Rear cargo storage is one of those upgrades that sneaks up on you. My trailer hitch, cargo carrier and cargo box originally installed on my Prius worked great all of these months, now it’s time for an upgrade!
For my storage box, I choose the UWS EC20261 48-Inch Heavy-Wall Aluminum Cargo Carrier Box due to the large interior storage space and because it’s a thick metal box!
The cargo rack was only right to get the UWS UWSCARRIER Hitch Receiver, the cargo box fits perfectly inside of the cargo carrier.
I needed a 2″ trailer hitch for my Toyota Prius and the PriusOverlanding.com 2″ Hidden Trailer Hitch for the Toyota Prius was a brilliant idea!
Here’s the part I always think about with rear cargo storage: staying practical without wrecking MPG. Extra stuff back there changes airflow and habits, so I keep it clean and purposeful. If you’ve been trying to squeeze out better efficiency while still carrying gear, you might like my take on improving MPG on my Toyota Prius.
Also, fellow Prius owners, this is where community sharing matters. I don’t want you guessing—if something fits, I want you to know it. If you want more cargo storage ideas, I’ve got another build-up on trailer hitch storage cargo carrier that shows how I approached the setup before this upgrade.
Everything should be here in the next few weeks. I’ll post an update once all is installed. Until then, I’m just sipping my tea and watching the tracking info like a hawk. :: blushing ::
The rear cargo storage box choice
I picked the UWS EC20261 48-Inch Heavy-Wall Aluminum Cargo Carrier Box because it hits the sweet spot: big interior room and actual thick metal. That combo matters when you pack tools, food, or anything you don’t want rattling around. Rear cargo storage shouldn’t feel “toy-like.” It should feel like it belongs on the road.
Why the hitch and carrier match matters
I didn’t just slap random parts together. I chose the UWS UWSCARRIER Hitch Receiver on purpose, because the cargo box fits perfectly inside of the cargo carrier. That alignment means fewer headaches when you secure gear, and it keeps everything stable behind the Prius instead of living its best life in motion.
Final fit check before I roll out
Before I’m driving around with rear cargo storage full-time, I always test the “real-world” reality: access, closing, and how it looks when you hit the road. My 2″ Hidden Trailer Hitch for the Toyota Prius from PriusOverlanding.com made that whole plan make sense, and I’m excited to get the rest installed and validated.
Quick FAQ about rear cargo storage
Is rear cargo storage worth it on a Prius?
Yeah. If you travel with gear and you hate stacking stuff in the cabin, rear cargo storage gives you a real place for it. You still need to stay smart about what you carry and how you secure it, but the payoff feels immediate.
What should I consider before buying a cargo box?
I always look at interior space and build quality first. For me, the thick metal part on the UWS EC20261 matters, and then I match it with the right carrier so it actually fits the way you want.
Will adding cargo hurt MPG?
It can. Extra weight and drag show up fast, especially if you carry bulky stuff. That’s why I keep the setup tight and purposeful, and I’m always trying to keep my MPG-minded habits on point—check out my MPG ideas on the Prius page I mentioned above.
Wrapping it up
Rear cargo storage is my next step because the previous trailer hitch, cargo carrier and cargo box setup worked, but I wanted better fit and more confidence behind the car. The UWS EC20261 thick aluminum box, the UWS UWSCARRIER Hitch Receiver, and the PriusOverlanding.com 2" Hidden Trailer Hitch create the exact system I was chasing. When everything lands, I’ll show the installed setup and how I pack it without killing efficiency.
Bonus note: If you also add straps or water/utility items while you build your rear area, I’m keeping an eye on stuff like 2 Auto Retract NO-RATCHETING Ratchet Straps and using a dedicated carry method so nothing shifts mid-drive.
