Can Rear Hatch on Lexus 400h Open When Carpod Folding Cargo Carrier # M2205-01-02 is Installed
Question:
When the Carpod and lid is folded up at the back of the vehicle attached to the hitch, can the trunk be opened in a Lexus RX400h? This way, I can have full access to the trunk and have the Carpod folded up and installed, ready to use if I need the extra space, instead of taking it off and leaving it in the garage until needed. How resistant is the Carpod to rusting? Can it be left on the vehicle all year round?
asked by: Vic
Expert Reply:
When the Carpod Walled Folding Cargo Carrier # M2205-01-02 is folded up in its vertical position you will not be able to open your rear hatch on your Lexus 400h. When the carrier is folded flat and in its horizontal position (as in the linked photo) you should be able to open the rear hatch with no problem. Just take a look at the photo and then measure the back of the 400h from its hitch pin hole rearward 13-inches and up 5-1/4-inches to see where the edge of the carrier will be relative to your hatch. Then open the hatch to confirm it will clear that point.
The Carpod is constructed of powder-coated steel which will provide some degree of resistance to the elements, but like anything else - including your 400h itself - keeping it clean and free of dirt and road salt is important too. The carrier weighs about 54-lbs, which may be a bit more than some of us care to handle on a regular basis. But if you store it inside during the worst of the winter weather you can still leave it on the car for most of the year. I do suggest periodically rinsing it off.
If you prefer an enclosed carrier that will allow full rear hatch access you might consider the Yakima EXO Swing Away Enclosed Cargo Carrier # Y62VR which can be swung away from the rear of the car even when loaded with up to 100-lbs of cargo. This lockable carrier is shown in the linked video.
Products Referenced in This Question
Yakima EXO Swing Away Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - 10 cu ft - 100 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Enclosed Carrier
- Swing Away Carrier
- 23 inch Wide
- Light Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- Yakima
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: GearDeck 17 Enclosed Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Slide Out - 17 cu ft - 420 lbs - Black
- Shop: Yakima EXO Swing Away Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - 10 cu ft - 100 lbs
- Shop: Yakima GearLocker Enclosed Cargo Carrier for Modular EXO System - 10 cu ft
- Shop: Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device
- Shop: Yakima EXO Swing Away Storage System w/ 2 Enclosed Cargo Carriers - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Yakima EXO SwingBase Swing Away Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2016 Honda CR-V - Draw-Tite 75742
- Shop: EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Search Results: cargo carrier
- Video: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar Review
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Hitches for the Scion XB
- Search Results: bike rack
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: What Hitch Do You Recommend for a 2024 Toyota RAV4?
- Search Results: brake controller