Hitch Carriers: Transport game cleanly on your car's tow bar

Hitch Carriers: More room for game and kit

A shot animal in the boot means blood, hair and smell in the car. On a hitch carrier, by contrast, the game travels outside the vehicle, stays airy and cools down better. The carriers simply slot onto the tow bar. You will find models from Eurohunt and Heck-Pack in black, olive green or galvanised, with fixed, folding or plug-in coupling, as well as lighting, covers and tilting mechanisms.

Sizes, finishes and couplings

Common load areas are about 89 x 58 cm and 102 x 53 cm, so a roe deer or young boar lies comfortably on top. Galvanised and hot-dip galvanised carriers are especially resistant to rust, while powder-coated versions in black or olive green look discreet. With a folding coupling you swing the empty carrier upwards and get to the boot more easily. The Heck-Pack lowering device, on the other hand, tilts the load area downwards so you can load heavy animals more easily.

Lighting and covers

If the carrier hides your rear lights or number plate, you need separate lighting. For this there is Heck-Pack lighting with a 7-pin plug and a magnetic lighting set. With a cover or cargo net plus bungee cords, you secure the load and protect it from prying eyes, dust and rain. The Heck-Pack Optimal is also available with road approval, which makes using it on public roads easier.

Frequently asked questions

How much weight can I load onto a hitch carrier?
The key figure is the nose weight of your tow bar, which you will find in your vehicle documents. Subtract the weight of the carrier, and what remains is the maximum load. Place the game as close to the vehicle as possible to keep leverage low.

Do I need an extra number plate for my hitch carrier?
If the carrier covers the number plate or rear lights, they must be repeated on the carrier. The exact rules depend on your country, so if in doubt ask your vehicle licensing authority.

Does a hitch carrier fit every tow bar?
The carriers are designed for the standard tow ball. With detachable tow bars or vehicles with parking sensors, check beforehand that there is enough clearance to the bumper and whether the sensors detect the carrier as an obstacle.