Deer hunters that drive SUV's

[thatguy]

I am seriously thinking of selling/trading in my Dodge Ram for a mid/small size SUV/Crossover vehicle..

For those that deer hunt and have an SUV - how do you haul any deer that you kill?

I am thinking of getting a 'cargo carrier/hauler' that mounts in the hitch receiver? I see they have some that have a slight rise to them for better clearance, I see some have no rails while others have rails (tubing) all around, some fold up when not in use..

Any recommendations on buying a cargo carrier/hauler?

Brian

 

[Gordon Gould]

My friend just puts them accross the roof. Front legs one side rear legs the other side. Opens the windows a crack. Runs a rope around the feet thru the windows and up to the other feet. Another has a sedan he does the same thing with the trunk lid. There are probably better ways but those work.

 

[MikeInEburg]

Or get a small utility trailer - that will prove useful for more than just deer.
Mike

 

[gsganzer]

I have a 4Runner and put my game on a hitch hauler, that way I keep the blood out of the back. Mine is a cheap one. Spend some extra money and buy one with the low rails. Better yet, if you're good with a welder, build your own.

 

[RoyJackson]

Since you're thnking about trading, take a look at the Subaru Baja. Still has seating for 4 (5, if you crowd), AWD, decent ground clearance and enough of a bed for carrying things like a deer (or any other stuff a residential home owner needs to haul).
Decent fuel economy too...

Pic is of a 2005 Baja

 

[bcb]

i take the seat out put down a old blanket and thats how i bring the big *** deere home for butchering

 

[thatguy]

Since you're thnking about trading, take a look at the Subaru Baja. Still has seating for 4 (5, if you crowd), AWD, decent ground clearance and enough of a bed for carrying things like a deer (or any other stuff a residential home owner needs to haul).
Decent fuel economy too...

Pic is of a 2005 Baja

I had thought of that, but the baja is no longer in production..

I am leaning toward either a Xterra or Forester..

Brian

 

[RoyJackson]

I had thought of that, but the baja is no longer in production..

I am leaning toward either a Xterra or Forester..

Brian

The newer (2005 onward) Xterras have a serious engine in them...4 Cam V-6 (out of the Nissan 350Z or 370Z...detuned a bit and more bottom end torque)...had a Nissan Frontier with this engine and a 6 Speed. Very good performance and decent fuel economy. Only reason I sold it is I wanted a crewcab.
I guess it really depends if you want the deer inside the vehicle or strap it on the roof (or ?).

I have a Subaru...Outback though. These are very solid cars. I've read very mixed reports on the newer cars with the CVT tranny...but I think the Forester only has the regular gear type automatic. Good headroom in both the Forester and Outback (in the cargo area).The only thing I didn't like about the Forester is the ride isn't so hot, but that's a very subjective thing.

 

[KPark]

Ticks, blood, fur, deer keds (wingless flies that look like ticks) are all reasons to keep the deer on the outside of the vehicle. I vote for the hitch carry-all.

 

[reb]

I would vote for the small trailer over the hitch mounted carrier. I just came home the other night with the rear of my SUV overloaded and got constant headlight flashes from other motorists because the extra weight in the rear raised my headlights. A deer hanging off the hitch would do about the same.