Will the Curt Cargo Carrier # C18151 Scrape when Backing Out of My Steep Driveway?

Question:

Will my Honda Pilot 2016 with hitch curt cargo carrier be able to back out or drive up a steep driveway without scraping hitch cargo carrier ?

asked by: Kariem

Expert Reply:

One of the large factors that determines if you be able to back out of a steep driveway without scraping with the 20x59 Curt Cargo Carrier # C18151 is the setup of your hitch, the rise or drop of the carrier's shank, and the angle of your driveway. If you are using a compatible hitch receiver like the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98840, you should have no issue because the ground clearance measurement from the ground to the top of the receiver opening is 14 inches.

However, we potentially run into trouble with the cargo carrier's shank and the angle of your driveway. The Curt Cargo Carrier # C18151 has a straight shank, so you will not get the added height benefit of a cargo carrier with an added rise to the shank. With the angle of your driveway, I cannot confirm with certainty that the Curt Cargo Carrier will not scrape.

If you want a solution that gives you the added benefit of shank rise in order to give you more ground clearance, I recommend the 24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches # 63153. The shank on the Reese Cargo Carrier has a rise of 2-1/2 inches, which will give you greater ground clearance for your steep driveway. In addition, the Reese carrier has the same 500-pound weight capacity as the Curt carrier. If you need cinch straps for your cargo, I recommend the etrailer Cam Buckle Cinch Straps w/ Buckle Protectors # E98876-4.

It is important to note, if you have an extremely steep driveway, that you may still experience scraping even with the added rise of the Reese carrier.