Recommendation for Cargo Carrier for 2016 Chevy Equinox V6 with Dual Exhaust Heat Concerns

Question:

what is your recommendation for using a cargo hitch rack on a 2016 equinox v6 with the dual exhaust that exists straight and inline with the rack. is there a heat shield available

asked by: Melvin C

Expert Reply:

For your dual exhaust on your Equinox, there isn't a heat shield option, so I recommend using a cargo carrier that has a slight rise in the shank to give a little more distance. You normally won't have heat issues unless the cargo is extremely close, but it is wise to give as much room from the exhaust as possible.

For example the 24x60 etrailer.com Cargo Carrier # E98874 has a 2 inch rise in the shank to give you a little more clearance from the ground as well as from your exhaust. It also will position 19-1/2 inches from the hitch pin to the closest edge of the rack which will also give more clearance than some other options.

I don't recommend using an adapter to raise the carrier unless your cargo weight is well under your hitch's tongue weight rating because an adapter will reduce the hitch tongue weight rating by 50%.

expert reply by: Jason S