Why I Built rucRak: Solving the Problems with Traditional Cargo Carriers

If the Market Won’t Build It Right, Build It Yourself

That wasn’t something my father said.

It’s something he lived.

Most of the furniture in my childhood home was hand-built. Heavy. Sturdy. Purpose-driven. Not ornamental. Not disposable. An heirloom disguised as a tool for living.

Nothing was bought just because it was popular.

Nothing was built just to last a season.

I grew up watching someone refuse the status quo. Refuse mass production. Refuse the idea that “good enough” was good enough.

That mindset shaped my adulthood.

As an adult, when I looked for products that served my lifestyle, I gravitated toward craftsmanship over cost. Function over flash. Longevity over branding.

Big-name labels meant nothing to me then. They still don’t.

Most companies would probably turn this into a polished marketing story.

That’s not really how I operate.

rucRak didn’t start as a marketing exercise. It started as frustration and a refusal to accept the limitations of what was already on the market.

It started the same way the furniture in my childhood home did — with the decision to build something better because what existed simply wasn’t good enough.

The Problem With Traditional Cargo Carriers

In August of 2017, while traveling with my soon-to-be wife, I ran into a problem.

After packing up my Jeep Wrangler, there was no room left to store my freedom tops (T-tops for you fellow Gen-Xers out there).

Although the Wrangler is one of the most utilitarian vehicles on the road, it’s not known for having a lot of cargo space.

When I got home from that trip, I started looking for products that could expand that space.

Here’s what I found.

Roof Racks

Roof racks raise the center of gravity of the vehicle and make gear difficult to access.

Am I supposed to carry a ladder around just to reach my equipment?

No thanks.

Hitch Cargo Carriers

Many hitch cargo carriers drag the ground, reduce departure angles, and once they’re loaded you can’t open the tailgate.

They wobble. They rattle. And they often feel like an afterthought rather than real equipment.

Spare Tire Mounted Racks

Some racks mount directly to spare tires or tailgates without proper support.

That puts stress on hinges, tire carriers, and vehicle components that were never designed to handle dynamic loads.

Every option had drawbacks.

But they all shared one major problem.

They were one-hit-wonder racks.

A rack for bikes.

A rack for cargo.

A rack for a table.

Before long your garage is full of racks.

Unacceptable.

Designing a Modular Cargo Carrier System

Taking a cue from my father, I decided to build my own cargo rack.

That’s when it became an obsession.

Over the next several years I experimented with different designs, materials, mounting systems, and configurations until I created something worthy of a U.S. Patent.

Instead of a single-purpose cargo carrier, I started building a modular cargo rack system.

A system that could adapt to different uses instead of forcing people to buy multiple racks.

In August of 2020 we brought two early versions of rucRak to Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam.

People gathered around something they had never seen before.

Unconventional.

Multifunctional.

Purpose-driven.

Those early prototypes eventually became the foundation for the products you see today. We’ve also explored the evolution of hitch cargo racks and how cargo carrier designs have changed over the years to improve functionality and durability.

The rucRak Modular Cargo & Bike Rack System

The rucRak platform evolved into a multi-function cargo carrier and bike rack system designed for real-world adventure travel.

The system includes:

• Cargo carrier capability
• Bike rack capability
• Tailgater table configuration
• Tool and gear storage
• Fold-up design that stays on the vehicle
• Higher mounting position to preserve departure angle
• Aluminum construction with stainless-steel hardware designed to resist corrosion — learn more about aluminum cargo carriers and rust-free durability

Two core systems emerged.

GRUNT Series

rucRak was designed as a modular Jeep cargo rack that expands your vehicle’s storage while maintaining tailgate access—and it also works as a rugged Ford Bronco rack built for real-world travel.

The GRUNT system mounts to both the spare tire and the hitch, helping support weight distribution while maintaining tailgate access.

👉 Explore the GRUNT Series for Jeep Wrangler

👉 Explore the GRUNT Series for Ford Bronco

GUNNY Series

A swing-away hitch cargo carrier and bike rack designed for SUVs, trucks, campers, and RVs.

The swing-away arm allows full tailgate access while supporting cargo, bikes, or camp setups.

👉 Explore the GUNNY Series

Listening to the rucRak Community

Over the years we attended hundreds of events and spoke with thousands of customers.

And we listened.

That feedback pushed us to expand the system even further.

We introduced:

• The removable rucWagon cart
• Additional tie-down locations
• MOLLE panels for gear organization
• Fuel and water jug mounts
• Expanded cargo capacity

Today the rucRak platform can perform 13 different functions.

That’s the advantage of a modular rack system.

Instead of buying multiple racks, you have one system that adapts.

Educating the Market

When you build a product that challenges traditional designs, education becomes part of the job.

Over the years we realized something important: many of the things people “know” about cargo carriers and racks are actually half-truths repeated by big brands trying to sell single-purpose products.

So instead of just telling people our rack was different, we started explaining the real mechanics behind how these systems work.

We began sharing real-world product education on the rucRak YouTube channel, covering topics that most manufacturers avoid discussing.

Carrier Weight Limits Explained

One of the most common misunderstandings in the rack market involves weight limits. Static weight and dynamic load are two very different things, and understanding the difference is critical for safe travel.

Watch these short videos explaining the real engineering behind cargo carrier systems.

This video explains how cargo carrier weight limits work and why dynamic load matters when driving.

Carriers and Tailgate Hinges

Many rack systems place additional stress directly on tire carriers and tailgate hinges without proper support. This video explains how those forces work and why rack design matters.

