Cargo Carrier Fit for 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser with Class I, 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch

Question:

I need to know if this model fit to my Pt Cruiser, I also have a 1 1/4 hitch, can I put an adapter to have 2 in hitch?

asked by: Kevin D

Expert Reply:

While you can use a trailer hitch adapter to make the 20x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier # e98874 fit the Class I, 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch on your 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, I do not recommend this set-up. A trailer hitch adapter that will allow you to carry a 2 inch hitch accessory with your 1-1/4 inch receiver will decrease the capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. The adapter will reduce the hitch's tongue weight capacity from 200 pounds to 100 pounds. The etrailer cargo carrier weighs 48 pounds by itself, which leaves you less than 52 pounds of capacity for your cargo.

Instead, I recommend using a cargo carrier that is designed to fit a Class I trailer hitch, like the 17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier # C18145. This carrier offers raised rails, similar to the Vista, and will fit well in the hitch on your PT Cruiser without an adapter. This carrier will only take up 29 pounds of your hitch's tongue weight capacity.

If you'd like a carrier with a rise shank that will offer better ground clearance, the 20x48 Curt Cargo Carrier # C18110 is a great option. This carrier has a mesh floor like the Vista, and weighs 30 pounds by itself. The shank has a 3-3/4 inch rise.

The # C18145 carrier offers 6 inches of clearance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the carrier, and the # C18110 offers 6-3/4 inches of clearance. When we installed a hitch on a 2004 PT Cruiser, we found the distance from the center of the pin hole to clear the back bumper is 3 inches. You can ensure the carrier will fit by holding a yard stick at the furthest point of the bumper and measuring from the center of the hitch pin hole to the yard stick. As long as this distance is less than 5-3/4 inches, either carrier will fit your vehicle well.

Both of these cargo carriers' weight capacities exceed that of the Class I hitches for your PT Cruiser, so you will want to ensure you comply with the capacity of the lowest rated component of your system. I've attached review videos for both Curt Cargo Carriers for you.