How Can I Attach A Cargo Carrier That Swings Away From My Vehicle On A 2014 GMC Acadia

Question:

Hello, Is it practical to use a Yakima swing out mount with a cargo carrier on a 2014 GMC Acadia. The cargo carrier needs to be a flat platform, preferably with side rails to prevent the cargo from sliding off. The platform should be about 40inch minimum wide and 25 inch minimum wide. Maximum load on the cargo carrier is expected to be less than 100 lb, uniformly distributed. There is no hitch currently installed on the Acadia so we have some flexibility on size and mounting. I mentioned the Yakima swing out because I know of it if another swing out mount would be better, please let me know. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Doug W

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can use a platform hitch carrier with the Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches, part # Y02483. Please keep in mind that the use of any hitch adapter/extender will reduce the maximum tongue weight of your hitch receiver by 50%. The hitch receiver that I recommend is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", part # e98863. It has a maximum tongue weight of 500 lbs and a maximum gross trailer weight of 5,000 lbs. With the 50% reduction of your hitch receiver's maximum tongue weight, the new weight is 250 lbs. This will include the weight of the Yakima BackSwing, 39 lbs, the weight of the hitch cargo carrier, and the weight of the cargo.

The cargo carrier you attached to your question, 24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Tilting - Folding - 500 lbs, part # e98874, will work in this application. It has a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs and it weighs 48 lbs.
While the Yakima BackSwing and the etrailer Cargo Carrier, both come with an anti-rattle hitch pins, only the BackSwing comes with a lock. The lock I recommend for the Cargo Carrier is the Threaded Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin Lock for etrailer Cargo Carriers - Keyed Alike, part # e99047.

I have included product description links, an installation video link, and video review links below.