Will CURT Hitch Cargo Carrier # C18145 Fit a 2008 Ford Explorer and Be Able To Open Rear Hatch  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The CURT Hitch Cargo Carrier, part # C18145, will install on a Class I 1-1/4 inch hitch and a Class II 1-1/4 inch hitch. The differences in the two classes is the overall tongue weight capacity of the hitch. The Class I hitch has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs and the Class II hitch has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs.

The factory 1-1/4 inch hitch on the 2008 Ford Explorer is usually a Class II rated hitch, so when using this cargo carrier on a Class II hitch your weight capacity would be 350 lbs. The CURT hitch will fit your Explorer, but I would recommend to check the class of the hitch on your vehicle to make sure of what weight capacity you will be able to carry. The class rating is listed on the hitch itself, or you can look in your owners manual.

The CURT # C18145 cargo carrier is a fixed cargo carrier which means it does not fold up. You will want to take a measurement on your vehicle to know if you will be able to open the back of the Explorer with the carrier in the hitch. If you measure up from the top of your hitch, 5-1/2 inches, that is where the top of the rails on the carrier platform will be located. Another measurement you might want to take is from the center of the hitch pin hole on your hitch out 6 inches towards the rear of the vehicle and this is where the closest edge of the carrier will be located. With these measurements you will be able to tell where the cargo carrier will be located on your vehicle when installed in the hitch and if the rear hatch will open and clear the cargo carrier.

I am including a link to the installation instructions of the CURT cargo carrier and a link to a video review of the cargo carrier.

expert reply by: Jeff D

0