Cargo Hitch Box Reality Check: Why This Full-Timer is Ditching Their Overland Vehicle Systems Box After a Year
Let's face it, living the RV life full-time isn't always glamorous. It's about making practical choices that enhance your daily grind, not just look good on Instagram. CheapRVliving's experience with an Overland Vehicle Systems cargo box on their Subaru offers a raw, unfiltered look at the compromises you sometimes have to make when balancing space, weight, and budget on the road. It's time to dive deep into the real-world performance of this popular cargo solution and understand why it might be time for a change.
The Allure and the Reality of the Hitch Cargo Box
For full-time RVers and those living out of smaller vehicles like SUVs, external storage is often a necessity. The presenter needed extra space on their Subaru to store essential items like a chair, portable toilet, stove, water filter, and a tarp for unexpected weather conditions. The goal was to maximize living space inside the vehicle without sacrificing essential gear. The allure of a hitch-mounted cargo box is clear: it provides accessible storage without impacting fuel efficiency as much as roof-mounted options or requiring a larger vehicle.
The Overland Vehicle Systems cargo box seemed like the perfect solution initially. Its low profile allowed the presenter to open the Subaru's rear gate without interference and kept the license plate visible. The box’s dimensions (19" wide, 47" long, and 13" tall) maximized available space. This seemed ideal for a compact setup where every inch counts.
The Weight Problem: A Full-Timer's Achilles Heel
However, the most significant drawback of the Overland Vehicle Systems box quickly became apparent: its weight. At 38 pounds empty, this box significantly contributed to the Subaru's already overloaded state. The presenter readily admits, "I'm overloaded, too heavy as it is, and this really hurts me." This is a critical consideration for anyone living full-time in a smaller vehicle. Every pound counts, especially when you're trying to maintain decent fuel economy and avoid excessive wear and tear on your vehicle.
Weight at the rear of a vehicle also acts as a fulcrum, placing additional stress on the rear axle. The presenter highlights the importance of weight distribution, saying that "the weight back here is even worse. This is the worst possible place to have weight." This is a crucial point often overlooked by those new to RVing or van life. While 38 pounds might not seem like much, its impact on vehicle handling and overall performance can be substantial.
Durability and Weather Resistance: A Silver Lining
Despite the weight issue, the Overland Vehicle Systems box does have some redeeming qualities. The presenter praises its exceptional durability and weather resistance, noting that it remained completely dust-proof and waterproof even after thousands of miles on rough Alaskan roads. "All the reviews said it never leaked, never got dust in it," they mention. "And all the miles that I put on it in Alaska on so many horrible roads, uh, so much dust... there has never been dust or rain inside this box."
The robust latches and sturdy construction contribute to its ability to withstand harsh conditions. The box also features a locking mechanism with a metal reinforcement, providing a deterrent against theft. While acknowledging that it's not impenetrable, the presenter appreciates the added security measure: "This will keep an honest guy honest, but if a bad guy wants in, he's getting in."
The U-Haul Hitch Install Regret
Another point of contention for the presenter was the U-Haul-installed 2-inch receiver hitch. While the installation cost was consistently around $400, the design left something to be desired. U-Haul chose not to cut into the bumper, resulting in the hitch angling downwards. "The one problem I ran into is that they didn't want to go through the bumper. So, the extension, the 2x two hitch uh actually goes uh below the bumper," they explain. This caused frequent scraping and reduced ground clearance, a significant drawback for anyone planning to venture off-road or navigate uneven terrain.
The presenter contrasts this with the factory Subaru hitch installation, which involves cutting a hole in the bumper for a straight, higher-clearance hitch. The regret is palpable: "I wish now I had I had bought a model with the factory install because this is a pain." This highlights the importance of researching and choosing the right hitch setup for your specific vehicle and travel needs.
The Search for a Lighter, Flatter Alternative
Ultimately, the presenter's experience underscores the importance of prioritizing weight savings for full-time RVers and those living in smaller vehicles. While the Overland Vehicle Systems box offers excellent durability and weather resistance, its weight outweighs its benefits in this particular scenario. The presenter plans to replace it with a lighter, potentially smaller box, even if it means sacrificing some of the ruggedness and weatherproofing.
The presenter also dislikes the ridges on the top of the box, as they make it difficult to use as a cooking surface. They are looking for something with a flatter top. "I cook on it. It's a great table...when I replace this, I'm going to replace it with something that uh doesn't have those ridges," they said.
Key Takeaways
Weight Matters: For smaller RVs and full-timers, every pound counts. Prioritize lightweight gear to improve fuel economy and reduce stress on your vehicle.
Hitch Installation Matters: Research hitch options carefully and consider a factory install for optimal ground clearance.
Durability vs. Weight: Balance the need for ruggedness with the practical considerations of weight.
Box Features: Consider if a cargo box will be used for additional purposes, such as a table, and shop accordingly.
Weather Resistance is Key: If you travel in diverse climates or on unpaved roads, invest in a cargo box that offers excellent weather protection.
Consider Alternatives: Don't be afraid to explore alternative storage solutions to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Final Thoughts
The presenter's honest assessment of the Overland Vehicle Systems cargo box provides valuable insights for anyone considering this type of storage solution. While it may be a great option for overlanders with larger vehicles, it may not be the ideal choice for full-time RVers in smaller vehicles. Be sure to watch the full video from CheapRVliving for a more in-depth look at the box and its features to decide if it's the right fit for your needs.