[MBAtarga]

I bought a wrought iron "custom" made version of the 2nd link. It was made at a custom trailer and trailer hitch shop and is very heavy. I won't ever have to worry about over-loading it with the class 3 hitch receiver, but it is a pain to install and remove - and since it is so heavy - it is awkward to move around to put it into the storage area. When we use it on trips with the Expedition, I just leave it on the hitch and make sure that where-ever I park that it is easily seen to avoid having anyone run into it. I double fold a large tarp, lay it down on the tray, and then load up suitcases, rubbermaid containers, beach chairs and whatever else on top of the tarp - then fold the tarp up and over and around the collection. Then I use about 3 or 4 ratchet straps to tie it all up and down to the tray. I've never had an issue with rain-water or any other problem with the load shifting.