jpg

I am looking forward to May 12th when I can load up the carrier and head off to the track :banana2:

jeremy

[SergntMac]

Can I borrow that for our meet in "Looseville"?

I may be returning with a "few" samples...

[CRUZTAKER]

Cool Jeremy!

This little ad-on really is handy, and far from obtrusive.;)