Best Method to Transport Cargo and Bikes on 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Question:

Hello, I have a 2012 Mercedes C300 and am wanting to install a hitch and carrier so we can carry some additional cargo and 2 bikes. I see I can install a Class 1 hitch with 200lb carrying capacity. C11030. Then Im looking for a carrier that has space for cargo as well as a separate bike rack. Ive seen some examples of this which are Class 2 carriers, but have not seen any that are Class 1. I see you sell 3 options of Class 1 carriers. One of them weighs 40lbs. So I figure if my weight capacity is 200lbs and the carrier weighs around 40lbs, and our bikes weigh 60lbs together, were left with 100lbs for cargo, which would be perfect. The trouble Im having is figuring out how I could carry cargo, such as coolers, and the bikes. Are there any accessories that can attach to one of these cargo carriers so I can carry 2 bikes and still have the cargo space for cargo? If not, are there any other ways you can think that I can carry additional cargo and bikes on my car? I appreciate your thoughts and time. Thanks.

asked by: Jared

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your cargo weight calculation is correct regarding the 1-1/4-inch Class I hitch made for your 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan, Curt part # C11030. The weight of the cargo carrier itself does count against the hitch's 200-lb tongue weight capacity. So a 40-lb carrier does leave you 160-lbs of available net cargo weight.

You are limited with carrying capacity with a light-duty Class I hitch. If used with a bike rack, only a 2-bike Class I-compatible rack can be used, such as the Kuat Transfer 2 # KU74FR. All Class I bike racks are shown on the linked page. Hitch adapters like # HT5R are available but these cut your hitch weight capacity in half so they will not work in your application.

Your best bet for maximizing your carrying capacity on this vehicle is to use a Class I cargo carrier like # C18145 (29-lbs) in the hitch and to transport the bikes on the car's roof with roof-rack-mount bike carriers.

Roof racks for the C300 are shown on the linked page. Select your roof type to see compatible racks. You can then select two roof bike carriers such as the Swagman Upright # S64720 or one of the others shown on the linked page.

If you'd like to tell me more about the car (4-door sedan, 2-door coupe or wagon) and about its roof (naked roof or side rails) I will be glad to offer more specific recommendations.