How to Use Your ETC Travel Trunk with a Cargo Rack

After attaching your cargo rack to your vehicle’s trailer hitch receiver, follow these steps to load and secure your travel trunk to the rack:

1

Place your travel trunk onto the cargo rack

Lift your travel trunk and set it on the cargo rack. This is easiest before it’s filled up. If you prepacked your gear, you may require another person to help lift your trunk onto the cargo rack.

In-molded hand grips are located under the left and right edges of the trunk (near the tie-down slots).

2

Load your items

Distribute weight and contents as evenly as possible to minimize items from shifting during travel. Heavy items should be placed below fragile and flexible items.

Center your travel trunk so the left and right sides are an equal distance from the rails or edges of the cargo rack.

Pro Tip: To quickly center the ExtraTrunk, look at the “T” on the ETC logo. The “T” is in the middle of the box, and when centered on the rack it points straight down to the cargo rack’s central support bar underneath.

3

Use tie-down straps to anchor your travel trunk to the rack

Colors adjusted to highlight individual parts and features.

Tie-down slots (figures a1. and a2.) on the left and right sides are used as locations to loop your straps which will anchor your travel trunk to the cargo rack. Tie-down slots fit straps, cables and other fasteners up to 2″ in width.

Using a separate tie-down strap for each side, loop a strap through the tie-down slot and anchor both ends to the cargo rack. Do not over-tighten.

Option 1 (fig. a1): Using the Base Tie-Down Slots Only

You may loop your straps through just the base slots (figure a1.) for the quickest access to what’s inside without having to undo your straps. As in all instances, remember to then close and lock the latches.

Option 2 (fig. a2): Using the Base & Lid Tie-Down Slots

Loop a strap on each side though both the lid and base tie-down slots (figure a2.), then anchor each strap to the cargo rack.

Option 3 (fig. b): Lid Tie-Down Channels

Full depth tie-down channels run along the depth of the lid (figure b.) and support the use of straps up to 2″ in width. These channels provide additional securing points for rough terrain. These channels are patent pending.

Tie-down channels and tie-down slots can also be used at the same time.

If including additional items on your cargo rack, secure those items to the rack, not to the travel trunk, using a separate set of straps or fasteners.

4

Close & lock the latches

Two lockable draw latches are located on the front of the trunk. Set the top of the latch onto the metal catch located on the lid and push down and inward.

Once they’re latched in place, insert a padlock, carabiner or other locking accessory through the metal loops located on the two latches (figure c.). Locks and accessories are sold separately (not sold by us).

5

Double check your setup

Before you go, look everything over and make sure all equipment is properly attached, including your cargo rack’s connection to the trailer hitch receiver, your straps, latches, and any other accessories you’re using.

Give your straps a tug to make sure they’re snug and anchored to the cargo rack. When everything is good to go, you can hit the road.