Cargo Carrier to be Used with Hitch Mounted Bike Rack on 2014 Jeep Cherokee

Question:

Do you have a recommendation for a hitch cargo carrier, like this Jeep Cherokee 24x60 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2inch Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs That can also accommodate my Thule 3 bike 2inch hitch mounted bike rack: Thule Parkway 2 Bike Rack for 2inch Hitches - Tilting so I can have the carrier and also use my existing bike rack on my 2014 Jeep Cherokee? Thanks, your site is great.

asked by: Jim B

Expert Reply:

There are a few possible solutions for carrying both a bike rack and cargo carrier with your 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

First, it is possible to use both your Thule Parkway 2 Bike Rack along with a hitch mounted cargo carrier like the Curt # C18153 mentioned in your question (or a comparable # e98874) at the same time. This will require a Dual Hitch Adapter such as the Malone # MPG544, which will extend your trailer hitch receiver and also provide an additional receiver to accommodate both hitch mounted accessories. However, I personally do not recommend this as the adapter hitch will reduce the hitch's weight capacity by 50 percent, and the amount of usable space on the cargo carrier when installed with the bike rack will be extremely limited, as the bike rack will be positioned directly over the carrier.

I instead recommend using a Roof Mounted Cargo Basket instead, such as the Curt # C18115-117. This cargo basket is 64-1/2 inches long and 39 inches wide, with a height of 7-1/4 inches. It has a weight capacity of 150 lbs but be sure to check the weight capacity of your vehicle's roof as listed in the owner's manual, as that will likely be the limiting factor.

You will also need a roof rack system on your Jeep Cherokee if you do not already have one for the cargo basket to mount onto. If your vehicle has factory raised side rails, I recommend the Thule SquareBar Roof Rack, parts # TH712200 and # TH710401. If you have a naked roof, you can use the Rhino Rack Roof Rack, parts # RRVA137B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK398.

A final option is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider # HR1400Z-85. This is a combo hitch mounted carrier that has both a bike rack (2-bike with cargo carrier use, 4-bike without cargo carrier) and a cargo carrier built in. Although keep in mind the cargo carrier is significantly smaller than the hitch mounted Curt 24x60 you were looking at.

I have included video links of all the products mentioned in this answer for your review.