Selecting Best Cargo Carrier Option for 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Sedan

Question

Question:

I am considering intallation of a trailer hitch with cargo carrier vs. a rooftop cargo bag. My vehicle is a 2010 Altima Hybrid Sedan. Your website does not allow the hybrid option to be ed when looking for compatible products. Would the same trailer hitch products that appear for a non-hybrid Altima also fit a hybrid model? Any differences or added difficulty for the hybrid model? In regards to the Roof Bag, I do not have raised side rails or crossbars on my vehicle, therefore the bag would be installed directly to the rooftop. Any issues with scratching the paint or shifting during transport? I see that you also offer a non-skid protection pad, but is there concern with damage to the paint and there were a few reviews of the product slipping from under the bag while transporting. Is one option mentioned more fuel efficient than another? Thank you for your time and assistance.

asked by: Theresa A

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Expert Reply:

You ask good questions! We can help you decide which cargo carrying option, hitch carrier or roof bag, will be the best choice for your Altima and for your specific type of cargo.

In terms of sheer weight capacity the hitch wins hands down. The Class I hitches offered for your Altima Hybrid are light-duty types that can handle a maximum load of 200-lbs. This means that the carrier you select and its loaded cargo cannot exceed 200-lbs total. Your roof will have a weight capacity of about half that, and you can find that specific rating in your owner's manual. If you are transporting just lightweight items like clothing then a roof bag may offer you enough capacity, but for anything heavier the hitch carrier is a better choice. A hitch carrier will also have less effect on your fuel consumption and generate less wind noise.

I checked with Draw-Tite to confirm that their 1-1/4-inch Class I hitch # 24796 is a fit on your 2010 Altima Hybrid Sedan. It is, and it installs without any special concerns. You can see the installation in the video I linked for you.

For a hitch carrier that will work in this hitch I suggest the Curt 20x48 Cargo Carrier # C18110. This carrier offers enough weight capacity to fully utilize your Class I hitch and it will fit well at the back of the car.

From a cost perspective a waterproof rooftop bag like the Rightline # RL100S30, Car Clips # RL100600 and no-skid pad # RL100650 will have a lower total price tag. This option will generate more noise while you drive and will tend to have more effect on your mileage. Keeping the vehicle roof, the protective pad and the bottom of the cargo bag very clean will reduce the chance for any scratching of your paint, but certainly this is still potentially possible. Here the hitch option pulls ahead since it avoids this issue entirely.

Having a hitch also means you can use other hitch-mount accessory items like a 2-bike Class I bike rack. A great lightweight example is the Swagman XC # S64650 along with hitch lock # e98879 and bike cable lock # e98891.

The linked articles will help you make your selection.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

The recommended 2 inch Euro style ball mount for Curt trailer hitch #C11352 on a 2015 Nissan Altima is #C45572. I went out to the warehouse and pulled one to take some measurements. From the center of the pin hole to the part of the shank where it…

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Answer 2

I'm not sure who stated there is no hitch for a 2020 Nissan Altima or what gives but there is a fit for a trailer hitch for your 2020 Nissan Altima, which is the Curt hitch you mentioned, at the following part number: - Curt Trailer Hitch…

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Answer 3

I have confirmed that the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver I - 1-1/4" #C11352 is a good fit for your 2014 Nissan Altima. This is a Class 1 hitch; there are currently no class 2 hitches available for the 2014 Nissan Altima. This is mainly due to the…

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Answer 4

I believe I have an option for carrying 4 bikes with your Altima, but the thing about using a hitch adapter is that they cut the capacity of the hitch in half due to the increased leverage and movement the adapter creates. Since the hitch on your…

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Answer 5

The Draw-Tite Class I Sport Frame Receiver Hitch #24796 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit your 2018 Nissan Altima. For both this hitch and the Curt model that is also confirmed to fit, the installation process is relatively extensive.…

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Answer 6

Hey there, unfortunately only a 1-1/4" receiver is available for your 2018 Altima - Curt #C11352; this has a weight capacity of 200lbs. There are a few cargo carriers that are compatible with this class 1 receiver, such as #C18110 which is a…

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Answer 7

As you can see in the photo I assembled from captured images from the install video, the mounting flange of the hitch provides as much heat protection as the heat shield that is removed and discarded. The steel of the hitch mounting flange is much…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Answer 10

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 11

If the trailer wheels scrubbed (dragged and scrapped the ground instead of rolling) when jack knifed then it could have thrown something out of alignment or damaged something. First, inspect the suspension. Look for any elongated holes where…

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Answer 12

If you are needing the hub and drum assembly then you will want to go with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ but if you are just looking for an idler hub then you will want part #8-213-5UC1 instead. These come with the correct…

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