Direct stress on hinges and tire carriers can cause damage over time. In this video, we explain how those forces work—and why smarter rack design helps reduce that strain.

The Truth About Tire-Mounted Carriers

Tire-mounted racks can work in certain situations, but they often introduce leverage and stress points that most drivers don’t realize until damage occurs.

Some racks mount directly to spare tires. This video explains the limitations and when those systems work best.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered hundreds of questions at events, trailheads, and shows. This video addresses some of the most common questions we hear from drivers looking for better cargo solutions.

Real-world questions from drivers about cargo racks, weight limits, and modular systems helped shape how rucRak was engineered.

What Comes Next

After years of experimentation, eight released models, and thousands of conversations with customers, we believe we’ve built one of the most versatile cargo rack systems on the market.

But we’re not finished.

Our upcoming CHIEF model will focus on the rapidly growing e-bike market, while maintaining the modular philosophy that defines rucRak.

A Promise From the Founder

If you're looking for a cargo carrier and bike rack for your adventures, consider a system that does more than one job.

My promise is simple.

• High-quality products.
• Real-world functionality.
• A lifetime warranty.
• And the kind of small-business customer service you can still find in shops across this country.

Who We Are

If you'd like to learn more about the story behind rucRak and the mindset that built it, watch the short video below.

The same philosophy that shaped this story is built into every rucRak system—designed to carry cargo, bikes, and gear without the compromises of traditional racks.

Thank you for your support.

Jason Morgan
Founder, rucRak Inc.

Join the rucRak Community

Thousands of adventure vehicle owners share their setups, trips, and gear ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cargo Racks

Will a cargo carrier block my tailgate?

Many traditional cargo carriers block rear access once they are loaded. Systems like rucRak use swing-away or supported mounting designs that allow tailgates to open while gear is loaded.

How much weight can a hitch cargo rack carry?

Weight limits depend on your vehicle’s hitch rating and the dynamic forces created during travel. While some racks advertise very high static capacities, safe real-world cargo loads are often lower.

Why does rucRak have a 125–250 lb weight limit when some racks advertise higher capacities?

Many cargo racks advertise high capacities based on static weight, not real driving conditions. When weight sits behind a vehicle, bumps, braking, and road movement create dynamic forces that increase stress on the rack and hitch. rucRak is engineered around a real-world 125–250 lb cargo range to promote stability, protect vehicle components, and keep cargo secure while driving.

Why does rucRak focus on modular versatility instead of maximum rack capacity?

rucRak is designed for modular cargo hauling and mixed gear transport, not extreme single-purpose hauling. Rather than maximizing static capacity numbers, rucRak is engineered around real-world driving loads and dynamic forces that occur during braking, bumps, and uneven roads. This approach prioritizes vehicle stability, secure cargo handling, and modular flexibility, making it ideal for trucks and SUVs carrying gear, tools, and 1–2 bikes across travel, work, and outdoor adventures.

Why does rucRak require a 2-inch Class III or IV hitch receiver?

rucRak is engineered specifically for 2-inch Class III or IV hitch receivers, which are the most common receiver size on trucks and SUVs designed for heavier cargo systems. Using a 2-inch receiver provides greater structural stability and safer load handling for hitch-mounted cargo.

For safety and performance reasons, rucRak is not approved for 1.25-inch receivers, hitch adapters, or hitch extenders, which can reduce stability and increase stress on the hitch system.

Will a hitch cargo carrier interfere with backup cameras or parking sensors?

Most hitch-mounted cargo carriers can trigger backup sensors or partially affect rear camera visibility, especially when cargo is loaded. To reduce interference, load gear lower and closer to the vehicle and avoid stacking items above the camera line. Some vehicles allow temporary parking sensor adjustments while reversing.

Can a cargo rack carry both bikes and cargo?

Most racks are designed for only one purpose. Modular systems like rucRak allow the rack to be configured for either bikes or cargo depending on your needs. For safety and to prevent damage to your gear, it is recommended to carry either bikes or cargo at one time, not both simultaneously.

Is rucRak designed for aggressive off-road bike hauling?

rucRak is engineered primarily for modular cargo hauling with optional bike transport for travel and light off-road conditions. For riders needing stronger bike-specific support, rucRak offers a bike rack upgrade kit that converts Gen 5+ systems like the GRUNT and GUNNY into a two-bike hitch bike cargo rack while maintaining full tailgate access.

Are tire-mounted cargo racks safe?

Tire-mounted cargo racks can create additional stress on tire carriers and tailgate hinges if the load is not properly supported. Designs that distribute weight through both the hitch and tire mount help reduce that stress and protect the vehicle.

The rucRak GRUNT is specifically engineered so the rack does not press directly on the spare tire. Instead, it transfers load through the hitch and structural mounting points, helping reduce strain on the tire carrier and tailgate while keeping the rack stable during driving.

What vehicles can use a hitch cargo rack?

Hitch cargo racks typically work with vehicles that have a 2-inch hitch receiver, including SUVs, trucks, and many adventure vehicles.

Will rucRak work on vehicles with lower tongue weight limits?

Some vehicles — such as compact SUVs, electric vehicles, or UTVs — may have lower hitch tongue-weight limits. Always check your vehicle’s manufacturer rating before installing any hitch cargo system. rucRak’s aluminum construction helps reduce rack weight, but total load (rack + cargo) should always stay within your vehicle’s approved limits for safe operation.