a vehicle receiver mounted cargo carrier is readily configured to transport bicycles , skis and poles , snowboards , canoe paddles and other cargo through the use of a vertical frame into which various rods may be placed , at locations most suited for the specific cargo . the rods are anchored through the use of a slide having keyhole shaped openings which mate into a circular reduction in the ends of the rods . other structural components form anchor points for the cargo that also help to retain the cargo and act as theft deterrents . the carrier is designed to be free standing out of the vehicle receiver , and so may be used as a storage organizer for the cargo before , during and after transport . prior to assembly , the components of the carrier are relatively two dimensional , so the carrier may be packaged , stocked and sold in compact , flat packaging . alternative support struts offer additional methods of supporting the cargo .