Frequent Questions Old

Can different capacity waste carts be transported with the CANSPORTER?

Yes, most sizes of waste carts that have a horizontal lift bar can be transported. Do not exceed the weight limit however.  The horizontal lift bar can be steel pipe, plastic pipe or formed plastic of any length.

 Can I transport more than one cart at a time?

Yes. Single cart and dual cart models are available.  The single cart carrier is expandable to the dual cart carrier with an additional purchase.

 Can I transport a single cart with the dual cart carrier?

Yes, you can transport a single cart with the dual carrier. Modifying the carrier to transport a single cart is not necessary. The lift mechanism for each cart is independent so an uneven load on the carrier does not affect the lift mechanism. If you will be transporting a single cart on a regular basis, we do suggest however that you mount your carrier in the single cart mode.

 Can I transport carts of different sizes and weights with the dual cart CANSPORTER at the same time?

Yes. The lift mechanism for each cart is independent of each other so having carts of different sizes or weights does not affect the lift mechanism operation. The Cansporter is designed for optimum convenience, so you do not need to worry about having to balance your load.

 Does the CANSPORTER automatically lift and lower the waste cart?

The CANSPORTER utilizes a lever arm to significantly reduce the amount of force to lift and lower the waste cart. The majority of the weight is carried by the CANSPORTER when lifting or lowering the waste cart. The operator must apply a force to rotate the waste cart up or down.

 Is rotating the cart the best method of lifting the cart?

We believe that it is and so does your waste hauler. The waste haulers utilize a lifter that engages the cart and rotates it to lift and dump the contents. This is done in one quick step. The CANSPORTER utilizes a similar one quick step process to lift and rotate the cart up off the ground. This can virtually be done in seconds, very important if you need to load or unload your carts in the pouring rain or stormy weather. You purchase a waste cart carrier for the convenience it provides. The CANSPORTER provides the greatest convenience in lifting and transporting your waste carts.

 Can I easily remove or install the Cansporter onto my vehicle?

Yes, the Cansporter slips into the tow hitch receiver on your vehicle and is secured with a hitch pin.  To install just slide the Cansporter into your vehicle's tow hitch receiver and secure with the included hitch pin.  To remove just pull out the hitch pin and slide the Cansporter out of your vehicle's tow hitch receiver.  The Cansporter installs or is removed in seconds.

 Can I open my rear cargo door or tailgate with the CANSPORTER installed?

Our carrier is low profile so you can keep the carrier installed on your vehicle and still have access to your tailgate or rear cargo door on most vehicles. Much more convenient than having to remove, store and reinstall a carrier each week.

How is the cart secured during transport?

There are several factors that maintain your cart in the latched upright position during transport.

  1) The CANSPORTER utilizes a patented lift and latch mechanism.  This unique latch mechanism automatically secures your carts in the upright position and will not release until you reposition a lever to the load/unload position.  Even after repositioning the lever, the cart remains in the upright latched position until you give the cart a small shove forward which allows the latch to disengage. The cart can then be controllably lowered to the ground.

 2) The depth of the receiving channel is very important. When you load your cart into the CANSPORTER, the cart’s horizontal lift bar is inserted into a 3 inch deep receiving channel of the CANSPORTER. This channel is rotated to a vertical position during transport causing the cart’s lift bar to rest deep within the bottom of this channel. The deeper the channel the more secure your cart is during transport. 
 

 3) Your cart is suspended high above the ground.  The more ground clearance your cart has the less chance the cart will drag when traveling over uneven terrain or steep grade changes.  Usually 8 to 10 inches of clearance is all that is necessary. However, if your situation requires more clearance it is easy to mount your Cansporter to provide the additional ground clearance.  This is a one time adjustment and does not increase the time or effort required to load and unload your cart.  In other words, if you want your cart 12 inches above the ground it will not take any more effort or additional time to load then if you only needed 8 inches of clearance.   A quick method to do this is very important and that is just one of the features that make the Cansporter extremely convenient to use.

 My vehicle does not have a trailer hitch. Can a trailer hitch be installed on my vehicle?

Yes, most vehicles can be equipped with a receiver type hitch. Hitches are manufactured for specific vehicle models and years. Consult a dealer that sells hitches for the appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Your local auto supply store should be able to obtain the proper hitch.  You can also search the web by typing in "Trailer Hitches" into the search box and several hitch companies will be listed. 

 My spare tire is mounted on the exterior of the back of my vehicle. Will the CANSPORTER work on this type of vehicle?

