Cargo Carrier on a 2400

After returning from our shakedown trip to N. Carolina and Tennessee, which had a rough beginning with mineral scale clogging our plumbing, and a toilet that wouldn't flush until it got a firm nudge from an RV tech, and a dose of silicone spray from me, we former diesel pusher fulltimers learned a lot about living small.    Not only do we want the requisite recliners, Baby Q, dog crates, etc., etc., I also need my portable Pride Mobility "cripple cart" (thanks Larry The Cable Guy).  As enamored as we are with "Fawkes", we know there is a limit to what even a Phoenix can carry, we don't care what J.K. Rowling says.  So we got a cargo carrier https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G4Z5J0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1  to help with the load, and it has worked out nicely.  We had to permanently raise and clamp the lower section of the ladder to clear the carrier, but we don't use it anyhow.  We also attached the StowAway Hitch Tightener, Anti-Rattle Stabilizer to firm things up  https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001CMUV4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1  We threw a cripple cart cover over the whole thing and anchored it with a spider net and we were on our way.      

A number of motor home owners, especially those with shorter rigs, resort to one of those types of carriers.  My brother has one for his 22 foot long Starflyte.  I have teased him that he suffers from 2-foot-itis.  He really likes his hitch carrier.  He did find a water-tight storage tote, a "Rubbermaid" type-of thing that fit it quite well.  He holds it down with bunge cords.  He also has a large zippered water-tight bag.  I don't know which is his favorite.

My decades of motorcycle camping prompt me to mention that bungees and not good hold downs for cargo. They are elastic and can stretch out letting the load underneath escape. They also have hooks on the ends and if the hook gets loose, it can take an eye out. I switched to straps with secure attachments on the ends like ROK straps which have a short piece of elastic material in the strap the provides just a little give for tightening down on the load.

My decades of motorcycle camping prompt me to mention that bungees and not good hold downs for cargo. They are elastic and can stretch out letting the load underneath escape. They also have hooks on the ends and if the hook gets loose, it can take an eye out. I switched to straps with secure attachments on the ends like ROK straps which have a short piece of elastic material in the strap the provides just a little give for tightening down on the load.

Point well taken, but we use a spider net stretched barely tightly over the covered carrier and there isn't any hard tension on the plastic hooks.  The net just keeps the wind from billowing under the cover and holds it in place in case of rain.  Here are pics not included in the OP.   

They also have hooks on the ends and if the hook gets loose, it can take an eye out.

I used to think that was just urban myth.  Until a contractor we had been using at work actually had it happen to them.  Took her months to get back to work.  And now with only one eye.

I'm sure that can happen, but as I pointed out we aren't using bungee cords.  This is what we use  https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMQX8WI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  and there isn't enough tension to poke anything.  It does hold the cover down securely.  Thanks for caring.       

We used a cargo carrier for many years prior to owning the PC.  It really was great for our Roadtrek Class B.  Always assuming the worst and expecting the best, I used ratchet straps  something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Cartman-Strength-Appliances-Equipment-Motorcycle/dp/B00JLFI5IO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1491090337&sr=8-5&keywords=ratchet+straps

I modified the carrier to fit the unique needs of the Roadtrek and I built "sideboards" on it out of 1x8 pressure treated wood which were bolted in place but removable if need be.  I also bought some reflective tape and put across the back of it just for dolling it up and perhaps increasing the probability that Billy Bob behind me would take note of the carrier's presence.  If you really want to spend some dough and buy something really keen take a look here:

https://www.stowaway2.com/

I always wanted one of these but the Roadtrek configuration gave me pause.  I would have had to use a twelve inch hitch extender to accommodate the spare tire continental kit on the Roadtrek.   

Our cargo carrier came with an extended hitch bar with a rise to it which works well with giving clearance with the exhaust pipe.  I personally couldn't use a cargo box since a large part of what we carry is my disassembled Pride Mobility scooter (or as Larry The Cable Guy calls it, my "cripple cart") (Pic #1) and getting it in and out would be difficult.  On our 2012 2400 Sprinter, the hard part is not blocking the turn signal and brake lights, but so far we have worked it out.  I have moved the license plate to the back edge of the carrier.  I can usually pack the disassembled scooter; a Baby Q & stand; a small tool box (Pic #2); DEF funnel (it is a Sprinter!); cover it all up then we put a Clam screen room (Pic #3) diagonally on top anchored to the ladder that is permanently raised up (Pic #4).

Quite a change from our fulltime rig, a 1998 40 ft Foretravel U320 with bays that went on forever and tanks that were three figures capacity. (Pic #5)