Recommended Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier For 2013 Ford Flex
Question:
I have a 2013 ford flex, front wheel drive. I recently had a hitch installed. I would only use the carrier to carry luggage so we can be more comfortable inside the vehicle when on vacation. My question is would it be ok to use a metal carrier or would it be best to get an aluminum carrier since they are so much lighter,. My son-in-law says the vehicle is too low to begin with and the weight of the carrier plus luggage would make the vehicle drag. I know the weight of the luggage would be no more than 100 to 150 lbs. can you help me decide what would be best for me. We are planning a trip to Colorado in January and I am trying to get ahead and plan and not wait until the last minute. any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
asked by: Josie O
Expert Reply:
I did some research and found the towing capacity of your Flex is 2,000-lbs. This means the tongue weight capacity will be from 200 to 300-lbs max. That would be the weight of the carrier added to the weight of any cargo in the carrier. I recommend going with an aluminum carrier to take advantage of the lighter weight.
The carrier I recommend is the carrier you came from, part # C18100. This is a 19 x 60-inch carrier and weighs just 29-lbs. That gives you a bit of flexibility for your luggage. The carrier folds up when not loaded. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier when it is folded up is 4-1/2 inches. When it is folded down that distance is 10-3/4 inches.
To make sure you have the clearance at the rear of your vehicle for a carrier you can take a quick measurement. You will need a tape measure and a straight edge like a yardstick or a dowel. Place the straight edge vertically against the back of the bumper, letting it extend below the trailer hitch receiver opening. Then measure from the center of the hitch pin to the straight edge. This will give you the distance you need to clear the bumper.
To protect your cargo from the elements I recommend a waterproof carrier like part # C18211. This carrier has 15 cu ft of space for your cargo.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cargo Bag for Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier - Waterproof - 15 Cu Ft
- Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag
- Waterproof
- Medium
- 56L x 22W x 21T Inch
- Black
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
19x60 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Aluminum - Folding - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Folding Carrier
- 20 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Aluminum
- CURT
more information >
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