Approximately five inches of clearance between the Cansporter and back of vehicle (or spare tire) is necessary for loading the waste cart. You may need a receiver extension  to provide this clearance. The extensions are available from most auto supply stores or trailer hitch retailers.

 Can a golf cart, ATV or other Utility Vehicle be used to transport my trash/recycle carts?

Yes, many of our customers use these types of vehicles to transport their trash and recycle carts.  The tow receiver on many of these vehicles does not extend to the rear of the vehicle so a receiver extension may be needed.   The tow receiver or extension should extend to the rear of the vehicle or beyond.  The Cansporter fits into a 2 inch receiver, if your vehicle has an 1 1/4 inch receiver an adapter that converts your 1 1/4 inch receiver to a 2 inch receiver is required. This type of adapter will also extend your receiver approximately 7 inches.  A 12 inch extension is typically required for mounting on most UTV's.  The extensions and adapters are available from most auto supply stores or trailer hitch retailers.  We also stock these items and you can call us to confirm availability and to order. 

 How far above the ground are the carts suspended when transporting?

The carts are suspended approximately 11 to 12 inches above the ground when loaded into the CANSPORTER.  This distance is determined when you first mount your CANSPORTER and can be adjusted to suit your needs.  Increasing or decreasing this ground clearance does not require additional time or effort when loading your carts.

 Is the CANSPORTER easy to use?

Yes, you will be amazed at how easily and quickly you can load and unload your trash, recycle and yard waste carts.  See our demonstration video and customer testimonials on our home page.

 My waste carts do not have a horizontal lift bar. Can these types of carts be transported with the CANSPORTER?

Sorry, the waste cart must have a horizontal lift bar.  Most waste haulers that we have worked with will supply carts with lift bars to their customers upon request even if the hauler is typically using carts without lift bars.  Contact your waste hauler and request to speak with the General Manager or Route Manager. 

 My vehicle has a 1 1/4 inch receiver.  Does the CANSPORTER work with this size of receiver?

Yes, the CANSPORTER can be mounted to your vehicle's 1 1/4 inch tow receiver. The adjustable bracket that is supplied with your CANSPORTER only fits into a 2 inch tow receiver so you will need to use an adapter that converts your  1 1/4 inch receiver to a 2 inch receiver.  The single cart carrier can also be mounted to a ball mount instead of using an adapter.   Adapters and ball mounts are not included and are available at most auto supply stores.  When mounting  a dual carrier to a 1 1/4 inch receiver it is important to determine the "tongue weight" capacity of your tow receiver. This rating will be listed on the receiver.  Determine the tongue weight and subtract 45 pounds (weight of the dual carrier) to determine the maximum weight allowed for your two carts and contents.  Example:  Tongue weight capacity of your tow receiver is 200 pounds, minus 45 pounds equals 155 pounds.  Therefore the total weight of your carts and contents must not exceed 155 pounds.

Can I use the CANSPORTER to transport carts to the public landfill or transfer station?

No.  The CANSPORTER is intended for transporting carts from your residence to the public roadway for collection by your waste hauler.  The CANSPORTER is not designed to be used on public roadways at high speed.

Can I lower the tailgate on my pickup truck with the Cansporter installed?

On most vehicles the tailgate can be lowered with the Cansporter installed.  Approximately 27 inches of clearance between the underside of your tailgate in the lowered (open) position and the ground is needed.  This clearance distance is with the Cansporter lever arm rotated down to the load position.  Approximately 31 inches of clearance is needed to lower your tailgate with the Cansporter lever arm in the up position.  These clearance distances are approximate and will vary depending on the height you mount your Cansporter.  We advise that you slowly lower your tailgate the first time to confirm that you have the proper clearance.

I recently purchased a Cansporter but the receiver inserts (B or C) are longer than the bar on my cart.  How can I use the Cansporter with my cart?

You do not need to install either insert (B or C) adapters if the lift bar on your cart measures between 4 1/2" to 7" long.  The receiver (A) which is attached to the lever arm is used.  Adapters B or C are only needed if carts have a longer lift bar.  The purpose of these adapters is to limit the side to side tipping of the cart during transport.  Carts will tip if the cart lift bar is more than a few inches longer than the CANSPORTER receiver.  The CANSPORTER can be used with carts where the lift bar on the cart measures anywhere between 4 1/2" long to 13" long. 

I have a question that is not answered on this page.  How can I get my question answered?

Please e-mail your question to info@cansporter.com and we will respond back with an answer.  You may also call us at 831 439-8565 and we will be pleased to answer your questions.