Can Rear Hatch of 2011 Subaru Forester Open When Reese Cargo Carrier # 63155 is Installed

Question:

I have a 2011 Subaru Forester with a factory 1 1/4 receiver, and want to purchase a cargo carrier. The Reese Hitch Cargo Carrier - 63155 looks good, but will it allow me to open the hatch? There is 11 vertical distance from top of receiver hitch hold to the bottom of the rear hatch door. If it clears that, how high can I load this before the door is blocked?

asked by: Aaron

Expert Reply:

By taking a few measurements, you can get a pretty accurate idea of where the cargo carrier would be situated relative to the rear of the Forester once it is installed.

The angled shank will raise the carrier 3 inches above the top of the receiver, and the closest portion of the basket itself will be 11 inches rearward of the hitch pin hole.

Measuring 11 inches rearward of your hitch pin hole and up 3 inches from the top of the receiver will give you a good approximation of where the nearest edge of the bottom of the carrier will sit in relation to the rear of the vehicle. Measuring up 5-1/2 inches from that point will show you where the top of the carrier rails will sit.

With this information, you should be able to determine how close the path of the hatch will be in relation to the carrier, and how high you can load the carrier before interfering with the hatch. You should find that the hatch will clear the carrier with no problem whatsoever when it is unloaded.

We also offer an LED Cargo Carrier Light Kit, part # 98174LED that would be a good choice if you are planning on loading the carrier so that the tail lights of your Forester are obscured by the load. You might also be interested in an etrailer Cargo Bag part # e98990, a cargo net part # RLN1-RTD4 or a locking hitch pin part # e98879.