Trailer hitch rack/rod holder -looking for solutions

[pwf]

I was looking into a rack/rod holder that would hook up to my trailer hitch. I saw one that swings out of the way for $399.00 and can hold 500lb.s of stuff and 6 rods. I also saw the flat iron utility trays that look like I could rig up pvc rod holders. Have any of you found trailer hitch mounted set ups that work, meaning I can still lift the tailgate of my Cherokee, hold a cooler and rods, and won't break the bank. $399.00 seems steep to me. Thanks for any helpful input, Pat

[fish-aholic]

there are plenty of options out there....BUT unless you make one yourself, none of them are really cheap.

[Steve]

For the $400 you are looking at, you may want to consider having Gene Reynolds buildyou a rack. High quality and good looking stuff.
Just do a search on here with his name, you'll find his "menu".

[pwf]

Yes, I am not looking to drop a lot of $$. I saw a rear mounted iron tray that looks like I could put a home made rod rack on the back and it might clear the read door arc. I was hoping someone had tried it. I'll be hitting the store tomorrow to measure. Thanks

[ocsnapper]

I got a home made rack that I bought If you are in Ocean City stop by and take a look at the one I got. With some welding skills you can make your own.
PM me for my cell if you want to see it.

[ShoreBird]

I use my fishin-mate cart on a fixture on the rear of my truck. It holds my cooler and has 6 rod holders.

[beer]

I bought a platform @ walmart and made the rod holders and the frame myself. I will be putting a large cutting board on it soon, and it doesnt look half bad, not as fancy as others but with everything on it it only cost me about $ 60. with no welding..

[Penn Pal]

I purchased a hitch mounted cargo carrier from haborfreight.com for $60. I customized the rod holders and mounted them.The cargo carrier even came with reflectors on the back. Total cost was around $80.

[ocsnapper]

Nice job

[pwf]

That is just what I am looking for. I went to harbor freight.com but I could not find that particular carrier. Would you happen to remember the name of the link?

[Steve]

Here ya go, under trailers on HF.
This model if for a 2" receiver though....
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

[yhike]

PWF I could make you one, I just finished this one up for a guy here in Fredericksburg.

[beer]

Originally Posted by yhike

PWF I could make you one, I just finished this one up for a guy here in Fredericksburg.

i made 1 simular to yours and painted it black, I got bumped 2 times at red lights, both times the other drivers said they didn't see the rack.but now I have reflecters on each corner, and more bumps as of now.

[old_bald_guy]

I added a trailer light array on the rack and it plugs into the towing harness. Rod rack came from a center console, military ammo box, boat knife rack to hold the pliers, insulated zipper bag for bait, the cooler is wired for live bait too. Don't forget the FISH decal!