Hitch Cargo Carrier, Cargo Bag, Light Kit and Lock Recommendations for 2014 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

I have a 2014 Jeep Wrangler with an oversized rear tire. Im looking to purchase the etrailer cargo carrier #e98874. Id like to get a recommendation on a few items to go with it. How would you compare the Rola bag #59119 to the etrailer bag #988501? Im also looking to add tail lights and a license plate holder/light to the back of the cargo carrier. Can you recommend all of the parts to do this and include any instructions on how to connect the wiring? Im also looking for a locking pin for the carrier as well. Thanks for your help!

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

Selection of a hitch cargo carrier that will fit nicely at the back of the vehicle is best done after taking one simple measurement. Measure from the center of the hitch pin hole back to the rear-most part of the vehicle, which is typically the back edge of the rear-mounted spare tire on a Jeep like your 2014 Wrangler. You can refer to the linked article for illustration of how to measure.

The Cetrailer hitch cargo carrier # e98874 sits 9-1/2 inches from the hitch pin hole when folded up and 19-1/2 inches when folded down. This and all carriers for a 2-inch hitch are shown on the linked page. The clearance dimension is provided for all.

You'll also want to take note of the weight capacity on your hitch. This hitch safety sticker will indicate the tongue weight (TW) rating, which is the most downward force that can be on the hitch tube. In actual practice this is the total combined weight of the carrier itself plus that of the loaded cargo. For example, if you have Curt hitch # 13432 which is rated for 350-lbs of TW, then once you account for the 70-lb weight of the Curt carrier you still have left a cargo weight capacity of 280-lbs.

For an anti-rattle lock to secure the carrier to your hitch I suggest # 63232 and for a cargo net, if desired, part # C18201. I would suggest adding the waterproof bag # 988501 which will provide protection for your belongings.

For a lighting kit we offer high-efficiency LED kit # 98174LED which will fit on many brands of carrier. This specific kit would require some minor modification to fit the Curt basket. It will also require the vehicle have a 4-pole wiring harness like # C55124.