Suitable Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier with Appropriate Weight Rating for 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon
Question:
The tongue weight of my 2018 Subaru Outback Touring 3.6 is listed as a surprisingly low 270 pounds, which includes the weight of the carrier. If I were to purchase a Rola 59109, which itself has a limited capacity of 250 pounds, I wonder if this type of carrier makes much sense. What is the weight of the carrier? I subtract it right? Do people actually weigh their duffels before loading? Would you kindly recommend something to increase luggage capacity of the Outback, within the weight limits, for those trips to Costco and the airport. We do have a 2 inch class III hitch. Thank you.
asked by: David J
Expert Reply:
You are thinking about this correctly.
If a vehicle or hitch has lower tongue weight (TW) rating than the carrier you intend to use then much of that carrier's capacity serves no purpose. The 2018 Subaru Outback Touring 3.6 itself weighs right around 110-lbs. This subtracted from your tongue weight capacity gives you 160 pounds for cargo, while this is lower than the carriers capacity, it is what we adhere to. This carrier would still give you a substantial cargo volume capacity of 13.5-cubic-feet without risk of overloading the vehicle. It is also super handy because it swings completely away from the vehicle so you can fully access the back of you outback and use it for cargo as well. Thinking of a Costco trip, you could place the heaviest items inside of your vehicle and should be in great shape.
The Rola requires 2-inch Class III hitch just like you have. It includes a lid lock and a lock to secure the removable cargo box to the tray for carrier security you can add an anti-rattle hitch lock # 63232 to lock it to your hitch.
You can see more details on this hitch carrier in the linked review video.
For a 4-pole wiring harness for the Subaru to power the Transporter's built-in lights, if you do not already have one, you can use # 118467 which offers simple plug-in installation as shown in the linked video.
If you do not need an enclosed carrier, but instead one designed more for suitcases and big cartons, then you might like the 2-inch Curt 17 x 46-inch flat carrier # C18145. This weighs only 29-lbs so you end up with more actual cargo carrying capacity, about 241-lbs versus 160-lbs.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Universal Anti-Rattle Lock
- Keyed Unique
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Spring-Loaded Pin
- 3-1/2 Inch Span
- Lets Go Aero
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17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 20 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 48 Inch Long
- Class I
- Class II
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- CURT
more information >
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