Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier for a 2000 Ford Windstar with Class II Hitch and Low Ground Clearance

Question:

I have a 2000 ford winstar minivan. The hitch has a 1 1/4inch receiver and not sure if it is a class II or class I. It does have the numbers of 3500 and 300 capacity listed on the hitch. The hitch is really low and far in from the bumper. What hitch cargo carrier would work best for my vehicle? I want to carry camping equipment and need to fit as much as possible onto it. I dont want to worry about exhaust issues. When we have pulled tent trailers we have had issues with the tongue hitting the ground when hitting bumps in the road.

asked by: Stacie

Expert Reply:

Based on the capacity you stated for the hitch on your 2000 Ford Windstar it is a Class II hitch. For a compatible cargo carrier I recommend # C18110. This carrier has a rise in the shank of 3-3/4 inches which means the cargo and carrier itself will have more ground clearance and be out of the path of the exhaust. The carrier is rated for 300 pounds but will be restricted to 270 pounds since the carrier itself is 30 pounds and the hitch tongue weight capacity is 300 (300-30=270).

The hitches on the Windstar are pretty far under the vehicle; about 8 inches from the center of the pin hole to the rear of the bumper. This carrier extends out far enough so even with the bend in the shank it would not be an issue. I have included a link to a video review of this carrier for you.

I also recommend adding a locking hitch pin # e98879 to deter theft of the carrier.

expert reply by: Michael H